Alternative Films to Watch This Halloween

 

Hey guys!

 

 

I'll be honest, I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to scary films. I mean, I've watched some horrors, like Let Me In, A Haunting At Silver Falls, Ginger Snaps and Carrie, but that's pretty all I can bear. I've even avoided watching films like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer because I think they'll give me nightmares! I'm also not keen on blood and gore, and anything involving mirrors or spiders is an absolute no-no for me. I prefer to watch comedy horrors, fantasy films or mild horrors that make you jump once or twice, rather than full-on scare fests. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, so here are my recommendations for some alternative films to watch during Halloween:

 

 

1. Maleficent

 

Maleficent isn't a film you would normally associate with Halloween, but it's perfect to watch if you're not into horrors since it combines magic, revenge and an evil villain. The cast is brilliant too: Maleficent features big names such as Angelina Jolie as the lead role, Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora, Ella Purnell as the teenage Maleficent, and Imelda Staunton and Juno Temple as two of the 'good' witches.

 

Watch with: Family / The girls

 

 

2. Dark Shadows

 

Halloween isn't complete without a Tim Burton film, and since most of you are probably aware of Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas, I thought I'd suggest Dark Shadows instead. This film was released in 2012 and stars Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, a vampire who has just been set free after 200 years of imprisonment. He returns to his previous home, which is now occupied by his ancestors. Unfortunately, Barnabas is still haunted by Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green), the witch who cursed him all those years ago.

 

Watch with: Family

 

 

3. Carrie

 

I was expecting Carrie to be really scary, but it wasn't at all. There were only a couple of moments that made me jump, and I wasn't phased by all the blood. I'd recommend watching the original 1976 Carrie with Sissy Spacek first, and if you enjoy it, then watch the 2013 remake with Chloe Grace Moretz. There are a couple of other remakes, including a sequel, but they're a bit hit and miss.

 

Watch with: Friends / SO

 

 

4. Tuck Everlasting

 

Alexis Bledel is best known for her role as Rory in Gilmore Girls, but she's also appeared in a number of films, one of which is called Tuck Everlasting. It's a sweet movie about a girl who comes across an unusual family and falls in love with the youngest son.

 

Watch with: Family / The girls  

 

 

5. Gremlins

 

I love this film! Gizmo is so adorable! I know some people like to watch Gremlins at Christmas, but it doubles up as a Halloween film because it's quite dark and violent.

 

Watch with: Friends / SO

 

 

6. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies

 

Who would've thought that you could watch Jane Austen at Halloween? Okay, so technically this wasn't written by Jane Austen herself, but it is based on Pride and Prejudice. Lily James doesn't disappoint as the protagonist, and there are plenty of gruesome creature to keep you entertained on Halloween.

 

Watch with: The girls

 

 

7. Donnie Darko

 

Donnie Darko is more fantasy / psychological thriller than horror, but it's still a good film to watch on Halloween due to its dark elements. Jake Gyllenhal plays a troubled teen who is haunted by visions of a giant bunny. Look out for Jake's older sister Maggie, as well as Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore and Ashley Tisdale.

 

Watch with: Friends / SO

 

 

8. Ella Enchanted

 

Ella Enchanted is a childhood favourite. It stars Anne Hathaway as a girl who was visited by her fairy godmother when she was a baby and was cursed to be obedient. Unfortunately, her nasty stepsisters try to use this to their advantage. Ella Enchanted is filled with fairies and elves, and is perfect for a girl's night in.



 Watch with: The girls

 

 

9. Teen Witch 

 

Teen Witch is a lighthearted flick in which Robyn Lively, Blake's older sister, finds out that she is a witch. As Louise is a bit of an outcast, she immediately try to make herself popular and be noticed by Brad Powell, but she has to decide whether that is really what she wants or not.

 

Watch with: The girls

 

 

10. Ginger Snaps

 

This cult classic centres on two sisters who are obsessed with death. After one of them is bitten by a werewolf, their lives change forever. Ginger Snaps is a unique film that uses werewolves as a metaphor for puberty. I'll admit it's not really for the faint hearted, but I managed it so it can't be that bad!

 

Watch with: The girls

 

 

11. Practical Magic

 

Practical Magic is one of the less well-known Halloween flicks, but it's worth the watch. It deals with magic, witch craft and sisterhood, and features great performances from Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.

 

Watch with: The girls

 

 

12. Life After Beth

 

In Life After Beth, Audrey Plaza is transformed into a zombie and causes havoc in an American town. Like the majority of the films on this lists, Life After Beth is more funny and silly than scary.

 

Watch with: Friends / SO

 

 

If you've watched these films already, it's worth checking out Enchanted, Innocence, Warm Bodies, Red Riding Hood, Bewitched, The Moth Diaries, Heathers and The Craft, which are other tame fantasy / horror / thriller films I enjoyed. Oh, and don't forget classics like Hocus Pocus and The Addams Family!

 

 

What are your favourite Halloween films? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 

 

4 DIY Halloween Costumes With a Black Dress

Hey guys!

 

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought today would be a good time to suggest some last minute costume ideas. Yes, I know Halloween is only a few days away, but not everyone plans their costume weeks in advance!

 

One thing these outfits all have in common is a black dress (I've chosen a simple one from Amazon) - and I'm pretty sure you all have one stashed away at home somewhere! You will also need some other bits and pieces, but they're fairly easy to find (Etsy has a fab selection of Halloween-themed clothes and accessories) and won't leave you bankrupt!

1. Wednesday Addams

Shirt / Make up

First up, we have Wednesday Addams. I was initially planning to dress up as Wednesday for Halloween this year, as I pretty much own everything I'd need and wouldn't have to buy anything extra. However, the clothing I would've worn are all the way back in London, and unfortunately I can't really go back until early November. Luckily, I had another idea, something a little less popular...but I shan't reveal it yet! :P Anyway, as shown in the picture, a Wednesday Addams costume simply consists of a black dress with a white shirt underneath. If you want to make this look more realistic, cover your face with white make-up and tie your hair into two plaits. You could even add black contacts! There's a great tutorial for Wednesday Addam's make-up over at Mayeyelook!

 

2. Minnie Mouse

 

Belt / Cardigan / Heels

 

Minnie Mouse is more cute than scary, but it's still fun to dress up with her for Halloween! Team your black dress with a red cardigan, red shoes (either flats or heels, depending on how much dancing you're planning on doing), and mouse ears (bonus points if they're special Minnie Mouse ones). Add red lipstick and a red belt to your dress if you wish.



3. Holly Golightly 



Gloves / Cigarette Holder / Necklace / Heels
 

Audrey Hepburn is famous for her role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and now you can dress as her for Halloween! Jazz up your black dress with a pair of black gloves, a pearl necklace and a black cigarette holder.

 

 

4. Maleficent

 

 

Cape / Horns

 

 Dressing up as Maleficent may seem complicated, but all you need is a plain black dress, a cape and some horns.

 

  

Hope this post has given you a few ideas of what to wear this Halloween!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 

 

What I Love About Autumn and Winter

 

Hey guys!


Before beginning this post, I thought I'd just mention that I'm not the biggest fan of Autumn and Winter. Now I know that's strange, considering the title of this post, but don't get me wrong, there are still a few things I do like about this time of year. What I'm not so keen on, however, is the cold weather. Being a naturally cold weather, the 10+ months of rain, wind and cold we get in England is not ideal. I long for the warm weather. Anyway, this post is not about summer, it's about Autumn and Winter. So, without further ado, here are some things I like about these two seasons:


1. Hot chocolate

I'm more of a hot chocolate drinker than a tea or coffee drinker. However, I don't think it's socially acceptable to drink hot chocolate when it's warm inside. At least in Autumn and Winter I can get away with drinking it! I love topping my hot chocolate with marshmallows - it becomes just that little bit sweeter. Funnily enough, I tend to stick to the milk chocolate variety as although I love white chocolate, I find it a bit sickly in drink form.


2. Jumpers

I love jumpers! Though, to be honest, I don't have nearly enough! The great thing about jumper is that they pretty much go with anything, and you can just throw them on over a vest top and wear with jeans or a skirt. Simples!


3. Leaves crunching beneath your feet



How adorable?!
 

Isn't it just so satisfying?! Autumn leaves are so beautiful too.


4. Halloween

I haven't really had a "big" Halloween as such since I was in primary school, but it's still one of my most favourite days (or rather nights) of the year. I love dressing up (though I'm kinda boring and nearly always go as a witch) and there's always a good selection of films to watch on TV. Addams Family is my fave - it's so funny! Maybe I'll dress up as Wednesday this year, we'll see!


5. Christmas

How could I not include this?! Christmas is undoubtedly my most favourite time of the year. I love the food, the presents, the carols, the shop windows...and Winter Wonderland. This place is just incredible! I've been there at least ten times during the last four years! Here's a link to the photos I took at Winter Wonderland last year: Hyde Park and Winter Wonderland. There are also some brilliant Christmas films, such as Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone and Gremlins.


6. My birthday

 

My birthday is in January, so of course that is another thing I love about Winter. I'll be 22 on my upcoming birthday! Ah, scary!! I'll be able to sing Taylor Swift all day!!

What are your favourite things about this time of year? Do you know what you're going as for Halloween yet?! Do you have a favourite Halloween / Christmas film? I'd love to hear your thoughts!


Hasta luego!


Serena