Beginning Plans of 2014

The Halloween season of 2014 has hit with a few catches for me. I've had to step down from acting at Fear Factory, which was a sad decision to make. However, it did open up my schedule for a few fun haunted activities to participate in that I normally wouldn't find the time or energy for. So, because this Halloween season in completely my own, I've decided to research and make a list of fun things I'd like to do before the season's up!

First and foremost, I intend on visiting the Fear family in our dusty old home to see all the new levels of terror they've conjured up during the off season. I've had a bit of an edge over the typical customer, as I've already heard of a lot of the changes that have occurred and look forward to seeing them in action. The only challenge I believe I'll have in going through the haunt will be to dress as incognito as possible so that they scare me instead of hug me!
Ticket and location information for Fear Factory can be found on their website. If you're looking for a truly scary, Halloweenie experience, visit Fear Factory and enjoy the ride!

There are a few other haunts I've been meaning to visit for the past couple of years, as well, mostly due to fantastic reviews, reputation, and the people I've met who work at these haunts. The first is Nightmare on 13th. I walked through this haunt about 5 or 6 years ago and enjoyed every moment; however, during the off season of this year, I've had the pleasure of meeting a few of the haunters who work there--very kind, sweet, awesome people. I can tell that they absolutely love what they do, which will make the show even better for me. I really look forward to walking through again and seeing what they've changed since I've last been there and how awesome the scares are sure to be. I intend on writing reviews (without giving away too much of the magic, of course) on this blog whenever I visit each haunted attraction this year, so keep tuned!

Another haunt I've been really interested in ever since I first heard about it (I even considered acting there when I still had a car with which to get down there) is The Haunted Forest. I deeply regret not finding a chance to go down there and enjoy this haunt before this season, as I hear they put on a fantastic show. Even so, the fact that I've been looking forward to it for so long will only fuel my excitement even further when I finally get the chance to check them out and see what they're all about! Again, this is something I will be reviewing after I visit.

Now, I'm not sure if I've voiced how much I love straw mazes previously on this blog; but I absolutely adore them. To me, it's not really Fall until I've gotten to tread the tall, fragrant halls of a straw maze, shivering all the while in the cool Autumn breeze. I visited one particular straw maze every year while I lived and studied in Rexburg, ID; but it's been strangely hard to find a maze that's *specifically* straw down here in Utah (lots and lots of corn mazes, but straw...not so much). I have, after looking around in Google, found a straw maze in Kayesville that is currently in business. So, it is officially my goal to get up to Kayesville this season to enjoy this straw maze in all of its itchy and slightly creepy grandeur.

Beyond the attractions, I do wish to enjoy the little things that this season brings with it: the cool air, the smell of freshly opened pumpkins, homemade apple cider, lots and lots of candy corn, and, of course, parties! You may be surprised to find out that I (the freakin Halloween Queen) have never been invited to a Halloween party! I've hosted one and planned several; but I haven't ever actually been to one that didn't involve my persistent planning beforehand (which I do enjoy thoroughly, by the way, as before mentioned). So, hopefully, this year will be the year of my first Halloween party!

This is my tentative plan for enjoying this season to the best of my abilities. Of course, I'm sure there will be many, many other things that I attend and enjoy throughout the season; but I don't want to overbook and let the smaller, fun things slip through the cracks. If you know me personally and would like to join me on some of these escapades, feel free to let me know. The more the merrier! And, as always, STAY SPOOKY!

Caverns of Blood

Feeling Halloweenie? Want something new (or old) to help with that urge? Anytime I need to be soaked in the warm blood of Halloween spirit, I always find myself wandering around the old Caverns of Blood website. I thought I would do a little shout out to them on my blog, since Caverns of Blood was what kept me sane back in high school when I wanted Halloween and there was no other creepy thing to look at or enjoy.

Caverns of Blood has just the right amount of Halloween cheesiness that's expected for a site dedicated solely to horror flicks, weird jokes, and demented mini games. One of my favorite places to visit in the labyrinth of Caverns of Blood is the Dreams and Nightmares section. It's cool to read what other people have dreamed and feared. It's even more awesome that they felt they had to share those experiences.

The only way to fully appreciate Caverns of Blood is to go there yourself and wander the endless corridors of doom that they have to offer. You won't be disappointed!

Stay Spooky!

To Those Who Insatiably Thirst

Greetings, fellow spooks! Tonight, I thought I'd share my Pinterest collection of spooky, scary Halloween-themed drinks! Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to try any of them, yet; but hopefully it's helpful to those who have a hankering for some Halloween deliciousness:

First, I have a combo of classics: Candy Corn Vodka!

Source is linked to the picture.

For the infused vodka, you need:

1/2 c Candy Corn

1 1/2 c Vodka

Combine the two ingredients in an airtight container, then let it sit for at least 3 hours. Once you're ready to drink it, strain it, then combine the rest of the ingredients:

For the added cordial, you will need:

2 oz Orange Liqueur

1/2 Lemon, juiced

1 Egg White

Add 4 ounces of the candy corn vodka, along with these ingredients, into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake it out for about 30 seconds, then strain it into a martini glass or two. Use a few spare candy corn to garnish the drink. Enjoy!

Next on the list is: Witches Brew!

Source is linked to the picture.

What you'll need:

2 1/4 oz Caliche Rum

2 1/4 oz Dark Rum

1 1/4 oz Bacardi 151

2 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice

3/4 oz Lime Juice

3/4 oz Simple Syrup

1 1/4 oz Grenadine

Combine all ingredients in a large goblet (see above) and stir it up until it's that orange-pinkish hue. For garnish, add lots of gummy worms! You know the drill!

Continuing this awesomeness: Liquified Ghost!

Source is linked to the picture.

What you will need:

1 oz Vodka

1 oz Vanilla Simple Syrup

1 oz Cream

1 oz Sprite or 7-Up

Combine these ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and strain into a martini glass or two. Sip and be spooky responsibly!

The next one is two drinks for one picture: Bloody Scary and Bloody Tooth

Source is linked to the picture.

Bloody Scary

What you'll need:

4 oz Prosecco

1 oz Blood Orange, squeezed

1/2 oz Campari

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

1 oz Blavod Black Vodka, chilled

In a champagne flute, combine Prosecco, Blood Orange, Campari, and Simple Syrup. Pour Blavod Black Vodka in over a spoon to create the black layer on top.

Bloody Tooth

What you'll need: 

1 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey

1 1/2 oz Pomegranate Juice

1 oz Simple Syrup

1/2 oz Lemon Juice, squeezed

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously before straining the concoction into a rocks glass. Garnish it with pomegranate seeds and a lemon twist!

For those who don't drink alcohol: Sparkling Apple Cider Slushies!

Source is linked to the picture.

What you'll need:

1 bottle (24.5 oz) Sparkling Cider, chilled

1 gal Apple Cider

Pour the Apple Cider in a gallon-sized zip-lock bag and freeze it until it's slushy. Pour the slush into a party bowl (this one's for a party, by the way) and pour the Sparkling Cider over it. If you want to have alcohol in this, just replace the Sparkling Cider with Champagne of your choice!

And, now, a couple of recipe pictures found on Tumblr (my tumblr address is thewidowersway.tumblr.com. Follow me!). I'm not sure of the sources.

Stay Spooky and Drink Responsibly!