Sunday, January 29, 2012

Random Gratuity


Ok, I don't have anything to post at the moment, but I just couldn't resist sharing some gratuitous pictures of myself from last night!

I also wanted to say a quick hello since I haven't posted much recently! I was out sick for a while and since then have been trying to play catch up at work, in life, etc., but I've definitely been neglecting zee blog!


However, I hope to get back to posting more regularly, especially since I owe you readers some Batfit posts! I have been working on posts for challenges #2 and #3, and I will post them as soon as I get some extra time. Fingers crossed I will get to it soon!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Lollihop Snack Box Review

Last month I signed up for the coolest thing I had ever heard of...Lollihop, which is a monthly subscription of SNACKS!! That's right, every month you are sent a new box of tasty snacks! And these aren't your everyday run-of-the-mill snacks, either. The snacks included in each box are handpicked, organic and healthy! Plus, they also have an option for a vegan snack box! Woo hoo!!

My Lollihop haul!

 Of course I immediately signed up because that sounded like all kinds of heaven to me!

This past week, I received my very first Lollihop box! Unfortunately, I learned this will also be my last snack shipment for a while as the company is pausing memberships so they can make improvements to their service. Maybe it's just my snack exhilaration talking here, but I think these boxes are super-cool as-is!

 The cute Lollihop box :D

Here is what was included in my vegan subscription snack box:
  • Two Degrees Bar - Cherry Almond flavor
  • Larabar - Cherry flavor
  • Pure Organic Bar - Wild Blueberry flavor
  • Flamous Falafel Chips - Original flavor
  • Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips - Sea Salt flavor
  • Late July Organic Chips - Sea Salt by the Seashore flavor
  • Go Raw Original Super Cookies
  • Gourmet Inka Corn - Original Flavor
The first thing I tried was the Go Raw Original Super Cookies. Made out of organic coconut, sprouted sesame seeds and organic dates (yup, that's it!) these were subtly sweet and had a slight crunch. I only needed a few and they satisfied my sweet tooth! And they were a whole lot healthier than the junk food I usually eat!

I also had the Two Degrees Bar in Cherry Almond, which intrigued me because it is made out of quinoa, chia and millet. It had huge chunks of dried cherries that gave it a tart flavor plus the crisp rice, quinoa, chia and millet gave it a nice crunch! I really liked this bar and I could totally see myself buying more in the future.

Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips in Sea Salt called to me next. These were surprisingly light and crispy, though I didn't get much sea salt flavor in these. However, they were quite tasty and I especially like that they boast that a one-ounce serving has 4 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber—twice as much as most other tortilla chips, corn chips, or potato chips. I can't wait to try these with some salsa or dip!

The Inka Corn tasted just like the Corn Nuts from my childhood, but the puffs of corn were much bigger and they definitely didn't feel as greasy! Win-win! These were a great treat!

I already know I love Larabars (in any flavor), but I can't wait to try the rest of my snacks! And I certainly hope Lollihop opens up membership again and that they keep their vegan snack box option intact. This snack box subscription is genius and I can't wait to try more exciting new vegan snacks!

To learn more about Lollihop, sign up for their mailing list for updates!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Still Sick and an Unhappy Birthday


I've been battling a nasty flu bug since last Sunday and this whole week has been a wash. I usually never catch the flu, but with nearly everyone at my work coming down with this particularly virulent strain, I couldn't avoid catching it. So I've been pretty useless and miserable this whole week.


To top it all off, I had to cancel my birthday party plans (kind of an "official" celebration since most of my friends missed out on the Hicksville excursion) for this weekend since I am so deathly ill. I am super bummed since it was a milestone birthday and I'm going to miss out having a special day all about me (we didn't really have a birthday celebration for me while we were in Hicksville). Plus, this birthday meant a lot to me and I feel it didn't get the acknowledgement it deserved from my friends. I know this probably sounds like I'm just throwing a pity party for myself, but I'm still very hurt and disappointed with how everything turned out.


Oh well...Mister Spooky and I are throwing our own intimate birthday party this weekend (flu or not!). We plan to get take-out at Native Foods and spend the night watching horror movies and toasting my foray into my (eek) 30s!

Morrissey is here to wish me a very unhappy birthday

Happy birthday to me, dammit!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Happy Birthday, Mr. Poe


But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered - not a feather then he fluttered -
Till I scarcely more than muttered `Other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'
-taken from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe from
Edgar Allan Poe: Complete Tales and Poems with Selected Essays

Make your own Poe toy courtesy of Toy-a-Day!

It is probably no surprise that I love Edgar Allan Poe, and today I feel I must pay tribute to his 203rd birthday. It seems especially appropriate that his birthday fall on today since I am already in a morose mood, having been stuck in bed this entire week with the flu. Currently I'm still recovering, but it looks like my own birthday plans for the weekend will have to be delayed until I can fully recover from this nasty flu bug. Boo hoo.

For now, I plan to enjoy some Poe literature and perhaps watch some classic horror adaptations of his work.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Poe and thanks for all you've bequeathed us!

Monday, January 16, 2012

My Top 10 Horror Picks Plus the Most Disappointing and the Worst of 2011

Yes, yes, I know I am extremely late posting this list...I meant to post it way back in December, but with the holidays, traveling and my birthday all squeezed within the last couple of weeks I never got the chance. I'm finally getting the chance now, and even though you've probably read about a billion "best of 2011" or "top 10" lists (I know I have...just can't get enough of them!), I just couldn't resist posting my own. Especially since 2011 was the year that nearly killed my love of horror. Yep, with so much detrimental crap out there, I really stopped caring as much for horror and found myself watching it less and less. I mean, what was the point in watching another watered down, predictable movie? I became completed disillusioned with the genre.

In fact, this mediocre state of horror led to my horror site effectively coming to a standstill. I just didn't find myself getting as excited about the genre as I used to and writing reviews/posting news became more of a chore rather than a joy. The site is currently "on hiatus" but I'll be shutting it down pretty soon.

However, despite the crappy year, there were some awesome horror movies (and one TV show) that came out in 2011! And while the horror genre definitely challenged me this year, it still didn't completely kill my love of horror!

A disclaimer about my choices below: You might think I have some weird picks, but please keep in mind these are my opinions and my opinions alone. Keep any comments respectful, please!

My Favorite Horror of 2011:

[source]

1. Insidious – This was the scariest movie of 2011, hands down. I had such a blast watching this in the theater and pretty much loved everything about it, from the spooky score to the creepy cinematography to the chilling scares! And it definitely holds up to repeat viewings...it filled me with dread every single time I watched it.

 [source]

2. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil – Pretty much the perfect horror-comedy! I was absolutely delighted with watching this one and it was literally a laugh-a-second!

 [source]

3. American Horror Story – This got off to a rocky start, but after the 3rd episode I was hooked! I can’t remember the last time a TV show has been so addicting.

 [source]

4. Attack the Block – A plain, ol’ fun sci-fi film with lots of street-wise edge. I found the black fuzzy aliens to be so cute and was kinda rooting for them instead of the hooligans.


5. Grave Encounters – Whoa, this was a big surprise! I wasn't expecting much from this, but it was one of the scariest films I've seen all year besides Insidious. I can't count the number of times it made me jump!


6. I Saw the Devil – I know this is popping up on everyone's list, but it's well-deserved. An unsettling but rewarding experience.

 [source]

7. Drive Angry – I actually like a Nic Cage movie?! Why, yes, I did! Lots of people hated this movie, but I thought it was pure madcap fun! This is my list, so those that didn't like this can shove it!

 [source]

8. Trollhunter – What a beautiful and original film from Norway. Not only were the trolls awesome, but I  loved how troll myths were worked into the story and actually liked the characters, especially the grumpy old troll hunter himself!


9. The Last Exorcism – Released way back at the beginning of 2011, I nearly forgot about this film. However, once I was reminded I remembered it being quite the effective creepy possession movie (despite the lead looking like a female version of Michael Cera...am I the only one who saw that?). Chop off the last 10 minutes and you have a truly creepy film!


10. Chillerama – This is a tasteless, offensive and raunchy popcorn anthology perfect for watching with a big group of friends. Though not perfect (I didn't really connect with "I Was a Teenage Werebear"), it is so reminiscent of cheesy and just-plain-bad drive-in horror movies that it completely charmed/repulsed me!

Honorable mentions definitely worth checking out:

Kidnapped
A Horrible Way to Die
Sucker Punch
Dream Home
Stake Land
Black Death

With the best unfortunately comes the worst. 2011 had a ton of bad horror films, but I narrowed it down to a few picks that really stood out (in the worst way possible). Below you'll find my picks for the most disappointing and worst horror films of 2011.

Most Disappointing:
Hobo with a Shotgun - I do not understand all the praise this movie gets. It takes itself too seriously and ends up a boring, mean-spirited flick that totally misses the mark on paying homage to exploitation movies.

Paranormal Activity 3 - The first two films were okay (I liked the 2nd one best), but the third felt like it had all been done before and didn't offer any new solid scares. It wasn't all bad, but I just wish they had been more inventive with the scares.

The Worst:
Creature - Ugh I hate even remembering this movie. It was absolutely abysmal and a horrid rip-off of every stupid horror movie cliche. It's like it was made by someone who had absolutely no respect or love of the horror genre.

Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2 - I actually enjoyed Laid to Rest, but this sequel was one boring mess that completely ruined what could have been a new icon in horror. Pity.

Deadtime Stories Vol. 1 - I don't know how or why George Romero agreed to put his name on this piece of crap, but I don't think I'll ever trust him again. This was just painful to watch and should be avoided at all costs unless you feel like wanting to claw your eyes out after viewing.

What were your favorites of 2011? What were your picks for the worst? 

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Trailer Park Goth at the Hicksville Trailer Palace


Greetings lovelies! I apologize for being away for so long, but I have been enjoying the new year! So far, I've been relishing starting many of my new year's resolutions, participating in the Batfit fitness challenge (along with many of you, I'm sure!) and celebrating my birthday! Unfortunately I'm a little under the weather today, but at least this gives me a chance to share my latest adventure with you!

For my birthday this year, I did something extra special...I went trailer park goth and spent the weekend at Hicksville Trailer Palace near Joshua Tree, CA! I first heard about Hicksville on Zoetica Ebb's site, and since I love the desert and "glamping" (that's glamour camping to you), I couldn't wait to go!

Let me tell you, after last weekend it was everything I hoped for and more!! I got complete solitude, endless stars, the brightest moon I've ever seen, tons of yummy s'mores and lots of things to explore in the nearby towns (including the coolest biker bar ever!). Not to mention the actual trailers in Hicksville were adorable! Each had a different theme, and Mister Spooky and I stayed in "The Lux" a Cramps/horror/tiki-inspired vintage Airstream! We had an old black and white TV that played movies (we watched Night of the Living Dead and They Live) and even our own tiki totem, zombie and skeleton flamingos outside! We stayed by ourselves one night (and made some new friends!) and our friends met up with us the next day/night!

Check out photos of the getaway below:

Hicksville Trailer Palace

 Sunset over Hicksville

 The Lux

 Inside and Outside The Lux

Our zombie :)

My first bullseye (on my first try!) at the archery range

 Watching Night of the Living Dead on the old skool TV
in our trailer!

 The Pioneer

 The coolest biker bar ever!

 Invaders beware!

 Sigh...the desert is soooo beautiful

 Fuzzy cactus

 Random dinosaurs in Joshua Tree

We got to check out Joshua Tree National Park, a cool curio/comic book shop called Hoodoo, the local flea market, Pioneertown and a veg restaurant called The Natural Sisters Cafe that had the most divine eggless tofu sandwich! I've seriously debated driving the 2 hours out there JUST for that sandwich!

There was plenty to do at Hicksville too...chat up the other guests, play rad music on the free outdoor jukebox, peruse the library (there was even a Friday the 13th novelization in there!) shoot some bows and arrows, roast marshmallows for s'mores, take a dip in the rooftop hot tub, lounge around the pool, talk to the awesome owner, Morgan, hang out in the teepee, and just relax!!

I miss it so much there! It was such a special time and the perfect birthday getaway! I can't wait to go back!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Batfit 2012 Challenge #1: Journals

I'll be participating in Batfit 2012 this year with a bunch of fellow spooky bloggers who want to get in shape, be it physically or mentally (or both!). You can read all about the challenge on Le Professeur Gothique's blog or on the Facebook page (and even join in if you are so inclined)!

Anywho, our first challenge was to pick out journals where we can record our goals, our progress and our pitfalls. I found the cutest journals at Whole Foods that are eco-friendly and printed on recycled paper. And I just love the key motive and the message of unlocking dreams on the cover. Here are a few pics:



I am a few days late in starting to write in my journal, but I hope to start tonight!! My first task is to write about my goals for 2012...easy peasy, I did that yesterday.  Haha...perhaps I will "backdate" my journal! 

The second task was to write about what I consider to be "healthy" or "good health". To me, to be healthy means being strong and resilient, both mentally and physically. This year I plan to work on being strong inside and out! This includes eating more whole foods and avoiding processed foods and vegan junk food, re-incorporating exercise into my daily routine (and hopefully making it fun!!) and working on my stress/anxiety issues and being a more positive, happy person overall! You can read more in-depth about these resolutions here!

Being vegan is also a big part of being healthy to me (as long as it is done right), and hopefully I can share some healthy and yummy recipes to inspire you to adopt a healthier (not to mention more compassionate), plant-based way of life!

I'm hopeful that the sense of community will keep us all accountable and help us achieve our goals. I'm thankful for all those participating...you all inspire me and I couldn't ask for better company!

Thank you for sharing my journey to health this year and I look forward to cheering you on if you participate as well!
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