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:

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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? 

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!

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!

Happy Birthday to Me and New Years Resolutions

Today is my birthday (I am getting less and less excited about my birthday every year), and since I won't really be celebrating until next weekend when we go on a "glamping" (glamour camping) trip, I decided today would be the perfect day to share my 2012 resolutions with you. I usually don't do resolution lists, since I find them kind of passe and I'm more in the mindset of thinking that if you want change, you shouldn't wait until January 1st to implement it.

However, seeing as I want to make some major improvements in my life, I can't see a better time than my birthday to declare these intentions. And since my birthday falls on January 2nd, it pretty much perfectly aligns with the time for traditional "new years resolutions".

So, without further ado, in 2012 I resolve to:

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1.) Relax - I am a fairly anxious person that gets stressed out very easily, so my #1 wish for 2012 is to relax, laugh and let it go. Stress and anxiety can be so unhealthy, especially if when experienced frequently. I immediately notice the physical aspects of stress and anxiety in my body - tight muscles, higher pulse, etc. To combat this, I will try some homeopathic remedies (I can't wait to try Bach Rescue Remedy Tincture), meditation and breathing exercises this year. If that doesn't work I may need to go to my doctor to discuss it. One way or another, though, I WILL get my anxiety under control!

 Gothercise!

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2.) Exercise - Of course I'm sure this is on many people's list, but it is sooooo important! In 2011 I became a total couch potato. After starting a new, intense job, all I wanted to do when I got home was lay on the couch...and that is pretty much how I spent my evenings (especially since now we have Netflix streaming, Hulu Plus, etc. that give us endless and instant entertainment options). I completely neglected exercise in 2011 (and put on quite a few pounds to prove it). So this year I want to get healthier by exercising more often and on a more regular basis.

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3.) Explore More - Speaking of being a couch potato, this really limited me from going out and exploring. There are so many places just in the city I live in where I haven't gone yet. If I put myself out there more, not only will I discover cool new places and people, but I think this will also make my life more fulfilling and in a way, more meaningful. Again, all I want to do after a hard day of work is lay on the couch, so this will be a challenge...plus, I don't want to drop $$ on dinner/drinks every night (not to mention the additional cost of gas), so this will definitely need some careful planning.

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4.) Eat Healthier - I admit it, I am a junk food vegan. As long as dinner takes less than 10 minutes to prepare (or pick up) I am a happy camper. In 2012 I want to change that...I will stop relying on convenience foods (oh Gardein, I will miss thee!) and actually start making healthy meals for myself and Mister Spooky.

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5.) Think Healthier - Health isn't just about being fit and eating healthy, it is also about thinking healthy. This resolution somewhat goes along with #1, in that reducing anxiety will help to develop a calm and positive mental mindset. I would like to banish negative thoughts, learn to live in the now and appreciate life more.

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6.) Buy Less, Live More - I would love to stop spending so much of my hard-earned dough on stuff I want but don't really need. I am a horrible impulse shopper and if I want it, I have to have it. Whenever I want to buy something, I will ask myself, "do I really need that?" and "will I be glad I bought that in a week's/month's/year's time?". I will also think about what other uses my cash could go towards - donating to an animal sanctuary (I love Farm Sanctuary!) or even saving up for a vacation. I also need to keep reminding myself that buying things don't make you happy, experiences or people do! I especially love this article about redefining "luxury" from the A Little Minimalist blog! Buy Less, Live More should definitely be my motto in 2012!

I'll be taking these resolutions day by day, and hopefully they will stick in 2012!  I'll also be participating in Batfit, so I'm anticipating that will keep me accountable as well!

What are your resolutions for 2012?

Also, you can check out what I was doing last year during my birthday via this old post!

Happy New Year (and a belated Merry Christmas)!

Happy 2012, fiends!

It has been a few weeks (eek!) since I've last written, and for that I apologize. I have lots of catching up to do, starting with how I spent my Christmas. For Christmas, I actually got to go home to my parent's house in the Napa Valley in Northern California. It has been three years since I was home for Christmas, so I was majorly excited to spend the holiday with my family! I got to hang out with my younger sister, my mom and dad, and even got to see my best friend from high school while I was up there! It was a great time of spending time with family (including many games of Bananagrams with my mom!), eating yummy homemade food, reminiscing about the past and just enjoying the beauty of the Napa Valley (I miss nature...the concrete jungle I live in is depressing in comparison!).

Christmas was awesome because my sister and I spoiled our parents with lots of gifts!! After they spoiled us so much growing up, we decided it was high time to return the favor. They were so surprised and it was so adorable to watch them open all their presents!

I also got some very nice gifts, including recipe book Vegan Pie in the Sky, lots of beauty goodies (including my favorite mascara, Ecco Bella Black Mascara and awesome Murad Oil-Control Mattifier), a cute iPhone Monsta Case and a super-cool Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit!

Here are a few photos from my Christmas:

 Buon Natale a tutti! (Merry Christmas to everyone in Italian)

 Yummy (vegan) nog and homemade gingerbread cookies

 The cutest wrapping paper ever!

 Christmas dinner - vegan Hazelnut Cranberry Field Roast, mashed potatoes, 

green beans in tomato sauce (much yummier than it sounds!), fruit salad 

(we used vegan sour cream and vegan marshallows for this...yay!)

I returned home to Mister Spooky in time for New Year's Eve and my birthday (which is tomorrow). Last night we were just going to relax at home, but at the last minute decided to head over to a friends' house to ring in the new year. We introduced Mister Spooky to Star Wars (he had never seen any of the films) and around 11:30 watched the New Year's Eve celebrations on TV (eeesh...is that the kind of music people listen to nowadays??).

 A very foggy New Year's Eve!

Today I'm catching up on posts (hopefully)...I know everyone is doing their "best of" 2011 lists, but I would like to share mine, too! Plus, I still need to complete my first Batfit challenge!

For now, I'd like to wish you all a very fulfilling and prosperous 2012! Or, as others have been calling it, Happy Mayan Death Year!