Monthly Haiku Corner – December

Our theme this month will be dark and spooky Christmas.

bloody santa hat
a moment of weakness
vampire

Gifts for Classic Monster Lovers

Every Sunday until the week of Christmas, I’ll post a gift giving guide for Halloween and horror fans. From cool collectibles to offbeat gifts, check out these awesome gifts I came across, featuring the classic Universal monsters.

Ravensburger Universal Monsters Horrified Board Game – Target/Walmart ($30)

Universal Monsters Funko Mystery Minis – Amazon/Various Stores ($7-$25)

Holiday Horrors Monsters Ornaments – Trick or Treat Studios ($19.99)

Universal Monster Geeki Tiki Mugs – Entertainment Earth ($19.99)

Universal Monsters The Creature From the Black Lagoon and Frankenstein’s Monster Bottle Stopper Box Set – Toy Wiz ($29.99)

Dracula Puzzle, Pocket Size – Wiz Head ($12.95)
https://wizhead.com/site/product_detail/MON-22-P

Universal Monsters Socks! Art by Sara Deck – Fright Rags ($12)

Invisible Man Vintage Mug – Tee Public ($11)

Phantom of the Opera Bookmarks – Film Cells ($9.99)
While Film Cells does have its own website and store, they’re only selling the Universal Monster bookmarks via Amazon

The Mummy – Classic Universal Monsters USPS Stamp replica pin / tie tack – Boris Karloff – Postal Brass ($8)

Universal Monsters art print, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, Wolfman, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Horror art, 11 x 17″ print – Paul Maitland ($15)

LINKS TO OFFICIAL LICENSED CLOTHING COLLECTIONS:

https://www.hottopic.com/pop-culture/shop-by-license/universal-monsters/

Creeped Out Christmas Art/Photo Challenge 2020

So, here’s the deal, Krampus is coming. That’s that. 2020 is not done with us. The face on Grandma’s vintage snowman, probably caved in. Those holiday lights you put away last year with meticulous care, suddenly, a big knot. The money you saved to give the kids a nice Christmas, probably going to fix your car or pay the rent or buy a new refrigerator, whatever, it’s gone! To top it all off, Covid-19 just ruined all our holidays plans! Such is pandemic life!
Burnt cookies, broken baubles, no problem. Don’t get mean, get creative! Join us on Instagram this December for the Creeped Out Christmas Art/Photo Challenge 2020! We like it dark and scary! #CreepedOutChristmas

Join in the fun any time, any day, but, if you post something all 25 days, you’ll be entered into a random drawing** to win a prize!!!

**Contestants must post an authentic, original art piece or photo each day from December 1-25, on Instagram, using #CreepedOutChristmas AND be a current follower of @halloweenhaiku9 be to be entered into the drawing. Contest ends midnight, pacific time, December 25, 2020. Winner will be chosen and announced here and on social media on December 26th. Please see Contest Rules for more details.

Prize – TBD, valued up to $20.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish everyone a fun-filled day full of love, laughter, good food, great memories, friends, and family.

I’ve been laying low this month, preparing for Creepmas activities in December. I’m thankful for each and every visitor here, wherever they come from. Thanks so much for checking out my blog and sharing in the love for Halloween and haiku.

American Thanksgiving doesn’t feel the same due to Covid-19. Scaled back dinners and more introspective holidays are being held in lieu of big celebrations. I am cooking a big breakfast today instead of a traditional turkey dinner. No matter, the message is the same. Be thankful. Find something to be thankful for. Many people, thousands of families across the world, are suffering today. Remember those in need. Be kind. Be generous. Be thankful.

Please stay safe and have a great day!

Recipe of the Month – November: Apple-Cider Mimosas

Freshen up the holidays with this recipe for Apple-Cider Mimosas.

INGREDIENTS:  

  •  3 oz Apple Cider (real or pressed cider, not sparkling or alcoholic)
  • 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
  • 1/2 oz Vodka

Rim and Garnish (optional):

  • 1 tbsp Caramel topping
  • 2 tbsp Cinnamon sugar
  • Apple slices

Switch up the recipe by adding pressed or real pear cider in place of apple.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ten Gifts for Edgar Allan Poe Fans

Starting today, every Sunday until the week of Christmas, I’ll post a gift giving guide for Halloween and horror fans. After a late start, we’re kicking off with ten gifts for Edgar Allan Poe fans. Who wouldn’t love to get an inspirational gift from the master of the macabre?

1. The Raven Writing Gloves by Storiarts – $26
I’m in love with these gloves and infinity scarves based on the literary classics. They have other amazing products as well, but these are my faves. They look so warm and comfy.
https://storiarts.com/collections/gloves/products/the-raven-writing-gloves

2. The Raven Wine Box by Me and Annabel Lee $55
This beautiful wine box is a gothic delight. When paired with the right wine, it’ll be a classy looking gift.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/846112079/wine-box-the-raven-the-crow-black-vino?ga_search_query=Raven&ref=shop_items_search_17

3. Nevermore Raven-Halloween Vellum Luminarie by Paper Pixie – $11.25
Candles make you nervous? Try these low light lanterns made of vellum to really set the mood for a dark and stormy night. https://www.etsy.com/listing/555102149/halloween-vellum-luminarie-collection?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Nevermore+candles&ref=sr_gallery-1-48&organic_search_click=1

4. The Raven Cushion Cover by Violet Rose Emporium $24.99
Add a touch of gothic to your home furnishings with these handmade cushion covers.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/656264205/the-raven-by-edgar-allan-poe-cushion?ga_search_query=poe&ref=shop_items_search_4&crt=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/656263445/nevermore-cushion-cover-edgar-allan-poes?ref=shop_home_active_31


5. Poe Writer’s Block by Literature Lodge – $9.99
Is there a writer in the family? Draw inspiration from the master of macabre with this cool writer’s block.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/205154821/writers-block-edgar-allan-poe?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Edgar+Allan+Poe&ref=sr_gallery-1-7&organic_search_click=1&cns=1

6. Poe Coffee Mugs by Universal Zone – $23.95 ($18.95 unboxed)
Coffee mugs with excerpts from Poe’s poems are classy cool and perfect for afternoon tea or nighttime reading.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/821275397/the-raven-mug-the-raven-by-edgar-allan?ga_search_query=poe&ref=shop_items_search_7&pro=1

7. Tell-tale Heart Bandana by Obscurely Lit – $20
This versatile bandana can be used as a face shield, head band or a neck warmer. During pandemic times, we can never have too much protection, so why not have something representing our favorite literary stories?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/792541469/the-tell-tale-heart-face-bandana?ref=shop_home_active_2&pro=1&frs=1

8. Edgar Allan Poe Tarot by Llewellyn – $31.99
Poe fans and tarot card collectors, rejoice, with this beautiful new deck designed by Rose Wright and Eugene Smith for Llewellyn. Check around the web for competitive pricing.
https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738760339&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5a-Tk6WQ7QIVQuDACh1m7QQPEAQYASABEgKHkvD_BwE

9. Poe Vinyl Stickers by Paper Pandamonium – $5.82
These stickers are perfect stocking stuffers.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/695932950/edgar-allan-poe-vinyl-sticker-pack-vinyl?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Edgar+Allan+Poe+stickers&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1

10. Nevermore Collage Fabric by Michael Miller
This fabric designed by Michael Miller is to die for. You can make face masks, clothes, bedding, bags, art projects, and more.  I’ve seen it sold at various prices, so check Etsy and around the web for competitive pricing.
https://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/nevermore-collage.html

Remember to shop local and small business when you can this year.