Category: holidays

holidays, Lifestyle

Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2023

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Photo courtesy of Pexels
Photo courtesy of Pexels

If you’re like me and procrastinate on holiday shopping, this time of year can be a bit daunting. However, with some assistance, you can swiftly check off friends and family on your list and that’s where I come in. I’ve returned with a revamped edition of my Macabre Holiday Gift Guide. It’s ideal for anyone you know that has an appreciation for all things strange and unusual. The items featured here are more likely to be delivered by Krampus and are sure to appeal to those who are dreaming of a black Xmas. Season’s Screamings, everyone!

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Events, halloween

All the Frights at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on All the Frights at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights
Vamp Jenn and the Bride of Frankenstein at Halloween Horror Nights
Vamp Jenn and the Bride of Frankenstein at Halloween Horror Nights

Another year at Halloween Horror Nights is in the books! The event officially kicked off haunt season for me and what a way to start it. There were new mazes and monsters, as well as returning terrifying attractions. Here’s a closer look inside.

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halloween, holidays, Lifestyle

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on Countdown to Halloween 2023 Guide
Photo credit: Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay
Photo credit: Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay

There’s a significant date during summerween that denotes the nearing of spooky season, and it is the 100-day mark to Halloween on July 23rd! The time has come to get serious about preparing for All Hallows’ Eve, so I’ve created my annual “Countdown to Halloween Guide” for 2023. Find out where to shop, what music to add to your creepy playlist, what events are transpiring and more.

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History, holidays, Lifestyle, Literature

Celebrating World Dracula Day With Dacre Stoker

by Jennifer Vasquez21 Comments on Celebrating World Dracula Day With Dacre Stoker
The cover to the first edition of Dracula
The cover to the first edition of Dracula

Every year on May 26th, a marvelous vampiric event occurs annually: World Dracula Day. The occasion marks the date Bram Stoker’s notorious gothic novel, Dracula, was published in 1897. I thought, what better way to celebrate the holiday than with a chat with Bram Stoker’s great grandnephew, Dacre Stoker!

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entertainment, Film, holidays

9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day

by Jennifer Vasquez25 Comments on 9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day
Samantha Robinson as Elaine Parks in The Love Witch (© Anna Biller Productions)
Samantha Robinson as Elaine Parks in The Love Witch (© Anna Biller Productions)

Blood, death and love are in the air this Valentine’s Day. For those who prefer to keep things spooky when February 14th rolls around, I’ve curated just the list for your viewing pleasure. If your plans are to stay in and watch a movie, why not make it a horror movie? As the holiday of romance draws nearer, I got to thinking about creepy and tragic love stories. Of course my incessant need to give every holiday a macabre makeover is part of it too. So, following is a selection of films I’ve personally handpicked and seen that I find appropriate for Valoween. They’re a delightful mix of dark comedy, gothic and scary, and I present them here in chronological order. Enjoy!

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entertainment, Events, holidays, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2023

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on Odd & Macabre Events 2023
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream
Vamp Jenn at Midsummer Scream

It’s 2023, and one can’t help but marvel at all the upcoming spooky and dark-filled delights the new year has awaiting in the shadows, ready to come forth and lure people in. Vamp Jenn’s Corner has established a tradition around here releasing its annual Odd & Macabre Events Calendar in January. I’ve scoured the beyond to find the most magical experiences slated to happen in the coming months, so you can all set dates and plan outings. Of course, I hope to attend as many of these events as I can as well.

The offerings featured here are taking place in Los Angeles and across the U.S., but I am trying to add events happening internationally too. What follows is what’s been announced thus far, but new activities continue to come up as the year goes on. I also include spooky holidays and special occasions. I will be updating this calendar throughout 2023, so make sure to check back often. Cheers to a New Year of the most sinister escapades yet!   

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holidays, Lifestyle

Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2022

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2022
Photo credit: Robin Mikalsen
Photo credit: Robin Mikalsen

What’s on everyone’s wish list to Sandy Claws this year? There are many new things that debut annually, so I’m mainly highlighting goodies that unleashed in 2022. Plus, what I mention might ignite inspiration and more ideas for you. Whether you or the person you’re shopping for have been naughty or nice, I’ve included a little something to appease many tastes and desires. This gift list is full of treats to brighten up dark souls, and I hope it makes the holiday season, or shall I say the holi-ween season, a bit spookier.

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holidays, Lifestyle

A Macabre Mother’s Day Gift Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on A Macabre Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Spooky Mother's Day celebration (Photo credit: Monstera from Pexels)
Spooky Mother’s Day celebration (Photo credit: Monstera from Pexels)

When Mother’s Day rolls around, I see a ton of gift ideas, but sadly, none that resonate with moms who have darker tastes. Well, I decided to set things right and create a gift guide filled with recommendations suited for the macabre parent. Here, you’ll find ghastly items meant to pamper and electrify the Morticia Addams in your life. To all the mommies that are into Halloween, horror, witchcraft, goth and gothic, this is for you.

Note: This list is not exhaustive but will at least give you a good start and serve as a source of sinister inspiration. The article features no affiliate links. I’m simply supplying the URLs to support these small businesses.

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holidays, horror, Lifestyle, Literature, Travel

How to Throw a Frankenstein Day Bash

by Jennifer Vasquez14 Comments on How to Throw a Frankenstein Day Bash
Boris Karloff as Frankenstein
Boris Karloff as Frankenstein

August 30th is Frankenstein Day, a date that honors the classic novel by Mary Shelley, as well as her birthday. To commemorate this annual event, I thought it would be fun to share some ways we can all pay tribute. There may not be a time machine to transport us to 1818 (the year the book was released) to chat with the author, but why not use the imagination to bring to life our own monstrous creations! Here’s how you can celebrate Frankenstein Day.

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