Category: Lifestyle

halloween, holidays, Lifestyle

Countdown to Halloween 2025 Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Countdown to Halloween 2025 Guide
Photo credit: Kaboompics.com via Pexels
Photo credit: Kaboompics.com via Pexels

I’ve heard many people say that the countdown to Halloween is just as special (if not even more special) than the actual holiday itself, and I can understand why. While October 31st is a momentous occasion, the excitement really builds during the preceding months and days it takes to get to that point. That’s when the Halloween decor shopping and festivity planning happens. Plus, the spooky season has officially become a two-month long celebration, going from September through October, with Halloween events happening across the U.S. 

So, I create this guide every year releasing it on the 100-days-to-Halloween mark (July 23rd) to help everyone bask in the lead up to All Hallows’ Eve. It’s filled with information I think people would find handy to help them prepare and get into the Halloween spirit. Discover places to shop, costume predictions, music to listen to and more!

Continue reading “Countdown to Halloween 2025 Guide” →
Events, halloween

Midsummer Scream Co-Founder David Markland Opens Up About Creating the World’s Biggest Horror Con

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Midsummer Scream Co-Founder David Markland Opens Up About Creating the World’s Biggest Horror Con
Photo credit: Jay L. Clendenin For Midsummer Scream
Photo credit: Jay L. Clendenin For Midsummer Scream

If you haven’t heard of Midsummer Scream, let me just say it’s become the world’s biggest Halloween and horror convention. Since 2016, it has haunted the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA, annually. I started attending in 2018 and have covered it on Vamp Jenn’s Corner ever since.

Continue reading “Midsummer Scream Co-Founder David Markland Opens Up About Creating the World’s Biggest Horror Con” →
Culture, History, Lifestyle, Literature

9 Books on the Goth Subculture

by Jennifer VasquezLeave a Comment on 9 Books on the Goth Subculture
Photo credit: Sierra Koder via Unsplash
Photo credit: Sierra Koder via Unsplash

Much has been written about the goth subculture, ranging from scholarly literature to pop culture reads. I must admit that I have not read many books on goth. When I first started getting into goth as a teen in the late 90s/early 2000s, I got most of my information from the internet and personal experiences and observations. At the time, there weren’t many books published about the subculture, so I learned about it by browsing the web via goth chat rooms and websites that were around then. 

Continue reading “9 Books on the Goth Subculture” →
Events, halloween, holidays, Lifestyle

A Macabre Guide to Halfway to Halloween

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on A Macabre Guide to Halfway to Halloween
Photo by Zachary Kadolph on Unsplash
Photo by Zachary Kadolph via Unsplash

April is a very special time but not because Easter usually takes place. The month is the official halfway mark to October, which means it’s halfway to Halloween! I know some people may roll their eyes wondering why there’s a need to think so far ahead and speed through the year. However, I don’t see it that way. Half-o-ween is more of an occasion to keep the spooky spirit alive and serves as a reminder that everyday can be Halloween if that’s what makes us happy. It’s become such a big deal in the Halloween and horror community in my area that there are even a few events happening to celebrate it. I thought it’d be fun to round up some of the relevant content I’ve created on Vamp Jenn’s Corner and feature it here. Enjoy, and I hope you find a special way to commemorate Halfway to Halloween.

Continue reading “A Macabre Guide to Halfway to Halloween” →
Events, halloween

Chilling Midsummer Scream 2025 Announcements

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Chilling Midsummer Scream 2025 Announcements
Midsummer Scream 2025
Midsummer Scream 2025

Midsummer Scream has just announced a few teasers about this year’s festivities. The event is the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, and I make it a point to attend every year. I was excited to learn about what’s in store and had to share it here with you all. 

Continue reading “Chilling Midsummer Scream 2025 Announcements” →
Events, holidays

The Witches Brew Presents a Valloween Night Market

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on The Witches Brew Presents a Valloween Night Market
The Witches Brew Valloween Night Market
The Witches Brew Valloween Night Market

The Witches Brew is a Los Angeles-based event organizer that hosts a variety of spooky events throughout the year. They recently presented a Valloween night market in Santa Ana, California, for all those searching for macabre Valentine’s Day gifts for either themselves or others. I had a wonderful time browsing and am here to share what I witnessed that evening.

Continue reading “The Witches Brew Presents a Valloween Night Market” →
Art, Culture, Lifestyle

Welcome to Miss Havisham’s Curiosities & Veneration of Light

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Welcome to Miss Havisham’s Curiosities & Veneration of Light
Vamp Jenn inside the Miss Havisham's Curiosities & Veneration of Light shop
Vamp Jenn inside the Miss Havisham’s Curiosities & Veneration of Light shop

A most delightfully macabre shop has opened its doors in San Pedro, CA. Melissa Johnson of Miss Havisham’s Curiosities and Heather Allison of Veneration of Light have come together to establish a brick and mortar that houses their exquisite creations, which include tea sets and dark fine art. They recently hosted a soft opening, and I had an amazing time exploring their retail space.

Continue reading “Welcome to Miss Havisham’s Curiosities & Veneration of Light” →
entertainment, Events, holidays, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2025

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Odd & Macabre Events 2025
Vamp Jenn in her coffin at Dark Harbor

While one year has gone, another has begun. That means it’s time to look ahead to see what spooky surprises 2025 has in store. Every year on Vamp Jenn’s Corner, I like to compile a list of events that are taking place worldwide throughout the course of the next 12 months. My Odd & Macabre Events Calendar highlights all sorts of gatherings that fall under the strange and unusual umbrella. My hope is that it makes it easier to discover spooky events happening near you.

I include horror cons, immersive experiences, macabre holidays, dark art exhibits, Halloween haunts, and so much more. Some events are returning, so you may have seen them on my past calendars. I try to feature as many things as possible that take place across the globe, so a variety of locations are covered. I also do my best to keep this post updated and add more functions as I learn about them. Here’s a taste of what morbid and bizarre happenings you can expect in 2025. Bookmark and share this page and enjoy!

Continue reading “Odd & Macabre Events 2025” →
Culture, occult, spirituality

Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’
Vamp Jenn with The Ofrenda Oracle
Vamp Jenn with The Ofrenda Oracle

When we find ourselves needing deeper insights into a particular aspect of our lives, we search for ways to attain that insight. Some go for a long walk to think, others seek advice from a mentor, and certain individuals turn to cartomancy. This form of divination involves using a deck of cards and is believed to have emerged centuries ago in Europe.

Tarot is perhaps the most popular type of cartomancy today, but there are also Oracle cards and Lenormand cards. The Ofrenda Oracle utilizes the Lenormand method while also possessing characteristics associated with Oracle cards. I used the deck for the first time and want to share my experience with it.

Continue reading “Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’” →
Culture, Literature, occult, spirituality

Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila
Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila
Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

“As a bruja, you grow to realize that occult forces are always preparing us and positioning us for divine appointments.” –Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

In her newest book, Laura Davila makes Mexican folk spirituality accessible to a wider audience. Mexican Magic places the power to initiate personal transformation in the hands of the reader. I had the privilege of being gifted with a copy by the publisher Red Wheel/Weiser. The fact that this book has come into my possession is an act of magic to me. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening my spiritual connections and have begun researching the spiritual customs of my Mexican ancestors. Davila’s latest work resonated with me on many levels, and I believe others who are on a mystical journey can benefit from it as well.

Continue reading “Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila” →