Category: Lifestyle

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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Events, holidays

The Witches Brew Presents a Valloween Night Market

by Jennifer Vasquez5 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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Culture, Literature, occult, spirituality

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

by Jennifer Vasquez6 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.

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holidays, Lifestyle

Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2024

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Macabre Holiday Gift Guide 2024
Merry Gothmas from Vamp Jenn!
Merry Gothmas from Vamp Jenn!

Even a dark soul like me has an appreciation for the holidays. I compare myself to Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. While Halloween Town is his domain, he can’t help but be fascinated by Christmas Town with all its jingles and bells. Plus, Xmas is celebrated when nights are the longest. It’s a vampire’s ideal time of year!

At Vamp Jenn’s Corner, it’s an annual tradition to come out with my Macabre Holiday Gift Guide. It comes in handy when you’re on the prowl for the spooky individual on your shopping list. I decided to change the format a bit this year. Instead of general categories with retailers, I’m listing specific items and including links so you can check out more of what they have. It means a lot to me to support independent creators and entrepreneurs, so the majority of items here will be from small businesses. Happy shopping!

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Events, Film, halloween, music, Performing Arts

LA Opera Brings the Spanish Version of ‘Dracula’ to the Big Screen

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on LA Opera Brings the Spanish Version of ‘Dracula’ to the Big Screen
Vamp Jenn attending LA Opera's screening of the Spanish Dracula
Vamp Jenn attending LA Opera’s screening of the Spanish Dracula

Did you know there is a 1931 Spanish-language film version of Dracula? It was released the same year as the notorious adaptation starring Bela Lugosi. When LA Opera announced this would be their movie selection for Halloween, I was ecstatic. Every year during the last weekend of October, they choose a horror film to play that’s accompanied by live orchestra. I knew this was a rare opportunity I couldn’t miss, and I’m here to share it with you.

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