Roger's Gardens 2017: Magic & Mayhem

   After the merchandising team at Roger's Gardens put together their Halloween boutique last year (Grimm Tales), they started being somewhat vocal about what 2017's theme would be; something involving wizardry. I left Roger's after Christmas of last year, but have still been hearing of updates and plans from my cool ex co-workers about the upcoming Halloween boutique, so I couldn't be more excited to see it: Magic & Mayhem! 

They should be posting a gallery of photos on their site after the opening on September 1st. Also, I'll try to take a few photos of my own for the blog whenever I get a chance to check it out!

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The Mad Bombers

Who wouldn't want a bath with these brilliant and badass bath bombs?

The Mad Bombers Etsy Shop is to die for...

And don't forget some lotion for after your bath, after all, "it rubs the lotion on its skin..."

(Images from The Mad Bombers Etsy Shop)

Don't forget to follow The Mad Bombers to keep up with new products:

Instagram: @themadbombers

Facebook: The Mad Bombers

Astonishing Legends

   I'm only recently getting into the fun world of listening to podcasts - and boy have I been missing out on some great work! One podcast in particular has been getting my full attention lately, and that is Astonishing Legends.

(Image Source: Astonishing Legends)

   I have been commuting up to Hollywood a few times a week now and although Orange County isn't too far, and you wouldn't think it would take so long to get there - traffic is pure hell. So thankfully, I have Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess to keep me company with their exploration into some of the world's most fascinating legends, stories about the paranormal, and some of history's biggest mysteries.

   I've been listening to other paranormal podcasts too, but somehow I always end up going right back to Astonishing Legends. There's just something about listening to these two guys hash out the intricacies of some of these ever-mysterious legends, and they do so in well-researched detail so you really feel you're getting as much of the story as possible. They take a look at each of their cases, tales, and legends with both an open mind, and a logical one, so there's always a fun sense of mystery, yet a satisfying sense you have an idea (or several) of what really happened there.

(Image Source: Bloody Disgusting, by pUmpkinhead666) 

   At some point, I'll have to share more links to some of their other intriguing episodes, but in light of the recent release of The Mothman of Point Pleasant (special thank you to my good friend Pumpkin Rot for bringing this new documentary to my attention), I figured I'd share a few links to their recent series of episodes, which also discusses the legend and theories regarding the infamous Mothman. Again, I love how in-depth their research is, and how they break down bits and pieces of these complex mysteries we have wondered so much about; their "Mothman" series of episodes is no exception.

Click on the images for links to each episode of the "Mothman" series, Part 1:

(Image Source: Astonishing Legends)

Part 2:

(Image Source: Astonishing Legends)

Part 3: 

(Image Source: Astonishing Legends)

Part 4 A:

(Image Source: Astonishing Legends)

Part 4 B:

(Image Source: Astonishing Legends)

Here's a recent follow up episode (which I very much enjoyed): 

"Richard Hatem, Screenwriter of the Mothman Prophecies"

(Image Source: Astonishing Legends)

For more interesting podcasts, visit their main page: AstonishingLegends.com

For All Things Overlook...

Stumbled upon this gem today...  

Still one of my favorite books, and one of my favorite films, despite how different they are. For all things Overlook, visit: theoverlookhotel.com

A few more goodies from the site that made my morning:

How we all feel about it not being Halloween time yet...

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

Who wants to come with? 

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"With his skills as a filmmaker, Cecil created a variety of interesting and theatrical displays and exhibited a growing collection of magical objects, many associated with the ‘wayside magic’ of the common folk."

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The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall England

Click below for more wickedness:

Literary Inspiration

During last October, I went to all of my favorite sources, and many new ones, for some Sleepy Hollow party inspiration. Throughout, I found some great new artists, designers, and bloggers - many of whom stood out, including Bryton Taylor and her blog: In Literature. 

I stumbled upon this gem while looking for food/appetizer ideas for a Sleepy Hollow themed party, and although I thought nothing this specific would turn up, I was pleasantly surprised. 

Blogger Bryton Taylor has combined her love for literature, and her love for throwing themed parties, to create a unique and creative guide for any reader to bring to life the food described in an array of classics, including Sleepy Hollow. 

Bryt's literary menus are as described, and are down to the details, so her Sleepy Hollow spread is no exception, including every goodie Washington Irving mentions from short cakes and pies to fruit and roasted meats.

View her gallery and recipes by clicking below: 

I didn't end up having enough time to do these specific treats, but they did inspire my appetizer spread, indeed!

Here are a few more literary menus and recipes of Bryt's that would be fun to try: 

Harry Potter

The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit

Treasure Island

In Literature is full of neat literary themed party ideas from decor and tablescapes to treats, snacks, and even full menus. Search by book, or by author, and you're bound to find something that strikes your fancy (and trust me, these ideas are fancy)!

For more great ideas, visit her website:

And don't forget to take a look at her Food in Literature Episodes for how-to videos: 

To stay up to date on her latest works, subscribe to her YouTube channel!

I mean, who wouldn't want a slice of the infamous chocolate cake Bruce Bogtrotter is forced to eat in Matilda?

 

Or this transformation potion from Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde?

Do you think these violet marshmallows from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will turn you violet? Only one way to find out...

Mardi Gras

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I've always wanted to go to the French Quarter in New Orleans on Mardi Gras. Just a reoccurring travel dream, so far. I imagine, with all of its strangeness, odd beauty, and down-right wildness on this of all days, it must be at least a little bit like walking into... the twilight zone. 

Watch The Masks (Part 1) by clicking below: