YOU GUYS! IT’S OCTOBER! IT’S FINALLY OCTOBER!

I love this month ❤️ Breathe in that magical air- the air that shakes leaves from trees and carries the smell of campfires and cinnamon. YUM!

October rewards us for making it through the end-of-winter blues, rainy days of spring, and disgustingly hot days of summer. And she never ever fails. October brings my birthday & Enzo’s birthday each year, in addition to my favorite holiday: HALLOWEEN! This year it also brings a weekend get-away for K and I, as well as a wedding for K’s brother and future wife! This month is the bee’s knees crow’s beak (because it’s fall now).

Since we’re all gearing up for the most mystical eve of all- All Hallows’ Eve– I figure what better way to celebrate the season than Halloween movies? I know ABC Family does a “13 Days of Halloween“, but this year their list is a little lifeless (and not in a good way). They leave out a bunch of great movies (probably because of trademark rights) and included ones that don’t relate to the holiday at all. It’s an ok list, but don’t miss out on these great flicks either!

(I’m on a movie-kick this week!)

Beetlejuice (PG) | 1988
I love this movie. It is my favorite Halloween movie. (I know that as a 90’s kid I should worship Hocus Pocus, but I just don’t. Sorry not sorry.) This film is directed by Tim Burton and it’s genius. Honestly, when isn’t Michael Keaton genius? Actually, the entire cast is beautiful: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis (LOVE), Winona Ryder. Even if you’ve seen it, get it out and watch it again. Show your kids. It’s a classic.

Hotel Transylvania (PG) | 2012
This is a super cute movie and one for the whole family. There are so many big names voicing vampires, werewolves, and other ghouls. Halloween element aside, it’s a great movie about growing up, letting go, and trusting those you love. Pop some popcorn and warm up the apple cider! A sequel is in the works, too, so keep an eye out!

The Brothers Grimm (PG-13) | 2005
Heath Ledger? Yep. Matt Damon? Sounds good. This movie has just the right amount of creepy weirdness to make your skin tingle. You can watch this one any time of the year, but Halloween is a perfect occasion. If you have a fear of horses (like me) it makes this movie extra spooky.

Harry Potter (PG) | 2001 & 2004
ABC Family has HP on their list, but they have the wrong movies. If you’re staying true to Halloween you should watch the first movie (Sorcerer’s Stone) and the third movie (Prisoner of Azkaban). They at least reference Halloween in the first film (“TROLLLL! TROLL IN THE DUNGEON!”)  and the third one has a werewolf. If we’re being honest, though, witches and wizards and muggles are relevant all year long, not just Halloween.

Monster House (PG) | 2006
This is a kids movie, but it totally creeps me out. I mean, the house tries to kill them. Monsters under the bed are cake compared to a demonic house! Like Hotel Transylvania, this movie has quite a few celebrity voices. It’s not my favorite Halloween movie, but if you haven’t seen it it’s worth a movie night.

The Craft (R) | 1996
Here’s the scary one. I first saw this film in high school and it still creeps me out. Think A Great and Terrible Beauty plus Mean Girls? Plus some witchcraft. It’s a girls’-sleepover-kind of movie, but the kind you sneak from your older sister’s bedroom and watch once everyone has gone to sleep.

Don’t forget about the classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

I also discovered some movies I’ve never seen that will be on my list this year!

• The Witches (PG) | 1990
• Young Frankenstein (PG) | 1974
• The Haunting | 1963
• The Monster Squad (PG-13) | 1987
• Creepshow (R) | 1982

Honestly, I don’t enjoy gore. Most of these movies are good for the family and won’t cause too many nightmares. I like to be spooked, but not scared, so my list is (mostly) PG!

. . .

Brace yourselves, because 90% of this blog will be fall/Halloween-related this month. We will talk about the benefits of fall, Halloween costumes, and birthday goodness. Also, I throw a big Halloween party for all our friends at the end of the month, so I’ll blog about party prep, too! Are you feeling as good as I am about this month? I hope so!

What’s your favorite part about fall? Do you have your Halloween costume picked out yet?