Happy Halloween!!!

If you are looking for the giveaways, enter here!

I am stunned. Really. I am. What an amazing group of people on my follower list! The following greatly exceeded my expectations! I will do all the random numbers for the giveaways the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 2nd. Everyone has until tonight to enter in all three.

At midnight, the only one still available to enter is the Zompocalypse. You will have until tomorrow at midnight, then all three will be closed.

I'm super excited about Halloween. I'm all ready with my witchy hat and stockings. My pumpkins are ready, front porch decorated, scary music docked, and the chili is simmering! I can't wait to hand out candy to all the spooks, roast some marshmallows, and watch a few horror flicks.

I took a picture of my zombie pumpkin scene. I had not used Vaseline on them b/c I wanted them to dry out for a more zombie-like effect. It was also why I made them so early in the month. Here they are:

They turned out great! If you like them please vote for them on Durango's Facebook wall, so I can win a pair of boots!!

Halloween read: This past week, I have been reading Zombiekins by: Kevin Bolger, to my 5 year old, Gage. Zombiekins has his own website! Check it out!

I actually came across this book from another blogger, who reviewed it as part of a Zombie Blogger Walk. I decided to check it out, for my son, I swear. I wasn't disappointed, and neither was Gage. We both loved it, and enjoyed all the pictures. It's about a boy, Stanley, who finds this weird stuffed animal at a yard sale. Zombiekins starts to wreak havoc at his school. It's really a fun read, even if you do not have children, but it is a children's chapter book. The author really did a good job with all of the creative names for the adult characters in the book. There were some things I laughed at, that my son didn't understand. It was way too cute. I can't wait to read "Sir Fartsalot Hunts The Booger."

Halloween Treat:
Candy Popcorn Balls!

These are a favorite in my house! Every year I use a different candy. All you need are:
 3 bags of popcorn, popped. I use buttery kettle corn. 
A 10 oz bag of marshmallows. 
A candy of your choice. I have here Reece's Pieces. You can also use candy corn, halloween colored M&M's, etc. 
-Pick out all kernels, melt marshmallows (Coat spoon, bowl, hands with cooking spray. Trust me)
-Immediately mix together popcorn and melted marshmallow.
- Add Candy. Hint: After mixing, let cool for a few before adding candy (you don't want your candy to melt!)
-Coat hands with cooking spray and shape into balls!
-Let set on wax paper and enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Zompacolypse Trick-or-Treat Giveaway!

Winner: The Random.org generator chose number 17... Congrats Holly S!!!!

Hello all! I would like to thank Paranormal Wastelands for hosting this hop! Today, they have posted my very own zombie short story! Be sure to check it out. You can also find it on my blog. My giveaway is a 15 dollar Barnes and Noble gift card. To enter, please leave a comment with your e-mail, and on Nov. 2nd, I will use a random number generator. The comment that corresponds with the picked random number is the winner. Please, US only. 

I also have two other giveaways. I can't believe I've hit 50 followers already. I'm going to leave the giveaway open until the 31st, for anyone else who would like to enter. Just go to the October giveaway link list, and be sure to enter in all three. Also, take a look around my blog, lots of fun stuff to find! If you like what I have to say, feel free to follow!
I have lots of Zombie things on this blog!

How to make your own zombie pumpkins!
A zombie blogger walk post and my zombie short!
Two great zombie trilogies!
Fun Facts on my own zombie trilogy, The Famished.
A Living Dead book review from an Indie Author!
What do I really have to say about a zombie apocalypse, and playlist for Taking on the Dead, The Famished #1

Please do check out 20 of my favorite fictional characters!

Zompacolypse hoppers: Please check out the other great blogs on this trick or treat hop! And look for the special candy buckets for a chance to win an extra gift card!

I will leave you with this picture of my son, Gage, and his Batman Pumpkin!

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop and Entry!

The Winner is number 55... Alyce of Oregon! Congrats!

Please note: I omitted doubled entries. If you commented twice, only one of your comments counted in the count!

I would like to take a moment to thank, I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for hosting this wonderful hop! I will be using the random number generator. All you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address on this post only. When the random number is chosen on Nov. 1st, I will go by order of comment. Say the number is 5, then the fifth person to comment will be the winner. For this Hop, I will give the winner a choice. I thought about doing a halloween book theme, but you wouldn't get it until after Halloween! On Nov. 1st, a highly anticipated book is releasing in the YA genre. I know I'm picking up my copy.

Crossed

The Matched Series Number 2

If you are a fan of futuristic books these are for you. I loved it. Reminded me of Westerfeld's writing with a deeper love story. If you choose this book, it will come to you in hardcover. Please, US participants only.

Drink Deep

Chicagoland Vampires  Number 5

This book releases on Nov. 1st, and is another one I am highly anticipating. This one will be in paperback if this is the book you choose! US participants only!

Please, take the time and read my short story taken right from my book! Looting Isn't the Most Fun You can have During a Zombie Apocalypse!

Please do check out 20 of my favorite fictional characters!

If you go through my blog and like the things I have to say, and write about, please feel free to follow. I am hosting my own giveaway for 50 followers!

Good Luck, and don't forget to hop through the other great giveaways!

October Scare-A-Ganza GIveaway and Entry!!!

The Winner chosen by Random.org is 18... Congrats LNeely! 



Here is the October Scare-A-Ganza prize ONLY! It is the winner's choice!

For my fellow zombie lovers:

The Walking Dead: Season 1

Or:

The Walking Dead: The Rise of the Governor

This is highly anticipated. Available Oct. 11th!

Or

For my fellow book lovers:

Down These Strange Streets

A Collection of Urban Fantasy Stories

From Fab Authors.

Or

The Night Circus by: Erin Morgenstern

The winner will have their choice. I had a whole list of things but really couldn't pick just one, so the choice is yours. =) I don't know if this is standard for bloggers, but I don't care. I am not everyone else, and really, I think it is awesome you get to choose. I also do not have people sending me free stuff to giveaway. These things come from my own pocket, happily, or I wouldn't do it! 

To enter this giveaway, leave your e-mail in the comments. I will use the random number for the corresponding comment! This contest will be closed when I get to 50 followers. If I do not reach 50 by Midnight October 31 central time. The contest will be void. 

Have fun and good luck,

Annie

What have I been doing?

I wish I could say that I have been using my time to play Arkham City. I have not... just deathly ill, and just today have opened my laptop to find a bottomless list of e-mails and the like. I am still not myself, but am doing this post to remind everyone of my coming up giveaway hops I am participating in.

Starting on the 24th, I will have a link at the top for the Spooktacular Hop. My prize will be announced. All you have to do is leave a comment on that page only with a way for me to get in touch with you. I will have all the other links for the hop as well. On Nov. 1st, I will be using a random number to correspond with the order of your comment. Say the number turns up 11, the 11th comment will win. Just make sure you leave a way for me to get in touch with you.

The 28th, is the Trick or Treat Zombpocalypse Hop. I will do the same thing, the link will be at the top, just make sure you leave a comment on that page only. The host of this hop is featuring my zombie short on their blog on the 29th! So this is really exciting for me. Anyone who is reading this, can in fact, read the short. It features on the Sept. 29 blog post called, Looting isn't the most fun you can have during a Zombie Apocalypse.

You  may enter for all three of my giveaways... all the same, just leave comments and a way for me to contact you, if you are the winner. My prizes will be announced when the giveaways start.

My own October Scare-a-Ganza is under way now. I'm over half way to my goal.

I will resume my regular posts this weekend, when I come out of my cave-o-coma. =)

5 Movies to Watch this Halloween!

I'm sure you have all seen the Halloween, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and the modern day zombie films. Not to mention the array of Stephen King film adaptations. I have too. I love them. I have however, put together an interesting list of movies you may have not seen, but are really a MUST! Yes, I've put some black and white classics because without these, horror would not be what it is today!

The Black Cat

1934

Starring the one and only's, Bela Lugosi, and Boris Karloff

If you do not know who Karloff and Lugosi is, well, then you really need to watch the classics. They are the kings of Horror. Lugosi played Dracula, and Karloff was Dr. Frankenstein's monster. Both of these men played in many classic horror films, and I love all 8 movies they play in together. The Black Cat happened to be a box office hit, and the first to pair the two. 

They were quite the pair.

Enough of my starstruck fantasies. The Black Cat is about two honeymooners who are going to Hungary on a train. Sharing a compartment with a psychiatrist, Dr. Werdegast (Lugosi). Werdegast explains he left his wife 18 years ago to go to war, and has spent the last 15 in a prison camp. He is on his way home, wanting to visit an old friend, an architect, Poelzig (Karloff). The car they are sharing crashes injuring the young woman honeymooner, Joan. They end up taking her to Poelzig's home, which is built on a fort that he commanded during the war. After Werdegast treat's Joan's injuries, he starts to accuse Poelzig of betraying the fort, causing the deaths of Hungarians. The honeymooners become trapped in his home, where cat-phobic Werdegast learns his wife's fate, grieves for his lost daughter, and has to play a game of chess for Joan's life, who Poelzig plans to sacrifice in a satanic ritual. 

They say this movie is based upon Poe's, The Black Cat. I do not see it, as I am a huge fan of Poe. The Black Cat short being one of the darkest (in my opinion). The only connection I see is the insanity of it all... maybe that is the point.

Dawn of the Dead

1978

Written and Directed by Romero, himself. 

Ah yes, Dawn of the Dead, the original. This film is the second from Night of the Living Dead, and is the one where survivors barricade themselves into a mall. This one was remade, as most of us know, in 2004, but is in no way, shape, or form the same. They only thing that really is the same is the mall setting. No original characters, and the plot is different as well... making the original Dawn of the Dead a must see... now. In the original we are deemed with cheesy zombie takes, that are really quite eerie, and should be respected because it is the first of it's kind. There is a smaller cast than the remake. Biker's break in to loot, setting in the hordes of zombies, rewarding us with all the zombie death scenes possible. Just please, watch it... you will not be disappointed. This movie is pretty gory, as is the reason it was banned in 17 countries. It was not the only Romero film to be banned.

Bride of Frankenstein

1935

We all know Dr. Frankenstein created a monster out of body parts and brought him to life with electricity. The Bride of Frankenstein, just really breaks my heart. All the monster really wants is someone to love. In the Bride, Frankenstein's monster wants a mate after events of meeting nice people and having them taken away, or the monster being deemed "a monster." Also, in this film the monster learns a few words and is able to speak. If you really want a great marathon... try watching the Frankenstein movies back to back. If you really want to be a cynic, read the book first.

The Haunting

1963

I'm trying to do different sub-genre's in horror. I wrote down "ghost." There are several I wanted to put on my list, one of them being Invisible Ghost with Lugosi... but that really isn't about a ghost, in the end. I also wanted to write about The Shining, but I'm trying to expand people's horizons here. I chose, The Haunting. It is about a paranormal investigation of Hill House, by a Doctor, the person who stands to inherit the house, a psychic, and a clairvoyant. Upon being in the house and over time, the ghostly entity haunts in deadly ways. 

Let's see I got the satanic thriller, the monster, the zombie, the ghost, and what about the slasher sub-genre? What was the first, you think? There are many opinions on this matter... but this is mine. Hitchcock's, Psycho can be considered the mother of all slashers. Michael, Freddy, and Jason helped revolutionize the slasher sub-genre. There are people who say say the canadian film, Black Christmas(1974), was the first. Well, they must have not seen my choice for the list and one you should watch for Halloween:

Twitch of the Death Nerve

1971

Some people might know this film as Bay of Blood

The plot? Several people commit several murders while trying to remove people that stand in their way of the inheritance of the bay. 

There really isn't much to say about this movie, except that is wasn't made for the faint of heart. There is a lot of killing, with much bloody detail. There is one scene where a machete gets driven into someone's face.

This movie has made a top 50 horror list of all time by Total Film magazine in 2005. If you like slasher movies, this one is for you. =D

Have a movie you think I should see? I take suggestions. Please.

Post edit: I should say the classics are not for everyone. It takes a special kind of person. So, yes do go watch watch the modern horror flicks that have been remade and influenced by the classics, and have no original outlook at all. Yes, go see Paranormal Activity 3. Well, I'm going to see that too. Funny, how I explain the childhood taboo of the Bell Witch, and then I see this preview that involves the little girls saying Bloody Mary in the darkened bathroom. Only, they were luckier than me and have an actual entity in the room with them.

Yes, I know that if I starred in my own horror flick I'd be the first to die. I'd be the stupid one to go into the darkened basement to see what that frightening noise is, in hopes of seeing something cool so I can take a picture for my blog. That's okay, I'd contribute for Horror's sake. =) I say that now, until someone is stabbing me in the face with a machete because I'm next in line to inherit a fortune.

  

Another Intriguing Show by FX!

Yesterday, I took the time and watched American Horror Story.

It had premiered last Wednesday night. (For all the peeps in the UK, it premiere's Nov. 7th, I found out from someone on FB). The commercials made me skeptical. I watched it anyway, and was very surprised. I liked it so much, I made my husband watch it last night. Usually, he doesn't like watching stupid horror stuff with me. Not his thing, we found out a long time ago. I'm not saying he doesn't like horror, but if it is cheesy, cheap, and stupid, he'd be like, "What do you have me watching?" Haha, but the American Horror Story, even he liked.

The creep factor is high, and FX does a really good job of walking a fine line of it being made for TV and being rated R. At one point, the young maid is doing herself and then Ben Harmon, played by Dylan McDermott, gets butt naked and does himself too. I really couldn't believe they put it on TV. I don't think FX has ever showed that much of Jax Teller, much to my and every other females dismay.

He is no Jax.

*Sigh*

Anyway, The show starts off with the Harmon family moving to Los Angeles after some rough patches to start anew. Ben, Vivien, and Violet (their daughter, who has some issues herself) Ben is a psychiatrist, who starts seeing patients in their creepy new home. 

Vivien

Violet

One of the patients, is a teenage boy, Tate, played by Evan Peters. We know him from assorted TV shows, KiCk-Ass, and An American Crime. Tate quickly becomes friends with Violet and helps her with a bully in the basement of the house. The incident making you think there is a lot more to him than meets the eye. Not to mention, he is Looney! With a capitol L. This kid also wear a shirt that says, "Normal people scare me." Loved it.

Another creepy thing, is the neighbor, Constance, played by Jessica Lange. Golden Globe winner, and several nominations. We've seen her leading roles in lots of movies. One thing about this show, it has a great cast. Anyway, Constance has a daughter with down syndrome, that has an unhealthy obsession with the house. She is creepier than anyone in the show, including rubber man. Constance is also creepy, b/c she shows up out of no where, is a clepto, and just all around says the weirdest shit, that even gives me a run for my money.

Alright, the maid. Moira is an old woman played by Frances Conroy. We all know her as Ruth from Six Feet Under, which is still one of my favorite shows today. Anyway, she shows up telling Vivien about all the other house occupants before, and how she cleaned house for them all. Vivien doesn't mind the help, but when Ben comes in and meets her, he sees a completely different person. A young Moira, in a french maid outfit. She is played by Alexandra Breckenridge. We see her in True Blood as Katrina, the spy for Vampire Bill. She uses her wiles to try and seduce Ben, Violet walks in on them and sees her father with the old maid. CREEPY! I thought it was funny though. So, the question is, what is up with the maid? I'm not saying anymore though, you'll have to watch it.

The old Moira.

Moira Junior? Haha.

Another guy shows up and tells Ben his family is in danger if he doesn't get out of the house. Larry Harvey is played by Denis O'Hare. We all know him as Russell Edgington, the crazy vampire King of Mississippi, that killed someone on national TV in True Blood. Anyway, Larry has burns on 70% of his body from burning/killing his family in the house. He is only out of jail because he has brain cancer. The thing is, Ben has been sleep walking and is attracted to fire while doing it.

Last but certainly not least, the rubber man. All I can say is, what the hell?

Intrigued? You should be. Let us hope that this show lasts, because I love it. Just for that reason, it won't make it to season 2. The second episode is on tonight at 9/10 central. If you missed the first, it is On Demand Comcast or you can stream it in through sidereel, or watch it on FX.com. If you have seen the show let me know what you think about it!

Do remember my giveaways this month!!! It'll all start the 24th! My own giveaway will be done with 16 more followers! =) Details under the "October Happenings" tab.

Nashville Zombie Walk 2011

I'd like to take a post and put a video from the Nashville Zombie Walk 2011. I was not able to attend this year. I do have major plans for next year. It looked like everyone had a great time for a great cause.

This video was made by the Tennessean.

I have removed the video, as it was making my blog slow, and slowing down my traffic.

Cool Halloween Costumes!

It's getting to be the time when we all think of what we want to be for halloween. I usually don't partake in this because costumes in my house are an all year around thing. My son has a various assortment to choose from whatever tickles his pickle at the time.

What I like about costumes are originality and homemade. I have combed the internet for some of the best. I've even included a few my son has worn in the past years.

 This is my son, Gage, as the Joker last year. His grandma made the costume.

 I love Elvis, and I thought this was hilarious.

 This jigsaw contraption was homemade.

 Leggo Men.

My son will be Mario this year. I thought this Mario on Yoshi was pretty cool. 

 If I had a bundle of kids, this would be a great idea! Love it.

 LOL! This kid looks like he wants to be somewhere else.

Smurfette, the best one I've seen so far. 

 I don't know if these people were trying to be explicit or if the boxed wine actually works. I thought it was cool though. (No, I don't know them.)

 Ramen Noodles!

 My husband always tells me I could be in the Lollipop Gang, so this picture was right up my alley.

 Does anyone else feel sorry for this doggy?

 They got the weapons wrong, but it is a very good try. TMNT was my favorite cartoon growing up, and I always wanted to be April O'Neil.

 Batman is a favorite in my house, so I liked this one. They were going for the original series from the 1960's (we watch these episodes most mornings during breakfast... BAM! POW!) They did great.

This guy looks very happy to be an iPod. 

 The complete Justice League. If you don't know the Justice League, shame on you. Although, I see no one would be Aquaman. Don't blame them. Really.

 Spiffy, and well done.

My son, Gage, as a vampire two years ago.

Don't forget about my giveaways this month! They are coming up soon! Details, click here!