Fright Nights: The Best Horror Movies on Netflix Instant

Hi, guys! Somehow I didn't foresee that my job at the Halloween store became more demanding as it neared Halloween. Fantastic insight on my part. But even though I missed a week, I felt like I should carry on sharing some of my favorite things from my favorite holiday with you!

I really, really love horror movies. I'm the first in line to see every crummy new scary movie at the theater, just hoping to be one of the first to uncover a diamond in the rough (a la the Conjuring and You're Next this summer). In high school, I even tried to watch 100 horror movies one October. Um, obviously I don't have that kind of time on my hands anymore. But I still make sure to watch a few of my favorites (and try to scope out some great new flicks!) this time of year, and frankly, all year round.

 A list of the best scary movies is all well and good, but where the heck are you supposed to get them, Blockbuster? Every time I see something on a list I want to check out, I instantly cross-check it with Netflix Instant. Since everybody and their brother has Netflix, I thought I would save you guys the work, and share some fantastically spooky things you could watch this very minute, if you were so inclined. The horror section can be a dreadful and treacherous place filled with bad acting and even worse special effects, so trust me to weed out the truly stupid and point you in the right direction. I'm practically a professional.

Cabin in the Woods is an absolute must-see if you're a fan of horror movies. I'll try not to say much more as it's better to go in blind, but know it's incredibly inventive, genre-subverting, and nothing like you'll expect - in the best way possible.

The Evil Dead is a total classic if you're into cheesy B-Movie horror. If you've only seen the remake, you don't know Evil Dead. Remember when I said I would steer you away from stupid? I may have lied just a little bit, but Evil Dead is worth it. It's gross, silly, and inspired 1000 imitators - but there's nothing like the original.

The Caller is a surprise hit. I found this one on a whim this weekend (Craig and I were amused by the casting of Bill the True Blood vampire against Victoria the Twilight vampire), and was pleasantly surprised. It's not perfect, but the concept is pretty unique, and there are enough surprises, thrills, and chills to keep you hanging on the edge of your seat til the end.

Red State is a rare foray into horror by slacker-comedy god Kevin Smith, and watching it made me surprised he didn't live in the genre in the first place. This is an exploration of just how scary cult-like Westboro Baptist-type churches can be. This isn't a jumpy-scare flick, it's truly terrifying in the way that movies that seem as if they could really happen are.

Okay, I'm kind of cheating. After horror movies, my secret Netflix Instant obsession is the documentary section. I've talked about that, and this movie, before. The American Scream is a really cute little movie about people in a small town in Massachusetts who put a whole lot of effort into making free haunted houses for trick or treaters in their backyards. If you're not feeling like getting spooked tonight, but you still want to get in the holiday spirit, this is your best bet.

I saved the best for last! Pontypool is one of my top five favorite horror movies of all time. It's both a deep exploration of how we as a society interact with language and a very scary zombie movie almost exclusively set in the sound studio of a radio station. There are a lot of twists, turns, and secrets about how the zombie disease mutates so I won't give anything away, but know that it's really smart and so, so awesome.

Do you have some spooky Netflix recommendations for me? I'm always looking for new movies to fall in love with!

Fright Nights: My Favorite Halloween Books

This is no secret, but I really love Halloween. I start looking for costumes in August, I binge watch scary movies, I go to haunted houses, my apartment already has 3 pumpkins in it...this year, I'm even working at a costume pop-up shop. It's kind of my thing. So I figured what better way to celebrate than to do a weekly feature with you guys?

I really do love to read, so I figured a few of my favorite spooky books were a good way to start. There's nothing like curling up with a good scary story and a mug of tea on a fall evening, I think.

Linda Petrushevskaya - There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby

Ridiculously long titles aside, this book is a very enchanted collection of short, scary fairytales. Despite having been written only a couple of years ago, it has a magical, old-timey feel - like stories your grandfather might tell you to spook you this time of year. The titular story is wonderful, and I would also highly recommend "There's Someone in the House" and "My Love."

Ray Bradbury - Something Wicked This Way Comes

Bradbury is obviously one of the masters of horror, and it wouldn't be Halloween without him. My first introduction to him is still my favorite - Something Wicked This Way Comes is a classic for a reason. This is a classic tale of the power of friendship, but the eerie carnival atmosphere and fantastical spooky happenings make it a must-read. And if you read it as a child like me, it's certainly worth another look - it really stands the test of time!

Thomas Tryon - Harvest Home

It's kind of hard to get a copy of this book, but I highly suggest putting in the effort. No one since Faulkner has evoked such a perfect atmosphere of a creepy, close-knit town with a dark, seedy underbelly. I can't tell you much without ruining it, but know that this is an impeccably crafted slow burner that will have you sleeping with your nightlight on.

Alvin Schwartz - Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

What can I say about this one? This was first introduction to scary stories, and it holds a very special place in my heart. The illustrations never fail to scare (if you can find a copy with the originals, that is). And honestly, some of these stories stand the test of time - "The Red Spot," "Harold," and "High Beams" still freak me out when I read them now!

Do you love Halloween as much as I do? What are some of your favorite books to read this time of year?

Finals Time!

So now that life has returned to a modicum of normal, finals time is upon us...and I know a lot of you are college students like me. In this trying time, it's important to know how to crack down and how to stay sane. (If you aren't a college student, consider these tips to help you complete that big thing at work. You know the thing).

Here's what I've learned:

Download some Self Control

None of my essays would ever be done ever without this thing. Since I don't have any Self Control, I use this app for my Mac instead. Make a list of sites that distract you (Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin) and block them for a set time (like, the amount of time it would take you to write a 10-page paper, for instance). I do mine in 2-hour chunks and come up for air in between. Beware: when you block something, it's blocked no matter what you do, be it closing the app or restarting your computer...so don't get overzealous with your timer.

Take a Walk

Seriously, go outside. I mean it. Finals time always falls during the nicest week of the year (it's just science) and you won't get anything done if you're looking longingly out the window all afternoon. Get a few pages written, then go outside. Go do a lap in your nearest green area. The fresh air will do you good, and you really need to take a break from straining your eyes at a computer screen all day!

Treat Yourself

I used this picture of Boloco because this is how I happen to treat myself, but alter according to your tastes. Set a goal for yourself: "I will finish this paper by 8 PM. If I do, I'm treating myself a burrito bowl and a smoothie for dinner." Boom! Motivation. And smoothies! mmm...smoothies.

Cute-spiration

Written? Kitten! is a great site I like to pull out around this time of year. Every 100 words of your essay you type into their word processor, you get a new cute kitten! It's like the technological version of putting gummy bears strategically on your textbook to make yourself read it. No? Was that just me?

It'll All Be Over Soon

Your big, horrible project may feel like it's never going to end, but you have to remember that it will all be over soon! Finals aren't forever, and before you know it, the shadow of your impending paper/test/presentation that has been looming over your shoulder will shrink up and become a distant memory. Note: the easiest way to shrink the shadow is to start working on whatever it is that is torturing you. So hop to it! No one ever got anything done by procrastinating...

(This post has been brought to you by someone who has a 10 page final paper due on Thursday and a final tomorrow...do as I say, not as I do. Good luck with all your work, and wish me luck on mine!)

Procrastination Pals: My Favorite Netflix Documentaries

I figure I'm not the only tragic procrastinator on here - right, guys? Well, if you're part of the "why do today what I can put off till tomorrow" clan, I'd like to share some of my favorite time-wasters with you. I confess, I have an addiction: it's the Documentaries section on Netflix Instant.

I watch them with my friends when classes get cancelled, I watch them with my boyfriend when we're spending a night in, but mostly, I watch them when I'm avoiding writing an essay. It's like procrastinating by exercising - it feels almost productive, even if it isn't really the thing you're supposed to be doing. Also, I just really like to learn about odd things. I have a vast collection of trivial knowledge, and I work tirelessly to add to it every day. Here are a few of my favorite picks on Netflix Instant right now:

1. Forks Over Knives - I've seen a lot of documentaries about vegetarianism/veganism, and this one is by far my favorite. It doesn't just play on your heartstrings, it makes a compelling case for health and wellness, and I was shocked by some of the things I learned - and I say this as a vegetarian of 8 years.
2. 6 Days to Air: the Making of South Park - I understand if South Park isn't your cup of tea. It can be gross, bawdy, and outright incredibly offensive. I've always been a casual fan, but after I saw this documentary, I had a real appreciation for the show that I never had before. It turns out, South Park manages to stay so topical because they don't start making their episodes until about a week before they're going to air (!!). It's seriously incredible to see the speed and dexterity that Matt Stone and Trey Parker work with, as well as a peek into their brilliant (if not a bit twisted) minds.
3. Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey - There is some controversy floating around about the protagonist of this documentary, but when I first saw it, it was about a boy who worked tirelessly to achieve his dream of being a puppeteer on Sesame Street, and eventually became one of the most beloved characters of all time. It's painfully heartwarming, and it will make your inner child dance with joy.
4. Exit Through the Gift Shop - This trippy documentary by London's favorite anonymous political graffiti artist Banksy guarantees to throw you off kilter about 10 times a minute. It changes subjects halfway through, and never stops surprising you and visually intriguing you. While it is a bit experimental, it also provides an interesting look into the underground world of street art.
5. The American Scream - I'm a little bit biased here, but I have a huge thing about Halloween and haunted houses, and this documentary is about people who make elaborate haunt displays in their backyards. It takes place in my home state of Massachusetts, and it's a surprisingly heartwarming case study about how far people will take their favorite hobbies for the good of the community and themselves.
6. Buck - My dad introduced me to this documentary about the "horse whisperer" Buck Brannaman. This is a fascinating look into the relationship between man and animal, and while I'm a big dog person, it's always nice to see how we can bond with our fellow non-canine creatures, too. This man is truly a miracle worker, and to watch how his process was formed and how incredibly effective he is at connecting with even the wildest animals.
7. Conan O' Brien Can't Stop - During high school, I often had trouble sleeping, and found myself on many a school night watching my dearest Conan O' Brien while I tried to will myself to sleep. I pretty much imprinted on him, and now he is my one and only late night man. This documentary gives you a look at the tour he embarked on when he was out of a job, and shows him to be a strongly impassioned man who cares so deeply about his craft and coworkers that he never stops striving for perfection. It's easy to forget when you see personas on TV that there's a real person behind the mask - it's so interesting to see what our favorite celebrities are like when they're "off."
8. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father - A serious warning about this one: it's incredibly emotionally draining and will fill you with barrels of sadness and rage. I don't hesitate to recommend it, I just want you to know it's a real undertaking. I went into this a little blind, and I think that's the best way - I'll just tell you that this is a documentary made by the loved ones of a family that suffered an unprecedented loss because of an unstable woman and a failure of the justice system.
9. This Film is Not Yet Rated - This is a fascinating expose on the film ratings system and their shady tendencies. It discusses everything from bias against independent studios to sexism, and much more. It's kind of thrilling, as the ratings commission is under many safeguards, and at some points this documentary plays out like a spy film. This was one of my first "fight the man!" documentaries, and it's still one of my favorites.

I hope I shared something new and intriguing with you guys today! Do you love documentaries, too? Please tell me some of your favorites! I'm always on the hunt...