What are your plans for this weekend? The guys and I have been enjoying the Halloween decorations in our neighborhood and coming up with costume ideas. (I’ll be going as what I wore last year, haha.) Are you thinking about dressing up? Wishing you a great one — Good Yuntif to everyone observing Yom Kippur — and here are a few entertaining links from around the internet…
My sister thinks Ali Wong’s latest comedy special is bizarre yet fantastic.
I’d love to rock these comfy pants all fall and winter long.
Black girls explore the British countryside. (NYTimes gift link)
Could you manage the museum challenge of gazing at a single piece of artwork for 10 minutes?
The trailer for Somebody Somewhere’s third season looks amazing.
This dress embodies a casually sexy vibe.
What do you consider your comfort food?
Easy dinner party games for adults to memorize.
I just re-listened to the This American Life episode Tell Me I’m Fat; it’s so good, I can’t recommend it enough.
Photo recreations of iconic artwork.
And, most importantly, here are verified ways to assist hurricane victims. Our thoughts are with our readers and their families in the affected regions. Stay safe. xo (NYTimes gift link)
Additionally, three reader comments:
Megan shares on what it’s like to be a teacher: “As someone who has taught high school English for over 20 years, I want to share my favorite piece of wisdom from a teaching colleague: ‘Be the person you needed when you were their age.’ I strive to embody that with my students. It’s also a powerful way to have compassion for my younger self, who was in need yet didn’t know how to voice it.”
H.W. on what your job is: “I realize this comment may get lost in this incredible sea of text, but am I the only one feeling emotional right now? I am so uplifted reading about the wonderful work you all do, and I want to reply to each person with some version of ‘That’s so awesome! Great job!’ So, if you need to hear it today: I think you have a truly fantastic job, and it sounds like you excel at it! I’m also noticing that many in the CoJ community work in helping professions and find immense satisfaction, despite the challenges. Go team!”
Anon remarks: “For every cool job mentioned here (and honestly, every single one is impressive!), there are probably five individuals who didn’t comment because they don’t love their job and it doesn’t feel cool. You’re not obligated to love your job! Your job doesn’t define who you are! I work as school administration staff in the nutrition department. Though I find feeding thousands of schoolchildren to be meaningful work, it isn’t my dream job and I often feel bored and frustrated.”
(Photo by Alison Piepmeyer.)
Note: If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission or maintain a sponsored relationship with the brand, all at no cost to you. We only recommend products we truly like. Thank you very much.
# How to Have an Enjoyable Spooky Weekend: Suggestions and Ideas | Cup of Jo
As the crisp fall air begins to settle and the days get shorter, many of us are drawn to the spooky allure of the Halloween season. Whether you enjoy haunted houses, ghost stories, or simply the cozy yet eerie atmosphere of October, a spooky weekend is an excellent way to dive into the season. If you’re aiming to plan a weekend filled with excitement and fun, here are some suggestions and ideas to help you craft the ultimate spooky experience.
## 1. **Create the Atmosphere with Spooky Decorations**
To kick off your spooky weekend, start by transforming your area into a haunted haven. You don’t need elaborate decorations—simple additions can evoke a chilling mood. Here are a few suggestions:
– **Candles and Soft Lighting**: Swap your regular lighting for candles, fairy lights, or lanterns to establish a moody, shadowy vibe. Flickering candles (real or battery-powered) cast a ghostly light in any room.
– **Pumpkins and Gourds**: Carve jack-o’-lanterns or arrange pumpkins and gourds throughout your home. If carving isn’t your thing, try painting them with spooky themes like bats, ghosts, or spider webs.
– **Cobwebs and Creepy Creatures**: Drape faux cobwebs across doorways, mirrors, and furniture. Include plastic spiders or other creepy critters to enhance the haunted atmosphere.
– **Vintage Halloween Art**: Display vintage-style Halloween posters or artwork featuring witches, black cats, and skeletons. These can add a nostalgic, eerie flair to your decorations.
## 2. **Host a Spooky Movie Night**
No spooky weekend is complete without a movie marathon featuring your favorite Halloween films. Whether you enjoy jump scares or prefer something more lighthearted, there’s a spooky movie for everyone. Here are some recommendations to get you started:
– **For Horror Enthusiasts**: If you appreciate true horror, consider films such as *The Conjuring*, *Hereditary*, or *The Exorcist*. These movies will keep you on the edge of your seat.
– **For a Classic Touch**: If you want a more nostalgic feel, enjoy classic horror films like *Psycho*, *Night of the Living Dead*, or *Halloween*. These timeless flicks are ideal for setting a spooky mood.
– **For Family-Friendly Enjoyment**: If you’re in the mood for something less frightening, opt for family-friendly favorites like *Hocus Pocus*, *The Nightmare Before Christmas*, or *Coraline*. These films are spooky but not overly scary.
– **For Humor**: If you like your scares with a touch of comedy, check out horror-comedies such as *Beetlejuice*, *Shaun of the Dead*, or *What We Do in the Shadows*.
## 3. **Savor Spooky Treats**
No spooky weekend would be complete without some deliciously eerie snacks and beverages. Get inventive in the kitchen and whip up some Halloween-themed goodies. Here are a few ideas:
– **Witch’s Brew Punch**: Mix fruit juices, soda, and a splash of grenadine for a punch with a blood-red tint. Add dry ice for a foggy, bubbling cauldron effect (handle with care!).
– **Mummy Hot Dogs**: Wrap hot dogs in strips of crescent roll dough to create mummy shapes. Bake until golden and add small dots of mustard or ketchup for eyes.
– **Ghostly Cupcakes**: Bake your favorite cupcakes and frost them with white icing. Use black icing or chocolate chips to create ghostly faces.
– **Candy Corn Popcorn**: Combine popcorn with candy corn and drizzle with white chocolate for a sweet and salty treat perfect for snacking during your movie marathon.
## 4. **Share Ghost Stories**
Gather your friends or family around a fire (or some candles) to share spine-tingling ghost stories. Whether you read from a classic ghost story anthology or spin your own tales, this is a wonderful way to get everyone in the spooky spirit. If you’re feeling particularly brave, turn off the lights and tell the stories in complete darkness.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider these classic ghost stories:
– **”The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving**: This enduring tale of the Headless Horseman is perfect for a spooky evening.
– **”The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe**: Poe’s haunting narrative of guilt and insanity is sure to send chills down your spine.
– **”The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson**: For a longer read, this classic haunted house novel is a masterclass in psychological horror.
