What I loved in October!

October seems to have flown over and now the excitement is starting to build for Christmas! I've had to look back over my Project 365 blog posts and my Word of the Week posts to pick my favourites as this month has been pretty quiet after the excitement of August and September with birthdays and trips away.

Heating!

We had the heating on for the first time since the beginning of the year and it was amazing! Since we have last had the heating on we have had an insulated wall put in the living room and a new boiler so I was very interested in how quickly it would warm up and how long it would stay warm! The answer would be within 10 minutes it was starting to stay warm and the heating was on for about an hour and it stayed warm. Hooray! We actually had to turn the boiler down as when touching the radiators we almost burned our hands. Eek.

Taylor Swift.

Up until this month the phenomenon which is Taylor Swift seems to have passed me by. Obviously I know some of her songs, Shake it off, Love Story and I Knew You Were Trouble but this was the month where all I have seemed to hear is her songs. My girls love and her and of course have been to see her concert movie in the cinema which meant before they played a lot of her music. I must admit there are quite a few of her songs that I am in love with. 

Candles.

I tend not to burn candles during the warmer months but over October it has got chillier and I have been burning candles and they've all been my favourite scents. Warm apple pie, gingerbread and pumpkin spice! I have one with the crackling wick and when that is lit and I am under my blanket it feels so cosy in here!

Painting my nails.

I have always had short nails. When I was younger I used to bite them, I know it's a disgusting habit which I only stopped when I was pregnant and any little thing would make me feel sick. Since I stopped biting them I have hated the feeling of them being long, I do wear false nails for special occasions but they never last more than 24 hours but over the last month I have been growing my nails and have found the perfect length where they don't annoy me and when painted look pretty. I have really enjoyed painting my nails and buying some new nail polishes. 

Gousto Boxes.

At the start of the month we got our first Gousto box in ages and have had 3 this month. We did skip one in the middle of the month as there were not many meals which took our fancy but that's the good thing about Gousto you are not tied into it. Up until this week our favourite meals were the Lamb Meatloaf With Rosemary Potatoes And Redcurrant Gravy and the Sesame Pork & Mushroom Udon Noodle Stir-Fry. They have gone on our list of meals to make again and again.

Christmas shopping! 

I am feeling so proud of myself. I have just about finished buying presents for my youngest and halfway done with my eldest. There's just everyone else that I need to buy for but the thick of it is done! I have even got the advent calendars for the girls stored away. Hooray! I have got the grocery delivery slot booked and I have started buying foodie stuff to put away for the big day. Sweets, biscuits and things like that. It makes it so much easier spreading the cost then come December I don't have as much to buy.

TikTok.

At the end of September I started making my own TikToks and not just watching other peoples. They're all daft one's using filters or playing silly games. There is no dancing from me whatsoever. lol It's strange having a social media account that is in no way linked to blogging, I am just doing it for fun and it really is fun. The girls think it is hilarious that almost a middle aged woman is enjoying something that they love. 

I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for their Friday Favorites.

Our weekly meal plan! 30th Oct - 5th Nov. #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan went to plan! We find it so easy to stick to it when we have a Gousto box delivered. I did think about stopping them this week as I am now paying almost full price after having a month of discounts but working it out it seems like we are still spending less. Adding the Gousto price for 4 meals for the 4 of to the grocery shop it's about £10 less than I was spending most weeks before Gousto, my family are really enjoying the meals and we're not just eating the same things over and over again.

Last week was half term and the weather was dreadful, we didn't really get up to much and it all went in a blur. This week I have a few things planned. Today Stu and I were supposed to be going to Hull to buy me a ring. I saw a gorgeous one from Pandora, the The Avengers Infinity Stones Ring. It was perfect for me with me loving Marvel so much and the Avengers movies but the reviews of it aren't great. The gold apparently comes off after a couple of months which is a real shame as I really liked it. Hmmf so I don't know what we're doing today, we might still go out but we'll see how we feel.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - I am going to put some meat, potatoes and veg in the slow cooker to make a casserole. Beef probably but it could be chicken.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Bonfire Bangers & Root Veg Mash With Toffee Apple Gravy. 

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Lamb & Coconut Curry With Fresh Mango Chutney. 

Thursday - Gousto meal - Swedish Style Meatballs With Mash And Peas.

Friday - Gousto meal - Basa Fish Finger Dog With Minted Peas And Herby Lemon Mayo. 

Saturday - Party food. The shops are getting all of their frozen party food in so we want to try some of the new things out before Christmas.

Sunday - I think we will go out for Sunday lunch if it's not raining.

What are you eating this week?

My little witches! #MySundaySnapshot

There are a lot of things that I dislike about Facebook but one of the things that I really love is the Memories feature which shows things you posted on that day from previous years.

On Friday this photo came up and I had to share it. It was the first year that the kids dressed up for Halloween and they were trying on their costumes that I had bought. It was also the day that Ellie walked for the first time. (She was 13 months old). We always joke now it was the magic of the witch costume that helped her take her first steps. hehehe

A photo every day for a year! 21st - 27th October - Week 43 of #Project365

This last week has flown over in a blur considering that I haven't really done much apart from catching up on everything that I didn't do the week before when I had a cold. I am feeling better now and it's the weather has taken a turn for the worse. It's been so wet here and when it hasn't been raining it's just been wet and cold, yesterday was so misty but at least it didn't rain. I know it's October and I should expect it but it always comes as a bit of a shock how much I hate the colder weather.

We don't have much planned for the weekend. Becky is working so it's going to be mine and Ellie's usual Saturday with a meal deal and Friends on the TV. It's supposed to be dry and bright today so hopefully I can get some washing on the line instead of having to put it on the clothes airers. We will watch Strictly tonight and I don't know what we have planned for tomorrow apart from having an extra hour in bed with the clocks going back. I thought it was last month the clocks went back, the girls told me and I believed them. lol Poor Becky gets to work an extra hour, she works nights. I suppose it makes up for earlier in the year when the clocks when forward and she worked an hour less.

Now for a photo everyday!

294/365 - 21st October

The kids went to see the Taylor Swift concert movie at the cinema. They had a great time and of course had to buy one of the cups each.

295/365 - 22nd October

Washing out on the line makes me happy! I got plenty done but I am going to have to remember that soon I will be just using the clothes airers. Ugh.

296/365 - 23rd October

Our Gousto meals for the week. They were all good but the pizza was our favourite.

297/365 - 24th October

I have been playing the Disney card collecting game on TikTok. I never got the Mirabel last week and still need Moana this week. It's so frustrating but I won't give up.

298/365 - 25th October

The Hedwig socks are out, it must be cold. My feet were anyway, the rest of me was warm but I couldn't get my feet warm until I put these on.

299/365 - 26th October

Battered Sushi from Tesco. We're going to try it over the weekend. I find the idea of it strange but I do imagine it will be so nice.

300/365 - 27th October

I haven't been the the auction near us for ages but I had a look around yesterday at the Christmas stuff they are selling today. It's all nice but to be honest a lot of the stuff has a reserve price on and you can get cheaper elsewhere and they have put their buyer fees up too. 

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This week my Word of the Week is: Blur! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

This week seems to have gone in a bit of a blur, I haven't really done much but at the same time I don't seem to have stopped. Here we are again at Friday, (Thursday when I am writing this) and it really hasn't felt like the half term holidays. 

I am glad to say I am feeling better after last week of being sick with a cold. Being poorly meant that jobs didn't get done around the house so I have been playing catch up this week. Don't get me wrong my family did help out but they just kept things ticking over, there was not much cleaning done and the piles of things around the house which needed putting away were growing. lol

Ellie is at an age now where she prefers to do her own thing with her friends or on her computer although I have made a point of getting her to help out around the house. Little Miss Spend-a-lot needs to earn money somehow with her expensive tastes. Ellie convinced Becky to go to the cinema on Saturday to see the Taylor Swift concert. £13 something a ticket, plus the Taylor Swift cup and all the snacks. They had a great time and I regret not going now.

I had a rare Saturday home alone and it felt strange, usually Ellie and I get a meal deal from Tesco and watch Friends on TV. Not doing little things like that on certain days has really knocked me off kilter. Becky stayed out on Wednesday night which has really confused me as I am used to her getting up on Thursday morning and having the day off work, it was strange her not being here but she went off with one of her friends to see the Taylor Swift concert at the cinema again. It must have been that good.

Are we all sick of the rain yet? I think it has rained here every day for the last week. There was even flooding in the town where I live which I have never known happen in the whole time we've lived here. My dad's field is like a lake which is normal, he has a little stream at the side which always overflows but I saw on the local residents group someone asking for sandbags to stop the water and the fire brigade ended up going and pumping the water away.

With the rubbish weather I have been inside a lot so I took advantage and did some online shopping for Christmas. I made a point of waiting until Wednesday to place my orders so they would arrive on Saturday or next week but no, of course one package is arriving today when there will be no one at home. I am hoping the delivery person leaves it somewhere sensible if it's raining again.

I hope you have all had a good week!

My top 5 favourite not so scary movies!

I wouldn't say I am a big movie buff but I do have a lot of favourite films. You can read about my favourite action movies, Sci-Fi movies, my favourite Animated movies, my favourite musical movies my favourite disaster movies and last week my favourite scary movies but in this post I am sharing my favourite not so scary movies for Halloween. I am a big kid when it comes to movies, I really don't like horror films so much prefer those aimed at kids and teenagers.

Labyrinth.

Sarah tries to find her baby brother, Toby, after she angrily wishes him away. The goblin, Jareth, promises Toby's return if Sarah can solve his labyrinth in less than thirteen hours.

I love everything about this movie! The story, David Bowie, the music and it has just the right amount of funny and scary bits in. By today's standards it looks dated and cheap but there's something about it that makes it special.

Hocus Pocus.

After moving to Salem a teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.

I was so late in watching this film, I only got around to watching it a few years ago just as the 2nd one was rumoured. I do love it, it's a bit of fun.

The Witches.

While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother, Helg, young Luke inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. The Grand High Witch reveals a plan to turn all children into mice through a magical formula. When they find that Luke has overheard, the witches test the formula on him. Now, with the help of Helga and the hotel manager, Mr. Stringer Luke the mouse must fight back against the witches.

I remember reading the Roald Dahl book at school and doing a whole series of lessons about it and loved the story, at the end of the school term we watched the movie and I loved it. It turns out there was a lot of complaints from parents about it as they thought it was too scary. It probably was for 11 year olds. lol

Beetlejuice.

Adam and Barbara are a normal couple who happen to be dead. They have given their precious time to decorate their house and make it their own, but unfortunately a family is moving in, and not quietly. Adam and Barbara try to scare them out, but end up becoming the main attraction to the money making family. They call upon Beetlejuice to help, but Beetlejuice has more in mind than just helping.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the "real world." When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colours and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.

What are your favourite not so scary movies to watch?

I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for their Friday Favourites.

Spooky Brownies with Raspberry Drizzle - Recipe!

There's no tricks here just treats! Today I am sharing a recipe for some spooky brownies with raspberry drizzle that will cast a spell on your taste buds and enchant your Halloween celebrations. 

Whether you're hosting a haunted house party, trick or treaters are headed your way or you simply want to indulge in some fiendishly good treats for yourself this Halloween brownie recipe will be your go to for a hauntingly delightful dessert. So dust off your cauldron, grab your apron, and prepare to create a dessert that will leave everyone howling for more!

Ingredients for the brownies:

200g (7 oz) of unsalted butter

200g (7 oz) of dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped

200g (7 oz) of caster sugar

3 large eggs

125g (4.4 oz) of plain flour

50g (1.8 oz) of cocoa powder

A pinch of salt

Instructions for the brownies:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan or 350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together in 20-30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them together over a double boiler. Once melted, remove the bowl from heat, and let it cool for a few minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until well combined. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand until the mixture becomes slightly lighter in colour.

Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Sift the plain flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a fudgy texture.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking tin, spreading it out evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. The brownies should have a slight crust on top but still be slightly gooey in the centre.

Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 20 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

While they are cooling you can prepare the raspberry drizzle.

For the glaze you need:

50g of fresh or frozen raspberries.
200-300g of icing sugar.

Water.

For the decoration:
Googly fondant eyes.

Mix some of the icing sugar with water to get a runny glaze and drizzle the glaze on top of the brownies.

For the pink glaze. Heat the raspberries on the stove top over low heat until they soften and release their water. Cook them for 2 to 3 more minutes, then run them through a fine sieve and collect the raspberry juice. Using a whisk, slowly add the icing sugar into the raspberry juice until you get a thick but runny glaze. Drizzle the glaze on top of the brownies and add the googly eyes whilst the drizzle is still wet.

Once the icing is set, you can enjoy your spooky brownies or store them in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Do these look like something you would enjoy?

Halloween treats from Lush!

Halloween bath bombs are not your average bath time treat. They come in a variety of spooky shapes and colors from pumpkins and ghosts to skulls and witches cauldrons. I think each bath bomb is a miniature work of art. 

Once a year in the run up to Halloween I always have a bit of a splurge in Lush and buy some of their spooky offerings. I love how each year they keep coming up with different things. The things I got last year are totally different to this years range.

Ghostie - Bath Bomb - £5.00

One for brave bathers. Let the Halloween ghost bath bomb put on a show for you with lemongrass, Sicilian lemon and Persian lime oils that'll definitely lift your spirits. As your warm bathwater floods with colour, listen closely for the crackling of popping candy!

Bubble Lugosi - Bubble Bar - £7.50

For mounds of skin softening bubbles you have to invite berry scented Bubble Lugosi into your bathtub! Charge this glow in the dark bubbler in the light before throwing on some Bauhaus on the stereo, lighting a candle and lying back in the bath with arms crossed across the chest. Crumble this illuminating bubble bar under running water. Then settle in as you're surrounded by bubbles, steam, and an eerie glow.

Magic Potion - Bath Bomb - £6.00

Transform your bath time with an alakazam! Watch the bright colours fizz and pop, casting a spell of warm. spicy, and fruity fragranced notes across enchanted elixir waters. Drop into your bath to release magical purple waters, bewitched with jasmine absolute, bergamot, and ylang ylang oils.

Pumpkin Crumble - Bubble Bar - £8.00

Light your candles, run a hot bath, warm your pyjamas and indulge in skin softening cocoa and shea butter bubbles. Soak in the creamy, pumpkin coloured autumnal waters while invigorating your senses with citrus top notes and spicy juniperberry oil. Crumble under running water and then slip into your perfect pumpkin spiced Halloween bubble bath, sipping your favourite seasonal beverage.

Screaming Banshee - Bath Bomb - £3.50

This wailing banshees's pairing of sweet apple powder and sea salty tears seal your fate, you're in for an otherworldly bath. Bergamot and grapefruit oils swirl around you, creating a bath time worth howling about! Drop into warm bathwater for a soak that's a real scream.

Screamo - Bath Bomb - £5.00

Wanna scream? Watch your fears fizz and fade away into cobalt blue waters, fragranced with a cheering cherry almond scent. There’s nothing to be scared of! Run your bath, drop in, and indulge in the ultimate scary treat for your bath.

I have already used the most of these bath bombs and bubble bars. I do love a soak in the bath, especially at this time of year. I think my favourite was the Pumpkin Crumble bubble bar and the Screamo bath bomb. The smells from them were amazing and the Screamo bath bomb was a bit of a surprise when it turned my bath almost black. hehehe

Do you like seasonal bath bombs?

Our weekly meal plan! 23rd - 29th October. #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan did not go to plan at all, we ate nothing that I had planned. I was full of cold and we had the stress of a wasps nest to deal with. I was in no mood for cooking. We had a takeaway one night, a frozen cottage pie that was in the back of the freezer, ham and mushroom omelette, sausage sandwiches, home made pizza and went out for Sunday lunch which was needed after being stuck in the house all week.

The good thing is last week was the week that we skipped getting a Gousto box so it worked out well and nothing went to waste as we would have just been eating out of the freezer and cupboards. I don't think I could have brought myself to cook Gousto meals, they are straight forward and simple but I just wanted to sit and feel sorry for myself. lol

I am feeling much better now and the wasps have gone (we think) so I am back being excited about food and cooking. We have another Gousto box coming with some new recipes to try. I paid £40.27 for 4 meals and along with the weekly shopping bill is still less than we would normally spend.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto meal - Beef & sweetcorn stir fry with honey pepper peanuts.

Tuesday - Pea and ham soup with bread rolls. We were going to have this last week and the girls were gutted we didn't so it's back on the menu.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Chicken & sweetcorn potato topped pie. 

Thursday - Gousto meal - BBQ Chicken burger with fries and quick pickled cucumber.

Friday - Gousto meal - Sausage & mushroom pizza with garlic & herb dip. 

Saturday - Home made meatball subs just like what you get from Subway, hopefully.

Sunday - Pie, mash and veg.

What are you eating this week?

Another storm. #MySundaySnapshot

Stu and I usually sleep with our bedroom window open but on Wednesday night we had to shut it because of the wind and rain, it was keeping us awake. I was on the phone to my dad on Thursday and said that Storm Babet wasn't that bad, he laughed and said that was just the start of it and wasn't it just!

On Friday the rain was relentless! Thankfully Ellie and I had no plans, we spent the day inside, in our pyjamas just watching the rain fall. It was lovely!

A photo every day for a year! 14th - 20th October - Week 42 of #Project365

I am quite sick of this week. I was feeling under the weather with a cold for most of it which really wiped me out and then Stu found a wasps nest, at least that explained where the wasps in the bathroom were coming from. The wasps have cleared off, I am feeling much better now and I am ready to enjoy the weekend and Ellie being on half term. We have nothing at all planned but I am sure we will find something to do.

Now for a photo every day!

287/365 - 14th October

A pretty sunset. I mentioned in my Sunday Photo that we had so far not had the heating on, that didn't last long. We put it on for the first time on Sunday.

288/365 - 15th October

While making our way to our favourite cafe for Sunday lunch this butterfly flew most of the way with us and it posed for a picture.

289/365 - 16th October

Lemsip has been my friend this past week. I really do hate the taste of it but it does help with a cold. Today was the day Stu found a wasps nest on the kitchen roof. My dad came and put some stuff on to destroy the nest.

290/365 - 17th October

I got up to a note left by Stu saying there were 4 wasps on the bathroom floor. When I got up a couple of hours later there was more and more appeared throughout the day. They were coming through the ceiling into the bathroom cupboard and dropping down onto the floor. Ugh. We guessed they were just trying to escape the nest.

291/365 - 18th October

By Wednesday I was walking into the bathroom with wasp spray. There wasn't any more than the previous days but they seemed more vicious. I lost it and ended up on the phone crying saying it needed to be sorted and it was. More powder was put down, stuff was sprayed and more holes were filled in. We've had no more since.

292/365 - 19th October

This was one of the only photos I took on Thursday. I was taking a reading of the gas meter and couldn't see it so thought taking a photo would help. It did eventually when I got it to focus. lol

293/365 - 20th October

A Nightmare Before Christmas coaster. I got it from Asda, it was only a few pounds.

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This week my Word of the Week is: Sick! #WotW

 This week my Word of the Week is:

I've had a week of it being sick in two different ways. Sick of wasps and sick as in poorly. Ugh.

I started feeling not right on Sunday evening and by Monday morning I was snotty, sneezing and feeling pretty rough. Tuesday I felt the same and had got a cough and by Wednesday I was feeling more run down and tired because I haven't been sleeping properly, partly because of my runny/blocked nose (It's not Covid, I have tested) and partly because of the wasps!

We have been getting one or two wasps a day in the bathroom for months, we just assumed they were coming in through the window in the warmer months but the window has been shut and they were still coming. On Monday Stu was doing some DIY and found a wasps nest on the kitchen roof. The little swine's were getting in off the flat kitchen roof, under the eaves of the roof over the bathroom. My dad came and put wasp powder on the nest and blocked the holes but it turns out there must have been wasps in the ceiling. I swear pests love our house at this time of year. A few years ago we had rats under the floorboards upstairs, now wasps. I think I prefer the rat, at least I never saw that. 

I lost count when I got to over 40 wasps in the bathroom over a few hours on Monday afternoon/evening, thankfully they all didn't all come at once and they were pretty docile so they were easy to catch but by Wednesday they were getting vicious again, I went in the bathroom and there were 5 buzzing around, trying to attack me. It was then I lost it. I thought the nest being covered in powder and destroyed should have got rid of them.

I am scared of wasps and with the lack of sleep because of my cold I cried. Everything seemed just too much. I am not usually the one to ring and complain about things so there was someone here within an hour to spray stuff, put more powder down and to block more holes. Apparently when the nest is destroyed some wasps don't get the memo and can come back for a few days.

We have had a couple of wasps in the bathroom since but I think they're all are now dead or have moved on. I am starting to feel better after the cold. I am blaming the fact I'd been out on Sunday and it was chilly and then we put the heating on for the first time since early in the year. My body just isn't used to all the tempreture changes. I know that isn't how people catch colds but that's what I am blaming. lol

While I am on about the heating this week is the first time we have used it since we got the new boiler and insulated wall in the living room and it's amazing! It takes about 10 minutes to start warming up in here and it actually stays warm now thanks to the wall. Bring on the winter I think we will be warm in here which I am so grateful for.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one.

My top 5 favourite Scary movies!

I wouldn't say I am a big movie buff but I do have a lot of favourite films. You can read about my favourite action movies, Sci-Fi movies, my favourite Animated movies, my favourite musical movies and most recently my favourite disaster movies but in this post I am sharing my favourite scary movies for Halloween or not so favourite as horror films are not my favourite genre. lol

The Ring!

Rachel Keller is a journalist investigating a videotape that may have killed four teenagers (including her niece). There is an urban legend about this tape: the viewer will die seven days after watching it. If the legend is correct, Rachel will have to run against time to save her son's and her own life.

Horror films never used to scare me that much until The Ring! My brother bought me a DVD player for my birthday and a few DVD's that he thought I would like. The Ring was one of those DVD's. That girl Samara with the hair, who comes out of the TV makes me shudder just thinking about her now. I used to have one of those TV's in a cabinet and for months I couldn't sleep with the cabinet open in case that evil girl came out of it.

The Sixth Sense!

Malcom Crowe is a child psychologist who receives an award on the same night that he is visited by a very unhappy ex-patient. After this encounter, Crowe takes on the task of curing a young boy with the same ills as the ex-patient. This boy "sees dead people". Crowe spends a lot of time with the boy much to the dismay of his wife. Cole's mom is at her wit's end with what to do about her son's increasing problems. Crowe is the boy's only hope.

I remember renting this on video and thought it was a brilliant movie and still is. It is one of those which I wish I could go back and watch it for the first time without knowing the big twist! I am glad that I got to watch it before the days of having spoilers on the internet!

IT! 

In 1960, a group of social outcasts who are bullied by a gang of greasers led by Henry Bowers are also tormented by an evil demon who can shape shift into a clown and feed on children's fears and kill them. After defeating the demonic clown as kids, it resurfaces thirty years later and they must finish it off as adults once again.

Not the new version, the original from the 90's is so much better! My brother and I thought we were so clever, we rented the two videos from the local corner shop. I was about 14 years old and my brother was about 12. It was still in 2 parts back then. My mum did ask what we were watching and we just said a film about a clown. hahaha My brother and I had nightmares for weeks after and I still hate clowns!

Paranormal Activity!

After a young, middle class couple moves into a suburban 'starter' tract house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be somehow demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially when they sleep. Or try to.

Most horror films don't really scare me now but I can't bring myself to watch Paranormal Activity by myself, when it's dark or all the way through in one go. Some horror movies are so ridiculous that you know the things portrayed in them will never happen to you but flickering lights and strange noises do happen and that freaks me out. 

The Exorcist

When young Regan starts acting odd, levitating and speaking in tongues her worried mother seeks medical help only to hit a dead end. A local priest thinks the girl may be seized by the devil. The priest makes a request to perform an exorcism, and the church sends in an expert to help with the difficult job.

The idea of possession is terrifying in itself but a child being possessed adds an extra layer of terror to the story. It really is an oldie but a goodie! 

What is your favourite horror film?

I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for their Friday Favourites.

Escape into autumn with the National Trust during half term.

The National Trust has a whole host of events and activities planned to keep your young explorers busy as the nights draw in and the great outdoors changes into a kaleidoscope of autumnal colour. From Halloween pranks to nature’s treats, this October half term will be jam packed with family entertainment.

On a stroll with your family this October, look for the greatest Autumn colours, go on a leaf hunt to uncover the biggest and brightest leaves, play Top Trunks with your family, enjoy conker battles with friends or head off on a scavenger hunt to see what autumnal treasures you can find.

Discover the spooky side of National Trust places with Halloween themed activities and events, from pumpkin spotting and creepy crafts to ghostly storytelling and spine chilling Halloween trails.

Belton House

Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS.

Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October.

Engage the senses with an autumnal visit to Belton as the Estate provides a stunning backdrop of auburn and gold for your half term adventures. Just like nature, Belton’s collection has transformed over time. Colour match your way around the mansion and discover how we care for the collection as it changes (available Thursday to Monday). Back by popular demand you can pick up your tree trail guide and explore an impressive array of trees in the gardens and parkland. You’ll find lots to enjoy this autumn, including natural art in the Estate Yard, giant Leaf Art to add to and new fungi walks. Or lend a hand on 26th or 27th October, and collect samples from the river Witham, plant spring bulbs, or test out a new basement experience.

Booking your visit is essential. Plan your visit and book via their website.

Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens.

Gunby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire, PE23 5SS.

Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October. (10am – 3pm).

Make a monster at Gunby this Halloween half term. Step into the stables laboratory to design your favourite monster and then explore the gardens to bring them alive. Take part in Monster yoga that’s good for your monsters’ lungs and recite a spell to summon its soul, among many other activities the whole family can enjoy. Have a break from the monster making with a picnic on the lawns surrounded by autumn colour. On Saturday 28th of October from 11am until 2pm the house at Gunby will be transformed into a haunted hall. Explore decorated rooms and meet spooky members of the Gunby team.

Normal admission charges apply. Additional charge for trail. Last admission one hour before closing. For more details visit the Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens website.

Tattershall Castle.

Sleaford Road, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, LN4 4LR.

Wednesday 18th to Sunday 29th October (11am – 3pm).

Dare to tread the ghostly grounds of Tattershall Castle, where spooky surprises await. Purchase a bespoke children’s trail and explore the haunted red brick walls of the Great Tower where a variety of spooky decoration will give you a fun fright along the way. There will be creepy crafting activities to enjoy as a family in the parlour. The grounds are also a perfect place to have an autumnal picnic surrounded by the rustic red colours of the season.

Normal admission charges apply. Addition charge for trail. Last admission one hour before closing. For more details visit the website. 

Woolsthorpe Manor.

Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth, Grantham, NG33 5PD.

Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October

Discover the place where Isaac Newton saw an apple fall from a tree, experimented with refracted light, and tried to solve the system of the universe all before he was 24 years old. A photo by the tree is an essential part of a pilgrimage to Woolsthorpe Manor, made even more special with the autumnal hues and epiphany inspiring apples. Newton was interested in the world around him, and often drew pictures of what he saw, follow in his footsteps and get creative at Woolsthorpe with art materials available during half term. Discover more about young Isaac’s life on the farm on an interactive family tour of the Manor House (bookable), and step into the Science Centre to test out his scientific theories.

Book your visit of the Manor House in advance.

Do you have any days out planned in October?