It probably won’t come as a huge surprise to my readers that I am not a frequent Pottery Barn customer.  But when my dad sent me a link to the above picture which was featured on a Blog we both like, Catalog Living, I immediately wanted my own vase filled with skulls.  Dead things are pretty much the only thing I can keep in vases.  I have an atrocious history with houseplants.  (sidenote: Catalog Living features Catalog snapshots accompanied by snarky commentary from a Second City vet, I highly recommend it).   Anyway, my dad traced the picture back to Pottery Barn (isn’t it great when other people do your work for you?).   To recreate that look, Pottery Barn is selling Mini Skull Fillers, $24 for 6 and 3 ounces of Dead Spanish Moss for $9.  They also sell lots of clear glass vases which are just dying to be filled with dead things.  It turns out Pottery Barn has a good selection of Halloween decorations at a reasonable price.

Halloween Etched Recipe Cocktail Shaker has recipes for four Halloween-themed cocktails on it for $19

Pour your newly shaken cocktail into one of these Bone Martini glasses. A set of 4 is $36

WANT! Skeleton Hand Condiment Set for $49

I especially like this display, and I've been wanting a few Glass Cloches. I never thought of putting books in them before though, that looks really cool. The Glass Cloche is available for $69. The spiders come in 2 sizes starting at $24. The tombstone candle is $8.

To see the rest of Pottery Barn’s Halloween decor, check out their website.

Mictlantecuhtli by Julio E Carrillo

Flash drives have become indispensable tools for anyone using multiple computers, especially students.  But why should something you carry around everyday look boring?  Thanks to MIMOBOT Designer USB Flash Drives, there are some funky, artist designed flash drives available.

MIMOBOT flash drives come in a standard size of 4GB for $34.95, but they can hold up to 16GB for $79.95.

RayD80 and RayD81 mimobot USB Flash Drives

Adios and Ciao Ciao by Tokidoki

MODman designed by Gary Baseman

To see more MIMOBOT Flash Drives visit their website.

Other Cool Flash Drives:

USB Skull Flash Drive from Beboxx for $28

Will Rockwell's Etsy shop offers various steampunkified flash drives such as this Demon Drive with 8GB of memory for $150

Dracula by Bram Stoker for $31.99 Canadian dollars

Postertext creates posters depicting scenes from classical books.  Each poster features the entire text from the book.  According to the website, the text is legible to the naked eye.  Most of the posters measure 20″x24″.  What a cool way to celebrate your favorite book!

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka for $23.99 Canadian dollars

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is 24"x30" for $31.99 Canadian dollars

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum for $34.99 Canadian dollars

One of my all-time favorite books, and one of the more charming posters, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll for $23.99 Canadian dollars

Postertext is also working on a War of the Worlds poster to be released soon.  At some point in the future, they plan to introduce more contemporary literature to the line.  To see the other available posters, visit their website.

Here’s how the project is described: “‘The Raven’ is based on a Hannah Shakespeare/Ben Livingston script set in the last five days of Poe’s life, when a serial killer is running around Baltimore using Poe’s stories as the backdrops to his killings. Poe and a young detective have a ticking clock to outsmart the killer before he kills again.” (via Variety.)  The Hollywood Reporter adds that Poe joins forces with the detective when his fiance is kidnapped, presumably by the serial killer.

Obviously some liberties have been taken with the story.  While there is some mystery surrounding Poe’s death at the age of forty, as far as I and any Poe historians know, there was never a serial killer using Poe’s stories in connection with his crimes.  I’m also fairly certain that Poe didn’t have a fiance at this point in his life.  This film sounds like ‘Shakespeare in Love’ meets ‘Se7en’.  I like both of those films, but I just cannot get on board with this one. It especially irks me that certain entertainment websites are calling this a biopic.

Shooting is scheduled to begin late this fall in Serbia (yeah, because when I think nineteenth century Baltimore I think Serbia).  And if you haven’t heard, the actor signed on to play Poe is none other than John Cusack.

My first thought was how ludicrous!  But on closer examination I can see some resemblances in their features.  They both have dark hair, small eyes, large foreheads and sort of crooked noses.  It’s still hard to imagine a man I associate with charming romantic comedies embodying the disturbed nature of Poe’s final days.  And while I don’t know what Poe’s voice sounded like, I never imagine it to sound like John Cusack’s voice.

I may live to eat all these words.  This film could come out and be completely up my alley.  But for now I see it as another Hollywood train wreck.

Do you share my misgivings or does this sound like something you’ll go see?

Halloween Exclusive watch by "Dirty" Donny Gillies has a limited edition of 100 for $85

Vannen Watches premiered just over a year ago with a simple concept: to marry lowbrow art with a functional object.  The founder, David Stowe, approaches contemporary artists to design unique and affordable watches.  Stowe believes that the watches can broaden the community by acting as a conversation starter and expression of personality.  “If someone buys an art toy, book or print, it sits on their shelf collecting dust only to be seen by people who come to their houses,” Stowe points out. “With our watches, you can show the entire world your taste in art and fashion.”

Happy Creamy Watch by Buff Monster has a limited edition of 500 for $65

Stowe says, “I started Vannen because I wanted to create something special on a personal level while at the same time contributing to the global art scene. I also wanted to be a part of something that was truly a pro-artist experience with some real heart and soul behind it. I was seeing my artist friends get taken advantage of, so I wanted to break that cycle and industry mentality. With Vannen, I set out to build a company based on treating artists with respect and gratitude.” (via Neon Monster Blog)

Mono Escape Watch by Alex Pardee has a limited edition of 500 for $65

Time Waits for No Man Watch by Brian Morris has a limited edition of 500 for $65

The designer of the watch above, Brian Morris had this to say about his watch, “Themes of life and death play a big role in the works that I create. This watch was an excellent opportunity to share my belief that “time waits for no man.” I hope that each time the wearer checks the time they are reminded to make the most of every moment. Time will pass you by if you let it, but the end will not. [Watch design] has its challenges: The shape, materials and functionality were all things I’d not worked with before. The art was created in the same way I produce all of my drawings; it was the application that was real fun part.” (via Cool Hunting)

To see the rest of the watches available, visit the Vannen website.

As they took the podium, Stephen joked that an archaic Emmy law required the trio to make a vampire pun while onstage.  Alexander jumped in, “Stephen, don’t. This is going to be quite painful. Allow me. It is now our bloody thrill —it’s worse than I thought—to present the award for Outstanding Directing in a Miniseries or Movie.” Referencing a moment earlier in the show when presenter Ricky Gervais ranted about the show’s dry policy and then had waiters serve beers to people in the front rows, Alexander added, “We just want to thank Ricky Gervais for the non-alcoholic beer. It was delicious.”

As we reach the last two episodes of season 3 I have to admit that this season has let me down a little.  It’s still my absolute favorite show on air, but I’m frustrated with all the disconnected story lines pulling everyone in different directions.

If I could pick one story to throw clean out this season it would be Jason’s.  In season 2, Jason fell into the trap of the seductive Church of the Sun.  This season, he’s all over the place.  Sometimes he’s trying to be a cop.  Sometimes he’s trying to put the new local football player in his place.  And other times he’s in love with a were-panther/meth dealer that he barely knows.  Crystal and her desperate need to escape from Pot Shot, but also save the citizens of Pot Shot from a drug raid (put into motion by Jason) is so annoying.  And what is a were-panther?  It’s a totally made-up thing as far as I can tell (unlike werewolves which have been recorded throughout history — you can’t hear my tone of voice so I feel the need to say this comment is a bit tongue in cheek.)  While I sympathize with Jason’s vulnerability at the new rising football star beating his old high school record, his self-righteous denigration of V is too hypocritical to get excited about.  I don’t like Crystal.  I don’t like Jason’s obsession with a high school student.  I miss the fun-loving, trouble-chasing Jason of season’s past.

The other stories, even the more minor ones, have a better hold on my attention.  Jessica and Hoyt are back together where they belong.  After coming down from their V high, Lafayette and Jesus are driven apart by Lafayette’s fears that Jesus has a demon inside of him.  Tara confronts Andy Bellefleur about Egg’s death and the subsequent cover-up and he tearfully apologizes.  His quiet performance is heartbreaking and one of the most truthful emotional moments of the episode if not the season.

The other emotional drama involves Arlene’s quest to rid her body of Rene’s spawn.  The spell she and Holly do to bring on a miscarriage almost works, but that evil creation is hanging in there.  Arlene’s fear for her family if she brings Rene’s baby into the world read natural and true, even if there is no evidence that serial killing is a genetic trait.

Meanwhile Sam’s nice guy persona cracks when he goes on a major bender and abuses everyone he comes across.  After being fired and told to get lost, Tommy sneaks back into Merlottes to steal from his big brother.  Little does he know what happened to the last people who tried that…

But the major story line, and the one I really care about, is the menage a trois pull between Sookie, Bill and Eric along with Eric’s quest to destroy Russell.  Sookie escapes Fangtasia’s basement only to be caught again by Eric and Russell and dragged back.  Eric convinces Bill that he has a plan that should give them both what they want.  Sookie will live and Russell will die.  But Sookie thinks Bill is betraying her again.  Why doesn’t it ever occur to her that they have a plan?  She should know by now that Bill would die for her.  Anyway, Eric and Russell drink from Sookie and go outside.  Russell believes Sookie’s blood will protect him from the sun.  And it does.  For a few moments.  It’s touching to see how much it means to the vampires to be out in the sun again.  Russell tells Pam she can’t even fathom what it means to be in daylight after thousands of years of night.  Unfortunately when Russell realizes his vulnerability he’s handcuffed to Eric who tells him to face death with courage.  They will die together.  That Russell will die I’m fairly certain.  Eric, not so much.  It’s hard to worry over this cliff hanger since he’s such a popular character.  Even so, I hate waiting two weeks to see how it plays out.  HBO is not going to air a new episode next weekend because of Labor Day.  Grumbles.

What did you think of this episode?  Which story lines do you want tied up in the finale and which story lines do you hope will carry over into season 4?

Night Vision Surprise Binder by Shanty Shawn for $21.35

Heading back to school?  The only thing I really enjoyed about going back to school each year was picking out new school supplies.  I always got so excited to coordinate my notebooks, binders and folders as if by finding the perfect combination I could guarantee a good year.  I was especially thrilled if I could find an item that reflected my personality such as a notebook with a skull and crossbones or a folder with a glittery design.  I wish that these Zazzle custom printed binders were around because they make school supplies even more fun.

Zazzle’s binders are much more expensive than regular binders with most priced around $20.  But if you consider that you’ll be using them all year long and find one that really expresses your style it might be worth it to you.

Strangeling's Zazzle Shop has tons of great binders like this one called Delicate Bones for $20.10

Cute Vampire Bunny Rabbit Binder by Bawling Bunny on Zazzle for $20.95

Nightmare Shadows Binder by azure_iolite for $18.95

Purple Evil Skulls Binder by The Hopeful Romantic (check out some of their other skull binders too) on Zazzle for $18.95

Maybe Myka Jelina's Gothic Fairy Binders are more to your taste. This is Mia Gothic Victorian Cat Fairy Binder for $21.35

Trapped by smangieri for $21.35

The Headless Horseman Oil Painting by Joseph Holodook

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of my favorite classic ghost stories.  First written and published by Washinton Irving in 1820, the story relates the tale of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane, who hopes to win the hand of local beauty Katrina Van Tassel.  His hopes are dashed when he’s chased out of town by the Headless Horseman and vanishes forever.  The story leaves it up to interpretation whether the Horseman is a true specter or a prankster after Katrina, but I prefer to think of him as the ghost of a decapitated Hessian soldier.  In most visualizations, the Horseman appears in all black carrying a jack o lantern in place of his lost head.

Headless Horseman Costume from Wonder Costumes for $35.88

The above ready-made costume is the most widely-available Headless Horseman costume.  I think we can go more sinister.  You might consider buying this costume since it has a built-in head cover, but then supplementing it with a better cape, riding boots and breeches.  Or you can start from scratch.

Made-to-order Men's Vest Black Gothic Victorian by KM Kostumes on Etsy for $90

Long Black Cape (I'd cut the hood off or at least leave it down) from Totally Costumes for $31.99

Janissewcrazy creates incredible made-to-order Capes and Cloaks for her Ebay shop Costumes By Design. Pictured is her Headless Horseman Cape Cloak for $195.

Men's Devon-Aire Cool Cotton Riding Breeches in black from Dover Saddlery for $67.80

Men's Continental Rubber Riding Boot from Dover Saddlery for $36.90

Black Pale Rider Boot from Gentleman's Emporium for $249.50

Deerskin Black Gauntlets from Leather Gloves Online for $59.95

Since this mask leaves the shoulders and upper chest naked, you'll have to devise a shirt and or cape to cover it. The eye-holes are in the neck. Neck Stump Halloween Mask from Nightmare Factory for $79.75

There are several ways to make your own headless costume.  One common technique is to take a rolling backpack, lift the extended handle, and use that as the base to build the outfit around.  You’ll need a shirt larger than you normally wear and padding to attach your new shoulders to your real arms.  Other materials people find useful include cardboard and foam.  See some more detailed instructions by scrolling halfway down this Coolest Homemade Scary Halloween Costume page.

You can wear a mask like this one or carry a carved pumpkin. I love the teeth on this Deluxe Jack Pumpkin Latex Halloween Mask from Lord Grimley's Manor on Ebay for $99.99

By the way, there’s no reason why this costume couldn’t be for a Headless Horsewoman.  What do you think?  Do you have a favorite character from the realm of horror that you would like to see recreated in costume form?

Twilight Twinkle Light Up Adult Costume from Buy Costumes for $56.99

While it’s true that I love dreary above all else, like a raven, I have a big weakness for sparkles.  Last year was the first Halloween that I noticed several fiber optic enhanced costumes for women.  The trend continues this year, with even more costumes on the market that harness battery power to sparkle.

Switch Witch Adult Costume from Buy Costumes for $52.99

Other new light-up costumes available from Buy Costumes include a Tinker Bell, a Blue Butterfly, a sailor, a goddess, Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts.

It’s so unfair that the above “Shock Therapy” costume only comes in boys’ sizes.  I want one!  Child’s Shock Therapy Costume, Small available through Amazon for $32.99

Light Up Accessories:

Flashing Multicolor Fingernails, 5 for $12.50 from Shop4tech

Light up LED Respirator Gas Mask by Cyb3rburn on Etsy for $34.99

Cute! Pleaser Kiss 209LT5 Womens 6 inch Heel Light Up Skull Platforms from Street Moda for $56.99

Art of Wing's Light Up LED Branch Wings come in several colors such as the Red and Black shown for $175

Have you worn a fiber optic costume?  What kind of reactions did you get?  Do the parts with lights on them get warmer at all?

Vampire Bite Choker by gildedmoon on Etsy for $18

Trying to attract a vampire but have an aversion to pain or simply don’t want to waste the blood?  Show the color of your insides with one of these beautiful pieces:

Gorgeous! Slit Throat Necklace by AngelHeartBeads on Etsy for $26

Lovely Swarovski Teardrop Necklace by lilyladyblue on Etsy for $38

Careful My Boyfriend's a Vampire Necklace by Moodyandsanguine on Etsy for $55

Carrie Baroque Blood drip Necklace by Fable and Fury on Etsy for $75

Look at the stunning bead work on this cuff! Dracula by MythicalAntiquity on Etsy for $95