Although there’s a whole Indian winter situation going on across Europe right now, you’d still be forgiven for wanting to chase some last minute sunshine (or book a holiday for 2023) as the days grow shorter and darker. If this sounds like you, Greece should probably be on your radar.

While a hotel stay can be the epitome of luxury, there’s nothing quite like a beautiful villa to indulgently soak up some sunshine and chill poolside. Furthermore, what’s more luxurious than gorgeous Greek architecture and infinite privacy?

With properties all over the country, The Greek Villas is your one-stop shop for a higher tier holiday – particularly when compared to the average Airbnb. I visited one of the stunning homes in Corfu – Villa Daniela – which had recently undergone an exterior rennovation and enjoyed a little blitz break amid the approach to winter.

Corfu

Corfu is a popular Greek island among holidaymakers and I certainly remember many school friends of mine over the years excitedly talking of their family trips to the destination.

Shamefully, my own experience of visiting the island is restricted to a pre-university clubbing holiday in Kavos. So, essentially, let’s say I hadn’t been to Corfu before this trip.

Corfu is a beautiful island – and a large one at that. Our villa was situated in Agios Stefanos, surrounded by gorgeous greenery and overlooking a stretch of blue – about an hour’s drive from Corfu Town.

However, the beauty of booking the Greek Villas is that the team can easily organise a transfer to the town centre, along with a knowledgeable tour guide to take you around the hot spots.

Spiridoula from Corfu Holidays Direct was so informative, taking us to key locations such as the Holy Monastery of Vlacherna and showing us nearby Mouse Island. We also visited the birthplace of the late Duke of Edinburgh, Mon Repos – where we strolled through the estate and toured the marble-floored Palaiopolis Museum with gorgeous views of the ocean.

We wandered the streets of Corfu Town, stopping off to look at the Old Fortress – before heading to lunch. Avli is a typically Greek restaurant, serving traditional dishes under a leafy green terrace, overlooking the sea, and a spot I would highly recommend after an afternoon of sightseeing and souvenir-shopping.

Villa design

The villa has a contemporary Greek style in its architectural design and interiors. The six-bedroom property sits on a hillside, therefore offering beautiful panoramic views across the Ionian sea. The perfect place to gaze out onto the mountainous landscape of Albania – yes, Albania – with a glass of Greek wine…

Aside from the poolside terrace, there’s another level with sofas and a dining table, meaning guests can enjoy these stunning vistas throughout the day and in whatever style they choose. The outdoor living space has just recently been renovated, featuring comfortable sofas and lounge beds and a dining table for outdoor entertaining.

The interior living space is light-filled and clean-lined, with gorgeous raffia and wood furnishings in neutral tones. Large sliding doors connect the lounge area to the outside, while the bedrooms all offer views via windows or a terrace of their own to the front or back of the property.

Greek cuisine

Greek food is one of the best out there, in my opinion. I love the variety – feta, fish, meat, salad – it’s all fresh, made with love and leaves a huge smile on my face every time.

Feta is a lifestyle and I was sure to make sure that the private chefs at Villa Daniela knew my thoughts on the blessed cheese. Yes, that’s right – the property comes with a private chef as part of the package and everything we ate was absolutely divine.

From the most beautifully-cooked, tender pork I’ve ever tasted to cucumber with kiwi and beef tartare; all meals were creative, delicious and wonderfully-presented. The chefs can cook up anything you wish, including traditional Greek recipes such as ‘Pastitsada’, a Greek dish consisting of pasta (usually bucatini) with braised meat in a spicy tomato-based sauce – as well as freshly-caught sea bass or sole, in a lemon butter sauce.

At the previously-mentioned Avli restaurant in Corfu, signature dishes included baked feta in a spicy tomato sauce; ‘Soutzoukakia’ which are spicy oblong-shaped meatballs in a spiced tomato and cumin broth; freshly-grilled prawns in garlic and the perfect Greek salad. Bathe me in feta – I won’t complain.

A personalised itinerary

If you wish to just lounge and live the lavish lifestyle in your Greek villa – you can. However, if you like to mix up your pool time with a few activities, that’s an easy option too.

The Greek Villas can organise pretty much everything and anything for guests: from sail boating the Ionian sea to wine tasting and beach picnics. We opted to have Villa Daniela turned into a spa for the afternoon, indulging in beautiful facial treatments and aromatherapy massages. Well, relaxing for some. Some of us chose to be brave (read, foolish) and go for a deep tissue massage. While it was clearly very necessary, it was so painful and I don’t think I’ve ever felt as though in a state of calm and distess simultaneously.

Jokes aside, the team at Aurelia Spa were fantastic and I can only just apologise to my masseuse for putting her through the stress of ironing out my knots. I will strive to sit at my desk better and not haunch over my laptop on the sofa. I’ll try. I was able to sprightly saunter off to a table of Chef Fevus’ famous snacks. It was a happy day.

We also partook in a cooking class, making our own tzatziki – which we then ravenously devoured with crisps (Greek chip and dip, for the win) – as well as rolling our own dolmadakia. The stuffed vine leaves do remind me of healthy, Mediterranean spring rolls and it was the perfect entertaining activitiy for a slow Sunday evening. Even more entertaining thanks to special Chef’s Juice…

Villa Daniela was a dream and having, luckily, had many hotel stays over the years, it really did reignite my love of a more seculded space when it comes to choosing accommodation for a holiday. Right, off to scroll the website for my next Greek getaway.

The Greek Villas Rates

For the season of 2023, Villa Daniela has a starting rate of 10,000 euros per week

Yes, travel resumed quite prominently in 2022 but that doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to the humble staycation.

In fact, with more people having become pet owners and there being a larger focus on sustainable travel, local travel has become more popular and Scotland is top of many people’s bucket lists.

With beautiful scenery, many people head to the Highlands, but don’t overlook the power of a city break. If you are journeying to Edinburgh or Glasgow, we’ve got some tips for you to take on board.

Where to eat, drink and stay in Scotland

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital has a picturesque feel to it, with a combination of a medieval old town and buzzing modern centre. When you’re done visiting the castle and climbing to Arthur’s Seat, you might need some feeding and watering – and we’ve got you covered.

Where to eat and drink in Edinburgh

Arguably, the best restaurant in Scotland, Ondine definitely offers something special to diners visiting the capital. This seafood restaurant serves up all fresh produce straight from the North Sea – including sizeable oysters, lobster, crab and much more. As we head into the colder weather, tuck into lobster thermidor and shellfish soup.

ondinerestaurant.co.uk

The Hanging Bat is a great watering hole off the beaten path if you’re a craft beer lover. The electic beer list includes some from the bar’s own brewing area with ales that are exclusive to The Hanging Bat. In addition, there is a selection of beers from across the world, as well as various wines, spirits and cocktails.

thehangingbat.com

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Rocco Forte Hotels is celebrating its 25th anniversary – so what better time to book a stay at The Balmoral? With arguably the best address in the city, a regal atmosphere is sensed as soon as you walk through the doors. While not everyone can stay behind the purple door of the J.K. Rowling suite (where the writer famously penned many parts of the Harry Potter books), the other rooms are perfectly comfortable – featuring gorgeous city views and aesthetically-pleasing marble bathrooms.

Definitely indulge in a Full Scottish breakfast the next morning at Brasserie Prince – before you set about your tourist travels around the city. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in Palm Court or dine at Number One, the hotel’s 4 AA Rosette restaurant. With a menu that offers a contempory take on Scottish cuisine, all dishes use seasonal ingredients. Loch Duart salmon, Goosnarch duck and hand-dived scallops are just a few items from its seven-course tasting menu. With a cultured mind and a full stomach, a trip to The Balmoral Spa should not be overlooked, as guests can immerse themselves in this urban oasis, with relaxing treatments.

roccofortehotels.com

Glasgow

Although Glasgow is typically less of a tourist hot spot than Edinburgh, the city should not be overlooked. With gorgeous architecture in the cloisters of the university, plus its overspill of culture via the Scottish Opera, Ballet and National Theatre. It’s also a musical hub.

Where to eat and drink in Glasgow

They say cracking good food and boy do they mean it. Choose from classic crab cakes to a whole one and then order seared scallops and monkfish tail scampi as well. Come hungry as you’ll want to order it all – and neither your tummy or your tastebuds will be disappointed.

crabshakk.co.uk

Aptly named, Hide and Seek is tucked away at the old home of a popular seafood spot. Now serving carefully-crafted cocktails in an elegant bar, there are both the timeless classics and more innovative creations to satisfy the cravings of those who are in search of a tipple.

thehideandseek.co

Where to stay in Glasgow

Overlooking private gardens and the city centre just beyond, this landmark hotel has stunning Georgian architeture which instantly impresses – before your eyes widen at the newly-renovated rooms and suites, all spacious and complete with bath tubs to lounge in after a day of touristing Scotland’s vibrant city.

A five-star hotel emphasises luxury, boasting its AA accreditation. Sadly the spa is closing from 10 November for renovations but THAW, the Winter Spa Garden (the Kimpton’s new outdoor pop-up) is the epitome of tranquility, allowing guests to take a dip in the hot tub before fully immersing yourself in a day of relaxation in the steam room and sauna.

Isag is the hotel’s restaurant, serving up traditional Scottish dishes such as cullen skink, venison haunch and Shetland cod. Other notable plates include trout pastrami, crab and prawn squid ink ravioli and plaice with brown shrimp butter sauce.

kimptonblythswoodsquare.com

Miami is world famous for its nightlife, white sands and good times. And Miami has never shied away from the big and small screen.

In fact, the list of TV shows and films shot in Miami is endless; from Miami Vice, Dexter, True Lies, and Baywatch, to The Godfather Part II, Only Fools and Horses, and not forgetting the legendary CSI: Miami…yeaaaaaaaaaah.

But on my latest adventure, I got up close and personal on the set of the newest adaptation of the 90s classic Father of the Bride. Little Havana is the hub of Cuban culture in Miami, making it a perfect location for Father of the Bride (2022), starring two of the most renowned Cuban-American actors, Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan.

This romantic comedy follows the struggles of a father (Andy Garcia) who is coming to terms with his daughter growing up and ultimately leaving the Cuban-American family nest for good. Gloria Estefan plays opposite him as his heartbroken wife, who has decided that divorce is their only option after months of fighting in couples therapy.

The question is: Can they keep that choice from their huge Cuban-American clan until after the wedding celebrations? Well, I’ll leave that for you to watch and see.

But if you have already enjoyed this delightful film that focuses on the unmatched bond shared between a father and daughter, you’ll know the significance of this domino park I am standing in front of.

Domino Park, Little Havana, is deep-rooted in Cuban culture and was one of the first spots to find its home before Little Havana became what it is today. The scenes in the film where Andy Garcia escapes the family’s trials and tribulations to play dominoes are exactly the scenes you will see each day in real life at Domino Park.

It’s a meeting spot for friends, family and strangers to play, converse and pass the time as a community. In the movie, it signifies a beautiful camaraderie between father and daughter as they both figure out who they are and what they want. But also how important were the efforts of the Cuban people who moved their lives to South Florida in hopes of a better future for their families, much like Andy Garcia’s character reminisces on throughout the movie.

It’s clear Domino Park will always be significant in Little Havana’s history.

And while you’re passing through Little Havana, you must stop by Ball & Chain, a bar that is infamous in itself but that can be spotted in the opening scenes of Father of the Bride.

If you want somewhere where live music echoes through the streets on a Monday afternoon while people dance and sing with one another, having only just met, then Ball & Chain will have your heart in seconds. Plus, the mojitos are simply to die for on a hot Miami day.

And don’t worry if you get peckish; Little Havana is packed full of the most authentic Cuban food you could wish for…but I’ll save those secrets for my next article on culinary capers in Miami.

Stay tuned until then,

Demi x

When you want to try and make the most of the money you have, or you find that the cost of living is having a substantial impact on you, you may feel somewhat anxious. Rather than allowing these worries to consume you, it may be a good idea to consider how you could change your existing habits. This could allow you to free up some of your money, or even help the amount you do have to grow. Changing habits can take some time, and you may have setbacks along the way, but it can certainly be worth it in the end.

Start prioritising saving money

It can be difficult to get into the habit of saving money when you don’t have a great deal available to you in the first place, but it does have its benefits. Rather than opting for an account that has fees and taxes attached to it, you may want to open an ISA which can allow you to save without any associated penalties. Generally, you may have one individual savings account per tax year, which runs until April. A great benefit of this type of account is that you are free to deposit and withdraw as you wish, so long as it doesn’t exceed the cap stated for that year. Should you have a good month, you may wish to deposit more. However, if you have need of that money in an emergency, it would be available to you immediately.

Think about your travel arrangements

Getting to and from different locations in a timely manner can be incredibly important, especially if you need to travel for work. It can be tempting to use a taxi or other private hire vehicle service, but this can get substantially expensive quite quickly, and even continue doing so when stuck in traffic. Opting for cheaper modes of public transport can see you paying a much smaller fee for the same journey. It may even take around the same time, if not quicker. When undertaking short journeys, you may want to think about walking or cycling to your destination to cut out the need to pay altogether.

Make sensible choices with food

Living a busy lifestyle could result in you not having much time at home, or to yourself. Some people find that, in these scenarios, they often rely on takeout for their meals. While this may be incredibly convenient, it can put a significant dent into your budget. Committing to a weekly shop and cooking your own meals can be a lot cheaper. If time is limited, you may instead want to think about making food in batches that can be frozen and then used at a later date.

Managing your money can be important to help you avoid relying on overdrafts or credit cards. Setting up some simple yet effective financial habits, and doing your utmost to commit to them, could allow you far more financial freedom in the future.

People generally prefer diamonds for their jewellery or ornament pieces. Since natural diamonds come in a high price range, people go for lab-grown diamonds. Now, these labs grown diamonds are developed in several methods. Among these, CVD is the most common one. Although CVD diamonds are very common, people have very faint knowledge about them. Let us learn about CVD diamonds to get a deeper understanding of this type of diamond.

Things about CVD diamonds and how they are made

CVD diamonds are known to be the best lab-createddiamonds. CVD is an abbreviation for Chemical Vapour Deposition. It is considered to be the best method for the development of lab-grown diamonds. To say it simply, CVD is nothing but a type of lab-grown diamond. These diamonds have different synonyms namely synthetic diamonds, cultured diamonds and engineered diamonds. These CVD diamonds are prepared so perfectly that they look identical to real diamonds. Differentiating a natural diamond from a CVD diamond can be a challenging task for anyone. Apart from their looks which fall under the physical characteristics, they share similar chemical properties.

CVD diamonds are prepared in the laboratory by the chemical vapour deposition process. A minor diamond seed is chosen and kept in a closed chamber. The closed chamber is then heated to 800�, and the whole chamber is flooded with carbon gas. The carbon molecules start attaching to the diamond seed. This process is repeated until the formation of a full diamond.

Similar to natural diamonds, CVD diamonds are graded for their clarity, cut, colour and other details. CVD diamonds are certified to be authentic diamonds by renowned labs namely IGI and GIA. Now, you may wonder where you can get these? Well, the best place to buy lab-grown diamonds for cheap is Rare Carat.

CVD v/s natural diamonds

Though CVD diamonds have similar properties, they have differences too. The differences are listed below:

·CVD diamonds have very less tension and structural flaws in comparison to natural diamonds.

·CVD diamonds are cheaper than real diamonds.

·CVD diamonds come with a vast range of aesthetics as compared to natural diamonds.

·CVD diamonds are environment friendly whereas natural diamonds are not.

Real vs lab diamonds

For a better understanding, the differences between real and natural diamonds are listed below:

·Real diamonds occur naturally that is their origin is in mines whereas lab diamonds are created in laboratories by human beings.

·Real and lab-grown diamonds have different patterns of infrared absorption and fluorescence.

ï Lab-grown diamonds come in an affordable range than real diamonds.

·The method of creating lab-grown diamonds is more sustainable in comparison to real diamonds. Therefore lab-grown diamonds are eco-friendly.

·The resale value of a natural diamond is more than that of the lab-grown diamonds.

·The origin of natural diamonds remains unknown but in the case of lab-grown diamonds, the origin is traceable.

A brief about Rare Carat

When it comes to buying authentic man-made diamonds, Rare Carat is the ultimate destination for all diamond lovers. Rare Carat Lab Grown diamonds are all GIA certified as per the 4Cs of the diamond buying guide. The further website also offers free gemologist testing to maintain thorough transparency with its customers. In 2016, the company was first introduced by Forbes and later was recognized by several leading media groups like New York Times, CNBC, USA Today and many more.

Currently, the company has 4.9 out of 5 ratings in Trustpilot and Google Business Profile. Such positive reviews are the result of their customer-centric approach and clarity & honesty regarding their diamonds. The website offers an end-to-end Diamond buying guide based on the 4Cs to save both time and money for their customers.

Conclusion

Lab-grown diamonds and real diamonds are more or less the same when it comes to their chemical and physical composition. However, it is difficult to get a good quality natural diamond at an affordable price. You can easily get lab-grown diamonds in an affordable range with customized aesthetics. Rare carat lab-grown diamonds are the best-synthesised diamonds in the market. It provides the best deals on CVD diamonds. Additionally, you can get these diamonds in various shapes to meet different jewellery needs.

Whether you are looking to fill your home with autumnal blooms or planning a festive table for Christmas, take inspiration from luxury couture floral company, Grace Floral London.

Taking creative cues from art works and key fashion trends, Co-Founders, Halla Al Saad and Diana Bilenkon design environmentally minded, bespoke compositions. The brand prides itself on their sustainability and all their ideas keep true to their ethics of respecting the global planet. They work with seasonal flowers from UK growers using recycled paper whenever possible.

With clients like Harrods, Christies and Chelsea Flower Show, these guys have their finger on the creative button. Diana can be found most mornings in the studio having returned from the flower markets, experimenting, and trying new techniques with the flowers sourced, resulting in chic floral masterpieces.

Offering fresh and dried arrangements, Grace Floral London create stunning, stylish creations which can be delivered to your home within 48hrs (within London and the surrounding area).

Halla and Diana shared their expert tips for creating epic displays and arrangements with House of Coco.

Pick a theme

Consider your surrounding decor. Tablescapes work best if they complement their surroundings, so choose a colourway, materials, china and glassware that complement the decorations throughout the rest of the space.

Choosing flowers

Consider the shape of your table. Round tables look good with big centrepieces and square long tables look better with a few numbers of small arrangements.

Don’t just stick to traditional vases. Let your creativity run free. If you don’t have any special vases or a big selection to choose from, you can use everyday items in your house, even a salad bowl.

It’s all about accessories

When it comes to your arrangement consider textures and using lots of accessories. For example, layering different table linens will add different dimensions to the tablescape.

Create different heights. Build up height right from the base, making use of placemats, dinner plates, decorative plates and glasses of varying heights.

Sloane Stationery

Offering stunning notebooks made entirely to order by classically trained bookbinders, Sloane Stationery adds a luxury touch to putting pen to paper. The brand also makes diaries, photo albums, planners and book covers, all with excellent eco credentials.

Sloane Stationery products are entirely vegan – the cover material is made using sustainable vegan leather and the FSC-certified paper inside the books is laid in a family-owned mill in Florence, Italy. Plus a minimum of 10% of all profits are donated to environmental causes. For 2022 the brand partnered with the Jane Goodall foundation.

Find out more: sloanestationery.com.

Ponderlily

Ponderlily offers sustainable gifts and planners with no compromise on stylish, colourful design. We love the way they include space to set positive intentions, re-prioritise and celebrate progress in each planner.

Ponderlily’s pretty stationery is made with recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. Their packaging is recycled and biodegradable too.

Find out more: ponderlily.com.

Cesca

Cesca offers vegan, handcrafted notebooks and lifestyle accessories. They are all made in the UK and can be personalised. They are also really affordably priced give how beautiful and well-made they are.

All Cesca notebooks are made with vegan materials combined with recycled or sustainably sourced paper.

Find out more: cesca.co.uk.

Taking good care of your skin is usually easier during the summer, but it’s just as important to make sure you’re looking after your precious skin throughout the winter months too. If you’re not quite sure how to make your winter skincare routine work, then you’re in the right place! We’ve created a list of useful tips and tricks to help you keep your skin looking its best all winter long.

Taking good care of your skin is usually easier during the summer, but it’s just as important to make sure you’re looking after your precious skin throughout the winter months too. If you’re not quite sure how to make your winter skincare routine work, then you’re in the right place! We’ve created a list of useful tips and tricks to help you keep your skin looking its best all winter long. Plus, if you find you need to buy new items for your new skincare routine but you’re also on a budget, we suggest you check out this Sephora discount code to help you save some cash. In the meantime take a look at our list of suggestions and advice and all of these things combined should help you achieve healthy and happy skin:

• Water Temperature

When you wake up on a chilly winter morning, it’s often very tempting to seek the warmth of a hot shower or hot water to wash your face. However, this can have a negative impact on your skin in general, and especially your face. Hot water dries your skin so rapidly that unless you moisturize immediately afterwards, your skin could develop various problems including eczema. It’s not a good idea to use cold water either, so lukewarm water is the ideal solution.

• Sun Protection

You probably forgot about sun protection as soon as the summer season ended but this is another important factor. Even during winter days, the sun can be strong enough to require an adequate amount of SPF. It may feel strange, since you’re covering up with hats, gloves, and everything you can find to keep warm but if you’re spending time outdoors on a sunny day, make sure you protect your face from the harmful UV Rays. If you want to brush up on your sunscreen knowledge, you can consult the official NHS Guidelines online.

• The ideal routine

Although the specific products you need may vary according to your individual skin type, one important rule to follow is that routine is key, and sticking to a regular daily routine will work wonders for your skin. It’s recommended to cleanse your skin twice a day, usually in the morning and evening, and apply a moisture in the morning after washing your face. Before you go to bed at night, you can use the same moisturiser or go for an overnight cream to keep your skin hydrated while you sleep.

• Food & Drink

The connection between a healthy diet and healthy skin is not to be underestimated. Firstly, staying properly hydrated is just as important during the winter months as the summer, so make sure you don’t forget to keep up with the recommended amount of water daily. Similarly, lots of the vitamins and minerals our skin requires come directly from the food we eat so maintaining a healthy diet is not just good for your overall health but also for your skin. The most important nutrients for healthy skin are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A as well as a healthy amount of protein, selenium, and zinc.

What are the best moisturisers?

Again this depends on your skin type but as a general rule many skin experts recommend using a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid and ceramides for the best possible moisturisation. There are lots of different moisturisers to choose from and they come in many different forms, such as gels, emollients, and creams. You can try to test different ones to see what suits your skin best, or you can consult a beauty expert to advise you. Alternatively, you can also check this article from The Guardian Magazine for useful recommendations, reviews, and advice.

Do you like scary movies?

That movie quote had me not answering the phone after dark for many years in fear that I’d be starring in my own horror film.

As it’s certified spooky season and as House of Coco’s film and telly buff, I’ve weaved a web of blood-curdling classics and some charmingly creepy family watches to have your Halloween weekend brimming with fear.

Here’s your Halloween Weekend Watchlist:

The Haunted Mansion

This is a cracker: As a kid, I was obsessed with the Haunted Mansion at Disney World, and I was sad not to visit on my recent trip to Orlando (more on that coming soon!), but I indulged in The Haunted Mansion film on Disney+ this week. Any movie with Eddie Murphy is sure to pack a barrel of laughs, and this one comes with a fair few haunts too.

If you’re into sinister Butlers who are up to something and mysterious ghouls with unfinished business, The Haunted Mansion is where it’s at. It’s a fun family watch and an easy lone watch if you don’t quite feel like having sleepless nights.

There’s also a 2023 adaptation in the works because Disney love repurposing their classics – Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Winona Ryder, Dan Levy and Jamie Lee Curtis are rumoured to be cast, so I’ll report back next year on how this new story ranks against the original.

There’s no denying it’s a star-studded cast; let’s hope they can fill Eddie Murphy’s shoes!

Streaming on Disney+

Hocus Pocus 2

I’m going to level with you; I haven’t watched the first Hocus Pocus movie or the second – I know, lock me up and throw away the key! How I managed to navigate my entire childhood without indulging in the brilliance of Bett Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy is beyond me.

However, with the release of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+ this year, I think it’s time to break that spell, and you should too – though, at this point, I’m assuming I’m one of three people who hasn’t yet seen it!

The first film was released in 1993 and is a fantasy comedy that follows the dynamic yet wicked trio after they accidentally resurrect a teenage boy (as you do). Twenty-nine years later, the Sanderson Sisters have been resurrected to wreak some havoc, and revenge is on the menu. That sounds like my idea of a good time!

Both movies are streaming on Disney+.

Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

The one everyone’s been talking about, and for a good reason. This is one strictly for the strong stomached of you; if you can make it past the first episode, congratulations, you’ve clearly digested too many true crime documentaries (no pun intended).

Dahmer is the life story of one of the most prolific serial killers in American history, Jeffery Dahmer and is told from the perspective of his victims. This isn’t a show for the faint-hearted, and it deals with real-life events, albeit through the gaze of an adapted fictional narrative.

Dahmer is a 10-episode mini-series that you can surely binge over Halloween weekend, and Evan Peters (American Horror Story) gives one of his most chilling performances to date – and he’s done a few at this point.

I’d advise staying away from the snacks during certain points, though – you’ll understand why.

Streaming on Netflix

The Haunting of Bly Manor

If you loved The Haunting of Hill House, released in 2018, you must watch The Haunting of Bly Manor. Bly Manor did crawl onto our screens in 2020, but I think it’s worth adding to any Halloween list for years to come.

Following the new hire of an American nanny at a gothic English manor, Bly Manor is an aesthetically rich romance drama full of twists and turns to the very end. It features some exceptional performances from Victoria Pedretti and the magnificent Rahul Kohli. Even though it will leave you feeling on edge, it also makes you feel rather warm inside – love a story with layers!

Streaming on Netflix

Jeepers Creepers

If you’re looking for the heebie-jeebies and to gain a fear of road trips, why not treat yourself to a night in with Jeepers Creepers?

I first watched this as a kid (thanks, Dad!), and it scared the daylights out of me. It’s a simple thriller/horror that will have you guessing “WTF?” the entire way through. It gives Predator mixed with Silence of the Lambs vibes and will have you questioning every desolate church you see on your travels.

Released in 2001, Jeepers Creepers is a bit of a cult classic to this day – “Every 23rd Spring For 23 Days, It Gets To…Eat”.

EAT WHAT? Ah, now that would be telling. Give it a watch and find out!

Available on Amazon Prime

Dawn of the Dead

Okay, so following on from the “films that scarred me as a child”, zombie movies have consistently ranked the highest in terms of not being able to sleep ever again after watching.

For some reason, the 2004 remake of George A Romero’s Dawn of the Dead left me questioning the existence of humanity. It also led me to hide my DVD copy in the fridge, like Joey’s copy of The Shining in Friends.

Zombies, to me, have always been the most realistic ghoul and, therefore, the scariest – and I’m not talking about the ones that crawl out of the ground. I’m talking about the ones that can run and rip you to pieces, like the Dawn of the Dead ones.

Set in a shopping mall in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, the original film was a statement on the consumeristic nature of humanity – I anticipate we’ll see a similar story about our use of social media soon.

I’m still not over my irrational fear of zombies, so I won’t be watching Dawn of the Dead anytime soon, but it’s a cult classic for cheap thrills that should be on your list this Halloween.

Available on Amazon Prime

The Return of the Living Dead

A comedy. Depending on how you feel about the undead.

I completely forgot about this film until I was compiling this mini-list, and then I remembered how much I loved and simultaneously hated this movie. The Return of the Living Dead is one of the greatest films of its genre, horror-comedy, and if you don’t believe me, check out its 91% Rotten Tomatoes score.

My friends and I were obsessed with this film when we were teenagers, mainly because we couldn’t determine if it was serious or a spoof – which somehow makes it even funnier.

Looking back, it’s quite clearly a comedy, but it’s still creepy as all hell.

Released in 1985, The Return of the Living Dead follows a bunch of teenage delinquents who get caught up in the aftermath of a medical supply warehouse spilling vapours that cause the dead to rise as zombies.

To quote the original movie advertisement, “they’re back from the grave and ready to party!”.

Available on Amazon Prime

I love horror as a genre, and I could make a never-ending list of spin-tingling films and shows, but for now, these will have to do.

Whatever you’re up to this Halloween, make it outrageous and remember, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy!

Demi x