In case you don’t know your Zodiac sign, here is a list. There are 12 Zodiac signs, each based on your birthday.

Aquarius- January 20 to February 18

Pisces- February 19 to March 20

Aries- March 21 to April 19

Taurus- April 20 to May 20

Gemini- May 21 to June 20

Cancer- June 21 to July 22

Leo- July 23 to August 22

Virgo- August 23 to September 22

Libra- September 23 to October 22

Scorpio- October 23 to November 21

Sagittarius- November 22 to December 21

Capricorn- December 22 to January 19

Here is what I think your Halloween costume should be based on your Zodiac Sign!

Aquarius- Rainbow Fish from Rainbow Fish

Pisces- Cherub

Aries- Snoopy from “Charlie Brown”

Taurus- Mavis from “Hotel Transylvania”

Gemini- Subway Surfer

Cancer- Mermaid

Leo- Draculara from “Monster High”

Virgo- Glinda from “Wicked”

Libra- Astrid from “How to Train Your Dragon”

Scorpio- Pirouette Clown

Sagittarius- Butterfly

Capricorn- A Minion

Hopefully, this list kickstarts your costume planning; some can even be a part of a group costume. Have a happy Halloween!

Oh, and if you’re staying in this year, check out this list of Halloween movies to watch!

Shop interesting costumes here!

The post What Your Halloween Costume Should be Based on Your Zodiac Sign appeared first on GirlSpring.

“Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps:

This song might sound familiar, and that is because it was played on the show Wednesday. I like this song because it is a little spooky, but also groovy.            

“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell:

This song’s lyrics are perfect to get anyone in the Halloween mood because I think we can all agree that it is extremely creepy to feel like someone is watching your every move. I also have the sped-up version of this song on the playlist, as it adds a cool spin to the same great song.

“Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads:

This song has a kind of grunge feel that not all spooky songs have, and I am here for it! This song is special because the lyrics are not the only thing that makes this song so good. The music, especially the guitar and bass, makes this song really stand out for the season. 

“Fearless” by Olivia Holt:

When you look this up, you may notice that it is, in fact, from a Disney Channel movie. Don’t let that deter you because Disney Channel songs are bops! Trust me when I tell you that this song does not disappoint. I would also recommend the movie this song is from, called Girl vs. Monster.

“Haunted Heart” by Christina Aguilera:

This song is insane because it is a jazzy song, and I would compare it to an Amy Winehouse song. There is so much grit in Christina Aguilera’s voice, and that makes the song really shine. This song is in the cartoon film version of The Addams Family, made in 2019.

“This is Halloween” by Danny Elfman:

You know I had to throw in a classic song from an iconic Tim Burton movie. This song is from the beloved film The Nightmare Before Christmas. I love this song because it is creepy and fun.

“My Family” by Migos, KAROL G, Snoop Dogg, and Rock Mafia:

This song was also featured in the 2019 version of The Addams Family. This is a modern twist on the classic Addams Family song. I love this remake because it is so much fun to listen to. 

This concludes the list of some of my favorite Halloween songs. I hope that some of these songs get added to your spooky playlist this Halloween.

Find out what music genre you are here!

The post My Halloween Song Line-Up appeared first on GirlSpring.

Go to a pumpkin patch.

The epitome of fall is picking pumpkins, wandering through corn mazes, and drinking apple cider at a local pumpkin patch. Bring a friend, partner, or your family along for a super fun, crisp afternoon!

Decorate your house.

Decorating is the perfect way to get into a festive mood, whether you are decorating for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just the autumn season. Depending on your budget, you can either try to DIY some decor or make a trip to the shopping centers. Decorating is what sets the vibe for the rest of your holiday season.

Watch a movie.

Fall is the perfect season to set up an outdoor projector and binge your favorite fall films! Whether you are a horror fan or prefer a cozier alternative, enjoying a movie under the beautiful changing leaves is a fun way to spend an autumn evening. Need movie recommendations? Check out this article for ideas!

Visit a spooky attraction.

Halloween is my favorite part of the fall season. Haunted houses are perfect for groups who like the adrenaline rush and can handle the frights. If you are a bit of a scaredy cat, haunted trails may be a better option for you than a full-on haunted house, and they are great to go to with your family!

Carve pumpkins.

Of course, what would fall be without carving pumpkins?! Some love to make it a competition to see who can carve the best pumpkin, while others may prefer a chill craft night. Carving isn’t the only way to decorate your pumpkin patch pick—painting pumpkins is a super fun and less messy alternative!

Have a game night.

While game night is not a fall-exclusive activity, what better weather is there than a crisp autumn night to stay in, eat snacks, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition with your family and friends?

Try new seasonal recipes.

Fall brings a plethora of warm, cozy seasonal flavors, like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and other spices. Most importantly, it marks the beginning of soup and pie seasons. There are tons of new recipes on TikTok or Pinterest that incorporate these warm flavors into interesting dinner or dessert ideas. Trying recipes is an excellent activity because the cooking part is fun, and there is something yummy to eat when you’re finished.

Throw a Friendsgiving.

Fall is for family, friends, and spending time with those you love. Thanksgiving is soon, but friends can be just as important as family, so celebrate with your besties over a potluck of savory dishes and sweet treats. Show off your party planning skills with fall-themed games and crafts!

Watch a football game.

Sports fanatic or not, football is the game of the season. Hanging out with your friend, cheering on your team, and listening to the band while enjoying a concession stand snack is a perfect way to spend a Friday night. If you like the game, you can watch it on most sports networks nearly every day of the week.

Take a hike.

Cooler weather and beautiful leaves make for the perfect hike. A mountain hike is the ideal way to watch as the leaves change from deep greens to bright yellows, oranges, and reds. Birds migrate in early fall, so this is also the prime time for bird watching! Spend some time outdoors and enjoy the last days of fall weather before winter comes.

The post Fun Fall Activities appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. “Pumpkinheads” by Rainbow Rowell

It’s clear from the title that this graphic novel is perfect for getting into the Fall mood. “Pumpkinheads” is about two seasonal best friends Deja and Josiah. They both work at what they believe to be the best pumpkin patch in the whole world every autumn. They only get to see each other once a year on Halloween, when their friendship rekindles. However, this Fall is different. Since Deja and Josiah are seniors, this will be not only their last time working on the pumpkin patch together, but probably the last time they will see each other again. Instead of moping, they decide to make their last Halloween an adventure they will not forget. Although I don’t normally read graphic novels, this is one surprised me! It’s one of the best ones I have ever read. It’s a simple yet sweet story of friendship that takes place in Fall at a pumpkin patch, making it perfect for the Autumn and Halloween season. 

2.“The Night Circus” By Erin Morgenstern

This book is a perfect mix between fantasy and adventure, making it a great Fall page turner. Les Cirque des Reves is no ordinary circus: It appears seemingly out of thin air! It is there and then gone all within a night. As you might have expected, it’s only open at night. Under a big circus tent, a competition is at full force. Celia and Marco compete in a harsh game they have been training for their whole lives, and only one can win. Though romance sparks between them, the game must go on. Who will win and how will love prevail? When I read this book I was surprised at how head turning it is. “The Night Circus” has elements of almost every genre, making it perfect for so many people. The magical feel of this book makes it perfect for Fall. 

3. “Mrs. Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children #1” By Ransom Riggs

This novel is a perfect read for fall because of the spooky and haunted element it brings to the table. Jacob, a 16-year-old boy, discovers photos of peculiar children on a mysterious island. He decides to visit the island after his grandfather’s horrific death to make sense of everything. What he finds on this island and in the orphanage far exceeds what he expected or even imagined. Jacob finds children with all different types of personalities and powers. He also discovers a dark truth, that he and the children are in grave danger. This novel has a haunted aspect that is perfect for Fall. Its captivating pages will make you want to keep reading all the way to the end!

4. “The Silent Patient” By Alex Michaelides

This thriller will keep you up at night in a good way! Alicia has a seemingly normal and perfect life. She is a painter and has a husband, Gabriel, who is a high fashion photographer. One night, Alicia suddenly shoots her husband in the face five times. She refuses to talk about why she did such a thing, leaving the public wanting to know more about what happened. Theo, a psychotherapist, starts to work with Alicia to unravel why she committed the violent act. His obsession with the case begins to consume him until eventually, he goes too far. This novel is perfect for fall because of its thriller aspect. It truly is like no other book I have ever read. 

5. “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” By Laurie Gilmore

Lastly, this book is what I would consider the quintessential Fall read- not only because of the title, but  because of the hint of romance and the scenic picture it paints. Jeanie’s aunt gives her the ownership of the beloved Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Jeanie is overjoyed to run this cafe, a pursuit far better than the mundane desk job that she once had. Logan is a local farmer. Will they fall in love, and if they do, what will it cost them? This is the perfect novel to get you into the Fall mood because of its autumnal location and Hallmark romance!

If you enjoyed reading, you can find more great Fall content here!

The post 5 Best Books That Will Get You Into The Fall Mood appeared first on GirlSpring.

Baking Ideas to Fall For

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything: Let’s start with the undeniable star of the season: pumpkin! Pumpkin spice is a beloved flavor that dominates everything from lattes to desserts. You can’t go wrong with classic pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, or pumpkin spice muffins. So, why not get adventurous and try pumpkin spice donuts or pumpkin cheesecake? The options are endless, and the warm, aromatic spices will fill your kitchen with autumnal bliss.
2. Apple Delights: Secondly, Autumn wouldn’t be complete without apples, and they make for amazing baked treats. Try making a classic apple pie or something a little different like apple crisp or apple cider donuts. If you’re feeling ambitious, take on the challenge of creating a stunning apple roses tart. The sweet and tangy flavor of apples perfectly complements the cool October air.
3. Spooky Cookies: Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with spooky cookies? Get creative with sugar cookies, cut them into Halloween-themed shapes, and decorate with vibrant royal icing. Ghosts, pumpkins, witches hats, and black cats are always popular choices. You can also make spider web designs using melted chocolate or black icing. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults.
4. Caramel Creations: Caramel is a quintessential autumn flavor. How about whipping up a batch of homemade caramel apples or caramel stuffed brownies? If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combinations, you can make salted caramel chocolate chip cookies. The gooey, buttery goodness of caramel is an October must.
5. Cozy Breads: With cooler weather settling in, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Try making a rustic, no-knead Artisan Bread or a comforting Cinnamon Swirl Bread. For a savory twist, consider a Rosemary and Olive Focaccia. Serve these warm with a pat of butter or alongside a steaming bowl of soup.
6. Nutty Delights: Lastly, autumn nuts; like pecans,walnuts, and chestnuts, are in season during October, making them perfect for baking. Pecan pie is a classic choice, but you can also make a batch of walnut and date bars or chocolate pecan cookies. These treats are not only delicious but also packed with the rich, earthy flavors of fall.

Sweet and Spooky Delights

October baking is a delightful way to celebrate the changing seasons and the approaching holiday of Halloween. Therefore, whether you’re crafting charming pumpkin spice creations, embracing the warmth of caramel, or experimenting with spooky cookie designs, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let your creativity shine as you whip up these Fall baking ideas. Your taste buds will thank you and your home will be filled with the inviting scents of autumn. Happy baking!

Check out the link here from Girl Spring contributor Aarvi’s fall drinks to go with all these baked goodies!

The post Sweet and Spooky: Baking Ideas to Fall For appeared first on GirlSpring.

In case you don’t know your zodiac sign, here is a list. There are 12 zodiac signs and they are based on your birthday.

Aquarius- January 20 to February 18

Pisces- February 19 to March 20

Aries- March 21 to April 19

Taurus- April 20 to May 20

Gemini- May 21 to June 20

Cancer- June 21 to July 22

Leo- July 23 to August 22

Virgo- August 23 to September 22

Libra- September 23 to October 22

Scorpio- October 23 to November 21

Sagittarius- November 22 to December 21

Capricorn- December 22 to January 19

Here is what I think your halloween costume should be based on your zodiac sign!

Aquarius- An angel

Pisces- A cowgirl

Aries- A fairy

Taurus- A holographic alien

Gemini- A witch

Cancer- A lifeguard

Leo- A princess

Virgo- A vampire

Libra- A 20’s flapper

Scorpio- A unicorn

Sagittarius- A 60’s hippies

Capricorn- A superhero

I hope that this helps narrow down what your prefect Halloween costume will be. Have a happy Halloween! Oh, and if you’re staying in this year, check out this list of Halloween movies to watch!

Resources:

Https://www.zodiacsign.com

Shop interesting costumes here!

The post What Your Halloween Costume Should be Based on Your Zodiac Sign appeared first on GirlSpring.

Yellow light from the lamposts

Biting wind carrying smells

Of candy and spells

It feels like suspense

Let the trick-or-treating commence

Mask covering her face 

Not even a trace

Grubby hands grabbing lollipops

Chocolate and lemon drops

A brief night of fascination

Halloween: a time of celebration

The post Poem: Cobwebs and Ghosts appeared first on GirlSpring.

When I was younger, I lived in a neighborhood called Pine Meadow. My closest neighbors were an older couple whose names were Tom and Kathy. We used to go over to their house all the time for football games and parties. They would take me and my sister in when my parents went out for date nights.

We are very close to their family. Their niece, Ms.Tiffany practically helped raise me and my sister. 

After my sister and I were finished trick or treating, we would usually go over to their house for a Halloween party. That year, my sister and I dressed up as Susan and Lucy from the Narnia stories. I was Lucy and she was Susan.

Our old neighborhood used to go all out for Halloween. They did hayrides and inflatables in the front yard. And there was this one house that gave out regular size candy bars. Not the “fun sIze” ones that weren’t fun at all because they were smaller.

 Now, I don’t remember all of the specifics of that night but I do remember the feeling. Giddiness, because free candy is every kid’s dream. But I also remember feeling content. Which is a very complex emotion for a six year old at the time. I remember walking up the steps to their house so happy about my candy haul.

I promised myself that I would make it last until Easter. Guess what, it didn’t. I believe it lasted about three weeks.

Well anyway, I was walking up the steps and wasn’t expecting anything when… HOOONNNNNK!!!!!! I jumped so high I almost fell off the steps. And I believe my screams were so high that only dogs could hear them. When the fright had somewhat left me, I searched the patio to see who blew the horn and found Ryan. He is Tiffany’s brother. He was laughing so much that I had to laugh too. And my sister joined in shortly after.

I quickly went inside the house and found Mrs. Kathy who hugged me. After that I just listened to the adults talking and ate my candy (told you it wasn’t going to last long). The memory is a quick one but is so important to me. This is because a big thing that I believe in is this. You have two families in life, one is blood bound, you are born into it and must treasure it.

But the other one might be even more important than the one you are born into, this one is the one you chose, the one you build. This family is made up of friends and people you consider family. This is so important because you get to decide who you want surrounding you. And these people are my family, even if not by blood. 

The post My Favorite Halloween Memory appeared first on GirlSpring.

We all have our own ways of getting in the fall mood, but nothing ever seems to top reading a good book, watching a fall movie, or getting invested in a TV show.

Without further ado, here’s my list of the best books, movies, and TV shows to watch this year to get an autumn or dark academia vibe.

Movies

Knives Out:

This movie was released quite recently (2019). It is an exciting story that takes place in winter, but simultaneously radiates that dark academia and fall feel. 

The story follows a detective trying to solve the murder case of an incredibly wealthy old man. He investigates each member of the family, close friends, and staff members in an attempt to piece the murder together. The movie is fun and light, the family hilariously dysfunctional and the plot twist at the end actually somewhat unexpected. 

Goodwill Hunting:

This wholesome, tear-jerking movie takes place during fall and tells the story of an unwealthy kid, who ends up being a mathematical prodigy. The story is about the main character (Will Hunting) finding his identity and letting go of the things holding him back, through the help of his court-ordered therapist (played by Robin Williams). 

The movie is sweet and wholesome, but also realistic and discusses some pretty important themes. It is the perfect sentimental movie to watch on a foggy autumn day, curled up on your sofa, and drinking hot chocolate. 

When Harry Met Sally:

For all the rom-com lovers out there (myself included), this is not only one of the most well-known rom-coms of all time, but it perfectly captures the fall vibe. The trope of this movie is friends to lovers and it tells the story of two young college graduates who end up in a car together and they argue whether or not men and women can really ever just be friends. After this argument, they run into each other multiple times throughout the years. This story depicts the importance of establishing a firm friendship before pursuing love with someone. 

Almost every time Harry and Sally meet up during the year, it is during the fall, Sally is dressed in her heavy knitted sweaters and hanging out at a cafe. The movie is cozy, warm, comical, and sweet and wrapped together. 

Dead Poets Society:

This list is incomplete without this movie, one that feels so autumnal and captures that dark academia feel. The movie is truly a phenomenal one and its main message is “Carpe Diem,” which means “seize the day,” something the teacher reiterates many times throughout the course of the film. This movie tells the story of an English teacher who tries to push his students to be unapologetic and inspires them through his teaching of poetry. He pushes them to be themselves, rather than try to squeeze into the box of societal norms. The movie has an important message and it tells and beautiful story.

Coraline:

The list is incomplete without this classic. Coraline is the perfect spooky movie. It is not full-on horror, and while it intrigued me more than it scared me, I have friends who still have to watch parts of this movie with their eyes closed. Coraline is a cartoon movie and while it isn’t as tear-inducing or influential as the other movies here, it would be criminal to neglect this film.

Coraline is about a young girl, named Coraline, who has recently moved to a new home. As she explores her new (and somewhat spooky) environment, she find a closet in her home that leads her to an alternate reality that is the same as her own, but some aspects of it are, at least in her mind, better. However, all isn’t as it seems and the other world soon turns into a twisted, dark place that Coraline must escape. The main lesson in Coraline is about appreciating what you have. 

TV Shows

Only Murders in the Building:

A show that came out recently, Only Muders in the Building is modern and exciting, but on top of that, it takes place in a building named “The Arconia” located in New York City. The vibe is immaculate and very fall-y, as the three main characters go around the building creating their podcast where they solve murders that take place in only the building. 

Stranger Things seasons one & two:

Minus the theme of this article, Stranger Things is just an amazing show overall, one that is easy to get into and even easier to stick with. The first two seasons of Stranger Things take place during the fall and winter months in the 80s. The first two seasons of the show combine 80’s style and color with the fall vibe. 

Stranger Things tells the story of a group of friends (spanning all the way from middle schoolers to adults )that navigate a town filled with mysteries and supernatural events. Each season they are solving a different problem. 

The Vampire Diaries:

While the show spans over eight seasons, taking place during various times of the year (not always autumn), The Vampire Diaries captures that dark academia, fall feel. The show takes place in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, full of supernatural history. The main character, Elena, gets caught in a love triangle between two vampire brothers after her parents die in a car crash. 

My personal favorite part of the show is the characters. Elena’s friends, Caroline and Bonnie, her brother Jeremy, and her love interests, Damon and Stefan. Their characters are what make the show so memorable. 

Gilmore Girls:

Does this list even exist without this show? When you find people discussing fall on social media, this show almost always comes up. It is the perfect fall show, and while I love the shows above, nothing tops Gilmore Girls when it comes to capturing that autumn vibe. Set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, which seems to be almost always stuck in the fall, the story follows the mother-and-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory as they navigate love, life, mistakes, and more (over many cups of coffee and hot cocoa, of course). 

Books

The Inheritance Games:

This book is the aforementioned film “Knives Out” if it was a novel, but it is, in my personal opinion, even better. The story is all dark academia, telling the story of an intelligent girl who inherits billions from a man who just passed, even though she has no idea who he is. The catch is that she has to move into the deceased’s home, living with his many sons (or heirs, who are shocked that they aren’t receiving their father’s fortune) as they navigate deadly stakes, family secrets, and a slew of never-ending riddles. 

Serpent & Dove:

Taking place in France in the fifteenth century during the witch trials, this novel tells the story of a strong young woman, Lou, as she navigates constant persecution as a witch. She eventually lands herself in an arranged marriage with a witch hunter. Even though the story takes place in winter, the clothing, the “France in the 1400’s” vibe, the hot chocolate, and the pastries make it all very autumnal and it emanates dark academia. 

The Starless Sea:

Beautifully descriptive, this book is literally a book about books, but not in the way you’d expect. The story is fantasy, where characters are able to step into different books and stories. The story is lush and it feels like you’re standing outside on a chilly fall night in a cozy sweater, staring up at the stars. 

Ninth House:

This book is pure fall and dark academia at its core. Full stop. It is about a girl, Alex, who had a fairly devastating life. Having dropped out of school early, experienced shady drug dealer boyfriends, and dead-end jobs, this is clear. She ends up being the only survivor of a homicide and on her hospital bed, is offered an out-of-the-blue opportunity to go to Yale University, as long as she does research on its secret societies. But as she uncovers secrets, she realizes that things run much deeper than she expected. 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue:

This book takes place partly in the south of France in the 17 and 1800s and in modern-day New York City. It the artsy vibe of New York City and the lush countryside of Southern France perfectly. When you open this book, you want to transport straight to the world — running through the French hills or visiting the museums in New York, an aspiring artist yourself. Safe to say, this author knows what dark academia is. 

The story is about a young girl named Addie, who, in a desperate situation, makes a bargain, making it so that she can live forever, but everyone she meets will forget her. Her story pans across centuries as she tries to learn her purpose and leave her mark in a world that will never remember her. But what happens when she stumbles upon a young man who remembers her name?

The Secret History:

Dark academia? Check. Fall? Check. This book is AMAZING and, on top of that, it truly is peak autumn and fall academia. This book is all plaid jackets and red, yellow, and orange leaves. The story itself is also wonderful. This is a story about a group of misfits taken under the wing of their professor in an elite New England college. But, as the synopsis says, “when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality they slip gradually from obsession to corruption and betrayal, and at last—inexorably—into evil.”

If We Were Villians:

Okay, I am not biased, I swear, but this book may just be my favorite on this entire list, in content, vibes, and just every. single. aspect. of. it. Read this book right now. I am entirely incapable of doing this book justice, so here is its official synopsis: “Oliver Marks has just served ten years in jail – for a murder he may or may not have committed. On the day he’s released, he’s greeted by the man who put him in prison. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what really happened a decade ago.

As one of seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingenue, extra.

But when the casting changes, and the secondary characters usurp the stars, the plays spill dangerously over into life, and one of them is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless.”

Doesn’t that sound amazing? Read this. Read it right now. 

If dark academia piques you interest this time of year, check out this article!

The post Dark Academia Movies, TV Shows, and Books for Fall appeared first on GirlSpring.

Sadly, as you grow older it starts to become weird for you to go door to door demanding candy from strangers.

So instead of trick or treating, you could watch Halloween movies with your friends or family! 

Comedy:

• Haunted Mansion
• Hocus Pocus
• The Addams Family
• Goosebumps 

Family Friendly:

• Coco
• Coraline
• Casper
• Hotel Transylvania
• It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!
• Nightmare Before Christmas

  Horror: 

• Halloween
• Us
• Carrie
• It
• The Shining 

I hope this list gets you in the Halloween spirit! 

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