Seven Reasons to See It Follows

Last summer I saw the best horror film that I have seen in years! It wasn't a remake, it wasn't part of a series, and it wasn't filled with cheap shots left and right. No, this film was scary. It made the fear inside of you grow and made you thank your lucky stars that this is just a movie.

In It Follows you meet a girl named Jay. She lives at home with her mother and sister. She is cute, sweet, and is your typical young girl just trying to get good grades and find a nice guy to date. However, the guy she picks has a bit of a secret. After Jeff has sex with Jay, he knocks her out and ties her to a wheelchair so she has to listen to everything he has to say. He tells her that he passes something onto her. It will cause something to follow her. It could look like someone she knows or a random person, but it will always be coming towards her to kill her and if it kills her, it will come after him next and then to the person who gave it to him. I know what you're thinking and yes, that is one killer STD. I swear, that will be my only joke. After he tries to make her understand what he is telling her he leaves her at her home and disappears. Jay spends the rest of the movie trying to find Jeff and get away from whatever it is.

For those of you who have no idea what the heck I am talking about, I have added the trailer for educational purposes.

Now that you have the basics, I am going to give you my top seven reasons to watch It Follows!

#7 - The Plot is Original

This isn't some cookie cutter ghost story or your average teen scream. Heck! Not a single character has a cell phone that suddenly has no service! In fact, the lack of modern technology in the film is oddly refreshing. You don't have kids running around trying to make the parents believe them because they aren't really around to begin with. I like that it doesn't follow a very simple formula. Sorry, Randy. The rules do not apply in this flick!

#6 - The Monster

The monster in this film is there, but it isn't there. It takes on many different forms. Sometimes people the character knows, other times it is a stranger. Whatever it is, we don't really know. We don't know if it is some evil spirit, a demon, or what. All we know is you it will follow you until it kills you and then it will keep going down the line. We don't know where it came from or how it all started, we just know that it is very real and you had better keep a move on.

#5 - No Gore. No Cheap Shots.

That's right. The shock and scare factors that films like Saw have will not be found in this film. Nope! You might not believe me, but the first three minutes have the goriest part in the entire film. Everything else is suspense and psychological, but still incredibly powerful.

#4 - You Can't Watch It Just Once

This film has stuff hidden all over the place. Was there a person following them that you missed or was it a bystander? There is even a moment where Jay is asked what It looks like and she says I can't tell you. The reason behind that is hidden in the background of her home. There are so many details all over the film that make it even more powerful as you re-watch it... which leads me to my next reason...

#3 - The Flawless Cinematography

Mike Gioulakis is the man behind the cinematography. He is work is very reminiscent of John Carpenter's Halloween and even some of Stanley Kubrick's work. The scenes in this film, even ones that don't seem all that important are rich with detail and a strange beauty that will keep you coming back for more. Now pair that with the music and we are really cookin!

#2 - The Soundtrack

This is an entirely original soundtrack. You won't be finding any top 40 rock songs in this film. What you will find is a score by Disasterpeace that has the feel of a late 70s/early 80s slasher. The last time I listened to a horror film soundtrack this much was back when I was in high school and Queen of the Damned was my world. Not to keep mentioning John Carpenter, but his score for Halloween is very present in this film and also reminds me of Goblin's work on Suspiria. Phenomenal! And yes, it is available to stream on Spotify. You're welcome.

#1 - Maika Monroe as Jay

She killed it. This role was made for her. She is so beautiful without any effort. Watching her go from normal girl to facing her own mortality is really something. You watch her transform to a breaking point. She not only has to fight to understand what is going on and why this is happening, but also has the struggle as to what she should do about it. Does she sleep with someone else and carry the burden of giving this to another person or deal with having to stay on the run for the rest of her foreseeable life? Prior to seeing It Follows, I had also watched another film that Maika is in called The Guest which I also recommend. This girl has a promising career in film and I hope to see her in a few more horror flicks before Hollywood realizes what a gem she is.

I hope you will check out It Follows and share the horror with the ones you love. The family that slays together, stays together! If you have any horror movie recommendations, leave them in the comments below!

Stay sweet and twisted,

Krystal Lake

Krystal Lake and Ipsy's Glam Bag Vol. 2

Alright. I'm back with another review on Ipsy's Glam Bag! For those of you who missed my first review or don't know what Ipsy is, let me give you a quick rundown. Ipsy is a monthly subscription bag. When you sign up for the bag, you answer a bunch of questions about your style, how you look, and what products you might like and you are sent a bag based on this information. The bag is $10 a month and arrives monthly.

Since my last post I have received another Glam Bag from Ipsy, making it my 7th bag from them. In my first blog post on Ipsy, I shared my Glam Bags from June, July and August. In this post I want to share what I received for the last four months of 2015. As in my last post, I will not be reviewing the products, just sharing what I received and whether or not I still use any of the products. So, let's get crackin!

September's Glam Bag Contained the Following:

September's Glam Bag

Ipsy exclusive NYX Eye Shadow Trio
treStique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude
Formula X Nail Color in Ignite
Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
Juvia's Let's Lash Out Lashes in Annabella

I used all the item except for the lashes. Out of the other four products, I still use three of them.

October's Glam Bag Contained the Following:

October's Glam Bag

Delectable's Hand Cream in Coconut and Cream
Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion Skin Exfolicant
Emite Make Up's Professional Slant Tweezers
Dose Nail Polish in Stormy
the Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Commited

I used all five products and still use four of them.

November's Glam Bag Contained the Following:

November's Glam Bag

Luxie Beauty Eye Shadow Pan in No. 290
Crown Brush's Deluxe Pointed Crease Brush - C412
Coolway Strong Hold Spray
Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics Liquid Gossamer Liquid Luminizer
Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara

I used all five products and still use three of them.

December's Glam Bag Contained the Following:

December's Glam Bag

ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner in Nude
Pacifica's Power of Love Natural Lipstick in Nudie Red
Klorane's Floral Water Make Up Remover with Soothing Cornflower
Acure's Cell Stimulating Face Mask
Elizabeth Mott's Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer

I used all five products and still use all five.

Overall, I still like getting the Ipsy Glam Bag, I not only use all of the products, but continue using the majority of them. It has introduced me to many new make up brands that I have come to love and use regularly. Every Glam Bag is filled with full size items or deluxe sample sizes, which is amazing for this being a $10 bag. I am going to continue to subscribe to Ipsy's Glam Bag and I will give an update when I have a few. I am excited to get my next Glam Bag, which should be shipping in the next week.

Do you subscribe to a monthly box? Which one is it and would you recommend it? Let us know and leave me a note in the comments below.

Stay Sweet and Twisted,

Krystal Lake

The Eighth Day of Christmas with Krystal Lake: Xmas Cocktails

Okay, so anyone who knows me is well aware that I am a Maker's Mark girl! I have even ventured out to Kentucky to do the distillery tour and dipped my own bottle. Yeah... I'm that girl.  I also raided the gift shop and if I'm ever out and see a gift set with a bottle and glasses, I have to have it! I can't help it, I have been this way since I turned 21. I will never forget the first time I had whiskey and I realized that is what grandma's breath smelled like at holiday parties. So, I guess you could say it's a family thing. As a result, I will try and have tried many of the Maker's Mark drink recipes that do not have dairy in them and aren't super complicated. All of the drink recipes I am sharing with you today are from the Maker's Mark website, but I have tried them all and love them! So if you like whiskey and or cider flavored cocktails, some of these might just be your cup of tea.

I'm going to share my favorite three Maker's Mark Cocktails: Kentucky Mulled Cider, Bourbon Cider Cocktail, and Kentucky Bubbly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kentucky Mulled Cider

"Hot, spicy and sweet, the Kentucky Mulled Cider is perfect for cold-weather parties or just sipping by the fire." - Maker's Mark Official Website

Ingredients

-1 1/4 parts Maker's Mark Bourbon
- Hot Apple Cider
- Dash of allspice
- Tall cinnamon stick and lemon slice for garnish

Instructions

1. Add Maker's Mark Bourbon to a footed mug.
2. Fill Mug with hot apple cider and a dash of allspice.
3. Garnish with a tall cinnamon stick and lemon slice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bourbon Cider Cocktail
By Anthony Caporale - Host, Art of The Drink and Mixology Consultant

"The dry apple flavor in the cider pairs perfectly with the Maker's Mark Bourbon and bitters. This easy-drinking cocktail goes with almost anything." - Maker's Mark Official Website

Ingredients

- 1 part Maker's Mark Bourbon
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 3 parts dry hard cider
- Maraschino cherry and orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. In a champagne glass, stir together the sugar and the bitters until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add Maker's Mark Bourbon.
3. Top with cold cider.
4. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of orange.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kentucky Bubbly

"A favorite around Derby time, this sparkling drink is a perfect way to celebrate your winner - or your also-ran." Maker's Mark Official Website

Ingredients

- 1 part Maker's Mark Bourbon
- Chilled Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider
- Maraschino cherry

Intrsuctions

1. Add Maker's Mark Bourbon to a champagne flute, then fill with chilled sparkling cider.
2. Add a Maraschino cherry,

If you are interested in more recipes with Maker's Mark, I highly recommend checking out their website here. If you have any drink recipes you think I might like, please share them in the comments below!

Stay Sweet and Twisted,

Krystal Lake

The Seventh Day of Christmas with Krystal Lake: Favorite Xmas Songs

Yeah, as soon as Thanksgiving is over, there is no freaking way to avoid Christmas songs. In the car, shopping, watching tv... I mean these songs are everywhere!!!!! I have a bunch of weird favorites. Some traditional and classic while others are more contemporary. Regardless, they hall have that holly jolly spirit that, no matter how hard I try to resist, I just effing can't!

Here is a quick list of some of my favs:

1. Judy Garland "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" I am sort of a huge Judy fan. Maybe it's because we share the same birthday, maybe because The Wizard of Oz still makes me smile ear to ear when I see it's on tv... who knows! All I know is I love this lady, even on her not so classy and sober days.

2. Brenda Lee can do no wrong in my eyes! I want her "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree", "Jingle Bell Rock"N, telling me about "A Marshmallow World", and even about those darn "Silver Bells"! My absolute favorite of hers is "I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus". Don't ask.

3. "Oi to the World" by The Vandals. No Doubt also covered this punk rock Xmas song. I first heard it working at Spencer's during the holidays and it quickly became a favorite of mine... well, as far as holiday songs are concerned.

4. Something Corporate's "Forget December". Yeah, this is my inner 16 year old, pop punk princess coming out. If the name of this band rings a bell, but you can't place them... the lead singer of this band went on to front another band called Jack's Mannequin. After that, he went by his own name, Andrew McMahon and has a little band with him called The Wilderness. I love seeing a talented musician from when I was high school who is still able to make incredible music today. It warms my little heart!

5. Another person who can do no wrong in my eyes as far as holiday music is concerned is Bing Crosby. Yeah... I love em all! "White Christmas", "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas", "Here's Comes Santa Claus", and "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" ... Just to name a few. Side note: Bing Crosby and David Bowie sang a few Christmas songs together... "Peace on Earth/The Little Drummer Boy".

6. The Ramones and "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" is another one I freaking adore. Again, heard this one when I worked at Spencer's and it became a regular in my Xmas Music rotation. Yeah... I have an Xmas Playlist. I play it when I go creeping around at night to look at Christmas lights. That is my #1 favorite thing to do during the holidays. I'm allllllll about those lights!

7. This last one, I can't explain, I just know I love it. A lot. Like a lot a lot. Waaaaaayyyyy more than I should admit. Yeah, it's "We Need A Little Christmas" by Angela Lansbury. Yeah... I don't know.

Okay, so that it my Xmas Playlist.... well, part of it. I didn't want to overwhelm anyone with feelings and make their heart grow three sizes today. Have a favorite Xmas song you think I might like? Or maybe one that is a favorite of yours? Leave a comment below or even a link as well and I'll check it out!

Stay Sweet and Twisted,

Krystal Lake

The Sixth Day of Christmas with Krystal Lake: Books to Read in 2016

A new year brings so much to look forward to. A new outlook on life, a fresh start, the new season of Shameless on Showtime. Okay, I snuck that one in there. While I do love a good lifestyle change, I love looking forward to pop culture stuff way more! New albums, new tours, new seasons of tv shows, new movies, and new books! Today, I want to take a moment and share some of the titles that I am super excited for in 2016!

So Sad Today: Personal Essays
By Melissa Broden
Release Date: March 15, 2016


Melissa Broden has always struggled with anxiety. Her response to it? In 2012 she created an anonymous Twitter account called @sosadtoday. She asked questions most people would never ask and even more would never even dream of answering. This book is filled with her personal essays on love, sex, death, love self-esteem, addiction, and the drama of waiting for the universe to text you back. This is one of those books that will, more than likely, take on you a whirlwind of emotions from happy to sad to laughing out loud to on the verge of tears. Yeah... I can't wait to have my heart toyed with.


Living Like a Runaway: A Memoir
By Lita Ford
Release Date: February 23, 2016

That's right!!!!!! The long awaited autobiography of Lita Ford is only two months away!!!!! I can't wait to hear her spill on her experiences as a female musician in the 70s and 80s. In case you don't have a clue who Lita Ford is, she is known as the Godmother to Rock N Roll. She was the lead guitarist to the pioneers of rock, The Runaways. Still lost? Remember that film where Dakota Fanning ran around painted up like David Bowie and was in her underwear half the time? Lita Ford was the guitarist who wasn't Joan Jett or Kristen Stewart for you special folks.


13 Minutes
By Sarah Pinborough
Release Date: February 18, 2016

This one is a teen drama. You'll see what I mean. Check out this little teaser from the author:

"I was dead for 13 minutes. I don't remember how I ended up in the icy water but I do know this - it wasn't an accident and I wasn't suicidal. They say you should keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but when you're a teenage girl, it's hard to tell them apart. My friends love me, I'm sure of it. But that doesn't mean they didn't try to kill me. Does it?"

Ohhh yeah, it's gonna get real!


This Is Where It Ends
By Marieke Nijkamp
Release Date: January 5, 2016

This is another teen title, but with a rather tough subject - a school shooting. In this book, a high school principal gives a speech to an auditorium of students. When she is done, the student get up to leave, but the auditorium doors are locked. That is when the shooting begins. This book covers spans the course of 54 minutes told through four different eyes and how one students revenge turns into everyone else's survival. In case I never warned anyone, I don't always read feel good books, and I don't anticipate this tale to have the happiest of endings.


A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedics Wild Ride to the Edge and Back
By Kevin Hazzard
Release Date: January 5, 2016

Meet Kevin Hazzard! He went from being a failed salesman to local reporter and now paramedic. After the attacks on 9/11, Kevin found himself needing to give his life more meaning and really wanted to test himself as well as make a difference. What did he discover about himself? He really has a knack for emergency medical treatment. This autobiography let's you get to know Kevin as he shares his tales from being an EMT in Atlanta. Kevin has a way of telling the most tragic stories that remind us of how precious life really is paired with laugh out loud moments to keep you smiling through the worst. I am so excited for this book! I love a good bio, especially one that makes you more aware of yourself just because it really reminds you how short life is.


Gena/Finn
By Kat Helgeson and Hannah Moskowitz
Release Date: April 5, 2016

This is a story about two girls who would have never met if it wasn't for a mutual love for a tv show. Both are young adults and are sharing their life stories with one another. From job hunting to whether or not to marry the current boyfriend. Something goes wrong for Gena and her life is turned completely upside down and Finn is the only one who can save Gena from complete destruction. This is the story of friendship and love in a digital age, which I see more and more with each passing year. I have friends that I would have never met if it hadn't been for apps like Instagram. People I have met, hung out with, met their spouses, and even have become good friends with. This story is told through texts, e-mails, blog posts, and journal entries. I can't wait to read this one!!


Alrighty, those are just a few books that I am looking forward to reading in 2016. Is there a book you think I might like or one you want to recommend based on my choices? Leave me a comment below with the title and the author! I love a good read!

Stay Sweet and Twisted,

Krystal Lake

The Fifth Day of Christmas with Krystal Lake: Favorite Xmas Foods

Let's be real... Christmas, like every holiday, comes with expectations when it comes to food. Valentine's Day has chocolate, Independence Day has hot dogs, and Thanksgiving has turkey. Christmas is that one holiday where everyone has their own traditions. Some people make a Christmas ham while others might have a Tofurkey, but one thing is for certain: everyone has cookies! Today I am going to share some of my favorite Xmas foods. I am going to try and keep it short, so don't be mad if it seems like I left something out.

1.  Green Beans!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know why, but I have always loved green beans. I like them cold, cooked, crunchy, in a casserole! I have never been that kid that hated veggies, no matter how green they might be. The one exception being brussel sprouts. However, I recently learned that I do like brussel sprouts as long as they aren't steamed. Halve those suckers, coat them in olive oil and spices, and roast those satan vegetables!

2. Cranberries

I hated these as a kid. I liked cranberry juice, but even that I could only take in small doses. As i got older, I realized I really liked these little guys. I want them on my potatoes, on my stuffing, on my turkey. In my world, cranberries are the new gravy. I said it! I'm not taking it back!!!!

3. Gingerbread

Yeah, this stuff is like crack. I love something sweet with a bit of a kick to it. Yummy!!!!!!

4. Christmas Cookies

If you don't love Christmas cookies, you probably don't have a soul. Just kidding... sort of. I want all the cookies except for rum balls. Those things can burn in hell. I had one as a child and spit it out instantly. Rum balls are why I have trust issues, not oatmeal raisin cookies that look like chocolaty chip.

5. Grandma's Kid Friendly Bev

When I was a kid, I was all about sparkling cider, but when There are a zillion grandkids, a bottle of that does not go a long way. Grandma had a solution. Something sweet and something bubbly so it looked like champagne in our fancy stemware. She mixes a bottle of cranberry juice with a bottle of 7 Up. Yup.... that's how we roll!

I hope you enjoyed today's list. What are some of your favorite holiday foods? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay Sweet and Twisted,

Krystal Lake

The Fourth Day of Christmas with Krystal Lake: Best of 2015

This year had lots of ups and downs. I wasted so much time focusing on the bad, that I think all of the good things need some special attention! So many amazing things happened this year. I had an amazing vacation to Myrtle Beach, my first trip to NYC, I met an actress in a Universal Monster movie, I drove from Vegas to Baltimore, and I got to meet Matthew Lillard! I don't know where to start! Here they are in no particular order, My Best of 2015 List!

1. NYC Trip #1

This year started with my very first trip to NYC! Not only did I run around the city, I also drove there. I know... what the hell was I thinking!?!! I had an amazing time despite the cold weather and traffic. I had amazing coffee, saw a John Waters art exhibit, saw where Debbie Harry lives, and fell in love with the subway.

2. NYC Trip #2

This time around, I took the bus. I did touristy things like run around Time Square and visited places I had heard about on TV. I went to St Marks and bought a million t shirts of Blondie at Trash and Vaudeville. I visited Obscura, the shop that the show Oddities revolves around and bought a post mortem photograph of a baby. The best, was seeing John Cameron Mitchell reprise the role of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. If you had told 16 year old me that I would be seeing John Cameron Mitchell as Hedwig I would have told you to go eff yourself, but it happened. 

3. Road Trip

So, this summer had a lot of crazy things happen. I turned 30, I vended at Hon Fest, I saw Florence and the Machine, and I drove from Las Vegas to Baltimore. Yup. And I did it in four days with my sister and her 3 small kids. I was able to see so many states in such a short period of time and it was amazing. My favorite to look at was definitely Colorado, but my favorite to act touristy was Kansas. I had to see The Wizard of Oz Museum. PS They have a Wizard of Oz Winery next door. I highly recommend paying them a visit as well. 

4. Ouija Con

The weekend the riots started in Baltimore, I was spending the weekend with my mother celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Ouija Board! I have never had so much fun hearing people talk about history in my life! There were vendors, a museum, guest speakers, and even cake! That's right.... cake! Guests included Robert Murch, Jeff Belanger, Mike Zohn, Chip Coffey, John Zaffis, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, and Darren Evans.... just to name a few. I'm really happy I was able to attend all three days of this event. I met some very awesome people and learned so much more than I thought I would. 

5. Meeting Julie Adams

This summer, I went to a screening of Creature from the Black Lagoon. It was in 3D, as it was originally intended to be seen and it was stunning! After the screening, Julie Adams did a quick Q&A session followed by a signing. I had her sign a poster I already owned and bought a copy of her bio which she also signed. I was so excited! I am 30 years old and I can say that I have met someone who was in a Universal Monster movie!!!! 

6. Meeting Matthew Lillard

Ever since I was a kid, I have been obsessed with Matthew Lillard. Honestly, all you have to do to win my heart is be in a John Waters film and this guy happened to be in my favorite one, Serial Mom. Throw in Scream, Hackers, and SLC Punk and I am sold! He was so sweet and humble. He even stayed signing autographs an extra few hours on his last day at the convention so that everyone who wanted to meet him would be able to. He later went to a Scream panel with the voice of Ghostface and stole my heart forever. 

This year had even more goodies in store for me. Lots of live music, new tattoos, and lots of festivals. It was a blast despite some of the stressors and rough times. I know 2016 will have more amazing experiences and memories coming my way!