Web of curious Halloween horrors

I spotted a huge variety of pumpkins for sale outside a supermarket in southern California the other day. The Cinderella pumpkins looked so perfect – like something out of a children’s cartoon. I wasn’t sure if these were $9.99 for each pumpkin, or per box? Though I can probably find out by checking the prices on the internet.

The web is a great source of information on everything to do with Halloween. Here you can learn how to carve the perfect Jack-O-Lantern, where to go, what to wear - and discover all manner of Halloween related ideas and curiosities.

By the way, I noticed there are some suitably spooky events going on in London, including the Ghost Stories Show at the Duke of York’s Theatre. However, those who are especially curious might like to dance the dance of death at the Last Tuesday Society’s 'A Danse Macabre' Halloween Ball on 29th October. Amongst the decadent delights on offer are a 'torture garden operating theatre' and The Urban Voodoo Machine. You’ll also be able to watch the iconic Empress Stah ‘suspended from her chandelier draped with Miss Havisham cobwebs, syringing out her own blood and drinking it…’ Mmmm.. most tasteful.



The dress code is ‘beautiful and damned’, so if you’re looking for a costume it’s worth considering some of the curiously unique accessories at ShopCurious. In fact, may I suggest this hand crafted corset-like, black leather spider’s web belt by Thea Cadabra?







Anyway, that’s enough advice from the web - I’m sure you’re more than able to spin the guests in your own seductively mysterious web of dark and delicious charm. Just remember, if you're not home before midnight, you might turn into a pumpkin.

Will you?

Bling bling

I’m curious to know if you received a bonus this year? High rollers might be tempted to purchase some serious 'statement' bling this Christmas – perhaps a Swarovski crystal studded Mercedes, like this one, recently spotted at the ICC building in Hong Kong.







If you’re looking for something with a little more investment potential, how about an original 1960s disco coin belt, from ShopCurious. Made from collectable British coins from the past century, the chain belt incorporates old h’pennies (equivalent to 0.005p in today’s money), as well as florins (two shilling pieces) featuring Edward VII, George VI and early examples from our current Queen’s reign.





A recent news item stated that even 2p coins are now worth much more than their face value, due to the appreciation in value of constituent metals, such as copper. These coins have also been coated in gold paint, adding to the uniqueness of this quirky accessory.

As we just about hang on to one last vestige of our independence from the rest of Europe, this might make the ideal gift for a friend who’s big on nostalgia, or simply looking to celebrate our traditional British currency and heritage.






Designed to be worn as a belt, this would also make a curiously individual necklace – and if things get really tough, you could always melt it down. All in all, I’m quite impressed by this very versatile bit of bling.

Are you?