Tag: halloween

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Halloween Party Like It’s 1899

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Dorian Gray may be the most macabre character in Jane Eyre Gets Real, the novel by Annabelle Troy. Therefore, he appreciates the value of a good #Halloween celebration. Victorians considered the holiday far more fitting for adults than for children; it didn’t really become a kid’s affair until the 1920’s. October 31st was a day when Victorians could let their hair down and have a romping good time. Known to be preoccupied with death–probably because their relatives, offspring and friends were often dying, at home and slowly–19th century folk viewed Halloween as an occasion when the tables could be turned … Continue reading Halloween Party Like It’s 1899

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Uptown Ghouls

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  David Copperfield, created by Charles Dickens and appearing in Jane Eyre Gets Real by Annabelle Troy, has always relied on the good fellowship of mankind. This may seem in short supply today; but, somewhat ironically in a holiday devoted to the dead, the living shine on October 31st. In some of the best neighborhoods in the USA and England, the spirit of Halloween is alive and well. Decorations are lavishly demonic and candy is democratically given to all. New York’s Upper East Side Boston’s Beacon Hill Philadelphia Los Angeles, California Kensington, London Wherever you are trick or treating, have a safe … Continue reading Uptown Ghouls

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Lizzie Borden House: Rent A #Ghost

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Jane Eyre is no stranger to the power of hauntings. Before she “got real” in the Annabelle Troy novel, Jane was imprisoned by her cruel Aunt Reed in a red room said to be visited by her dead uncle. This episode so traumatized her that she fell into fits. So why, Jane asks, would anyone pay for such an experience? Yet many flock to the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, the former home of the alleged 19th century murderess (who has been played by actresses as diverse as Elizabeth Montgomery and Christina Ricci). In the spooky old house located in Fall … Continue reading Lizzie Borden House: Rent A #Ghost

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Look If You Dare: Haunted Portraits With Dorian Gray

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The most diabolical character in Jane Eyre Gets Real, Dorian Gray knows he’s not the only one burdened by a haunted portrait. Below, just in time for #Halloween (that most vulgar holiday) he reveals his all-time favorites: Bernardo de Galzev, the Galvez Hotel, Texas: Photos snapped of this Spanish military officer will come out blurry unless you “ask” his permission first. Also, there have been reports of temperatures plummeting when you stand in front of him. Not to mention his eyes follow you around the room. Love Letters, also in Texas (replica hangs in Austin’s Driskill Hotel): Spooky little girl holds flowers … Continue reading Look If You Dare: Haunted Portraits With Dorian Gray

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It Could Be Wurst

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The youngest character in Jane Eyre Gets Real by Annabelle Troy, Heidi,  is excited for #Halloween, yet wild for #Oktoberfest. She has fond memories of celebrating it in Germany, where she once went with Grandfather (though that was omitted from her book). After a few beers Grandfather could be a lot of fun and they danced, sang and ate wurst all through the night. Here are some fun wurst facts: Popular knackwurst is made of ground pork in a short, thick shape. Vampires should beware as knackwurst can be heavily flavored with garlic. Hearty bratwurst can go gourmet if served with baked camembert. But most Germans enjoy … Continue reading It Could Be Wurst

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Turn Your Signature Look Into A #Halloween Costume

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  Sherlock Holmes, a character in Jane Eyre Gets Real, is known for his pipe, cape and deerstalker hat. And who would Alice in Wonderland be without her pinafore, blue dress and hairbow which is even referred to as an “Alice band’? If you want to dress up as a literary character this Halloween, think of emulating your favorite literary hero or heroine–braid your hair and don an embroidered full skirt/white peasant blouse/boots and you’re an instant Heidi! Or Darcy it up in tight jeans (as a substitute for nankeen britches) and a vintage waistcoat, perhaps with a dangling pocket watch. Don’t … Continue reading Turn Your Signature Look Into A #Halloween Costume

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Autumn The #JaneAusten Way

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Mr. Darcy, a character who, by the grace of Jane Austen, features prominently in the novel Jane Eyre Gets Real by Annabelle Troy, wishes to remind you that Sept. 22 is the Autumn Equinox. Celebrate the Regency way by following some rural customs: Honor Pomona, the goddess of apples, by baking an apple pie or going to your local orchard and picking some–apples, that is, not pies–straight off the trees. Make Corn Dolls, aka Corn Poppets, from dried husks. Click on this link to find out how: https://www.budget101.com/content.php/2788-Enchanting-Corn-Husk-Kitchen-Witch Build a Scarecrow. Forget Build a Bear; instead make a scarecrow by stuffing some … Continue reading Autumn The #JaneAusten Way

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WE WANT CANDY

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No matter what your age, Halloween is the day to enjoy treats. The characters from Jane Eyre Gets Real share their own sweet picks below: Sherlock Holmes: black licorice pipes Hester Prynne: popcorn balls (popcorn being from the New World though actually not popular til 1820s when it was sold under the name “pearl”; however, Hester was always a trendsetter–single mom, big appliques on shirts–so we’ll say she discovered it first) Mr. Darcy: marzipan Jane Eyre: raisins, nuts & oranges Emma Bovary: caramels sprinkled with fleur de sel Heidi: Toblerone milk chocolate with honey and almond nougat David Copperfield: saltwater taffy (as … Continue reading WE WANT CANDY

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Very Victorian Halloween Problems

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The witching season is upon us. Mr. Darcy, Sherlock Holmes, Dorian Gray and the other characters in Jane Eyre Gets Real by Annabelle Troy present this to you with their compliments: Ghosts were really aggressive back then You Only Have Enough Crumpets For Three But Uninvited Guests Keep Dropping By All You Want Is A Nice Family Photo But Mum Keeps Being Difficult Stop Trying to Make “How Hallow’eeny” Happen, It’s Not Going to Happen Stiff Competition for Miss Witch USA   Your Wife Is Dead Yet She Still Insists On Playing The Piano Email Hasn’t Been Invented So You Receive … Continue reading Very Victorian Halloween Problems

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Victorian Lamb Cake

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A classic spring dessert. Enjoy! Cakes in the shape of a lamb are an adorable Easter tradition in many parts of Europe, including Italy and Poland. Jane, the lead character in Jane Eyre Gets Real, always bakes one for Easter. (TIP: for Halloween, bake a red velvet version of this cake–blood of the lamb–and take its head off before you serve.) Where to get a lamb mold: http://www.kitchenandcompany.com/bakeware/molds-specialty-bakeware/_/Lamb-Mold?tc=gfs13&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Large%20Lamb%20Mold This company sells both large and mini versions. LAMB CAKE RECIPE: 2 cups all purpose flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/8 cups sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 2 … Continue reading Victorian Lamb Cake