Myself standing in the middle of the exhibit space.

Looking back at Halloween in Anaheim

September 28, 2023, Leave a Comment on Looking back at Halloween in Anaheim

This year mark’s the 100th anniversary of Anaheim’s Fall Festival, and to celebrate this occasion, the Muzeo has put together not one, but two exhibits showcasing not only Anaheim’s Halloween history, but some Halloween’s earliest traditions in a unique antique postcard exhibit. Halloween at the turn of the 20th century looked much different than today,…

A UFO flies overhead beaming up three Jack o' Lanterns. Text reads "Atomic Redhead presents 10 Unearthly Halloween Tunes"

Ten Unearthly Halloween Tunes

September 26, 2023, Leave a Comment on Ten Unearthly Halloween Tunes

I can’t believe October arrives this weekend! I feel like I’m so far behind in fall festivities! But as long time readers know I always kick off the Halloween season with a sampling from my extensive Halloween playlist! So here we go! While aliens and UFOs aren’t strictly Halloween, many people decorate with aliens for…

Myself, wearing a pink and red floral stripe sleeveless maxi length dress with a light brown lace duster over, standing in front of a green wrought iron gate.

Swamp Witch Summer

August 30, 2023, 1 Comment

For one reason or another, the month of August always reminds me of the south. Perhaps it’s that it tends to get more humid in late summer, or that I begin to start thinking about the Halloween season, which lends itself to the eeriness of the south. I find myself rewatching films and shows that…

Myself, wearing a set of black coveralls, with a patch on the upper left featuring Andy Anaheim, and text reading "Anaheim Halloween Festival" sitting inside one of the floats under construction, holding a paint brush.

Working on a 100 Year Old Anaheim Halloween Tradition

August 2, 2023, 2 Comments

It may only be August, but trust me, Halloween is on the minds of many! Including Patrick and myself. Lately we have been spending our weekends volunteering to prepare for the Anaheim Fall Festival and Parade, and it’s a big deal this year, because the Fall Festival turns 100! I hope to do a large…

Carla and I standing in front of Independence Hall.

Fourth of July Reflections

July 12, 2023, 1 Comment

Last week was the Fourth of July, and Patrick and I spent the day with our dear friend Carla (who seriously always brings out the best in me, I love that I can wholly be myself around her) at Knott’s Berry Farm. What started out as a cloudy morning gave way to sun before the…

The Forgotten Adopt-a-Burro Program at Disneyland

May 17, 2023, 1 Comment

Long time readers of the blog will remember I was immensely fond Big Thunder Ranch, the petting zoo/restaurant/entertainment venue that was once next door to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and was demolished to make way for Galaxy’s Edge. Every once in awhile I wistfully look at Big Thunder Ranch items on Ebay and recently I…

Myself standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle wearing silver Minnie Mouse ears that have a lavender bow in the middle, a cream tee with Sleeping Beauty Castle on it in blue and text reading Walt Disney's Disneyland in black, lavender pants, and silver shoes.

Disney Celebrates 100 Years of Magic

May 3, 2023, Leave a Comment on Disney Celebrates 100 Years of Magic

Back in 1923 two brothers, Walt and Roy, moved to sunny Los Angeles, here they started the Disney Brothers Studio. Little did they know that 100 years later their company would still be around and be involved with not just cartoons, but live action film and television, including documentaries, multiple theme parks around the world,…

Myself, leaning over a railing, wearing a copper crown, dress with coral sleeves, maroon lace up bodice, and short floral skirt, overlooking the Rivers of America as the sailing ship Columbia comes down the river.

Yo Ho! A Dapper Life For Me!

April 19, 2023, Leave a Comment on Yo Ho! A Dapper Life For Me!

Spring has sprung and with it brings Dapper Day, the twice yearly event at Disneyland that encourages visitors to “step out in style” and shop the Dapper Day Expo, which is filled with vintage and vintage inspired goodies, as well as amazing artists. Friday night we helped our friends at Match Accessories set up for…

Our 1954 Home: Library & Gym

April 5, 2023, 4 Comments

Like many, the pandemic really changed our lives. First, our social scene changed dramatically. We have fewer people staying with us and having a dedicated guest room began to feel like a waste of space. Second, after years and years of working out off and on, I finally settled into a nice routine. Third, Patrick…

Myself, wearing a light taupe colored dress, with long sleeves. At the hem is a series of diamond shapes in peachy-pink, grey, and gold, all in various sizes. Near my shoulder I wear a small wooden brooch of a raccoon holding a pink flower. Atop my head a peachy-pink scarf, and short gold boots on my feet.

The Tale of Nell Donnelly: Fashion Icon Rescued by the Mob

March 29, 2023, 5 Comments

When we think about fashion labels with notorious pasts, we think about Gucci or Versace. But there is one forgotten about fashion label that an estimated one in seven women owned and its founder and designer, Nell Donnelly, was once caught up in a kidnapping that was solved by the mob, and I recently acquired…