It has been a long time since it’s actually felt like Halloween for me.

While Nathan (my boyfriend) and I didn’t make it to the viewing of Scream I mentioned in my last blog, we got to hang out with the spooky gang at a lovely Halloween party and spend time with friends and family. But, oh boy, have we been busy!

My grandmother recently stayed with us for seven days, so we were making sure she had a good time, from taking her on scenic drives and sunset walks to strolling through New Hope and shopping — the activity she dreaded but enjoyed the most, ha!

After dropping her off in New York City, Nathan and I joined his friends at Mill Street Cantina in Bristol to celebrate one of their birthdays. In between laughs, great food and a cozy ambiance, we watched as the Delaware River flooded over the bridge thanks to a light mist and tidal flood patterns stemming inland from the Atlantic Coast.

The next morning I started to think about what I was going to dress up as for the party. A trip to Spirit Halloween and Party City made it clear I did not want to be in a costume that wasn’t clothes I already have. So, having recently watched Clueless and after a quick Google search, I opted to channel my inner Dionne Davenport — the very passionate and precise fashionista. Nathan followed the same route and dressed up as a lumberjack — a cute one if I do say so myself.

We had a great time, but I can admittedly say I am not used to starting my plans after 8 p.m. anymore. It just doesn’t feel right, you know? I am glad we pushed past our comfort zone and joined the party, otherwise I would’ve never discovered Muddy Buddies.

Although I am looking forward to Thanksgiving, I am truly leaning more toward bringing out my Christmas decorations a few weeks early. I know, I know… but somewhere in the world (or the country), Mariah Carey is defrosting right now, so brace yourselves!

— Yasser Ogando, advertising & production manager