Saturday, October 17, 2015

Night 1 of the Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway


Welcome to night 1 of the 4th annual Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway. Stop by our MAIN GIVEAWAY POST and enter to win a $250+ Prize Pack full of frightfully good treats from 7 spooktacular shops. In this post you will find our first Featured Shop ~ Laughing Vixen Lounge, details on how to earn EXTRA ENTRIES with our Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt & Halloween Movie Marathon and test your movie knowledge with the Guess the Movie Game. Make sure to visit us each day during the giveaway so you do not miss out on any of the fun!

Trick or Treat Charm Bracelet or Necklace

Purchase any item(s) from Laughing Vixen Lounge through October 31st and get 10% off your order. Use code OCTOBER10 at checkout.


$1 from each sale at Laughing Vixen Lounge goes to support the Joy Cinema. A single screen theater in Tigard, Oregon that has been in operation since 1939. Purchase from LVL and help keep the classic cinema experience alive. See full fundraising details and the Joy's story HERE.



Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt
Our scavenger hunt works like a game of Clue. Every day you will be looking for clues to a different part of the mystery ~ Settings, Suspects, Rooms, Weapons and Escapes. They will be hidden (at the top of the description) in a listing inside one of our participating shops. On each daily post you will be given a hint as to where the clues are hiding. Once you find a clue go to the MAIN GIVEAWAY POST and take the daily entry on the Rafflecopter widget. Today's entry will be at the top of the entry list while all past entries will be at the bottom of the list.
*Make sure you are finding today's clue! Submit the wrong clue and it will not count. They have dates. Shops have more than one set of clues hiding there so pay attention. 
*You may start the Scavenger Hunt at anytime during the giveaway and find past clues.
*You can earn 5 extra entries in the giveaway for each set of clues found.
*Please only post clues on the Rafflecopter widget. Anywhere else and they will be deleted.

Scavenger Hunt Special Giveaway!
Keep a list of the clues you find. On October 31st and November 1st you will be able to use the clues you found and submit your guess of how the murder happened. 1 random winner from any correct guesses will win a $50 Gift Certificate to Laughing Vixen Lounge and a $30 Gift Certificate to Deep Midnight Perfumes. If no one guesses correctly then 1 random winner from all submitted guesses will win their choice of Photo Pendant/Keychain from Laughing Vixen Lounge ($15) and a $15 Perfume Sampler Set (your choice of scents) from Deep Midnight Perfumes. Full details on how to submit your guess will be listed on October 31st. You do not need to find all of the clues to submit a guess but the more you find the better your guess.

Clue for October 18th
A murder has been committed! The body of Miss Death has been found at Raven's Perch Manor. Detective Heathmoor needs your help collecting the clues of the crime. Can you solve the mystery?

Night 1 ~ You will be collecting clues to the setting of the crime.

Tonight's clue is inside Laughing Vixen Lounge
Need a hint to help you find it? A witch's mode of transportation.

There seems to be some confusion.
***The clue is in the shop listed above. It will be in one of the listings.
***The hint above is to help you find which listing the clue is in. DO NOT answer the above clue. Your entry will not count.
***The clue is not on this page.

Featured Shop ~ Laughing Vixen Lounge
Laughing Vixen Lounge is run by me, Kris, from just outside Portland, Oregon. Bangles, Baubles and Other Needful Things for the modern Vixen. Pop Culture, Retro, Horror and Custom Designed Jewelry and Accessories.

Thanksgiving in the Air Charm Bracelet or Necklace

How did you choose your shop name?
"I had an earlier shop that did not last long. The designs I created then used a lot of old Pin Up and Pulp Fiction Novel covers. I love those images and wanted to focus on them in my new shop so Vixen seemed a good word to run with. And I like the idea that every woman has a hidden Vixen somewhere inside them. Lounge came from wanting a visit to the shop to feel like you were somewhere you could sit and hangout at. After multiple suggestions Lounge won out because it has that old-school retro vibe to it. And Laughing... well, I needed something else to make it unique enough to not have problems with someone else already having it."

Black Cat and Raven Compact

Why did you choose to make/sell what you do?
"I bought a bracelet at a local store once and it had very cute Paris themed photos on it. I loved the idea of it but the way it was made it was always pinching my skin. It made me want to make my own version but better. But long before that I always loved making crafty things. It's what I really wanted to do after high school but there just was not anything like Etsy and the internet then to make having your own shop so accessible."

Custom Book Lovers Necklace

What inspires the designs/creations you make?
"I was at work, sitting at lunch, and I saw a bracelet from a now nonexistent shop that had Lucite rectangles with Pin Ups inside. It was exactly what I had in mind for my shop. I took that idea and ran with it developing my own style and vision. One look at my shop people will see that the designs come from my love of all things Pop Culture, Retro and Horror. Books, movies, music, fairytales, TV, holidays... I love it all and I try to bring that out in my work. And I love to help someone else bring their vision to life with custom designs."

Poison Label Purse Hanger - Cyanide

What new designs/creations would you like to add to your shop in the future?
"Oh my stars! I have so much stuff just waiting to get in the shop. So many styles of Bracelets and Pendants and Compacts. In addition I also have Purse/Bag Hangers that are also little Compact Mirrors and Pill Boxes. Very cute!!! Rings, Lockets, Book Marks, Keychains, Purse/Bag Charms... all just sitting on the bookshelf waiting to be listed. I am also working on cataloging my charms (1,000+) so I can list lots more Custom Designs and customers will be able to choose from my entire inventory."

Vintage Books Small Photo Pendant - Style C

A small peek at Laughing Vixen Lounge. That is a very, very small portion of my Wall O' Beads and a Halloween Bracelet in the making.


$1 from each sale at Laughing Vixen Lounge goes to support the Joy Cinema. A single screen theater in Tigard, Oregon that has been in operation since 1939. This Vixen has been watching movies there her whole life and wants to make sure it continues for generations to come. Purchase from LVL and help keep the classic cinema experience alive. See full fundraising details and the Joy's story here


You'll have a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate from Laughing Vixen Lounge. Enter now on the MAIN GIVEAWAY POST.

Toil and Trouble Charm Bracelet or Necklace

Since it's Halloween I asked the shops to share their favorite spooky movies.
"You will find many of my favorites if you follow along with our Halloween Movie Marathon. One that I love but did not include in the marathon is An American Werewolf in London. The use of humor alongside horror was a bit less familiar when this film was released in 1981. The werewolf transformation effects were so effective they still hold up today. You have probably already seen it but if you have not go find a copy to watch! Always an entertaining choice."


Visit Laughing Vixen Lounge and use coupon code OCT10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
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Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Movie Marathon.
Follow along with us for 2 full weeks of classic spooky movies. This year we celebrate "Classic Thrills Through the Years". Watch the face of horror as it changes from one decade to the next. Find some great watches for the season and receive EXTRA ENTRIES at the same time! On each daily post there will be a review of the next movie in our movie marathon. Leave a comment on the post with your opinion of that movie. Once you have posted go to the MAIN GIVEAWAY POST and take the daily entry on the Rafflecopter widget. Today's entry will be at the top of the entry list while all past entries will be at the bottom of the list. Comment on all movies in the marathon and receive an EXTRA 20 ENTRIES at the end of the giveaway.
*You may start following the Movie Marathon at any time during the giveaway and post comments on past daily posts.
*Each comment will earn you an EXTRA 5 ENTRIES.
*Comment on each movie to earn an EXTRA 20 ENTRIES at the end of the giveaway.
*On October 31st or November 1st you must use the Magic Phrase (revealed on October 31st) and use it to unlock the entry on the Rafflecopter to receive the 20 entries. You must have commented on each movie.

Guess The Movie Game
Think you know your scary movies? Try your luck with this fun little game and receive EXTRA ENTRIES just for guessing. Each daily post will have a clue to the next night's movie. Leave your guess on the Rafflecopter widget, on the MAIN GIVEAWAY POST, for an EXTRA 5 ENTRIES in the giveaway. You do not need to be right just give it an honest try.
*Guesses must be made the same day as their clue to receive the entry.
*Entry will reset 24hrs after your last guess.
*Make sure you are leaving a guess for that day's clue. Guessing for a past clue that has already been posted will be deleted.
* Please only post guesses on the Rafflecopter widget.

Tonight's Clue ~ How to murder your husband in French.


Classic Thrills Through the Years ~ 1920's

Night 1 ~ Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror



Directed by F.W. Murnau (Faust and Sunrise) and released on June 3, 1922 by Film Arts Guild (Not rated).
The classic Bram Stoker's Dracula brought to life on the big screen with one not so handsome Count.

Count Orlok purchases a new house in town and things start to go bad! This classic silent film tells the story of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. Even though they did not have permission from the Bram Stoker's wife to use the material. Character names and the Count's final demise are changed and Nosferatu is born. Creepy atmosphere and an excellent performance by Max Schreck as Count Orlok make this version of Dracula a classic. Released 9 years before Bela Lugosi set a standard for the look of Dracula in the Universal Studios version (1931). Nosferatu's Count Orlok is a far cry from Mr. Lugosi's dapper Count Dracula. Count Orlok takes on a much more sinister look with pointed ears, sharp rat-like teeth and long fingers. Oh those fingers! How they and their shadows on the wall make my spine tingle.

If you are a fan of horror Nosferatu is a must see. If you are not familiar with silent movies it is all the more a treat. Yes, silent movies are very different from what we are used to. The over-the-top style of acting, long pauses and reading. Oh no, not reading! Give it a try anyways. Remember, this is one of the first ever horror films made.You might just enjoy this little oddity from so long ago.


A nice companion piece to this movie is the Shadow of the Vampire. Released in 2000 and starring Willem Dafoe and John Malkovich. This fictional telling of the filming of the 1922 Nosferatu. The wonderfully creative idea that director F.W. Murnau want realism so he hired a real Vampire to play Count Orlok. Willem Dafoe is almost unrecognizable as the Count and delivers an outstanding performance!


Take a look at the restored trailer.



Some trivia about the movie.
1. The movie was banned in Sweden due to excessive horror. The ban was finally lifted in 1972
2. Many scenes featuring Graf Orlok were filmed during the day, and when viewed in black and white, this becomes extremely obvious. This potential blooper is corrected when the "official" versions of the movie are tinted blue to represent night.
3. All known prints and negatives were destroyed under the terms of settlement of a lawsuit by Bram Stoker's widow. However, the film would subsequently surface in other countries.
4. After 85 years, virtually all of the exteriors are left intact in the cities of Wismar and Lubeck.
5. Shadow of the Vampire (2000) is a fictionalised depiction of the events surrounding the film's production based on the urban legend that Max Schreck was in actuality a vampire. Schrek was played by Willem Dafoe in that film.
6. There have been different first names for the main characters in different English versions. In a few, Hutter is called "Thomas", in others is "Jonathon". Although Hutter's wife is credited as "Ellen", in some versions she is called "Mina".
7. The film is included in "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider.
8. The concept in popular culture that sunlight is lethal to vampires is based on this film, which depicted such a death for the very first time in film history. F.W. Murnau knew that he would be sued for borrowing heavily from Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula" without permission, so he changed the ending in order that he could say that this film and "Dracula" were not exactly the same.
9. The character of Nosferatu is only seen on screen for a bit less than 9 minutes in total throughout the whole film.

Nosferatu Compact - Style A

4th Annual Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway


***Giveaway is now closed***
Welcome all you hip dolls and cool ghouls to the Laughing Vixen Lounge blog. Come on in, clear the cobwebs, grab a chair and settle in for our main attraction. Live on stage is the 4th annual Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway. We have gathered an amazing selection of frightfully good treats from 7 of the most spooktacular shops around. One lucky winner will walk away with a prize pack full of loot worth $225+ that is sure to make for a wickedly good Halloween. Before we get to the prizes take a look at all the activities going on during the giveaway. Besides being fun they will earn you EXTRA ENTRIES.


Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt ~ Special Giveaway!
A murder has been committed! Our Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt works like a game of Clue. We will have clues for The Setting, The Suspect, The Weapon, The Room and The Escape hiding among the participating shops. On each daily post you will find which shop the next clue is in and a little hint as to where to find it within the shop. Check the blog each day, collect clues and you will earn lots of EXTRA ENTRIES in the giveaway. The Scavenger Hunt runs through the whole giveaway. You can start the game at anytime and search for past clues. You do not have to find all the clues. You will have the chance to submit your guess at Who Done it? on 10/31 and 11/1. 1 random winner from any correct guesses will win an $80 Prize Pack. If no one guesses correctly 1 random winner from all submitted guesses will win a $30 Prize Pack. See full details on any daily post during the giveaway for prize details and game rules.


Halloween Movie Marathon
Follow along with us for 2 full weeks of classic spooky movie reviews. This year we celebrate "Classic Thrills Through the Years". Watch the face of horror as it changes across the decades. Find some great films to view this season and receive EXTRA ENTRIES at the same time. On each daily post there will be a review of the next movie in our movie marathon. Leave a comment on the post to earn entries. Comment on each movie and submit the Secret Phrase on October 31st or November 1st to earn an EXTRA 20 ENTRIES in the giveaway! You may start following the marathon at any time and comment on past posts to catch up. See full game details on any daily post during the giveaway.

Guess The Movie Game
Think you know your scary movies? Try your luck with this fun little game and receive extra entries just for guessing. Each daily post will have a clue to the next night's movie. Each day you can leave your guess on the Rafflecopter for an EXTRA 5 ENTRIES in the giveaway. **Guesses must be posted the same day as their clue to receive the entry** See full game details on any daily post during the giveaway.

Halloween Playlist
Sit back and enjoy some holiday tunes on the Lounge Jukebox. You'll see it up there at the top of the page in black. Click the little white box on the right end of the player for a drop-down menu of songs. You can use the Fast Forward, Play, Pause and Rewind buttons on the left end of the player. And, if you would prefer to not listen, you can hit the mute on your PC/device or turn down the volume on the player (right side).
***Please Note*** This player is a bit temperamental. If you get an error code instead of the song simply skip past the song and then back to it. Sometimes it just does not load the first time. And sometimes, if there is no error code, if may just be a little slow to start.

Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway 
$225+ Prize Pack

Laughing Vixen Lounge ~ Bangles, Baubles and Other Needful Things.
$50 gift certificate.

Trick or Treat Charm Bracelet or Necklace

A Tree In Autumn Earrings

Laughing Vixen Lounge offers Charm Bracelets, Necklaces, Compacts, Purse Hangers and more. Pop Culture designs with a flair for Retro, Horror and Custom Designs.

Boo Necklace

Magic Potion Purse Hanger - Dragon's Roar

$1 from each sale at Laughing Vixen Lounge goes to support the Joy Cinema. A single screen theater in Tigard, Oregon that has been in operation since 1939. Purchase from LVL and help keep the classic cinema experience alive. See full fundraising details and the Joy's story here.

Vintage Books Compact Style D

Visit Laughing Vixen Lounge during the giveaway and use coupon code OCTOBER10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
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Deep Midnight Perfume Oils ~ Bringing history, fantasy, legends and lore alive to tantalize your senses!
Choice of Elven Leaf or Blue Moon Perfume Pendant, filled with your choice of Deep Midnight Perfume.

Blue Moon Perfume Bottle Pendant

Deep Midnight Perfumes donates monthly to Saved By A Whisker Rescue, a no kill rescue in Eagan, Minnesota. They also have a special charity sale every year after Christmas to to raise funds.

Elven Leaf Perfume Bottle Pendant

Visit Deep Midnight Perfume Oils during the giveaway and use coupon code 2015LVL10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Find out more about Deep Midnight Perfumes here.
Follow on Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Blog
Sign up for the Deep Midnight Perfumes Newsletter by contacting Cat through Etsy.


Minou Bazaar ~ Indian inspired vintage and handcrafted jewelry.
$30 Gift Certificate.

Mythic Shield Earrings

100% of the profits from Minou Bazaar's Elephant Necklaces are donated to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Dedicated to the protection and preservation of Africa's Wilderness and its denizens, particularly endangered species such as elephants and the Black Rhino.

Gold Filigree Bracelet with Vintage Jewels

Visit Minou Bazaar during the giveaway and use coupon code VIXEN at checkout for 15% off your order.
Follow on Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Website

Calluna Muse ~ Jewelry, Accessories, and Functional Decor Boutique.
$25 Gift Certificate

Red And Orange Beaded Bracelet

Turquoise Beaded Hair Barrette

Visit Calluna Muse on Etsy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Tumblr  ~ Wanelo


Junkmill ~ Digital images. Instant downloads.
Choice of 10 Digital Collage Sheets.

Classic Witches Digital Collage Sheet

The Raven Digital Collage Sheet

Visit Junkmill on EtsyBlog ~ Pinterest


Miss Bohemia - Gothic romance, fairytales and Bohemian glamour.
Choice of any Short Sleeve T-Shirt and Compact Mirror.

Miss Bohemia on Etsy

Miss Bohemia

Visit Miss Bohemia on Etsy during the giveaway and use coupon code BOHEMIAOCTOBER10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
Follow on Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram


Apocalypso - Inspired by Day of the Dead, vintage and retro.
$25 Gift Certificate.

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Earrings

Pave Rhinestone Skull Necklace

Visit Apocalypso on EtsyFacebook ~ Pinterest


How to enter the giveaway.
It's easy!

1. Login in to the Rafflecopter widget below with either your email or through Facebook.
2. You must do the first entry to qualify for this giveaway.
3. You can do as many of the extra entries as you like.
4. Please read each entry's directions carefully. If you do not do what is asked of you for the entry it will not count.
5. If you have any questions feel free to ask for help. You can leave your question as a comment below and I will answer as soon as I can.

This is the Rafflecopter Widget
    |               |               
    |               |               
    |               |               
     \/              \/                

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Giveaway Winners***
Rafflecopter is having some issues so I am posting the winner here.
Grand Prize ~ Katherine Riley
Scavenger Hunt ~ Stacy Tessier


The Fine Print...
Giveaway is open worldwide. Past winners are more than welcome to enter again. You may not use alternate emails and names to enter more than once. Read all information on each entry carefully and do all that is asked of you or the entry will not count. Taking all entries without listing any required information will get you deleted. Entries are checked! Please be respectful of all the hard work by the shops involved that go into this giveaway and do not try to cheat. To those that read and follow the rules you get bonus points for being awesome! Leave a comment below with the words Gold Star (and the name you are using on the Rafflecopter) and I will make sure you get 5 extra entries in the giveaway.

Giveaway will run from 9:00 pm October 17th, 2015 (PST) to 10:00 pm November 1st 2015 (PST). Winner(s) will be picked randomly from all eligible entries. The winner(s) name and choices may be posted on this blog as soon as the winner(s) has been contacted. If selected winner(s) does not respond back within 48 hours a new winner(s) will be chosen. All decisions made final by Laughing Vixen Lounge. Each shop ships their own prize and Laughing Vixen Lounge is not responsible for any items not received.

Thanksgiving In The Air Charm Bracelet or Necklace

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Laughing Vixen Lounge Fundraiser ~ The Joy Cinema




(This fundraiser has ended)
The Lounge loves movies! Take a look around the shop, or the blog, and this is easy to see. You'll find this love reflected in many, many designs in the shop. If you have ever visited the blog during one of the big giveaway events you have seen the movie marathons. And for quite a few years here on the blog I enjoyed bringing Fear Friday movie reviews to you (look for a new replacement for this feature later this month). So when my favorite local vintage movie theater held a Kickstarter event this summer it seemed like the obvious choice.


The Joy Cinema was built in 1939 and has brought movie wonder to many generations here in Tigard (a suburb of Portland), Oregon. I can remember seeing movies here when I was a kid. The one that sticks in my mind the most was Raiders of the Lost Ark. Probably about my third viewing. I also remember seeing many movies in my teenage years. My friend worked there so we got to see movies for free. Anything from Robocop (in the front row) to Dirty Dancing, Top Gun and Hamburger Hill (I remember more than one viewing of this title). Many a movie was watched here.

Over the years the theater has changed hands and gone through a few phases. The last try was an all Bollywood movie theater. This was very short lived and the Joy Cinema found itself sitting dark and empty. It was sad to see it teetering on the verge on the unknown. This world likes things fast, new and shiny and the Joy Cinema could have easily slipped away into only our memories.   


I had thought for sometime that the Joy Cinema would do very well as a pub theater. We have quite a few in Portland but not much out here in the suburbs. Then one day online I saw that someone else had the same thought. The Joy Cinema was dark no more and had been lighted once again as just that, a little theater pub. On Friday June 22nd, 2012 the Joy Cinema, under the ownership of Jeff Martin, welcomed crowds again with the classic Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! That's right. Not only was the Joy Cinema going to show popular second run films it was also going to cater to those of us with a love of less than stellar films.

Among the second run features like the Hunger Games, The Avengers and Mad Max IV classic film fans will find titles like Alien, Jaws, Big Trouble in Little China and the Goonies. But the real gem of this theater shines for those of us that like a little "bad" with our film. Weird Wednesdays happen every Wednesday night around 9:00pm. One exceptionally bad B movie. No charge. That's right a free movie. Just sit back with a slice of pizza, a cold beer and enjoy some wonderfully bad movie making.


The Joy Cinema has even been decked out with a state of the art digital projector and 3D. As you can imagine this is no small cost. At around $50,000 to make that upgrade many small theaters, including drive-ins, have been forced to close. With the digital age upon us there is no choice but to upgrade or loose the option to show new movies. Unfortunately no new movies means the end of many small theaters. The Joy Cinema began to feel the weight of the upgrade costs plus an ever rising rent cost. So this last summer they ran a Kickstarter fundraiser to help with that weight. Laughing Vixen Lounge wants to help make sure the Joy Cinema stays around for years to come. 

$1 from every sale at Laughing Vixen Lounge will go to help support the Joy Cinema. The goal is $1,000. You can check in here to see the total raised so far. You can also visit the Joy Cinema's website HERE. Then make sure to stop by Laughing Vixen Lounge and see if there is something you just can not live without. You'll get a little something for yourself and help bring movie memories to generations to come.

To all of those who have helped us so far with a purchase.. A BIG thank you from Laughing Vixen Lounge and the Joy Cinema!!! We appreciate it so very much and you just earned yourself some awesome karma.

Fundraising Goal ~ $1,000
Started October 15, 2015
Goal Met October 31, 2017
 

Weird Wednesday at The Joy
Laughing Vixen Lounge will be proudly sponsoring a few Weird Wednesday films. Keep an eye out for more to come.

Weird Wednesday, 10-21-2015 "The Mad Magician" in 3D - 1954 with Vincent Price.


The Mad Magician - This is one I had not seen but with Vincent Price as the lead how could you go wrong?! It was a fun black & white romped through 1950's horror. Definitely recommend if you like retro horror. And in 3-D... Woohoo!!!


Weird Wednesday, 08-03-2016 "Don't Look in the Basement" - 1973



Weird Wednesday, 09-28-2016 "The Sting of Death" - 1965




Weird Wednesday, 12-2016 "Don't Open Till Christmas" - 1984



Weird Wednesday, 02-28-2018 "Final Terror" - 1983



Past Fundraisers

Take a moment to look at the last fundraising project for WildCat Haven and the 5 sponsored wildcats, DJ, Cha~Cha, Carrie, Kujo and Tasha. The shop raised $2,500 over a two year period to help these beautiful cats have a safe and happy home.


~ WildCat Haven ~

WildCat Haven is a non-profit, no-kill, "last hope" sanctuary for neglected, abused and abandoned captive born wildcats which is just down the road from the shop. This private sanctuary, located in Sherwood, OR, is home to over 60 wildcats and hybrids. One visit to their website is all it will take to fall in love with these sweet and fuzzy faces. Visit their site here.

From November 2013 to September 2015 Laughing Vixen Lounge donated $1 from each item sold and $3 from each Hep Cat Design sold to WildCat Haven. During that time a total of $2,500 was raised which sponsored 5 wildcats at the sanctuary. It takes $500 to sponsor one animal for a year. See all of the adorable cats below.

The first sponsored cat from Wildcat Haven. 
~ DJ the Cougar ~


Fundraising Goal ~ $500
Started November 1, 2013
Goal Met February 23, 2014

 ~ Read DJ's Rescue Story ~

Ask any school kid what kind of animals are found in barns, and odds are, they'll rattle off a list of old standards like cows, pigs and horses. The odds are also pretty good that they won't include cougars on the list.  Which makes the story of DJ and Nada all the more astonishing. The two fully grown cougars are now on their way to a wildlife sanctuary in Oregon, after a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer found them living in a pole barn in Jones.

Cass County Animal Control Director Patrick Fetherston said the animals belonged to Harold Brown, a Newberg Township resident who has owned them since 1996. But after Michigan DNR officer Jeff Robinette discovered the animals in January, there was no question that they would have to be removed, due to the fact that they were not in compliance with Michigan's Large Carnivore Act.

"Number one, the animals were in violation of the act," Fetherston said. "Number two,  what happens if they get out?"

Brown, upon notification of the violation, was open and cooperative with authorities about giving up the cougars. The trouble was, no one knew whom to give them to. Zoos do not generally take privately owned animals as donations.

"We called every zoo in the state," Fetherston said. "It was suggested to us that we check with the American Sanctuary Association, which lists sanctuaries according to what types of animals they deal with."

And that's how Fetherston found Tammy Quist, who heads up The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota. The nonprofit, 10-acre operation relies entirely on public contributions to provide a last-hope, no-kill haven for unwanted or abused wildcats.

Unfortunately, Quist's operation is at full capacity now. But that didn't stop her from going to bat for DJ and Nada. Instead, she offered to arrange for the cougars' pick-up, their spaying and neutering, and then to drive them to Wildcat Haven, another sanctuary in Sherwood, Ore., where the cats can live out the rest of their days in peace.

"People get these animals when they are little, then they don't know what to do with them when they reach adulthood," said Quist, who started her sanctuary after witnessing the mistreatment of a group of wildcats by a photographer. "Unfortunately, most states don't have laws against purchasing these animals and keeping them in pens and cages."

But Michigan does, and DJ and Nada needed a new home. Which is why Fetherston, Quist, and Robinette, accompanied by Dr. David Visser, a veterinarian from the Roseland Animal Clinic, found themselves at Brown's home on Sunday, looking to remove DJ and Nada from the 10- foot-by-10-foot pens they've lived in since 1996 and get them on their way.  It was not the easiest of jobs.

"They are very unsocialized animals," Fetherston said. "The owner could get in and pet the female, but he pretty much didn't have anything to do with the male."

A tranquilizer gun was used on Nada with little effect, but she was eventually enticed into a transport cage by disguising it to look like a dark den. DJ was also caged, and the cats were driven to Minnesota, where they were given thorough checkups and underwent spaying and neutering operations.

"They were healthy, although they were both very overweight from all those years of being cooped up in those small pens," Quist said. "But they came through OK, and we will be moving them out to Oregon soon."

There, DJ and Nada should have the time of their lives. Quist said the operators of Wildcat Haven plan to house the big cats in 36-foot-by-64-foot pens, which will include perches for climbing, plenty of room to roam, sunshine, and things the animals have never experienced before, like natural grass.  In the meantime, Fetherston, said, he'll be hoping that folks who hear of the cougars' saga will think twice before making the decision to bring any more big cats into Cass County.

 ***UPDATE*** April 2014 ~ DJ, at the age of 18, passed away. Laughing Vixen Lounge is saddened by this but is glad to have had an opportunity to help DJ in his final month.

The second sponsored cat from Wildcat Haven. 
~ Cha~Cha the Serval ~
 
 
Fundraising Goal ~ $500
Started February 25, 2014
Goal Met September 5, 2014

 ~ Read Cha~Cha's Rescue Story ~

Cha-Cha came to WildCat Haven through the Oregon Humane Society. They called asking if we could take a serval that had been surrendered to them at Portland International Airport by a woman who was leaving the country. When the authorities wouldn’t let Cha-Cha on the flight because of false paperwork, she called OHS and signed custody over to them. She said if they couldn’t find him a home that they should euthanize him.

We were more than happy to take him in and save his life. Today, Cha-Cha lives with two other servals, Chirpy and Uche, and these three boys are inseparable!

The third sponsored cat from Wildcat Haven. 
~ Carrie the Caracal ~

Fundraising Goal ~ $500
Started September 6, 2014
Goal Met September 21, 2014

 ~ Read Carrie's Rescue Story ~

Carrie, a caracal, came from Wild Animal Orphanage in Texas. Due to poor management and dishonest directors, the facility was shut down. We were contacted to see if we could make room for their small cats.

Carrie and Sebastian, a serval, arrived via Alaska Airlines and made the trip unscathed. They both came out of their crates like they had lived here their whole lives. Both cats came infested with fleas but seemed relatively healthy other than that. Carrie is a crazy little girl, romping and playing, and just living life to the fullest! We found that Carrie is allergic to hay and straw, so she has to have blankets as bedding. But she loves them, pulling them out of the dens, tossing them around and just having a great time. She has so much character and has made us all fall in love.

The fourth sponsored cat from WildCat Haven. 
 ~ Kujo the Bobcat ~
 

 Fundraising Goal ~ $500
Started September 22, 2014
Goal Met December 20, 2014

~ Read Kujo's Rescue Story ~


Kujo, a bobcat, came to us from a wildlife rehabilitation center in Kentucky. Originally, they were going to have him in their education program, but he proved to be too much of a handful. So, WildCat Haven was contacted to see if we could provide a lifetime home for this little bobcat. 

Today, Kujo has grown into a beautiful cat who doesn’t like humans but adores his bobcat roommate, Romulus. We are  happy that Kujo has a companion to share his life with. Together they are quite a sight, never wandering too far from each other.

The fifth sponsored cat from WildCat Haven. 
 ~Tasha the Lynx~

Fundraising Goal ~ $500
Started December 21, 2014
Goal Met October 14, 2015

~ Read Tasha's Rescue Story ~

Tasha, a Siberian Lynx, came to us when her owners had to move to Texas and couldn’t take her. She and her mate, Tank, were originally purchased in Canada at a fur farm. Sadly, fur farms are still legal in both Canada and the United States.

Tasha and Tank were devoted to each other and lived at WildCat Haven for almost four years. As is often the case with cats that come from fur farms (because of the in-breeding), we lost Tank to heart disease. Tasha was heartbroken. Unfortunately, she has never warmed up to any of the other cats, so has had to live alone. She lives in a spacious pen and does seem to enjoy cardboard boxes and catnip.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Halloween Playlist & Watch List 2015


"It's the most wonderful time of the year!". Yes, here at Laughing Vixen Lounge that would refer to October and the Lounge's favorite holiday, Halloween. This Vixen is happy to announce that this year our biggest and best Giveaway Event is back. The 4th annual Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway featuring our Halloween Movie Marathon and Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt. While the event has been scaled back this year to only 2 weeks (vs. the entire month) we are starting the festivities early. Keep an eye out for random holiday fun before everything starts on the 18th.

It Conquered the World  (1956)

~ Halloween Playlist ~
Sit back and enjoy some holiday tunes on the Lounge Jukebox. You'll see it up there at the top of the page in black. Click the little white box on the right end of the player for a drop-down menu of songs. You can use the Fast Forward, Play, Pause and Rewind buttons on the left end of the player. And, if you would prefer to not listen, you can hit the mute on your PC/device or turn down the volume on the player (right side).
***Please Note*** This player is a bit temperamental. If you get an error code instead of the song simply skip past the song and then back to it. Sometimes it just does not load the first time. And sometimes, if there is no error code, if may just be a little slow to start.

I was a Teenage Werewolf  (1957)

~ Halloween Watch List ~
Since our Halloween Movie Marathon will only run 2 weeks this year I have put together a list of movies and TV shows to give you some ideas for holiday viewing. They are broken down into genres and are listed from oldest to newest. If the movie has a remake it is listed below the original. This will help you find all versions or the version that most appeals to you. Of course here at the Lounge we always encourage you to watch the original! Many below do have sequels (and some many sequels!!!) so do Google if you are interested in a complete list for any title.

Please comment below with your favorites. This is only a small sampling of all the great spooky fun that is out there. Share more titles with us so everyone can find something new to enjoy or something old to enjoy again. Happy viewing!

Haunted House & Ghosts
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
 - House on Haunted Hill (1999)
Carnival of Souls (1962)
The Haunting (1963)
 - The Haunting (1999)
The Amityville Horror (1979)
 - The Amityville Horror (2005)
The Shining (1980)
 - The Shining (1997 TV Mini-Series)
Poltergeist (1982)
 - Poltergeist (2015)
Ringu (1998)
 - The Ring (2002)
Paranormal Activity (2007)
The Orphanage (2007 Spanish)
The Conjuring (2013)


Werewolves
The Werewolf of London (1935)
The Wolf Man (1941 Universal Films)
 - The Wolfman (2010)
The Curse of the Werewolf (1961 Hammer Horror Films)
The Werewolf Vs The Vampire Woman (1971)
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
The Howling (1981)
Wolfen (1981)
A Company of Wolves (1984)
Silver Bullet (1985)
Bad Moon (1996)
Dog Soldiers (2002)
Cursed (2005)
Red Riding Hood (2011)
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)




Vampires
Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horrors (1922 silent)
 - Shadow of the Vampire (2000) Not a remake but a fictional telling of the filming of Nosferatu if the lead actor was actually a Vampire.
Dracula (1931 Universal Films)
- Dracula (1958 Hammer Horror Films)
- Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
The Last Man on Earth (1964)
 - The Omega Man (1971)
 - I am Legend (2007)
Fright Night (1985)
 - Fright Night (2011)
The Lost Boys (1987)
John Carpenter's Vampires (1998)
Let the Right One In (2008 Swedish)
 - Let Me In (2010 US)
The Moth Diaries (2011)
~ TV ~
True Blood (2008-2014 TV)

Zombies
White Zombie (1932)
I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
----
~ George A. Romero's Dead Series ~
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
 - Night of the Living Dead (1990)
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
 - Dawn of the Dead (206)
Day of the Dead (1985)
Land of the Dead (2005)
Diary of the Dead (2007)
Survival of the Dead (2009)
----
Return of the Living Dead (1985) not a Romero film
The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)
Pet Sematary (1989)
28 Days Later (2002) technically a virus, not Zombies, but it fits nicely in this category.
~ TV ~
Thriller Video (1983)
The Walking Dead (2010-present)

Slashers
Psycho (1960)
Black Christmas (1974)
 - Black Christmas (2006)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre  (1974)
 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Halloween (1978)
 - Halloween (2007)
Friday the 13th (1980)
 - Friday the 13th (2009)
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
 - A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
The Hitcher (1986)
 - The Hitcher (2007)
Scream (1996)
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
Jeepers Creepers (2003)
Identity (2003)
Boogeyman (2005)
Vacancy (2007)
The Strangers (2008)
~ TV ~
Bates Motel (2013-present)

Sci-Fi
The Blob (1958)
 - The Blob (1988)
War of the Worlds (1953)
 - War of the Worlds (2005)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
 - Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
 - Body Snatchers (1993)
 - The Invasion (2007)
20 Million Miles to Earth (1957)
The Thing from Another World (1959)
 - The Thing (1982)
Alien (1979)
Signs (2002)








Giant & Mutant Creatures
King Kong (1933)
 - King Kong (1976)
 - King Kong (2005)
Attack of the 50ft Woman (1958)
 - Attack of the 50ft Woman (1993 TV Movie)
Tarantula (1955)
The Killer Shrews (1959)
The Giant Gila Monster (1959)
Beginning of the End (1957)
The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Tremors (1990)
Bats (1999)
Lake Placid (1999)
Sharktopus (2010 TV Movie)



Odds and Ends
Cat People (1942)
 - Cat People (1982)
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
 - Rosemary's Baby (2014 TV Mini-Series)
Carrie (1976)
 - Carrie (2002 TV)
 - Carrie (2013)
The Omen (1976)
 - The Omen (2006)
Christine (1983)
It (1990 TV Mini-Series)
The Stand (1994 TV Mini-Series)
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
The Skeleton Key (2005)
The Mist (2007)
~ TV ~
American Horror Story (2011-present)


Fun and (mostly) Family Friendly
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Love at First Bite (1979)
Private Eyes (1980)
Saturday the 14th (1981)
Gremlins (1984)
Teen Wolf (1985)
The 'Burbs (1989)
Edward Scissor Hands (1990)
The Addams Family (1991)
My Boyfriends Back (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Dracula - Dead and Loving It (1995)
Practical Magic (1998)
ParaNorman (2012)
Hotel Transylvania (2012)

~ TV ~
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949 Disney)
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1962)
The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
 - Twilight Zone - The Movie (1983 theatrical release)
 - The Twilight Zone (1985-1989)
 - The Twilight Zone (2002-2003)
Thriller (1960-1962)
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962-1965)
The Munsters (1964-1966)
The Addams Family (1964-1966)
Bewitched (1964-1972)
It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
The Night Gallery (1970-1973)