This is the first time in my adult life where I have complete wardrobe freedom as a student. So you best believe I was dressing up for Halloween. And thankfully I am of that age where my costumes are more playful and fun, and I am fully comfortable and covered up. So this is a full day in the life of Maggi, with three costumes and five different places to be.
We started off the morning strong with my usual gym routine. 6:05am workout at my local F45. They encouraged the class to dress up and take part in their trick-or-treat workout. Even the class logo was given a spooky twist to celebrate.
Outside of the coaches, dressed as a referee and a lemur, there were only three of us that remembered to dawn our costumes. One a demigod from Moana, including muscles and tattoos. I thought this a great character to portray at the gym. Another, a vampire with a high collared cape. I, myself a cowboy with hat, bolo tie, longhorn belt buckle, and even cowboy boots to complete the look. And yes, I completed this entire resistance work out in my ensemble. Had it been a cardio class, the heeled boots would have been a challenge. In hindsight this was definitely a more slow paced, easy-going class, as opposed to my usual effort-intensive work outs.
At one of the stations members were invited to pick a random piece of paper out of a bag. It read either trick or a treat. Treats included candies and an assortment of fresh fruit. Tricks were additional exercises to be done at that station, like two laps around the room or five burpees. The best ones had members shout out “happy Halloween” in the middle of the set, or breaking into dance to the music playing overhead.
After my cool down exercises, I grabbed my stuff and bolted home to clean up and get ready for school. The costume for class would be a comfortable onesie. Eevee from Pokémon, which included the collar, the hood with large ears, and a fluffy tail. I paired it with my UGG boots to match the furry theme. Only underwear underneath. It certainly was the most comfortable of all my costumes. The only hitch was sitting on the tail as I commuted to school. I eventually figured out to use it as lumbar.
Naturally, I was the only one feeding my inner child in an intimate class of adults, pursuing additional studies in counselling. I didn’t mind, I was happy to be the only one; much like how I am the only Asian in the class. Very Leo behaviour of myself, wanting to stand out.
Although the costuming did take away from our practice counselling sessions, where we trade places, and counselling one another on our own real life, every day issues. Hard to seem solemn and garner proper respect as a would-be counsellor when your are dressed as a cartoon fox that only says their own name repeatedly.
After school it was a quick stop at my parent’s house to pick up some print outs for my upcoming project, that I needed to hand in. They weren’t home, so left it in a bucket for me to gather at any time. Considering what I was wearing, it did feel like I was trick-or-treating early.
And then I was back home to do my homework. Reading the next chapter and completing the corresponding worksheets. This will be the first time this week that I would be doing something outside of gym or school, so I wanted to clear my evening to not have to worry about work undone.
The costume this evening would a green Crayola crayon. I was surprised and thankful that it fit, albeit it snug. My original choice was my Sailor V cosplay from the Sailor Moon anime series, but that didn’t fit.
I wore it not to celebrate Halloween, but for a Spanish Day of the Dead celebration instead. I know nothing of the celebration so was happy to learn more at Tamaly Shop. Tonight they were hosting a Pan de Muerto and Pumpkin Decoration Workshop. This was one out of four creative workshops they were hosting for the week. I love a good arts and crafts project, especially when I don’t have to set up or clean up.
We would learn how to made the day of the dead buns from scratch, helping to make the dough then kneading our own into the actual bun, to be baked fresh then decorated. We also painted pumpkins Sugar Skull
Style as a merging of Mexican culture and Canadian. More about the entire experience to come in its own post.
After arts and crafts time with edible and decorative souvenirs to show for it, we went for a night cap.
Mount Pleasant Provisions was hosting a Halloween part featuring spirits from North Vancouver’s The Woods Distillery. I am a fan of both brands, so would sacrifice some sleep to be able to stay out later and participate.
Tickets were required for the Halloween night event and and they had sold out. The vintage furniture shop meets retro bar was decorated in cotton spider webs and the staff were all in costume.
The washroom was my favourite space with blood print and smeared mirrors and a soundtrack of spooky effects playing on loop.
Their covered patio at the back had a live DJ spinning hits from the 2000’s to 2010’s, with room to dance.
Ticket holders were able to purchase drinks and food as normal. The only Halloween specific element to the event, outside the costumes and minimal decor, was a special cocktail menu featuring The Wood’s Italian spirits. Four options crafted in collaboration with Mount Pleasant Provisions, each with a spooky name.
I was green so went with the “Goblin Mode” to keep on colour theme. This was The Wood’s Chiaro with Midori Melon, Calamansi Black Cardamon, and seltzer. It drank like a spritz, but without the effervescence-ness. Sweet from the melon and herbal from the Chiaro. Definitely a lighter cocktail option.
My friend had the Dark Arts with The Wood’s Nocino, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Haketsuru, and Umeshu”. A very booze forward and earthy cocktail to contrast the one above.
Although we were missing 2 of the 4 to try, we had to wrap up our evening. As a student who wants to maintain her gym routine, I had to call it a night by 10pm. Plus I had a project to present the next day and could use the practice.
Sadly we would have to give up trying the “Blood Sucka” made with Woods Blood Orange Arancello, coconut, and lime. And the “Snakes on a Plane” with Woods Amaro, Old Grand Dad Bourbon, Cointreau, and Lemon.
Overall this was a fun day with 3 different costumes and the ability to celebrate both Halloween and the Day of the Dead in a day.
