Christmas Movies

I feel like I could talk about the best parts of Christmas forever. There are so many, from big things like family, to little things like candy canes. These favourite things seem to pop up or come to mind constantly over the holidays, which is great. Or you'll hear someone else talk about them and immediately chime in. One of my (endless list of many) favourite things about Christmas is the movies. From old school cartoon movies (most of which I own) to new school Christmas movies. The stories are always filled with love, they always have a festive setting, and let's be honest, when it's snowy outside isn't it the best to sit inside by the tree and watch these Christmas movies? That's what I'm looking forward to this weekend. There's a couple of big snow storms hitting the city and with only a couple of plans, I intend to make sure all the necessary Christmas movies get watched or re-watched! With today being my last work day before the holiday, I've got time :)

With that in mind, I thought I'd share some of my favourite Christmas movies:

1. Love Actually - This is a no brainer. Forget Christmas, this is one of my ALL TIME favourite movies.
2. The Family Stone - I feel like this movie is less well known and popular and I have ZERO idea why. It is again one of the best movies in existence. Fun and funny, such a beautiful story.
3. Elf - Duh. We all need a laugh over the holidays. And we all need a little Will Ferrell always.
4. Home Alone - Classic. Just classic. 
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - I can't believe I only saw this for the first time when I was in my early 20's. That's probably why it's not higher on the list but MAN I know why this is most peoples fave! 
6. Scrooged - Saw this for the first time last Christmas season with my friend and we laughed and laughed and laughed! Previous to seeing it was in the "Christmas" section of the movie rentals, we hadn't really heard anything of it but decided to give it a shot! If you've not heard of it, do give it a shot! It's hilarious. 
7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, Charlie Brown Christmas - Not in any particular order, I cannot rhyme off a list that does not include these childhood cartoon favourites. I own these and hope to get to them all this weekend or before Christmas - it's tradition! 

I'm SURE I am missing one or two or ten... isn't that always the way? Someone mentions one and you're like "Oooooh yeahhhhh!". What's your fave?

At that, here's my fave part of my fave movie Love Actually - which you should probably only watch if you've seen the movie (spoiler alert) - enjoy:
 

Seasonal Sparkle

I'm either giving you a great gift idea, a great gift hint to drop to someone, or a great gift-to-yourself idea! Or even just something pretty to look at. Either way check out these stunning Kate Spade Metro Grand watches I stumbled upon last week. 

Talk about perfect holiday sparkle for your wrist, but also with the option to switch out the strap! To me the whole switching out the strap concept reminds me of the kinds of versatile watches that were around when I was a kid. Switch out the strap or the coloured bezel and it's like you've got a whole new watch! I like these ones because one is party perfect where as the other one is more streamlined and classic... okay, maybe not the neon pink as much but definitely the black! 

I'm torn on which combo I love the most: I'm very drawn to the classic gold and black, but how fun is the rainbow and pink?

It's December!!!

FINALLY, it's December. FINALLY, I'm not an oddball for playing Christmas music or decorating. 

Normally it's not until December that I really get into the holiday spirit but something happened this year... I've been in the holiday spirit for weeks! I know when someone talks about Christmas too soon or or sings carols too early it can be annoying... so I've been trying to hold back, at least in front of people. I will do so no longer! I'm also okay with all this snow. It's just adding fuel to the fire. My house is mostly decorated except for my Christmas tree - that will be done next week as a girlfriend and I are doing our usual Christmas-kick-off/decorating party/Victoria's Secret fashion show evening! I CANNOT WAIT TO HAVE A TREE UP! I even have presents ready for under it! The cherry on top of the sundae though? The music. I've been secretly (or not so secretly) listening to Songza playlist after playlist of Christmas music and loving it. I've also been skipping the aisles of stores as they've been playing the music. Just yesterday a local radio station began their 24/7 Christmas music takeover, so you can go ahead and guess what's playing in my car right now! It really is the most wonderful time of the year. 

Are you in the spirit? Or perhaps you've been in it this WHOLE time just like me... :)

ALSO, today is Cyber Monday so happy shopping folks! I'm doing my best to resist but my inbox is filling up with unreal deals...

Happy (American) Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to those south of the border! 

Canadian Thanksgiving was over a month ago of course, but I still enjoy this day quite a bit - probably because some of the spirit can't help but make it's way across the border. I am also a football fan (NFL) so I am all about this full bonus day of football! Although I do wish I was having some turkey and stuffing... nachos will just have to do! :)

Another perk? That Canada has for the last couple of years also recognized Black Friday! And for those who don't want to get trampled in a mall, the more reserved Cyber Monday. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween everyone! As is the case with most holidays, I love Halloween because of it's spirit. It's a just for fun holiday. Let's be honest, what's not fun about costumes and chocolate! Also, scary movie marathons... my fave. 

I've tried to fill my week with a bit of Halloween festive-ness, especially since I didn't go to any costume parties last weekend. On Monday I had a scary movie night with my cousin - a tradition of ours - and last night, I went to a SUPER SPOOKY haunted house that's set up nearby with some girl friends. Last night did it for me. That house was SCARY! And so much fun. Today at work I'm a little bit dressed up (why not) and am ready for some serious Halloween candy!!!

4th of July!

Woooo weeee! What a week, what a week! You know when you have one of those weeks where you start to feel like you never stop? Well, this is one of those weeks. Nothing to complain about but as a result blogging has fallen off my radar. I also find that being busy, combined with post-long-weekend tiredness is one difficult combo. But one I'd better get used to because I am taking the next 4 Mondays off, and the 5th Monday is a holiday, so I'm looking at many long weekends ahead! With no plans to go on any big trips this summer, long weekends are my kind of summer vacation. But enough about that for now, without further ado I would like to wish our American neighbours a very happy 4th of July!!! :)

Canada Day!

Today is Canada Day which means - long weekend and fireworks! 

Happy Canada Day (or Monday if you're not Canadian)! :)

Mom's are the best!

Me and my mom last Mother's Day

This Sunday is Mother's Day so I wanted to wish all the moms a happy Mother's Day before the weekend begins. Aren't moms just the best?! I am such a lucky girl to have a wonderful loving mother who I am close with. We have always been super close.

I know everyone says their mom is the best, but I just wanted to let you know mine actually is! :)

Happy Easter Weekend!

Can you believe it's that time already? Easter this year is super early, but I do not mind at all since lately I can't seem to focus on anything else but SPRING! Spring colours, spring weather, spring jackets, spring clothing - you name it! Easter definitely incorporates all of that. I mean, can you actually look at that picture of those colourful Easter eggs and not smile? I certainly can't! Easter also means a long weekend which is not too shabby, not too shabby at all. Happy Easter (weekend)! :)

Weekend O' the Irish

Sunday is St. Patrick's Day. If there is anything you should know about St.Patrick's Day, it's that it IS my favourite holiday... EVER! I'm not really sure how that got to be but I remember as a kid my mom would always get excited about St. Patrick's Day, we'd dress in green, and I'd wear a big shamrock pin and... yeah, so it probably originated there, haha! I so look forward to this holiday as it's just about green (Pantone colour of the year anyone?), fun, beer, and the odd Irish jig.

Last year: leaving for Montreal

The past couple of years I've gone away for St. Patrick's Day: Boston two years ago (amazing and my favourite) and Montreal last year. This year I am also going away, but to Niagara Falls! As a Patty's Day destination it doesn't really make A LOT of sense, but that's neither here nor there. Last summer my roommate won a trip for two to Niagara Falls and (due in part to its impending expiry) we decided to use it now! The trip includes a business class (read: free drinks) round trip train fare and 2 night stay in a two-room deluxe suite at the Fallsview Hilton Hotel! What?! Yup! So we are heading down the morning of St. Pats and going to the nearest Irish Pub the second we arrive (I Googled it, there is one). Last year apparently the Falls were green and I would love it if they were this year too! Our second night I think we'll tour around a bit as we both haven't been there in years, and go out for a nice dinner. Very much looking forward to it!

May you all have a safe and fun St. Patrick's Day! *Insert Wee Irish Jig Here*

The Falls on St. Patrick's Day 2012

St. Patrick's Day in Boston 2011

Valentine's Day!

Happy day of love everyone! As cheesy as it is I really like Valentine's Day and the idea behind it. Not the Hallmark-made-a-holiday part of it, but rather taking a day to celebrate love. I've never been one to celebrate Valentine's Day with a significant other, but let me tell you, as a single girl it's almost as though I feel like I have a duty to celebrate it! For good "love" karma maybe? :)

This Valentines my roommate and I have a dinner reservation at an Italian restaurant downtown, and then will probably watch a chick flick. Pretty typical single girl affair, but also pretty perfect.  

Back to Reality

It was bound to happen. It had to happen. The holidays are over and I am back to life, back to reality! As much as I wish I had more time (like the rest of the week) to relax and do nothing, it does feel kind of good to be back to routine. It's fortunate that I like what I do, but I know this first day back will likely exhaust me and result in me curling up in sweats the second I get home! 

Overall the Christmas Holidays and New Years were exactly what I'd hoped. Lots of relaxing and good times with friends and family. That being said, I can't believe we are already embarking on a new year! Here's to 2013 and having it be the best year yet!

Merry Christmas Holidays!

Today is my last (half) day of work and reality before the holidays! I'm now off until early January. I so love this time of year, but especially the vacation part - I mean who wouldn't? I get to bake, watch movies, relax, read, spend time with family and friends, all to my heart's content! Not to mention enjoy the odd rum and egg nog!

Wishing you have a safe, happy, and joyful holiday!!!

Love Actually

EVERY SINGLE CHRISTMAS SEASON this is a must watch for me! Definitely one of my favourite movies of all time, this film just warms my heart and gets me in the holiday spirit like nothing else.

I just watched it with my cousin and there were so many times we were saying "oh, this part is so good!", or even got emotional! (That's my M.O. by the way - I'm a weeper!) Since the movie takes place while counting down to Christmas, it's hard not to let the Christmas spirit take you over. It's also such a powerful movie when it comes to love. Isn't love the best?! So many stars in it too. I just can't get enough of it. I'm pretty sure I smile from start to end, haha!

With the negative things going on in the world/on the news as of late, the opening dialogue in the movie is something worth sharing and keeping in mind: "Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around."

Chances are you have seen this movie, BUT if you have not, I recommend you drop everything you're doing right now and watch it immediately. You will not regret it. 

Christmas Shopping Progress

In addition to all the wonderful things I've said about Christmas (music, decorations, food, family, friends, VS Fashion Show), Christmas time also means Christmas shopping! I really love shopping but I rarely go into malls anymore. I know my brands, I know my style, and I know my sizes - I am a PRO at online shopping. I can do it in seconds and never have to leave the comfort of home! Christmas shopping of course is a whole other story. I have to go into malls and stores that have never been busier and fight my way through to see if what I'm looking for is even there. Luckily I don't have too many people to buy for and also, I've gotten my most difficult presents out of the way already. One present was hard to find, and the other had some lead time on it. Both got checked off the list this week! I'm thinking what's left should be easy-peasy and my feet will be kicked up as I listen to Christmas music by the tree eating some delicious food with family in no time!

How's your holiday shopping progress?

Taffy Lane

I don't know if every city has one, but we have a street in our city called Taffy Lane that is known for it's Christmas spirit and over-the-top decorating. I heard about it for the first time last year, on the radio I think, and ever since have had this itch to go see what it's all about. I never made it last year but this year my roommate and I were determined. We visited this street last night and it was everything we'd hoped for... maybe more!

I think before arriving we were both expecting the street to be decorated with all the traditional lights and such - but boy, were we surprised! You know the movie, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation? Even if you haven't seen it, maybe you at least know that the dad in that movie covers the house with a ridiculous amount of lights and other decorations, so much so that you don't know where to look and the power even goes out? Well, it was kind of like that! Not all the houses mind you, but there were some crazy ones! We definitely turned into kids running from house to house looking at all the lights and details. We decided to walk it because then we could get up close, take pictures, and take our time. By the time we left there was quite the build up of cars driving through super slowly. I've heard closer to Christmas they have to pull police in to manage some of the traffic build up! It was definitely worth it though. I thought I was in the Christmas spirit before but this just shot it WAY up!

Festive Duds: Christmas Parties

I always love the holidays because not only can you put glittery things on your Christmas tree, but on your body as well! The more sparkle, shine, glitter the better and more festive you look. Sadly this Christmas season I do not have any "formal" parties to go to that would require a fancy dress or outfit. But that doesn't mean I can't live vicariously through Pinterest! It also doesn't mean I will be wearing anything boring. At every chance I will be rocking sequins and/or festive shoes and/or lots of jewelry! I vow to light up my work lunch and over dress for my low key house parties. Maybe even throw in a red lip just because it's the colour of Santa's hat! But, back to living vicariously through Pinterest, here are a few of my festive faves for Christmas parties...

Probably my fave due to simplicity

Gold!

Black Sparkle

And let's not forget about the potential to throw in some Winter Whites! What are you going to be wearing this holiday season?

All I Want For Christmas...

If you didn't see it last week, here's your chance! Jimmy Fallon, the Roots, and Mariah Carey do an "unpulgged" (with children's instruments) version of Mariah Careys hit holiday song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You". It also happens to be my favourite song this time of year. This is a really cute, funny, and surprisingly good version. Enjoy!

Decorated! Gangnam Style

It took several hours of hard labour but my roommate and I finally decorated our house. We even had time left over to make a quick video of what it looks like! 

Ok, just kidding (obviously). But in the spirit of our decorating festivities last night I wanted to share this video! There always seems to be one of these every year... :)

It's Christmas!

Tonight is the night that I look forward to every year and get's me in the Christmas spirit! Why? Because tonight is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show! I've been watching it for years and always made kind of a big deal of it. Having people over, making delicious food, drinking delicious drinks, and turning up the volume! Like most girls, I do like Victoria's Secret. Not just their stuff, but their brand, or rather the spirit of their brand. The show is so fun, loaded with great music, and fabulous looks. I just can't wait. 

Last year I took the fact that it puts me in the Christmas Spirit one step further. My roommate and I put up the Christmas tree and decorated the house (while drinking and eating as mentioned earlier as a crucial step) all before the show began. By the time it was starting, we were able to watch in the glow of our Christmas tree. So fun and perfect. Can't wait to do it again! This year's musical guests include Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Rihanna. These pictures are also a sneak peek tonight's show.

Merry Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!