[Tuesday Top 10: Christmas Movies]

Since I have been lacking in the whole craft-making department recently, I figured I would put "How-to Tuesday" on hold for a while and start up a "Tuesday Top 10" post. This is where I will talk about whatever is in my top 10 category (similar to the one on Letterman but not near as raunchy!).

Today, in lieu of the holidays, I am listing my Top 10 Christmas Movies. (drum roll please)

10. Sleepless in Seattle - Okay, I know many of you many not even consider this as a Christmas movie, but for some reason I always enjoy watching it around the holidays. And I still to this day cannot listen to "Jingle Bells" without singing "harses harses harses harses...". :0)

9. A Christmas Story - Definitely had to include this 80's Christmas Classic. "You'll shoot your eye out!" And I kid you not, back in college my roommate actually had the leg lamp in our room! It was definitely a conversational piece!

8. It's a Wonderful Life - As far back as I can remember, I can still see me, my brother, and my parents sitting at the television watching this Christmas classic. "Buffalo gal won't you come out tonight..."

7. The Grinch - Although I would definitely prefer the original 1966 "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", Jim Carey is absolutely hilarious in this movie!

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas - Watching this movie is a family tradition in our house. It's entertaining for the whole family, and it is just long enough to keep even the little one's attention.

5. Elf - Another hilarious Christmas comedy! I laugh every time when Will Ferrell jumps up on the tree and then falls over! "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?"

4. Home Alone 2 - Personally, I think this one is better than the first one. So hilarious and totally makes me want to go to New York during Christmastime.

 3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - The day after Thanksgiving this movie is being heard throughout the household. And I think we watch it at least a dozen times (if not more!) before Christmas Day. Another family movie tradition. "Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"

2. Serendipity - Another movie that some of you may not consider a Christmas movie. But I am such a sucker for holiday romances, so this had to make the list. I could watch this movie all year long.

And the #1 Christmas movie is...

 1. The Holiday - It doesn't get much more Christmasy than this! I love everything about this movie: the music, the set design, the actors, the story, everything! It makes me want to cook me up Christmas fettuccine and cuddle up in a warm blanket next to a blazing fire. Ahh...pure bliss.

So, now it's your turn. What's on your Top 10 Christmas Movie list??

[Jen]

[Motivational Monday: Holiday Wish List]

Happy Cyber Monday! Do you have your holiday shopping done yet? Or are you like how I usually am every year and wait till the last minute? Actually this year, I am quite proud of myself. I think my holiday shopping is about 85% complete! Whoo hoo! My goal is to be able to really enjoy this Christmas, rather than hustling around trying to search for the perfect present on Christmas Eve (sad but true!).

Anyways, I have compiled a little wish list to help anyone out there who needs some gift-giving ideas.

(Note: these are just my opinion, not actual fact.)

For the Gadget-Lover: The Apple iPad. Now I know these may be too pricey for your taste, but so well worth it. This is personally on my "dream-on" wish list, meaning there is a fat-chance that I will actually receive this as a gift. I have an iPhone (which I absolutely LOVE!), so I know this would be another perfect addition to the gadget collection. I mean, who wouldn't want to receive this as a Christmas present?

Apple

For those who Love to Cook: Even if the person you are giving the gift to isn't really obsessed with cooking, I know they would love this Mario Batali Polenta enamel cast-iron cookware. I personally would like the dutch oven in my kitchen. And the yellow color is so unique, yet very versatile and will last forever! And guess what? It's on SALE today from $49.95-$79.95! Such a steal! 

Crate & Barrel

For the Spa-Lover: Who wouldn't love to walk into their bathroom and see these cotton monogrammed towels just waiting for you? I really like the stripes with the knotted-fringed edge. Ahh...so nice. And how much are they you ask? Only $10! Seriously! And I think you can get them monogrammed for FREE! Cannot beat that!

Pottery Barn

For the Book-Lover: Okay I have a confession...I hate to read. (I can hear everyone gasp.) Yes, it's true. I just feel like it's a waste of time. I guess it's because I was forced to read so much as a kid. Anyways, even though I hate to read, this book really grabs my attention. And not just because it has amazing photos in it, although that has a LOT to do with it! It really makes you appreciate the beauty and function of trees. Perfect coffee table book!

 Amazon

For the Fashionista: Clothes are probably one of the hardest items to shop for when buying for other people. Everyone has different tastes, it might not fit, etc. But, to me, scarves are a sure-fire win. They are stylish, practical, and it's a one-size-fits-all. And they are not just for wintertime. I am see people wear scarves in the summer paired with a solid tee or tank top. So chic!

Fashion Junkee

[Jen]

Bad day to be a Turkey...

Just thought I would share a few laughs with you on this Thanksgiving day:

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Happy Turkey Day!

[Jen]

[Frame Friday: Christmas Present Frame by Craftily Ever After]

Don't you just love this picture frame? I am always on the lookout for creative ways to decorate/embellish frames, and this one definitely caught my eye!

I was recently inspired by Jessica at Craftily Ever After who made this very festive Christmas present frame. And what really caught my attention was the material she used:

That's right: wrapping paper! How clever! And the best part about it is that it's super cheap and you get a TON of it, instead of just your average 12 x 12 scrapbook paper. She explains on how she makes this frame through her tutorial: click HERE.

Awesome job, Jessica! You've inspired us all! :0)

P.S. Let's see...I have 145 followers? Only 5 more to go until I have 150! Hmm...do I hear a giveaway in the future?? Spread the word! :0)

[Jen]

[Motivational Monday: Short & Sweet]

How is everyone this fine Monday? Hope you all are doing well. :0)

Well, today's "Motivational Monday" is going to be short and sweet. I am gettin' down to the wire on my daughter's Sweet Shoppe party. Still have lots to do! [eeek!] Anyways, here is something that I saw recently that I fell in love with and just had to share.

[Style At Home]

Isn't it gorgeous? It incorporates my 2 favorite things: empty frames and larger-than-life iron letters. Ahh....okay, now let's all get on with our Monday. Have a fabulous day!

[Jen]

[Scrapperday: A Day at the Zoo]

This past summer my little family and I decided to go to the zoo! It was daughter's first time to visit all the interesting animals, so of course I had to scrapbook it. :0) Here's a fun layout idea that I recently did. Enjoy!

 [The patterned papers I used were from My Mind's Eye, and the cardstock stickers were from The Paper Studio's Zoo collection. I haven't picked out the other photos I will be putting over the cardstock, but I definitely wanted to include pictures of the giraffe and the elephant we saw at the zoo.]

 [Just some fun little cardstock stickers. Aren't they cute?!]

[The highlight of the whole zoo experience, according to my daughter, were the elephants. She loves imitating the sound it makes while using her arm as the trunk. So cute!]

I will be linking up this scrapbook page to these linky parties. Come join me!

P.S. Sorry for the lack of posting. I have been diligently working on my daughter's 2-year birthday party. It's going to be a "Sweet Shoppe" themed party. So much fun! I will post pics of everything soon, so stay tuned! :0)



[Jen]

[Framed Friday: Chalkboard Frame at Bless Our Nest]

I was recently inspired by Shannon at Bless Our Nest who did this adorable frame project. And it looks like it was super easy to do!

Here's the before (a $4 unfinished frame from Hobby Lobby):

And here is the after:

Isn't this just adorable?! All she did was simply paint the frame with chalkboard paint (gotta love it!) and hot-glued on a pretty bow. Easy peasy! Here is her original post to view the full project: click here.

Awesome job, Shannon! I am going to go try this out on one of my many frames! :0)

[Jen]

Happy Election Day!

Have you voted yet? If not, be sure to do your part as an American and go vote! Remember: every vote counts!

[Jen]

New Lower Prices in [Frame Fanatic] Etsy Shop!

Hi Everyone! I wanted you all to be the first to know that I have lowered ALL my prices on ALL the frames. A couple of them are even on sale for the holidays!

["Peppermint Candy" Button Frame]

["Wintergreen" Button Frame]

Both "Christmas-y" frames are on sale now for only $10! Such a steal!

All other frames (including ones that you would like custom-made) are now being sold for only $15! (as apposed to what it was earlier: $20) And, of course, FREE shipping! So hope on over to my Etsy shop and take a look around! :0)

[Frame Fanatic] Etsy Shop

[Jen]

[Motivational Monday: Black & White]

It's simple yet classic: black & white decor. I love decorating my home with those two basic colors. It's so versatile! You can always add a pop of another bright color with an inexpensive accessory while still keeping the black/white as a base. So chic!

Want to decorate your home with these colors? Here are some inspirations to help motivate you:

[There are so many things I love about this room. Of course, my eye automatically goes to the patterned drapes. Love it! They add such character to the room without overcrowding it. I also love that only one wall is painted black. Really adds depth to the space. And the chandelier...swoon..]

[Love this sophisticated idea for a vanity! By simply painting the drawers black while leaving everything else white adds loads of style. This would be perfect in any guest room or bathroom with some black and white towels and accessories included. Even that little blue vase adds that little pop of color.]

[Wouldn't you love to have this on your porch or in your living room? I adore the mixtures of black and white fabrics. Even the clock and lampshades are along for the ride! So chic!]

[I know I've shown you this before in a previous post, but I would like to highlight it again. I just love the black and white tile floor! Totally showcases this all white laundry room!]

Sources:

BH&G

HGTV

Country Home

[Jen]