So, I am sitting here at my computer desk with a plate of rice and vegetables for dinner on my lap (got to love Zatarain’s New Orleans black beans & rice mix, yum yum! ) and I am FINALLY updating my blog. Yes, I’m back, and I hope some of you missed me, or if you did not, at least this post will help revive the life force so to speak in our blogging friendships :)
I don’t know why I’ve been gone so long, (ok so it hasn’t even been a month, but it feels like MUCH longer) other than to say maybe I had writer's block (which doesn't make much sense since I've been working on my Regency era novel in the meanwhile) Okay excuses excuses, lets just say then that I've been distracted by life, and in particular, occupied by thoughts of a certain English gentleman who makes me laugh and smile like no other, has a cleft chin to die for, and talks with a sexy British accent like Daniel Craig (and no I'm not talking about the imaginary romantic hero in my book, though there is one, but this is a true-life romance of yours truly, yay!)
Anyway, without giving too much away about that...this evening as I sat before my computer I contemplated what to write about for my return to the blogging world, and the idea struck me, why not write a blog that is an ode to all things Christmas? Now I know that is not a very original idea mind you, and most of you are probably doing the same, but who does not love another warm fuzzies in your pocket, touch the cockles of your heart, sentimental blog post? HUZZAH!!
I know with the state of the economy and money crunch many of us are wondering what kind of Christmas we'll be having... less presents...more stress, but I don't think that means we can't all have a memorable, happy, and exciting holiday. I really like to think its all about the simple things and gestures anyway, the way it was when we were kids, so here are some of my happy thoughts and recommendations to get us all in the festive holiday mood...
SNOW!!!(We don't get it in southern California, but I always go to Utah for Christmas anyway)
SNOW PEOPLE!!! (with cute scarves, top hats, stick arms & carrot noses!)
SAPPY CHRISTMAS MOVIES ON TV...in particular the Lifetime channel for women, like this one called "Christmas on Chestnut Street" which looks particularly moving by the picture...
HOT COCOA FOR TWO WITH CINNAMON AND WHIPPED CREAM (or I can drink both, if I am alone, haha)
COZY SWEATERS AND HATS
COLORFUL KNIT SOCKS WITH POM POMS (I have some, and they're my fave on a cold winter's night!)
GRAHAM CRACKER HOUSES (making them with your loved ones covered in frosting and candy goodness) In my dreams my perfect Graham cracker house turns out like this...
But it usually ends up more like this in reality...
Note* That's okay, they all taste the same when you end up eating them...teehee!
CHOCOLATE YULE LOGS (my sister Kim made a particularly DELICIOUS one last year)
PAPER SNOWFLAKES - We used to make these all the time growing up, and its always a fun craft project with your kids, (or if you are single, in my case) your nieces and nephews if you have some
And MISTLETOE - cause well, its just a really great excuse to kiss someone you like, even if you're both, um, cartoons...
And some other things that always get me into the Christmas spirit...
JESS' TOP FAVORITE CHRISTMAS FILMS
A Christmas Story - Yes, I know, this is generic probably, but come on, its a classic Christmas staple in the American household...
The Original Christmas Classics Collection - This includes Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and T'was the Night Before Christmas (I think). It makes me feel like a little kid again, and it makes me happy, pure and simple!
It's a Wonderful Life - Can somebody say, "Clarence!" in that cute Jimmy Stewart voice? Yeah, yeah, all the cliches are true, this movie just warms the heart and makes you feel super sentimental about your fam. And don't forget, every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.
BRIDGET JONES DIARY - All you single, and even happily married gals, you know what I'm talkin' bout, this movie is fabulous! Who is more endearing than Bridget Jones, and more charming than Mr. Darcy, and how many of us have felt single and alone at Christmas time? If you haven't seen this flick, watch it! Note* Heads up beforehand, this ain't for kiddies, there's quite a bit of swear words and cheeky humor, just FYI
And some special Christmas musica ...
JESS' TOP FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TUNES
Oíche Chiúin (Silent Night) - The Gaelic version by Enya
O' Come, O' Come, Emanuel - The version by Enya or Manheim Steamroller, both are brilliant!
White Christmas - Bing Crosby (something so comforting about his rich and smooth voice)
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Loreena McKennitt
The First Noel - Any version really, but Sarah McLachlan's is pretty great
All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey, yeah, I'm not always a fan of the diva, but this song just makes me want to jump around and spread Christmas cheer with hugs and kisses
Last Christmas - Wham (cause it makes me smile, and almost everyone has had a Christmas relationship like that!)
So there you go, these are just a few of my favorite things, and in the spirit of that last song, "Last Christmas" I'd like to close this post with the video of it, and why? Because it's cheesy and fabulous, and it has '80's fashion and hairstyles, which always make me laugh, and might make my readers smile or reminisce, and even though we know ole' Georgie Porgie was pretending to like women in this video, who cares, because its such a great song and he has an amazing voice anyway (despite the funny breathy vocal parts, lol). Hope you all have a fabulous night and here's me sending Happy Happy Christmas thoughts and wishes to ya'll!
6 comments:
Yay! I am so happy you're back. And I need more details about Mr. Not Daniel Craig!
And I have to admit, I can't stand It's a Wonderful Life. It makes me want to kill someone.
Thanks Kristina! You're so sweet!
About the English gent, his name is Pete, and we met a couple months ago... I'm trying not to spill the beans too much in case he ever reads this, haha! Though he might like it anyway, hehe.
And come on, Jimmy Stewart is adorable! (even if his voice is a little whiny, hahahaha) What about Bridget Jones? I think that movie is fab!
I'm so glad you're back!! And I love all your Christmas choices - I would only add the Muppet Family Christmas and Christmas Eve on Sesame Street to your movies. They are big favorites around my house!
And I'd love a post on this Pete guy - you seem pretty smitten!
welcome back! i missed you. for reals.
and, i think it goes without saying that we'd all like more details on a certain english gentleman. ;)
) I'm glad it's just a cleft chin to die *for* and not a cleft chin to die *from* . . . I've heard those cleft chins can be dangerous. Especially if you fall in.
2) You like to make graham cracker houses when your loved ones are “covered in frosting and candy goodness?” I’d think you could be satisfied just to cover the graham crackers; that’s a lot to ask of your loved ones.
3) I know these are crank comments, but don’t call me Scrooge, because I think Kristina definitely bested me for that title, with her Wonderful-Life apostate comment.
P.S. Welcome back!
I LOATHE Christmas Story, I know no one else that does.
You write romance novels? I thought you were a singer and model? Seriously all three??!!No fair!!
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