All six of you (one of which is me --- actually, turns out, two of which are Tasha).
It's only 120 days til Christmas. I am going to try to keep up a blogging schedule starting sometime.
I hope that I can be able to keep up with this blog, because (as silly as it is) thinking about Christmas really does make me happy! I hope it makes you happy too. It makes me laugh to go through and read where I am always saying that I am going to be updating my blog on such-an-such day about x-topic. Then it never rolls around.. Well, hopefully - not this year!
I just wanted Home Alone 2 this week, because it was on tv. Obviously, I am not the only one December dreaming in August. Here's the thing though - it had been a while since I have seen the Home Alone movies and I am finding myself out of my mind exhausted lately. So I ask - - What do these guys have against Kevin anyway? Did he just run into them on the streets of New York? Spoiler Alert Guys - they're the ones who attempted robbery on his house the previous movie.
Oops.
Well - here's to sugarplum dreams and sugar cookies shaped like trees.
120 Days til
CHRISTMAS
I took a long winter's nap and forgot about my blog.
Rest assured that my rest is over. I'll try to have quality material every day til Christmas!
Til then, please enjoy X-Entertainment's 2010 Christmas Season. It really is the best Christmas blog on Internet.
Update coming tonight! If I can make it through the icey streets of Knoxville back home from work. If I am stuck at Walmart, I'll update on location, ha!
I hope you're all having a HO-HO-Holly Jolly Christmas Season!
8 days til Christmas!
Today's Christmas Jam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjYUzpdKMZs
Christmas Tip comes tonight!
Rest assured that my rest is over. I'll try to have quality material every day til Christmas!
Til then, please enjoy X-Entertainment's 2010 Christmas Season. It really is the best Christmas blog on Internet.
Update coming tonight! If I can make it through the icey streets of Knoxville back home from work. If I am stuck at Walmart, I'll update on location, ha!
I hope you're all having a HO-HO-Holly Jolly Christmas Season!
8 days til Christmas!
Today's Christmas Jam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjYUzpdKMZs
Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone singing Baby It's Cold Outside. If you can get over the age gap that seems to be between the two, it's one of the most lovely versions of the song. Zooey's voice is something heavenly.
Christmas Tip comes tonight!
I have always been a big fan of live Christmas trees. Ever since I was a tot, there has been nothing but needle dropping, pine smelling trees in my house during the Holiday season (and often a bit beyond). If you are a follower of my blog, you will remember that last year I inquired the fire marshall to find out if I could have a live tree in my apartment if it was still "in-the-ball." Apparently that is the only way you are allowed to have a tree in an apartment .... otherwise you are putting lives at risk if your tree dries out and sets on fire. But honestly, I am a Christmas expert. My trees do not go unmaintained and unloved. They don't want for water or safety. That's why.. last year... I might have broken a rule or two.However, this year.. the boy and I decided to "downgrade" to a fake tree (because he has this concern about being evicted or killing people with our tree, I mean, how ridiculous is that?). But the trouble with that had been that no fake tree could satisfy my standards. We had looked at Target and a couple of other places... but then on a late night trip to Walmart to purchase items to bake cupcakes, I wandered back into the Christmas section - drawn by its bright lights and blaring jolly music. I perused the trees, finding nothing but the averagely fake tree... then, I came across this: Box W.
It may be a bit on the thin side, but it has something that really caught my eye and made it twinkle.... LIFELIKE NEEDLES. Not those ones that look like little pieces of green paper, or those oddly long ones. These had attention to detail on every branch.
The experience of putting the lights the tree has been pretty standard, although I had to use a lot more colored lights than usual to try to offset how many white lights are built into the thing. I also had to painstakingly go through and spread out every branch.. only to every day find more to spread out. But overall, it makes me feel as magical as a real tree would and its:
1. Cheaper in the long run
2. More environmentally friendly
3. Less cleanup
However, I will be getting real trees again if I ever have a house instead of an apartment.
Here's the tree basically "right out of the box" after being set up vs "spreading the branches" and adding lights + an awesome topper.
I think it has actually turned out pretty beautiful! I am more impressed with it the more I look at it.
34 days til Christmas!
Today's Official Christmas Jam:
The Raveonettes - The Christmas Song
Today's Christmas Tip:
Don't look down on a fake tree. It doesn't make you a holiday sellout. They can be just as pretty as the real thing... but I suggest everyone experience a real tree once in their life. Some of my favorite holiday memories are going out with my parents to go get a tree from one our local nurseries (and I still get to go this year with them for theirs!). My dad gets as serious about them as the dad in A Christmas Story. Come to think... if that movie were made now, I would think they based the character on my dad.
I don't like to make such bold statements, but I think I have the right as a Christmas expert to say that..
Cracker Barrel is the official (un-official) Christmas restaurant. They were starting to celebrate with me back in September, and boy, they bring the heat. When you walk in there you are assaulted with the holiday spirit (maybe assaulted isn't an attractive word here). There is tree, after tree packed full of ornaments. As adamant followers of my blog would know, I have written about Cracker Barrel before ( Here ). Today, I am not upset with them.
I had just been there a couple of weeks ago with the fam, and I made an epic discovery. --- the cutest thing in the history of all mankind. Perhaps in the history of time or the history of history.
Bare witness:
And now, having seen it... Be jealous in knowing that, thanks to my amazing boyfriend, I own this penguin. He was just one of my many sweet gifts. It felt like Christmas...
I love this lil' guy. I'm going to play him for all purposes: feeling down, feeling great, feeling Christmasy, not feeling Christmasy, celebrating, mourning. I'll be shocked if Derick doesn't "accidentally" break him before Thanksgiving.
So, head on over to Cracker Barrel and purchase your own while they last.
Super exciting updates coming this week! Get pumped!
OH and if you didn't know,
47 days til Christmas!
Today's Official Christmas Jam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gKzXlqsOeE
This is a really sweet little Sufjan Stevens Christmas jam and cartoon. Makes me miss my Grandmothers. If you have any that you can call still, make sure you do. I know I wish I had more often and I'd trade about a million presents for one more 'happy birthday' sung over the phone.
Today's Christmas Tip:
Try not to be a jerk. Nobody likes a jerk. (certainly not Santa) Sounds pretty simple, but it is shockingly hard not to be a jerk these days.
-and- nobody likes a stinky house: buy Glade Christmas candles. They smell amazing and are adorable too:
http://www.glade.com/WinterCollection/ScentDefault.aspx?id=98
As a Birthday present, my boyfriend let me set up my mini-Christmas tree. He doesn't understand why my obsession with the holiday season starts so early, but he does understand how difficult it would be to try to fight my Jolly-compulsions.
This display features my newest ornaments: Top Hat Bobble-Headed Dog, Angel Boston, Santa Boston, and Jekyll Island Turtle. :)
This display features my newest ornaments: Top Hat Bobble-Headed Dog, Angel Boston, Santa Boston, and Jekyll Island Turtle. :)
It's my birthday today! As my present to myself, I am fulfilling my dream to remember to make a post every other day. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
So, what will I wittily banter about in regards to Christmas today? I want to draw more attention to the Partridge and the Pear (a restaurant in Pigeon Forge, TN I referenced last post). When first walking in, I had a moment where I felt that perhaps we did not belong in the restaurant. It is decorated very tastefully and arranged in a way that makes you understand you are in a fine dining establishment. It's certainly no Ruby Tuesday with a Christmas theme, so when we arrived in casual clothes with no reservation, I was a little nervous.
However, most of the people in the restaurant were tourists and dressed as such. Even without a call ahead, we were seated within 10 minutes. Our waiting time was in a side room that featured Christmas theme art upon the walls and large, comfy couches. And on top of all of this.. a beautiful brick fireplace (what Christmas cottage would be without one?).
As you walk through the resturant, each room has a different theme to the decorations. We sat in least Christmas-y of them all (sadly enough). I gazed with childlike wonder into each passing room as we approached our destination. One boasted blue walls and beautifully done hand-painted snow. Our room, however, was designed after the namesake of the resturant. As far as either of us can recall, each table had a pear centerpiece and the partridges were in cages hanging from the ceiling. It was a very green and pastel colored room. I would have enjoyed a more brightly, overtly Christmas room.
The menu goes along with the fine dining atmosphere - boasting unique (and somewhat pricey) flavor combinations that somehow all screamed "holiday." However, walking in I knew what I wanted -- Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. We're talking turkey and cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, here. However, I was shocked to find no such meal on the menu. I had already decided on an alternative - "Rainbow Trout - a Smoky Mountain favorite, locally-sourced whole trout baked in a pecan crust & finished with an orange-cranberry beurre blanc."
I was excited about trying something new, but when our incredibly friendly and wonderful waitress Amanda (if you go there, you must ask for her) took our orders she told us that the nightly special was "The Traditional." Which is, of course, what my Christmas heart had been yearning for. It didn't take much thought for me to revert to my original game plan (though I would love to try the trout another time). I was not disappointed! We were given ridiculously fresh, delicious, and heaping portions of everything. Oh -- and did I mention that when we were waiting on our food we were served cranberry biscuits with homemade pear butter?
I'm not a food critic, but I do know Christmas. And this Christmas themed restaurant gets..
So, what will I wittily banter about in regards to Christmas today? I want to draw more attention to the Partridge and the Pear (a restaurant in Pigeon Forge, TN I referenced last post). When first walking in, I had a moment where I felt that perhaps we did not belong in the restaurant. It is decorated very tastefully and arranged in a way that makes you understand you are in a fine dining establishment. It's certainly no Ruby Tuesday with a Christmas theme, so when we arrived in casual clothes with no reservation, I was a little nervous.
However, most of the people in the restaurant were tourists and dressed as such. Even without a call ahead, we were seated within 10 minutes. Our waiting time was in a side room that featured Christmas theme art upon the walls and large, comfy couches. And on top of all of this.. a beautiful brick fireplace (what Christmas cottage would be without one?).
As you walk through the resturant, each room has a different theme to the decorations. We sat in least Christmas-y of them all (sadly enough). I gazed with childlike wonder into each passing room as we approached our destination. One boasted blue walls and beautifully done hand-painted snow. Our room, however, was designed after the namesake of the resturant. As far as either of us can recall, each table had a pear centerpiece and the partridges were in cages hanging from the ceiling. It was a very green and pastel colored room. I would have enjoyed a more brightly, overtly Christmas room.
The menu goes along with the fine dining atmosphere - boasting unique (and somewhat pricey) flavor combinations that somehow all screamed "holiday." However, walking in I knew what I wanted -- Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. We're talking turkey and cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, here. However, I was shocked to find no such meal on the menu. I had already decided on an alternative - "Rainbow Trout - a Smoky Mountain favorite, locally-sourced whole trout baked in a pecan crust & finished with an orange-cranberry beurre blanc."
I was excited about trying something new, but when our incredibly friendly and wonderful waitress Amanda (if you go there, you must ask for her) took our orders she told us that the nightly special was "The Traditional." Which is, of course, what my Christmas heart had been yearning for. It didn't take much thought for me to revert to my original game plan (though I would love to try the trout another time). I was not disappointed! We were given ridiculously fresh, delicious, and heaping portions of everything. Oh -- and did I mention that when we were waiting on our food we were served cranberry biscuits with homemade pear butter?
I'm not a food critic, but I do know Christmas. And this Christmas themed restaurant gets..
out of 5 trees.Oh, and p.s.
49 days til Christmas!
(also, fun fact: this is the 50th blog post :> )
Today's Official Christmas Jam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=981-rAfPtKo
Today's Christmas Tip:
"Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm telling you why...."Sometimes, you may be faced with unfortunate situations. People or circumstances might come up to bring down your Holiday (and general good) spirit. Don't let them beat you. Just be the best person you can be. That's all you can control. Santa (or God or Karma or whatever you believe in*) will be the one dishing out the consequences.*like maybe a Tpain**
**but not really, please don't hold this as evidence in the court of law
A vengeance?
That's not very Jolly....
Let's try... Back... with a mighty ho-ho-ho!
So, starting this exact moment... the first of November, I am officially declaring it Christmas blog season. Now, you might think to yourself.." wait a second, you normally start this blog in early September. That's why it's special. It's untimely for a long time." I know, I know. This year, I am trying a new approach to the blogosphere in hopes that I won't get all blogged out before we are even Mid-December.
I may not have been blogging these last few months, but I have been Christmas-ing it up. I've already broken out my favorite pop-Christmas cd's in the car and am blasting them (partly to feel the magic of the season, but also because it was an incredibly hot fall and the music made me feel 'cooler'). AND my rival turned boyfriend of Festivus Countdown Fame, D_rek, took me to the Christmas Place (the self proclaimed largest Christmas store in the South East).
On top of all the wonderful things we saw there, what I liked most was seeing how many other people were fascinated with the idea of Christmas in September. People were excitedly buying presents, customizing ornaments, etc. Kids were aglow with that smile that says Santa has been spotted by NORAD in their home-city. What is great though - this place is open all year. People come in like that all year. Somehow, I felt less alone in my lunacy.
We also went to the very lovely companion restaurant to the shop, The Patridge & Pear . Review coming soon! (Did I mention the Christmas Place has its own Hotel too? I may have blogged about it 'visiting' it last year. I still have not been fortunate enough to stay there.).
I would include all of the pictures, but I think I will spread them out as I talk about different parts of Christmas. Expect an update every other day or so in November and (in theory and hope) every day of December.
Til then,
Be good. Me and Santa are watching you.
ONLY
53 days til Christmas!
Today's Official Christmas Jam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Yxq4QEkUE
(Semi-Related: Did I mention that during the summer I bought a Regis Philbin Christmas Album? Priceless. Blog update on that one soon too!)
Today's Christmas Tip:
Don't let your Holiday Spirit end on December 26th. Be kind and gracious to your fellow man every day.... and every day can be Christmas (but no one is going to be giving you gifts every day or anything).
That's not very Jolly....
Let's try... Back... with a mighty ho-ho-ho!
So, starting this exact moment... the first of November, I am officially declaring it Christmas blog season. Now, you might think to yourself.." wait a second, you normally start this blog in early September. That's why it's special. It's untimely for a long time." I know, I know. This year, I am trying a new approach to the blogosphere in hopes that I won't get all blogged out before we are even Mid-December.
I may not have been blogging these last few months, but I have been Christmas-ing it up. I've already broken out my favorite pop-Christmas cd's in the car and am blasting them (partly to feel the magic of the season, but also because it was an incredibly hot fall and the music made me feel 'cooler'). AND my rival turned boyfriend of Festivus Countdown Fame, D_rek, took me to the Christmas Place (the self proclaimed largest Christmas store in the South East).
On top of all the wonderful things we saw there, what I liked most was seeing how many other people were fascinated with the idea of Christmas in September. People were excitedly buying presents, customizing ornaments, etc. Kids were aglow with that smile that says Santa has been spotted by NORAD in their home-city. What is great though - this place is open all year. People come in like that all year. Somehow, I felt less alone in my lunacy.
We also went to the very lovely companion restaurant to the shop, The Patridge & Pear . Review coming soon! (Did I mention the Christmas Place has its own Hotel too? I may have blogged about it 'visiting' it last year. I still have not been fortunate enough to stay there.).
I would include all of the pictures, but I think I will spread them out as I talk about different parts of Christmas. Expect an update every other day or so in November and (in theory and hope) every day of December.
Til then,
Be good. Me and Santa are watching you.ONLY
53 days til Christmas!
Today's Official Christmas Jam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Yxq4QEkUE
(Semi-Related: Did I mention that during the summer I bought a Regis Philbin Christmas Album? Priceless. Blog update on that one soon too!)
Today's Christmas Tip:
Don't let your Holiday Spirit end on December 26th. Be kind and gracious to your fellow man every day.... and every day can be Christmas (but no one is going to be giving you gifts every day or anything).
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