10th Day of Blogmas: Ideal Christmas Playlist

Hello my readers! It's officially the 10th Day of Blogmas, which means that this is my 3rd last Blogmas post. I know, you all must be devastated.

But have no fear, I'm going to be super helpful today. Haven't created your Christmas day playlist yet? Well you've stumbled upon the right blog my friend, because your problem is solved. You're welcome in advance.

The Glee Christmas Albums (every single one of them)

Ah yes, this is predictable coming from me, but how could I deprive my bloggers of listening to the best Christmas albums on the market? I'm not that selfish. Go out now (or log onto iTunes, your choice) and buy the Glee Christmas Albums Volumes 1- 4. I'm serious! Any Christmas song you can think of, I bet Glee has done it (better than the original might I add, but that's just my opinion- which is correct, of course). So don't stop believing and go get that album (see what I did there?)!

Ariana Grande's Christmas Album- Christmas Kisses

Containing four songs (1 of them being original), this is a little festive album which won't take up much of your time and will get you in the Christmas spirit in around 10-15 minutes tops. It's fun, it's Christmassy, what more do you need? Plus, it's only $8.76. Win, win!

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) - Alvin and the Chipmunks

Yeah, it's totally annoying and cheesy. But let's get serious, I don't think there's anyone who doesn't secretly love it, at least just a bit. I can openly admit it on my blog (that probably no one reads) that it's my jam. I'm not afraid to get into some Chipmunk music, and neither should you. Let your love for the high pitched furry animals fly free, and crank that tune over and over again (is anyone else loving my nineties slang? it just felt right). 

Frozen Soundtrack

Yes, this is a Disney movie. And no, I can't really pass this off as a nostalgia thing because it hasn't even come out yet (boxing day! who's excited?). But, may I just say, it does have Jonathan Groff in it (Jesse St James from 'Glee' for you uncultured folk) as well as Idina Menzel (if you don't know who she is, what are you doing on this Earth?), so that's my excuse. Plus, it's an animated Christmas movie, so it has to be awesome. Anyway, these songs will make an awesome addition to your Christmas playlist. There are not only songs sung in the movie on it, but there's also a song by Demi Lovato in there as well to shake things up a bit. I have to say, that (totally biased-ly), my favourite song is 'Reindeers Are Better Than People' sung by Jonathan Groff. It's only 50 seconds, but it'll be the best 50 seconds of your life (and that's definitely not an overstatement, when is my taste ever wrong?). 

Baby, It's Cold Outside - Elf

I've already talked about the wonders of 'Elf' on this blog way back when it was only the 3rd day of Blogmas (did I mention it's nearly Christmas?). But seriously, if you've seen the movie (which I hope you all have by now), this is obviously a must have on your Christmas playlist. It's amazeballs! If you want a legit Christmas song, then go buy the iTunes version. But if you want the movie version just because it's awesomer (yes, that's a word), it's available on youtube. If only there were a way to get music from youtube onto your computer, hmm . . . I'll leave you with that hint. 

A Very She & Him Christmas - She & Him

If you haven't heard of She & Him, it's a little duo with Zooey Deschanel, and well, another guy I don't really know about. Anyway, I know you've probably heard enough of her considering the little Elf duet above, but this album is really cool. It's low key, and of course it's Christmassy. Plus, it heavily features the ukulele, who doesn't love that, am I right? My personal favourites on the album are The Christmas Song (which I legitimately originally thought was called 'Chestnuts', but whatever) and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Go for your life!

Yay! You've now reached the end of your new playlist! Excitement! Just purchase all these (or retrieve them from youtube) and you'll be set for hours. You're welcome. Merry Blogmas everyone! Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

9th Day of Blogmas: Celebrity Family Christmas Traditions

Yuletide greetings blogosphere! It's getting super super close to Christmas now. This is the time when everyone is snooping around the house trying to get a glimpse at this year's stash of presents. Unfortunately, my little present hunt has been unsuccessful, but I wish all of you the best in ruining your own Christmas surprise. Anyway, today I'm going to be talking about how the other half celebrate Christmas. Intro over, let's go . . .

Jennifer Aniston

Apparently, former 'Friends' star is quite the Christmas party animal. Does she hold massive ragers and live it up till early hours of the morning? Well, no, because that would be weird. According to Allure magazine, at the Aniston house, annual tree trimming parties are held. Sounds like a wild night. I myself just opt for a more low key version of grabbing all my decorations and chucking them on the tree as quickly as possible, but whatever floats her boat. At this exclusive little get together, a range of canapés are served including turkey, beef, and for the animal lover's around, vegetarian. This all seems like a lot of effort, but whatever. At least it seems that her former character Rachel Green and I share the same motto regarding Christmas day. 

Angelina Jolie 

Considering she seems to be a martyr all year round with her abundance of charity work and 700 adopted children, you'd think Christmas would be just another day of the year for Angelina. However, it seems that she also has some wacky traditions she likes to get involved in. Apparently, big presents just don't cut it in the Brangelina household. You have to go small or go home (even though they're already at home, but whatevs). The aim of the game is to fit as many little stocking stuffers into the Christmas stocking as possible, which, personally, sounds positively unsatisfying. Instead of having one thing that you really want and need, you have a bunch of small stuff to re-gift during the following year. It seems like flawed logic to me, but to each their own (even though my own's better). 

The Kardashians

Like (hopefully) most of the world, I'm not particularly fond of the Kardashians to say the least. However, they do have some cray Christmas traditions, and what kind of non-biased blog would I be if I didn't post them? Turns out, every year, the Kardashians have a themed, professional photo shoot for their Christmas card picture. To us normal folk, that sounds a bit extreme. But who knows, maybe in the world of celebrities that's totally normal and expected. The Christmas Kardashian spirit doesn't stop there though. It also seems that on Christmas eve, there is an exclusive soiree held for the family and close friends, where everyone receives matching pyjamas to wear that night. Look below for last year's Christmas photo shoot with the Christmassy theme, 'the mafia'. 

Reese Witherspoon

It seems that Reece and I have something in common. We both enjoy singing super loudly and annoying the neighbours. In other words, it seems that every Christmas, the Witherspoon clan has an official carolling party. How cool is that! I'm still waiting for my invitation, but whatever. Also on Christmas eve, it is a tradition that her whole family bake cookies for Santa, hang all the Christmas stockings and decorate the tree. That all sounds pretty g, but personally, nothing can beat the carolling. 

Juliette Lewis

For the person who played the little girl in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, her Christmas traditions seem pretty unorthadox. But I have to say, her Christmas tradition is pretty cool. You generally associate Christmas with the massive family get togethers and an abundance of turkey. However, at the Lewis household, this doesn't seem to be the case. Every Christmas, this family order some Chinese food, and then spend the rest of the day at the movie theatre. Why you may ask. Well when you think about it, there are actually a lot of benefits. No long queues, a pretty much empty theatre. How cool is that! If she's lucky, maybe there'll be a couple of Christmas movies showing, so she can watch how all the normal people spend their Christmas day. 

And now you've reached the end of the list. Yay! Who knows, you and your favourite celebrity could have exactly the same Christmas traditions . . . or not. Anyway, Merry Blogmas! Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

8th Day of Blogmas: Strangest Christmas Dress-Ups

Hello again my readers! It's now the 8th day of Blogmas, which awesomely (and scarily) means that Christmas is super close. Anyway, back on track. Today, I'll be rating some of the strangest Christmas dress-ups, and who knows, maybe give you some inspiration. Intro complete, let's begin . . .

Gold Member Santa Clause

Ever thought 'hey, if only I could combine my love for Austin Powers with my love for Christmas'. Well, this seems to be your very own Christmas miracle, because below is your new Gold Member Santa Clause get up. Be the star at the next Christmas themed party you're invited to with this gold, bearded unitard. You know what, don't just save it for Christmas, flaunt that thing all year round.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Bon Bon

If you're sick of all the mainstream Christmas costumes, here's something that'll help you shake things up. Dress as a Christmas bon bon! Don't worry, it's totally normal and not weird at all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hidden Christmas Tree

Don't worry, this isn't any ordinary Christmas tree costume, don't get cray. Normally, this just looks like your average ugly, over the top Christmas sweater, but it's so much more. When you put your arms up, you can awesomely camouflage yourself as a Christmas tree. What more could you ask for in life?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Christmas Turkey

Isn't it fun dressing up babies who have absolutely no control over what they're wearing? The answer is yes. Plus, getting this little, totally unique turkey outfit will be an investment you will not regret. The baby can not only wear it for Christmas, but also, if you're American, you can force it upon the infant on Thanksgiving also! It's win, win!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Unitard

And we've now officially reached our second unitard on the list! Who wants to dress up as an average, boring, run of the mill Santa? Only the big SC himself is entitled to that. Especially when you could deck yourself out in a skin tight, red unitard. Good news, you don't even have to show your face! Your facial features are totally covered. Anonymity for the win!























And so that's the end of the blog post! If you're feeling a bit radical this year, try out one of these get ups. I hope I have succeeded in spicing up your Christmas wardrobe. Merry Blogmas! Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

7th Day of Blogmas: DIY Christmas Ornaments

Greetings again my readers! Happy Blogmas! Today, I will be once again helping you on your quest to Christmas up your house by giving you some little tutorials (totally stolen from other websites) on how to make your own Christmas ornaments. But don't worry, these won't just be any ornaments, oh no. Spoiler alert, we're going to be delving into some pretty awesome stuff. Now that that's all over with, let's get started . . .

Character Ornaments

Okay, admittedly these aren't exactly super Christmassy, but just wait until you find out what characters are involved. Hold onto you hats, because today you're going to learn how to make, minion, elmo and monsters inc ornaments! Yay! Because I have absolutely no idea how to make these, I've kinda maybe taken this tutorial from another website, but whatever. No one has to know.

To make these super awesome ornaments, you will need: 

- Clear, Glass Bulb Ornaments (they come in a 12 pack at craft stores, so don't worry)

- Americana Multi Surface Satin in the colours you'll be needing

- Vinyl (which is apparently optional)

- Ribbon to hang the ornaments (in whatever colour floats your boat)

Now you've got what you need, let's get into the instructions:

Take the top part off the ornament and pour a bunch of paint inside. If you don't want it to be difficult, it's probably best to be generous with the amount of paint. If you're as confused as I am, look at the picture below (which also isn't mine) to see if you're doing it right. 

 

Now, place your thumb over the top hole and shake it around a bit to make sure the paint spreads out (like in the photo above). You can add more if you feel it needs it. 

When the entire inside of the bauble is coated, turn it upside down in a paper cup or in the box it came in, so you can make sure the excess paint drips out as it dries. Make sure you let it dry for ages- all night if that's what it takes. 

Here comes the awesome part, adding the face! You can cut out some adhesive vinyl and or just paint it on. Whatever floats your boat. It seems that the person who made this did a combination of the two, depending on which ornament they were doing. 

Here are the finished products:

For the minion, it is suggested to just use the vinyl.

However, for Elmo, it is suggested that you use vinyl for the eyes and then paint for the nose. 

With Mike from Monsters Inc, it is suggested that you basically just use the paint. 

Though you know what, it doesn't really matter in the end. Whatever happens, you're going to have these super awesome ornaments! How exciting! Because I'm not a totally heartless person and it's nearly Christmas, here's the original website the tutorial is from. 

Mini Snow Globe Ornaments

Oh no, the awesomeness doesn't stop there. This Christmas (and every Christmas from now on), you can have your very own mini snow globe ornaments! Once again, because I can't do anything remotely crafty, this is also not my tutorial. But don't worry, I'll credit the website at the end because I'm a super lovely person. 

To make these super awesome ornaments, you will need:

- 2-3/8 inch Glass Cube Ornaments (again, I'd be raiding my local arts and crafts store) or alternatively, get 100mm bulbs (which you can get here)

- Mini Sisal Trees (which you can get here)

- Artificial Snow (which you can get here)

- Hot Glue Gun (which you can get anywhere, but also here)

- Mod Podge (which you can get here, you don't even have to know what it is)

- Brush (which you can again get anywhere, but also here)

- White Glitter (which you can get here)

- Tweezers (which you probably already have, but can also get here)

Now that you've got all of the stuff required, let's get into the instructions:

Using a paint brush or a foam brush or really whatever you have at home, coat the back of the ornaments in the mysterious Mod Podge. Immediately after that, sprinkle them with the white glitter. Wait until all of the ornaments have dried until moving on. 

Using the tweezers, grab the top of one of the little mini sisal trees so you can place it in your ornament (but don't actually put it inside yet).

Whip out your glue gun and add a drop of glue to the bottom of the tree, before putting it through the opening at the top of the ornament. Position it carefully and place it at the bottom. Do this for all of your ornaments.

Now get out your artificial snow and sprinkle as much as you want until it looks awesome.

Now you're basically done. Just add whatever else you want on the inside (glitter, more snow, whatever floats your boat), and shake it all around a bit. And now, the finished product:

Ta da! How awesome is that? Again, as you know, I had nothing to do with this tutorial except re-wording it to make it more blog appropriate. So, the original tutorial can be found here.

Okay, so we've officially reached the end of the post. I know what you're all thinking, so I'll just go ahead and answer you now.

Who's excited to see their new and improved Christmas tree this year? I know I am. Merry Blogmas everyone! Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

6th Day of Blogmas: Awkward Family Christmas Photos

Yuletide greetings blogosphere! Today officially marks the 6th day of Blogmas, which means after this post, we're halfway through, which can only mean Christmas is super close (6 days away in fact)! How exciting. As you can probably already tell from the title, today I'm going to be blogging about some of the most awkward family Christmas photos. Fun! Without further ado, here they are . . .

1. 

Ah, what a nice and creepy Christmas card. Don't that mismatched couple look positively awkward? Plus their little Christmas message couldn't just say have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, it had to be the Merriest of all Christmas's and the Happiest of all New Year's. I think that caption suits that jolly pair perfectly, don't you?

2. 

What a lovely bonding session between grandmother and granddaughter. I think that everyone now has forgotten what Christmas is truly about- being forced to wear awful, ridiculous outfits your relatives have made for you. Doesn't little red riding hood over there look super enthusiastic (or scarred for life, either one)?

3. 

I have one word for this. Why? What would possibly motivate a father to be all 'oh my God, I should be naked in our Christmas card this year!'. This is positively creepy and disturbing, and should never see the light of day again. 

4. 

At first glance, this would just seem like a lovely Christmas photo of two children- until you see the creepy demon child behind them in the window. 

Though good on her. Obviously, she was just super determined to get into the photo, and eventually, she made it in there. Persistence for the win!

5.  

This is weird. This is creepy and weird. That's all I have to say. 

6. 

Don't these kids look super excited to be in the family's Christmas card? Or not. They're both just looking positively awkward, hence their inclusion in the blog post. But this photo isn't just awkward, oh no. It's also super creepy. How you may ask? Well jut take a look at the weird floating hand at the left side of the photo! Dun, dun, dun. 

7. 

This is the creepiest Santa I've ever seen in my life. If I were their parents, I wouldn't be letting my kids anywhere near that freaky dude. Just remember- he sees you when you're sleeping. 

8. 

I don't even know what this is. By the looks of it, neither does the woman on the right. If you were going to take a family photo, here are some pointers: a) maybe put on some clothing, and b) clean up a bit. What is with the piles of wrapping paper everywhere? What makes it worse is that there's a kid in the room who has to endure that. Just look at that depressed child at the very right of the photo. I'd want to get out of there too. 

9. 

Before we even get into this one, just take a moment to look at the expression of pure horror on that baby's face. That's where I'm at right now. I mean, I get it, you've got the angel and the two cherubs. That doesn't make it less creepy. That baby is so going to regret that photo in a few years (or hate both of it's parents for life, either one). 

10. 

How lovely, a family tobacco fest. Even the kid at the front is getting into it. And look how enthusiastic everyone looks as they're puffing away. Oh how times change. 

11. 

I actually sort of love this. Yeah, it may be awkward, but it's also awesome. At least everyone seems to be getting into it. I know what I'm going to be doing for my Christmas card next year . . .

12. 

This Santa, although not as creepy as the last one, is still not up to scratch. He actually looks angry. Who would want to sit on an angry Santa's knee? I wouldn't trust that guy with my list of Christmas presents. I'd be running far, far away. 

And that's the end of the list! I hope that these were sufficiently awkward and cringy. What more could you want in a blog? Merry Blogmas! Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx

5th Day of Blogmas: Awesomest Christmas Lights

Hello again blogosphere! Welcome to the 5th instalment of Blogmas, where I will be rating some of the most awesome Christmas light displays EVER! Who's excited? I know I am. Anyway, I think that's a long enough intro, let's just get started . . .

1. 

This happens to not-so-suprisingly come from a little, totally anonymous department store called Macy's in New York. Heard of it? Didn't think so. Jokes aside, of course they're gonna have an amazeballs Christmas display. I mean, they're Macy's after all. I'm pretty sure the entire state of New York would start protests and riots if it were anything less than spectacular. And I have to say, I'd probably join them from afar. So yeah, this display is all kinds of awesome. The curtain of lights behind the tree is actually so cool, but again, it's Macy's, so kind of expected. 

2. 

Low and behold- a cartoon Christmas. Fun fact: Apparently, Spongebob, Homer and Elmo were present at the birth of Jesus. Who knew? I thought these lights were pretty cool. I mean, they're certainly colourful. Plus, they're fun and creative which is always a bonus. Let's get serious, can anyone really improve upon a Christmas jam packed with cartoon characters? I think not. Now please excuse me while I go purchase a blow up Hulk for my front lawn. 

3. 

Okay, okay, don't judge me. I know this isn't exactly an extravagant light display. But come on, how could I resist a peeing Santa? And seriously, it makes a lot of sense. Just think about it. Santa's had a pretty big night out on the town, partying it up at everyone's house around the world and drinking all their milk. You'd think he'd need a toilet break eventually. Luckily, I think he's found his pit stop. All that's missing is a couple of peeing reindeers to officially complete the whole scene that they're going for. 

4. 

Stumped as to what creative Christmas lights you're going to put up this year? Don't worry, problem solved. Don't even bother going for the house display, the front lawn's where it's at. Create your very own polar express, made entirely from Christmas lights! You have to admit, this is pretty cool. They've made everything, even down to the smoke coming out from the train. I'm not entirely sure if it does, but how awesome would it be if the train moved! How could this happen? I have absolutely no idea. But just go along with the fantasy for a minute. 

5. 

Don't just stick a plain, old, blow up Santa Clause at the front of your house. No, too mainstream. Make your entire house look like Santa! This is actually one of the coolest things I've seen in my 15 years of life. I just hate to think about how much time and effort would've had to have gone into that, as if you could be bothered! Anyway, I'm glad they were, because this is amazeballs! What really takes it a step further for me is the incorporation of all the other Christmassy stuff. Santa's nose is a Christmas tree, and his eyes are little lit up wreaths. How cool is that!?! If only this were my house *melancholy sigh* . . .

6. 

I majorly envy whoever's light display this is. Seriously. No matter how dark it is, you will never be lost on the way to your house (and for someone who's as terrible at finding their way around as me, that's a massive bonus). Gone are the days of awkwardly flailing around and grabbing onto anything as you try and make your way through the front gate. Though legit, these are pretty amazing lights.  It's so colourful and sufficiently massive, and only makes your eyes hurt for a few minutes. I would seriously like to know how they got everything to be so identical in terms of shape. I can't even secure a wreath properly let alone do all this. 

7. 

I think we can say that this is the most extravagant house we've seen on the list so far. There isn't an inch of that house that isn't covered in Christmas lights. I just keep thinking that those electricity bills would be insane! If you actually saw that in real life, it would probably send you blind. Seriously though, you'd be visually impaired for a good solid 2 weeks. There's so much detail in it, it actually has pretty much everything. You've got the Christmas trees at the side, several blow up Santas, a couple of reindeers here and there, what more could you ask for? Admittedly, it does help if you have a super massive house like that., but whatever. 

8. 

Okay, I've officially saved the best for last. A simple image could not possibly do this awesome light display justice. Warning, it may cause an epileptic fit, and I don't want to be sued or something (if it's even possible to sue someone over their blog, but whatevs). But if you don't have epilepsy, press play right now, because spoiler alert, it's going to be the best thing you'll ever see. I don't even know what else I can say, you just have to watch it. Now. 

Okay, so that's the end of the list. I hope you enjoyed some of these weird and awesome Christmas light displays, and that I have made you feel sufficiently inadequate about your own lights. I know I am. Merry Blogmas everyone! Til next time . . .

Annabel xx