Favorite Films of the Year

I would first like to say that I do not get paid to watch movies and that is probably the reason that one of your favorites didn't make the cut.  With that said here are my 11 favorite films of the year:

11. The Tree of Life 
I'm really glad that viewers felt their minds blown by Inception last year, but that one didn't quite do it for me.  The Tree of Life, however completely blew my mind. It seriously rearranged parts in my brain and only put a few of the pieces back together.  This is not a film that I would recommend though.  It has that sad distinction of being a film that is not for everybody.  If you're a Brad Pitt fan then this isn't for you; I tried telling this to my mother who insisted on watching it with me and she didn't listen (she also didn't like the movie).  If you're a Terrence Malick fan then this film is for you! Those are my warnings for this beautifully shot film!
10. Crazy, Stupid, Love
I'm a Ryan Gosling fan by nature and I have to credit this film for making everyone else crazy for Gosling. Something in me thought that I really wasn't going to like it, but I'm so glad I did.  The film is hysterical and actually surprising for a romantic comedy.
9. Bridesmaids
This is not your average chick flick by any means necessary!  I repeat: THIS IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE CHICK FLICK! The caps were necessary.  But I should add that this will make you laugh a lot and it will probably gross you out just as much. Thank you Paul Feig!
8. Horrible Bosses
I know that I'm supposed to love Bridesmaid more, but something is amazing about a film that doesn't make me hate Jennifer Aniston!  And I also didn't cringe seeing Jaime Fox on screen (in recent years he hasn't been that funny to me).  Oh and Charlie Day is in this!  Charlie Day!  And it's extremely funny! Oh and Kevin Spacey!
7. Martha Marcy May Marlene
Elizabeth Olsen welcome to Hollywood!  That has to my top reaction after viewing this because the girl can act her patootie off!  Her performance was so unbelievably good that it almost makes me sick.  It's not one of those I'm going to cry a lot performances (or movies), it's a very understated one.  She completely immersed herself into the role that I didn't notice the bubbly personality that I had seen in interviews.  I recommend this film if you are open to films about cults.
6. Like Crazy
I'm still obsessed with the trailer for this movie! Obsessed I tell you!  The film itself was great too.  What really holds this film together is the undeniable chemistry between Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin.  Together they are gold!
5. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
One of my favorite films of the summer is still one of my favorites of the year.  If you've seen it, please follow along as I say, ANDY SERKIS FOR THE OSCAR.  He deserves a nomination at best because his performance was riveting.  Stop motion actors are actors too and I'm hoping that the AMPAS will acknowledge that this year.
4. Drive
I cannot say that it was the year of Gosling without telling you about Drive.  Ryan Gosling delivers one of the best performances of his career and he does it with very few words.  Whatever you think about Drive before watching it will not be what you think about Drive after watching it (this is coming from someone that knew they would like it, but unexpectedly loved it). And director Refn is truly a Hollywood force to be reckoned with.
3. Super 8
I feel like I'm a very nostalgic person and that's probably why I love this film so much! It's a really fantastic film and I recommend it to everybody.
2. The Muppets
If you don't walk out of this movie smiling then something is seriously wrong with you! It's so fantastic, joyous, and I want to give Jason Segel a million hugs for helping revive the Muppets!
1. The Deathly Hallows Part 2
Once again, this is a personal list.  I'm a diehard HP fan and this film was my favorite of the entire series.  Alan Rickman also deserves recognition from the AMPAS for his truly chilling performance of Severus Snape!  He literally takes my breath away!

Merry Christmas

I honestly hope that it is Merry.  Especially if you read our blog, but who am I kidding? I'll tell you to have a good one anyways.  Merry Christmas.
Tootles!

Holiday Cinema

I feel like I've hinted at it enough.  I love Love Actually.  I don't want to hear how I'm "such a girl."  I find something truly endearing about this one.  And I have heard that guys like it just in case you're wondering. I find the film nearly flawless (one scene is a bit too naughty).  If I could use one word to describe the film, I'd say "delightful."  It's my go to word for films like this; I dare you to tell me it's not, and then you can make any complaint you so ever choose.  Are we agreed?  By the way, this is probably one of the very, very few examples of where an all-star cast actually works!  And as a little holiday treat, I leave you with my absolute, favorite scene from this oh so delightful film.

Andrew Lincoln, to me you are perfect.

Tis the Season to Do a Holiday Episode

The Office Christmas Party
The Office has never been one to shy away from doing a Christmas episode, and to my delight I have never hated one.  But Christmas Party is definitely one of my favorites, as well as being the show's first.
The episode is focused around Secret Santa(every episode contains Secret Santa).  Michael generously, and unnecessarily purchased a brand new iPOD for his man crush, Ryan.  Jim buys Pam the teapot she's been wanting, but inside of it there are numerous inside jokes between the two; it is basically the perfect gift.  Phyllis gets Michael a handmade oven mitten, which Michael hates!  Hilarity ensues and Michael invents Yankee Swap.

It's a pretty sad concept if you didn't understand the above video.  If you don't like your gift, you can steal someone else's.  It's bad for Jim.
The Office A Benihana Christmas
It's the episode where a recently dumped Michael goes to Asian Hooters to cheer up and where Pam and Karen rival Angela's Christmas party with their own.  It's a hilarious episode but this is the reason I watch it:

The Office Moroccan Christmas
It's the one where Phyllis finally gets to host the Christmas Party.  But someone didn't tell her that it was a bad idea to serve alcohol.  Meredith gets drunk and this happens:

The Office Secret Santa
The good news keeps on coming for Phyllis as it's the first year she get's to be Santa(something she's been wanting for too long).  It's also a more economically aware episode as the office might get shut down.
The Office Classy Christmas
Michael is trying to win back Holly again, but this is the only scene you need!

The Office Christmas Wishes
Andy brings his new girlfriend to the Christmas Party.  It's unfortunate for his ex, Erin.  Erin can't take it and she gets drunk!
I sadly cannot seem to upload that.
If you're looking for some Christmas cheer I strongly recommend that you visit or revisit these episodes.
Tootles!

Happy...Merry...

First day of Hanukkah if you're Jewish.  And first day Chrismukkah if you're half Jewish, half Christian.  I know that the festivities don't actually begin till Sunset, but I'd rather be early than come up with an excuse.  I'm not actually Jewish, so I thought I'd post videos of my favorite Chrismukkah celebrator:Seth Cohen(played by cutie Adam Brody)!

Hanukkah and Chrismukkah both end on December 28th this year. Have fun!
Tootles!

My Top Holiday Treats

It's about that time where someone you know gains weight by indulging in delicious treats.  So I thought I would share some of my favorites!

 1. Hot Chocolate
How dare you not like it?! It tastes like love and home! A bit over dramatic?
2. Candy Canes
There was a time where I could not stand the peppermint flavored ones for too long, but that time is gone. I love candy canes with a serious passion.  Peppermint flavors have been truly blessing, which brings me to...
3. Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
My father gave me some cash on my last day of finals to grab lunch, but since I hadn't had breakfast I used it for that.  I impulsively bought this from Starbucks, and I am in love! 2 great things (coffee and peppermint) combined! There is a God!
4.Cookies
I won't discriminate.  Chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, peanut butter, the butter ones that come in a blue tin, sugar, gingerbread, etc. I love cookies, dip them in milk or hot chocolate and it's even better!
5.Cupcakes
I'll take cupcakes on a good old normal day, but the love does increase during the holidays. You can decorate them really pretty, but in the end you can care less as long as it tastes spectacular.

Secret Santa

Photo Courtesy of retail magnolia.com

During the holidays Secret Santa is one of my favorite things!  It ensures that everybody gets a gift and it's just fun to be surprised!  This year the squirrels are going to do it differently. Semi homemade Secret Santa! By semi, I mean that I am not opposed to someone buying an item and then reinventing it.  The idea came from a young girl with no cash in her pocket.  Yeah, me!  It sucks to not have it, but I honestly do love the idea of making presents.  A lot of care does go into it.  And I can be a crafty b****.  I managed to make a corset out of a ruined bag, and all by hand!  Some people call that couture, I call it "I still don't know how to use the sewing machine."  We haven't picked out the names yet, but I think I finally have an idea to get for everyone, no matter who I choose.  I encourage you to embrace the Secret Santa within yourself, and that you do the homemade version.  You never know, you could end up in the midst of the "gift of the magi."  

Tootles!

Holiday Cinema

Well my friends, there are officially 2 weeks left till Christmas.  You know way that means? Holiday movie marathons!  I'll start you off with one of my favorites.

Home Alone! It's the story of a boy that wishes his annoying family disappears, and it actually happens! Ok, it didn't happen.  They accidentally left him home alone while they went on vacation.  The situation alone is one of my biggest fears.  Anyways there's robbers and they want to rob his house and Kevin (oh by the way the boys name is Kevin and he suffers from Keven McCallister Syndrome) finds out and tries to make it look like his family is still there.  I can't explain it any further.  It's the story of the coolest prepubescent boy that ever existed and you should just watch it!

Tootles!

Tis the Season to Do a Holiday Episode

Community Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas

There's a time and a place to allow creativity to shine through and that place is television.  Community is the most creative show on television and their Season 2 Christmas episode, proves that.  First off, it's in clay"freakin"mation!! Claymation I tell you!  If the term is unfamiliar to you, it's also appropriately called stop-motion animation. 

 I also watched the behind the scenes featurette for that episode and the amount of detail that went into the episode was insane!  It also contains original holiday music that will put you in great spirits!The episode revolves around Abed, who for the holidays, believes that everything is claymated.  He's also looking for the true meaning of Christmas.  It's all going on in his head but the family and friendship values that the episode possesses are real! I'd love to explain it into full detail but I can't.  Anything that I say will never live up to the episode, so I insist you watch.

While you're at it, Season 1's Comparative Religion is also fantastic and Anthony Michael Hall guest stars!  Season 3's Regional Holiday Music (a way cooler Christmas version of Glee (it's a parody)) airs tonight; watch it because it is also the last episode before their tragic hiatus.  And next Thursday night NBC is airing the legendary Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas. 

Happy Holidays! Tootles!

An Ode To Holiday Sweaters

Oh holiday sweaters, how I love you so.

The ironic smile you bring to my face is not taken lightly.

Whether it is Santa chanting "ho ho ho" 

or Rudolph tilting his head ever so slightly.

I admire you even more when you have one element,

maybe a menorah or a present and a bow.

It's getting so cold I might wear you nightly,

let's just hope I'm keeping up a nice scent.

Courtesy of aliexpress.com

Okay, I'm obviously no John Keats, but I do love holiday sweaters!  They're just so cheery, albeit ridiculous at times.   But I must admit, I've never owned one, so if you hate them I completely understand.

My Delightfully Surprising Christmas Wish List

I thought I should post this seeing as one of them is about to go off shelves. Here it goes:

The current issue of of TV Guide Magazine- $3.99 My favorite show Community won their fan favorite cover!  The news was revealed to the cast on the very week that they were benched from the mid season lineup. The victory is their big revelation that the Nielson ratings are no longer relevant and that many people don't watch TV shows on television anymore.  I went to the store and got what I could find.  The only one missing was the issue with Donald Glover and Danny Pudi (far right).  I'd still love to get it though, I mean it's Troy and Abed!  If you want any of them I suggest you move fast.  A brand new issue will go on newsstands this week, replacing these.  Good will hunting.

This Star Projector- $22.00 I think we squirrels have established our love for the movie Adam.  Well this projector highly reminds me of the character!  It's absolutely lovely and the nightlight I never even dreamed of existing!  You can purchase it here:http://www.infmetry.com/diy-romantic-star-projector

A Food Processor- Prices Vary I admit, it's the most surprising one on this list.  Why do I want a food processor?  Well I'm getting really tired of processed foods, and I'm also vegetarian.  I would love to be able to make my own sauces, dressing, etc.  There's also a lot of satisfaction that comes from making my own food.

A Very She and Him Christmas- $14.98 It's pretty much the only holiday CD that I have ever wanted.  Thanks to Mariela I have listened to it, but I'd like my own.

That's all I can think of for now.  About the italics, that's how you write to Santa!

Tootles!

Christmas In a Jar

My recent obsession!

These are wonderful Christmas decorations in my opinion.  You don't have to go all out if you can't afford to. You can find little Christmas decorations, like the tree, at the 99 Cent Store.  I really want to make an elf version, if I can't find an elf I might make a gingerbread man version because I'm pretty sure I've seen those at the 99.  You'll also need a jar (99 Cent Store if you don't have one lying around), glitter (preferably white) and or cotton balls (you might already own some), and of course glue (either a hot glue gun, or crazy glue should do the trick.

Heads up, if you search images of Christmas in a Jar, you might also find these:

These are great Christmas gifts because I can 100% assure you that everyone loves food, even if they have to make it themselves.

If I get a chance to make my very own Christmas in a Jar, rest assured that I will keep you posted!

Tootles.

The Countdown Has Begun!

Sorry if November wasn't such a great blogging month.  I intend to try and make it up to you if that's even possible.  What better way to end the year than to blog like crazy?! I shall try and provide amazing holiday goodness, and my 2011 favorites all December long!  Till then...

Tootles.