Top Holiday Movies

One of my favourite holiday traditions has to be sitting in front of the fireplace, hot chocolate in hand (topped with a gazillion marshmallows, obvi) and a stack of Christmas movies to watch. It doesn't matter how many times I've seen the flicks, there is something so nostalgic and wonderful about this activity that it has become a must-do every holiday season. While I don't claim to have seen all the classics (I am embarrassed to admit that I haven't even watched The Polar Express, or Miracle on 34th Street), I thought I would put together a little list of my favourite motion pictures to watch! 

Love Actually- Love is all around. Christmas is all around. It's just so good. 

The Christmas Story- The funniest Christmas movie, ever.  It literally gets me every time; the leg lamp, the bunny costume, "you'll poke your eye out, kid"! Must watch, if you haven't already.  

The Holiday- I am a sucker for any movie that takes me abroad, and Iris' (Kate Winslet) little English cabin steals my heart every time. Since this movie combines Jude Law's gorgeousness and Jack Black's quirkiness, it makes my list.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation- Again, soooo funny! I'm cracking up just thinking about the shenanigans that surround Clark and Eddie.

Frosty the Snowman- I know it's from 1969 but come on! Classic. 

The Grinch- Do you prefer the Jim Carey version or the classic cartoon? Maybe I keep watching the Jim Carey version because we saw the Whoville set on a family trip to L.A. (no, not during filming, just a Universal Studios Tour), but regardless it's a Christmas classic. 

The Santa Clause- The first one, and the first one only. 

Home Alone- I think this series (well no 1 and 2, specifically) goes on everyone's list. Number 1 is a classic, and number 2 takes place in New York City, and NYC during the holidays is dreamier than Jude Law in The Holiday. I'll leave you with this one: Merry Christmas ya filthy animal! 

Honourable mentions include Elf, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Jingle All the Way (the things Arnold does for that Turbo Man!).

Thought I would throw in the movies I refuse to watch. Firstly, Bad Santa. Lorelai, what were you thinking? Also, Jack Frost. I am never able to get past the first fifteen minutes. 

Did I miss any notables? What are your favourite holiday movies? 

Holiday Gift Guide : For the Hostess

December is a mere week away, which means the holiday parties are about to begin (cue the bells, music and carollers now)! While it is not always necessary to buy a hostess gift, it is definitely appreciated. Below are some fabulous gifts that any hostess I know would love to receive. And don't worry if these aren't in your budget, receiving homemade treats in pretty packaging or a bouquet of flowers is sometimes even better!

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The Problem with DSLR Cameras

I have recently found photography, so to speak. Not in regards to my own picture taking skills, as they are far from extraordinary, but I have really grown an appreciation for a beautiful shot (since I know how difficult they can be to capture). But, besides all the different techniques that I will probably never master, there is one thing I struggle with on a day-to-day basis: the lack of a fashionable carrying bag. If you're not quivering at the below options (obviously above the line) then I don't know what to say, except you should stop reading now.

This may seem like a silly issue to have, but seriously try fitting a Canon Rebel T3i in a clutch! When are designers going to realize that bulky cameras are a norm now, and there is a need for a more appealing, safe, and functional bag. I am in the process of planning a fairly extensive trip and not taking my camera is simply not an option. But are my options really to sling it over my shoulder alongside my cross body for all to see? Or, should I continue with my current method of suffocating my camera in a large bag with shirts, scarves, and any other make-shift protective gear I can find? With my collection of mini bags growing rapidly, and the convenience of travelling with few items, something tells me I am more likely to go with the first option. 

You're probably thinking "didn't Rebecca Minkoff come out with a stylish camera bag?" and yes, she in fact came out with two. After measuring the dimensions of my camera for the umpteenth time I concluded that sadly it will not fit in the Craig Camera Bag (and unfortunately her slightly bigger Collin Camera Bag is not in my travel budget). So, until we see more stylish and fashionable camera bags, I would love to know- how do you carry around your digital SLR?  Do you have any travelling-with-a-bulky-camera tips?