Tuesday 10 December 2013

Best Christmas Movies to watch on American Netflix Only

I have a confession... I am a huge sucker for made-for-tv movies. Please don't judge me! 

I honestly don't know what it is about them that makes me feel so good. I don't know if it's the low budget lighting, awkward editing and cuts between takes, or the script that sounds so cheesy, you'd swear it was written on a cheddar block... but for some reason or other, I can't get enough. Especially at Christmastime. 

I invite you to join me on my journey as we go deeper into the heart of Christmas. These films take it pretty far and are for the true Christmas-lovers only. So grab a candy cane, a cup of hot chocolate and let's get watching! 

1. Christmas Cupid (2010)
First on our list is Christmas Cupid, a movie about "a workaholic publicist [who is] haunted by a newly deceased client who pressures her to reform and reunite with a former flame to find love by Christmas" (Netflix, 2013). This was the very first made-for-tv christmas movie that I watched on Netflix and I thought it was SO cute and adorable and you will love it. 

To watch the trailer, click here

(Hint: You may be able to watch the full movie on YouTube because I saw it on there when I was browsing if you don't have American Netflix)




2. Holiday in Handcuffs (2007)
Starring Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez (aka Sabrina the teenage witch and A.C. Slater) this movie starts out a little slow and more than a little creepy when Hart kidnaps Lopez and forces him to be her fake boyfriend. But it is redeemed in the end, with a very touching and special connection made between the two '90s stars. In the end I really found myself smiling and ended up loving this holiday film. 

To watch the trailer, click here





3. 12 Dates of Christmas (2011)
I love, love, love (love, love, love) this movie. The Netflix description says, "Set up on a blind date with handsome Miles on Christmas Eve, Kate gets 12 chances to relive the date over and over again until she sets things right" (2013). And I know what you're probably thinking: "That's gotta be so annoying with her living the same day over again... 12 times!" But you'd be wrong. The way they do it is so cute, and hilarious that you actually can't wait for her to start the next day and see what she does. Perfect holiday film!

Watch the trailer here

Watch the full movie here


4. Desperately Seeking Santa (2011)
"After devising a 'sexy Santa' contest to increase Christmas sales, young marketing guru Jennifer winds up falling for the winner, a local hero" (Netflix, 2013). This movie is cute. Most of these Christmas films seem to deal with women who've become stuck up, or too involved in their work, therefore not having time to date, and then realizing they've been missing out on the perfect man. They're pretty much all the same, but this movie has a really cute leading man, who's super sweet and charming. 






That's it for my list of made-for-tv Christmas movies. If there's a made-for-tv Christmas movie that you love and I didn't include on this list please let me know because I would love to watch it. Thanks for reading and have yourself a merry little Christmas 

Sunday 1 December 2013

Christmas Movies to Spark your Holiday Spirit

My second favourite part of Christmastime (besides the music, of course!) are the movies! There is honestly nothing better than snuggling up with your loved ones under a warm fuzzy blanket, drinking hot chocolate and watching your favourite Christmas movies. There just isn't. Okay. So, here we go with another list of my all time best Christmas films for your enjoyment. 

Again, the top 5 are my absolute favourites. The movies following the top 5 are in no particular order, and are all totally awesome films you should watch as well. 

1. The Holiday(2006)
Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, this film is almost on repeat in my house during the holiday season. For some reason or other, I can never get sick of it. I know it didn't get great reviews or whatever, but if you watch it without looking for the flaws, you might find yourself to be thoroughly entertained. 

Watch the trailer here






2. The Santa Clause (1994) 

This is one of those films that I grew up watching (I was 4 years old when it was released in theatres) and it's probably one of the best Christmas movies of all time. It's so cute and so christmassy and I have to watch it at least once every holiday season. 

Watch the trailer here.








3. Home Alone (1990)
One word: Classic. Another film that doesn't get old, and one the entire family can enjoy. Get the hot chocolate a-brewin' and the fleece blankets ready. You cannot go wrong with this fun family feature. 

Watch the trailer here








4. It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
When choosing Christmas movies we can't forget the oldies. As a huge Jimmy (or James) Stewart fan, I'm in love with him in this movie. Also, just my personal opinion, but it's important to show the youngsters of today a film that came out more than 30 years ago. Watch it, and watch it in black and white. The colour version is sadly not the same. 

Watch the trailer here






5. White Christmas (1954)
The songs in this film are phenomenal. The classic train scene in which Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney sing the beloved song, "Snow," is unforgettable, and the film itself is moving. It's no wonder why this film has stood the test of time, and is still a favourite among families today. 

Watch the trailer here







6. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
I never watched The Muppets growing up, so I was extremely skeptical when I first watched this surprisingly great film. I had always found other versions of the Charles Dickens' Classic, A Christmas Carol to be... well... rather boring. But this film surprised me. It may be made for children, but I think adults of any age can enjoy this clever twist on a beloved story.

Watch the trailer here






7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) 
"You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch." Probably everybody living in North America knows the words to this Christmas classic. There's nothing to say except that Dr. Seuss is a genius and this cartoon is not to be forgotten during the holiday season. 

Watch a clip here.









8. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
As a huge fan of the Peanuts, this movie is absolute perfection. Charlie, Snoopy and the gang are at their best in this holiday classic. A must watch and listen. 

Along with How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Frosty the Snowman, this film is usually shown multiple times on television specials throughout the month of December. 

Watch the trailer here





9. It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)
This film snuck up on me, as I had never heard anybody talk about it before. I watched it, fell in love with it, and now I can't live without it during Christmastime. The ending is just heartwarming and captures the Christmas spirit (I daresay) better than any film on this list. 

Watch a clip here








10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Santa is real people! This movie proves it. I've always believed. Never stop believing. 

Watch the trailer here










11. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
I just watched this movie again last night and I laughed harder than any of the previous times. There's so many small quips that Jim Carrey makes, you tend to miss them, but each time you re-watch it, it becomes funnier and funnier. I thoroughly enjoy this modern take on a Christmas classic and so should you!

Watch the trailer here.







12. A Christmas Story (1983)
To be quite honest with you, I never liked this movie. UNTIL I had appendicitis last December and couldn't really do much besides lay on the couch watching movies. I decided to watch it again and thought to myself, "What was I thinking? Not only is this movie hilarious and charming, it's actually pretty darn good." So if you're like me and didn't really like this movie when you were younger, give it another try and see how you feel about it now. 

Watch the trailer here





13. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Another film that I watched during "The Great Appendicitis Battle of 2012" and fell in love with. Hilarity ensues when this family gets together for the holidays. Chevy Chase is the epitome of comedic timing and you will laugh your pants off watching this Christmas Classic. 

Watch the trailer here.







14. Elf (2003)
I will admit I'm not a huge fan of Will Ferrell, so I didn't see this movie in theatres or even have any interest in it whatsoever. I had no choice but to watch it when someone gave it to me for Christmas and it actually turned out to be a pretty good movie and captured the essence of the season very nicely. Fun film for all the family to enjoy. 

Watch the trailer here.







15. Four Christmases (2008)
This movie is bad... in the best way possible. I must say I do enjoy a terrible movie every now and then, and this is one of them. I get made fun of a lot for being a film student, and then liking terrible movies like this, but sometimes you just gotta throw away that critics hat and enjoy something for what it is. I like Reese Witherspoon and I tolerate Vince Vaughn in this laughable Christmas comedy. 

Watch the trailer here






16. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Ahhhh Frosty. Another children's classic. I haven't seen this one in a while but I do remember it fondly. Watch this and watch the song accompanying it get stuck in your head for the rest of the day. You're welcome. 

Watch the movie here








17. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Fun for the whole family and another film with a catchy theme song. The stop-motion animation gives this movie a retro feeling. A heart-warming tale that teaches children they shouldn't judge by appearances and roots for the underdog. Way to go Rudolph!

Watch the trailer here








18. Holiday Inn (1942)
This movie is sort of a mish mash of all the holidays, but focuses on Christmas a little more than most. Apparently the film White Christmas was actually a remake of Holiday Inn. Both star Bing Crosby and both are equally enjoyable. (The one thing I really do not like about this movie is the small scene in which they use blackface. The times were different back then, but it makes me feel awkward when watching it.)

Watch the trailer here





19. Last Holiday (2006)
Starring Queen Latifah, this movie is bittersweet as she spends her last few weeks alive, living her life as she never has before. Latifah finds out she has a terminal illness and decides to blow all her money on a vacation before she "kicks the bucket." It's a very enjoyable film and the supporting cast is great. 

Watch the trailer here







20. Jingle All the Way (1996)
If you're a '90s kid, there's a pretty good chance you know this movie backwards and forwards. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. Schwarzenegger gets himself into the most hilarious of situations trying to get his son a toy for Christmas that is sold out everywhere. Another great film for the entire family to enjoy.

Watch the trailer here







That's it for my Christmas movie recommendations. Let me know what your favourite Christmas movie or if I missed an important film to put on this list. And remember to keep that Christmas spirit alive! Ho Ho Ho.

Wednesday 27 November 2013

2013 Christmas List

I'm making this list* public simply to give you some ideas if you're having a hard time thinking of what you want for Christmas, to give you ideas of what to buy others for Christmas, and to make it easier for my family and/or friends to shop for me (I know how difficult it can be to find presents for people, so let's get started).

* Ordered from least expensive item/gift to most expensive.

Disclaimer: By no means do I expect to receive, nor do I care to receive all of the items on this list. I made this list for people to get gift ideas for themselves, or for what to buy others who fit my demographic. 

Loose Leaf Tea (Or regular tea/coffee)
Price: $17.50 - $27.50

If you are, or if you know, a tea connoisseur like myself, you can never go wrong with loose leaf tea as a Christmas gift. Now personally, I do not drink anything with caffeine in it, so only caffeine free herbal teas for me please. (Some of my favourites are peppermint, chamomile, bengal spice, and rooibos teas). The best store to buy loose leaf teas from is definitely David's Tea. You can order online as well, and I truly think this will make the perfect Christmas present for anyone, but especially for tea lovers. 



Movies
- Love in the Afternoon (Audrey Hepburn)
- We're the Millers (Jason Sudekis) 









Books
Price: $15.00 - $30.00

Books are the perfect gift! I absolutely love receiving books as gifts and hope to one day have a library in my house.

Books I Would Like for Christmas:




Rice Cooker/Steamer
Price: $27.95 - $79.95

"You know you're a grown up when... You ask for cookware for Christmas." Wahhh. But anyway, I don't really eat rice regularly right now, but I swear I would if I had a rice cooker like this one. If I'm not mistaken you can put the rice in at night and set a timer and have it ready for you in the morning when you wake up. How cool is that! 





Crock Pot/Slow Cooker
Price: $45.00 - $60.00

So many healthy recipes call for the use of a crock pot, and I don't have one. I'm surprised they're not more expensive, but I can't wait to start using it to make healthy Chili and soup recipes :) 







Fleece Sweater
Price: $59.95

This is the perfect gift for those outdoorsy types. This fleece pullover will keep you or your friends warm during those chilly winter nights (if you live in a cold region). I've already got one, but the lady at the Eddie Bauer store said she got one for all of her friends and family last Christmas and it was a huge hit!!!  














iPhone Accessories 



If you know what type of phone your friend has, it's always fun to get them cases or accessories for that phone. For instance, this Michael Kors iPhone Wristlet is beautiful and would be a great gift to get or receive. Other ideas for phone accessories are dashboard holders, external speakers, etc. 






Apple TV
Price: $109.00

This is an amazing device. I use it mostly to watch Netflix, but there's also radio stations, you can buy or rent movies from the Apple Store, and do so much more with this itty bitty package of convenience.





Bedding/New Comforter 
Price: $100.00 - $300.00

Who doesn't love to get a new comforter or sheet set? Sometimes they can get really pricey but if you search around or wait for them to go on sale, you can actually find some really awesome bedding. So comfy and cozy, this gift will leave the recipient feeling like they're sleeping on cloud 9. 









Professional Blender  
Price: $454.95 - $579.00

Ouch. I know this is a pricey item, but honestly a good blender goes a long, looooooongg way. If you know a friend or family member who is into health, a high quality blender is essential. I've been using a cheap (crappy) blender to blend my smoothies and it's just not working out so great. That's why I would love to receive a Blendtec blender or Vitamix Blender for Christmas this year. 

There's also the more affordable option, the Ninja Ultima blender which is comparable to a Vitamix. The only thing that concerns me is that there is lead used in the production of this machine, and it is not entirely clear as to whether or not the lead comes in contact with your food. 


Thanks for reading and let me know what you're asking from Santa for Christmas!








Sunday 24 November 2013

What is a bully?

What is a bully?

noun
1. a person who uses strength or influence to harm or intimidate those who are weaker.

verb
1. use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force them to do something.

I'm sure everyone has come across a bully at least once in their lives. I really do not deal with bullies well. You could actually say I have a zero tolerance policy. Something about someone trying to intimidate, oppress or dictate how I live my life really bothers me, right down to the very core of who I am (perhaps a trickled down side effect of colonization? But that's a different blog post).

The very first bully I ever encountered was in kindergarten… To protect the (not so) innocent, let's call her Rachel. Everyday I would go to school and Rachel would pull my hair and force me to do things I didn't want to do (like go into the bathroom alone with her, or play games I didn't want to play). I told my mom that Rachel kept making me do stuff and would always pull my hair or hurt me if I didn't do exactly what she said. My mom, being the great person that she is, decided the first step would be for me to try to avoid her.

So I did. But it was kindergarten and kind of difficult to avoid someone in such a small classroom. So the next step that my mother took was to alert the teacher to the situation. The teacher told the class that bullying was wrong and that we should keep our hands to ourselves without addressing Rachel and myself directly. That would have been great if it had worked, and the bullying had stopped there, but it didn't.

Rachel continued to harm me by pulling my hair and forcing me to do things I didn't want to do. I told my mom that Rachel still wouldn't stop, and finally she told me this:

"The only way you can get Rachel to stop bullying you and pulling your hair for good, is by pulling hers back even harder than she's ever pulled yours before."

What!!! I was shocked. Did my mom really give me permission to pull another girl's hair at school?

Yes. She did. And it was the greatest piece of advice I think she's ever given me.

So I went back to school. The next day our class was in the gym and Rachel was wearing a long, beautiful braid down her back. Rachel told me to do something and I said no.

"What did you say?" She asked.

"No." I replied.

"Do it!" She said.

"NO." I said firmly.

So Rachel pulled my hair and told me to do it again... There it was... My chance. I looked around the room making sure the teacher wasn't watching… wound up… and pulled on Rachel's braid as hard as I possibly could (for a 6 year old girl). In fact, I pulled her hair so hard that Rachel actually fell to the ground.

She cried, and I can't remember if I got in trouble or not, but I'm sure it was worth it because Rachel never bothered me again from that day on. In fact we became pretty close friends until she moved away. I have no idea where or what she's up to now.

But I learned an important lesson that day. Bullies are actually cowards. They don't like themselves or who they are, or maybe they are bullied at home by parents, so they try to control other people's lives. But if you stand up to a bully and show them they shouldn't mess with you, typically you will gain their respect and the bullying will cease.

So here's my advice to you, should you ever encounter a bully in the near future.

Step 1. Avoid the bully if possible. Never resort to bullying back right away, or else you become one yourself.

Step 2. If avoidance is out of the question, or if they just don't leave you alone, tell someone. If you're younger tell your parents, or if you're an adult like me, talk to the bully directly and tell them you don't like the way they're treating you.

Step 3. If Step 1 and Step 2 haven't helped in any way, you may finally have to give the bully a taste of their own medicine.

And if that doesn't work… you're screwed! (lol)

I'm really curious to know how you deal with bullies. If you haven any advice please leave it. I'd also love to hear your bully story.

Thanks for reading, and go show those bullies who's boss!

xo,

Chelsey

Sunday 17 November 2013

Day One Patch - Episode 40

My younger brother and his friends have this amazing video game podcast called "Day One Patch." They really know what they're talking about and are truly deserving of more views and subs. So if you consider yourself a gamer or even a game lover, check out their latest episode for some laughs, and insightful comments about the latest video games.

Sunday 10 November 2013

Fifteen Classic Christmas Albums to Start Your Collection!

Well, it's that wonderful time of the year again. My favourite time... Christmastime! I woke up this morning and there was SNOW ON THE GROUND. The stores are decked out in red, green, and gold. Couples are snuggled close together sipping hot chocolate in the coffee shop, and snow flakes occasionally find their way down to land on my nose. It's absolutely perfect!

If you'd like to listen to a pre made playlist of Christmas songs, you can check out three of my playlists, That Christmas Feeling, Christmas Dreaming, and finally, Christmas Morning.   

Because I believe that the season is not complete without an amazing soundtrack to accompany and create that Christmas feeling, here's a list of my top 15 favourite albums to listen to during the holiday season.

The top 5 are absolute essentials. Let me know what your top 5 Christmas Albums are in the comments down below. 

1. Nat King Cole: The Christmas Song

What can I say about this album, except that it is absolute perfection! Every single song sounds like Christmas Morning. A must have!

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here. 

2.  Vince Guaraldi Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Another essential Christmas album. The Vince Guaraldi Trio masters that holiday feeling on this phenomenal album. I suggest you watch the movie as well because it's so cute and the music doesn't sound the same without watching the film.

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

3. Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas

Can't have Christmas without a little Mariah Carey. The most popular song on this album is "All I Want for Christmas is You," but all of the songs are immensely enjoyable. Some of my favourites are "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)." Again, you can't go wrong with this album in your Christmas repertoire.

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

4. Harry Connick Jr.: When My Heart Finds Christmas
I grew up listening to this album, so I always get that warm fuzzy nostalgic feeling every time I hear one of the songs. But it's honestly one of the best and I always go back to it year after year to create a sense of holiday warmth, love, and joy.

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

5. Bing Crosby: Christmas Classics 
Bing Crosby perfected one of the most well known Christmas Songs of all time: White Christmas (written by Irving Berlin). Bing sang the song in the 1942 film Holiday Inn and it soon became a classic. This album just feels like Christmas. I love me some Bing for Christmas sing alongs.

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

Now, the rest of the albums on this list aren't in any particular order, like the top 5 were, but are equally as excellent as any of the above records.

6. Andy Williams: The Andy Williams Christmas Album

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

7. Dean Martin: Dean Martin's Greatest Christmas Hits

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here. 


8. Diana Krall: Christmas Songs

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

9. Jackson 5: Ultimate Christmas Collection

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

10. James Taylor: At Christmas

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

11. Johnny Mathis: Merry Christmas 


Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

12. Michael Bublé: Christmas


Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

13. Tony Bennett: A Swingin' Christmas


Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

14. Barbra Streisand: Christmas Memories 


Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

15. Ella Fitzgerald: Swinging Christmas 

Listen to my favourite song from this album by clicking here.

Well that's all I have in terms of recommendations for some great classic Christmas albums. I hope this list is enough to get you started and gets you to feel that spirit of Christmas running through your veins. Enjoy! And make sure to spread that Christmas cheer!

Thursday 3 October 2013

This is Halloween. 10 Movies to get you in the spooky mood!

Who doesn't love Halloween? Okay, actually I know a lot of people who don't love Halloween but something must be wrong with them because it is absolutely one of the best, funnest nights of the year! The best part is the entire month of October leading up to Halloween night, and watching all of the fun movies that will either make you laugh, or make you cry in fear. Luckily, this list has a little bit of both. 

These movies are ordered from 1 (Least Scary/Most appropriate for children) to 10 (Most scary/Do not show to children). So without further ado... here is my list of the best Halloween movies to get you in spooktacular mood. 

1. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
If you didn't already know this about me, I love love love the peanuts gang. This short movie is so adorable and great to watch with your children while carving pumpkins. Pumpkin carving... hmm, maybe I should do a blog post on that? 

Watch a trailer here













2. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Ughhhh. Such a classic, especially if you're a '90s kid like me. This movie might be a little bit scarier, so use your judgement when deciding whether to show it to your children. I know my mom would have let me watch this at a pretty young age, but that's mostly because Halloween is her favourite holiday. It's also got a very Halloweeny feeling about it and works perfectly to get you in that witchy mood. 

Watch the trailer here











3. Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
This is one of my top ten movies of all time, regardless of the season. The cast is absolutely flawless. Cary Grant is a genius and the fact that this movie takes place on one night - Halloween night - is the reason why it is on this list. It's not particularly scary at all, and is thoroughly enjoyable for the entire family. 

This movie is a little slow and if you're not already a huge fan of black and white films, you probably won't get a lot out of this film, but I love it.

Watch the trailer here










4. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is this a Halloween movie, or a Christmas movie? Either way it doesn't matter. It's a Tim Burton film which makes it applicable. This is an indispensable film when it comes to Halloween lists. Not much to say other than... watch it and love it. 

Watch the trailer here














5. Beetlejuice (1988)
Another Tim Burton classic, of course, it's Beetlejuice (but be careful not to say it thrice). I must say, I just watched this movie for the first time a few weeks ago and it's weird, wacky, and wonderful all at the same time. I was pleasantly surprised by Alec Baldwin in this film, but use your discretion when deciding whether to show it to any youngsters. 

Watch the trailer here












6. Fright Night (1985)
I'm pretty sure this is a cult classic. I stumbled upon it about two years ago and loved it. Chris Sarandon as the vampire next door is seriously sexy and scary at the same time. Make sure you watch the original though. The 2011 remake is just not the same. This film is not overly scary and is perfectly suitable for teens. 

Watch the trailer here












7. Practical Magic (1998)
Two beautiful sister witches played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman find themselves in a lot of trouble when Kidman's ex comes back to haunt them for murdering him. Seriously enchanting and beautiful, this film has me by the heartstrings. 

Watch the trailer here














8. Scream (1996)
The original Scream movie is so good. I can watch it over and over again and I get scared each time. I don't know what it is about this film that gives me the creeps but if you're looking to be spooked on Halloween, I dare you to watch this by yourself at night in the basement with all the lights off. 

Watch the trailer here













9. Psycho (1960)
The first time you watch this movie you might think, "Well it wasn't that scary." Wait. Wait until you're in the shower with your eyes closed washing your hair and then see how you feel. This movie might not be scary like Scream but it is truly one of the eeriest films I've ever seen and I'm certainly not going to be stopping at any random motels late at night. 

Watch the trailer here












10. The Shining (1980)
Geez just look at that picture of Jack Nicholson. Super creepy and one of the scariest movies of all time. A family is cooped up in an old hotel as the caretakers for the winter, but someone, or something else, is there with them. A Stanley Kubrick classic, this movie should be seen by every adult at least once in their lifetime. 

Watch the trailer here












Well that just about covers it for the list of my favourite movies to watch throughout the month of October leading up to Halloween. Let me know down in the comments below, what your favourite Halloween movie is. Thanks so much for taking the time to read, and I'll catch you next time. Happy Halloween.