Favorite Christmas Movies

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I love Christmas movies! Other than finding and gifting “perfect” gifts (fyi – I’m a giver), watching Christmas movies is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. Christmas movies tend to be very heart warming, nostalgic and give all the happy feels.

Therefore, over the years, I’ve curated a list of Christmas movies that I watch every year, not including the cartoon Christmas specials. Of course, you have to watch Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and the cartoon version of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Those have to watched. Point blank.

My personal Christmas movie list includes everything from universal Christmas classics, some made-for-TV movies, and a couple of rom-com ones, too. However, I make a point to watch these every year by Christmas and I’ve already watched a lot of these so far this year. I plan to spend a couple of my upcoming vacation days snuggled up on my sofa and binge watching the rest of them.

So, keep reading to see my complete list of favorite Christmas movies.

itsawonderfullife

It’s A Wonderful Life – In my mind and heart, this is the quintessential Christmas movie. It’s a love story, a drama, and subtle comedy that has life lessons and sprinkled with snow and Christmas cheer. It tugs at all my emotions every time I watch.

Home-Alone

Home Alone – This movie came out when I was 9 years old and my mom bought my brother and I the VHS (old school) so we could watch whenever. We watched it so much the first week, that the we wore out the tape and it would skip. Nine year old me though this movie was hilarious and 25 years later, I still laugh when I watch it. Classic.

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The Santa Clause – The New York Post was correct, because The Santa Clause is a holiday classic. The humor in this movie has definitely carried on over the years.

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Elf – I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t love Elf. So funny and touching…in all the right places.

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Comfort and Joy – All the way back in 2003, Lifetime debuted the Christmas gem that is too good to not watch. Although it’s a made for TV Christmas movie, there isn’t much cheesiness in it. It’s been living in my DVR for over 2 years now and I watch every Christmas eve. Plus, it was one of my mom’s favorite Christmas movies, too. So, I feel her with me when I watch it.

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Snowglobe – Okay, Snowglobe is about a Christmas obsessed single young lady seeking the “perfect Christmas” and gets magically transported into the ideallic Christmas town located…in her snowglobe. LOL. So cheesy, but it’s my Christmas time guilty pleasure. WARNING: Be prepared for Christina Milian’s horrible New York/Bronx accent.

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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Funniest Christmas movie….EVER! I promise I laugh just as hard every year. It makes me so happy!

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The Holiday – I was a little late to this the rom-com awesome that is The Holiday, but it’s so cute and features Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black. So, there’s that.

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Love Actually – The tag line says it all: The Ultimate Romantic Comedy, but with Christmas-y vibes.

What are some of your favorite Christmas movies? Share below, because I might want to add them to my list.

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LINK-END ROUND-UP

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I’m exhausted. I wish I could say the reason is because I’ve been busy shopping and partaking in holiday related events when the truth is that I’ve been going to bed late and waking up early. That’s not good…at all. However, over the next couple of weeks I’m cashing in the rest of my vacation days and taking some much desired time away from the office.

Aside from finally starting and completing my Christmas shopping, I plan to dedicate bulks of hours watching all the Christmas movies and shows I’ve been hoarding on my DVR. I’m a little giddy just thinking about it.

So, while I focus on my upcoming laxcation (relax/chill back + vacation. my word. Use it.), please enjoy this week’s Link-End Round-Up.

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GIFT GUIDE: Gifts Under $25

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You would think that the cheaper the gift the worst the gift or not thoughtful (i.e. a giftcard). However, there are plenty of awesome and thoughtful gifts under $25 that don’t involve the safety of a giving a gift card.

So, check out these easy and affordable ideas for gifts under $25.

  • Copper “Monogram” Mug – Mugs are a safe gift, but this copper monogram one is prettier and the personal, thanks to the personal factor of the monogram.
  • Charging Station – This is a perfect gift for that person who has all the latest gadgets and devices and uses them everyday and everywhere. This charging station is great for home and the office.
  • Wine Aerator – For the wine lover and/or wine drinker, an aerator is a quick and thoughtful gift to ensure your gift receiver enjoys every sip.
  • Breakfast Sandwich Maker – I’m a breakfast sandwich lover. So, family and friends, hint…hint.
  • “Dream Big” Notebook – This beautiful notebook would be appreciate by anyone who loves to journal. The gold foil “Dream Big” on the cover is a nice touch and motivational.
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GIFT GUIDE: Gifts For Him

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If you are anything like me, shopping for the guy(s) in your life can be very hard. The safe ‘manly’ things of tools, ties, and anything sports can feel as impersonal as money. So, I found some, if I don’t say so myself, awesome gift options for almost any guy on your holiday shopping list this year.

Check out these perfect gifts for him!

  • Pocket Dial – Such an genius, easy, and functional item that baffles me when I wonder why this wasn’t already a thing. Jimmy Fallon teamed up with J. Crew to create and iPhone case that doubles as a pocket square. Genius, right?! The case, itself, is made of leather and with silk navy polka dot fabric attached to the top. So, once when the phone is not in use, slide in the pocket as a stylish pocket square. There’s also a card slot on the exterior of the case, too. Plus, all the net profits will go to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a Kenya-based charity that protects Africa’s elephants from ivory poaching and extinction.
  • Liquid Body Flask – This flask is not only very sleek and “sharp’ looking, but is thin enough slide into a packed bag or possibly even a pocket.
  • Helicopter Drone – Drones are a hot item and toy this holiday season. Practically every guy I know wants one this holiday season, including my brother. They are pretty cool.
  • Charging Case – For the minimalist guy always on the go, this wallet/phone case/phone charger is perfect. It’s zipper closure keeps everything secure and the design makes it easy to slip in and out of back pockets. My dad is going to love this.
  • Sonic Cleansing System – If you are like one of my dear friends who got sick of her husband borrowing her Clarisonic (used different brushes, of course) and wants to buy him one of his own, then you might be intrigued to know that Clarisonic makes one specially for men. Its design for the men’s skin to give a closer shave, cleaner beard and healthier-looking skin. It’s even adjustable for clean shaven or bearded face.
  • Beard Care Kit – Speaking of beards. For the bearded lad on your list, this beard care kit contains everything they need to keep their beard looking just as awesome as possible. The kit includes soap, balm, mustache wax, and comb to keep that beautiful beard in tact.
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Styling Tools for Curly Hair

human hair silk base wigs

First things first, there will not be a Lust-Have List for December, because of all the holiday gift guides I’ll be sharing the next couple of weeks. Too many lists. Also, because I’m consumed with trying to think of gifts to give my family and friends (FYI – I’m a giver), I haven’t really thought about what list of things I would like this month.

Despite my desire for gifts upon gifts, there are is one thing that I’m looking for and that’s a new blow dryer with a comb attachment. As a frequent curly hair rocker, I sometimes prefer to add a little sleekness to my hair via flat ironing. Bone straight hair doesn’t work for my round face. So, I tend to just flat iron my hair after washing and air drying to cut back on heat damage and let my hair gradually wave up and add texture on it’s own, which usually happens by the next day. Second day hair so truly awesome.

As a natural with curly hair, you have to be very careful when it comes to adding heat styling tools, because they can cause heat damage and damage the pattern of curls. Unfortunately, I recently noticed some heat damage to my hair and have stopped using my flat iron altogether. The direct heat of a flat iron is just too much, no matter how low I have the temperature.

However, there are still some “heat” styling tools that are designed specifically for curly hair, which are low in heat and give your bouncy and frizz-free curls. Keep reading to see some styling tools for curly hair.

Hochwertige Perücken und Haarteile für Frauen

DevaDryer and DevaFuser – Devacurl is one of the top brands for creating products and tools for curly hair. Their devadryer and devafuser was created specifically for curly and wavy hair. The hand shaped devafuser has a 360 degree airflow and slides comfortably to your roots, and cups your hair as you dry it. Definite dynamo.

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Hair Steamer – If you have curly and/or natural hair, you should definitely get a hair steamer, because the benefits are awesome. Steaming your hair can increase moisture retention, enhance your curls, and strengthen your hair, to name a few.

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Ouidad Double Detangler – Every curly hair person knows the importance and necessity of a wide tooth comb. However, the awesome thing about this one from Quidad, is that is easily glides through your hair (wet or dry) without tugging on your tresses.

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AQUIS Hair Turban – I can’t remember the last time I used a towel to dry my hair or 360 lace frontal wigs, because I’m all about the microfiber turban life. Microfiber not only dries your hair faster, but also prevents your hair from frizzing up, unlike towels.

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