Friday Five: {Christmas Movies}

ONE | ELF
 

Elf from Amazon

 Elf, starring Will Ferrell Zooey Deschanel, is my all-time Christmas favorite.

 I can't wait to snuggle up and watch it each year, hot cocoa and candy cane in hand.
My personal favorite line?
"I'm nothing but a cotton-headed ninny muggins."

TWO | LOVE ACTUALLY

Love Actually

Love Actually is a super-cute rom-com, involving over 12 people, all in love, and what they do during the five or so weeks before Christmas. It's ten years old this year, and it's getting a lot of hate recently, but it's become a sort-of Christmas tradition for me! Love it, actually.

THREE | HARRY POTTER

Harry Potter: The Complete Collection

I know that technically-speaking, the Harry Potter films aren't Christmas-themed, but they do such a wonderful job at mentioning Christmas throughout the series. There is always a semi-festive moment (or at least a mention) of Christmas at Hogwarts. Plus, the Harry Potter series is the best.

FOUR | DR. SUESS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

 Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Dr. Seuss' Grinch is an essential part of any Christmas. I think Jim Carey did a pretty good job portraying the Grinch, and I always enjoy looking at the set of this movie - it is so much fun!

FIVE | THE HOLIDAY

The Holiday

If you're looking for a cute, cheesy Christmas rom-com to accompany Love Actually, the Holiday is it. It's about two women who switch houses for the holiday and find that happiness and friendship can be found in places very far away from home. It's quite sweet and romantic.

Happy watching!
And happy holidays!
xoxo

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Friday Five

ONE | MONTEREY

Seriously though, how beautiful is this place? I think I'm in love. Also, their aquarium and cannery row are so much fun! I bought an annual pass to the aquarium so that I can come all year round! (:

TWO | APPLES TO APPLES

Apples to Apples

This game is so much fun an absolutely addicting! I highly recommend it. 

THREE | EARL GREY TEA

I have had a bit of a cold recently, and honestly, tea and smoothies have gotten me through it (I'm finally on the last few days- I can't wait to feel better!)  Early Grey tea is my second favorite, but I was all out of my "After Seven-Fifty-Nine" tea from Crown & Crumpet in San Francisco. 

FOUR | BIG BOWS

Seriously, though. I am obsessed. 

I bought this bow for my Madeline costume, and I wear it all of the time now! 

I fully intend on purchasing a green or blue velvet bow to wear at Christmas. 

FIVE | ENDORPHINS

I have been wanting to work out every day lately, but I was really sick, so I couldn't muster the energy some days. However, a new leaf is turning as I am starting to feel better, so I am going to work out tonight, and each day this weekend, and every other day next week! On my way to a fitter, healthier me!

Happy Friday!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo

Friday Five: Halloween Costume Ideas

ONE | minnie mouse

TWO | wendy darling

THREE | rosie the riveter

FOUR | gondolier

And last, but not least, what I will be dressing up as next week:

FIVE | madeline

I can't wait to see my preschoolers' costumes and their reactions to me being dressed as their favorite book character!

What are you dressing up as this Halloween?

xoxo

Friday Five: Autumn Movies I Love

Friday Five: Autumn Movies

ONE | PRACTICAL MAGIC

A good movie for Halloween. Or Autumn in general. It has a wonderful cast and an interesting storyline, about sibling witches (and there's even some feminism dashed in for good measure) who are very bonded to each other. It's not just a story about witches, but also about family and love. 

TWO | DEAD POETS SOCIETY

This movie is excellent. It takes place in a prep school in the middle of Autumn of 1959... And I just have to say: it has poetry and Autumn? No wonder I love it.

THREE | PRIDE & PREJUDICE

Not exactly an "Autumn" movie, but I just love love love this movie, especially when it's rainy outside and I want to curl up in a large knit blanket and drink hot cocoa. 

FOUR | 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU

It takes place in a school... so that makes it Autumnal, yeah? Another one of my absolute favorites. And the darling Heath Ledger (RIP) is in it, so...

FIVE | HOCUS POCUS

The quintessential Halloween movie, in my opinion. It has pretty much all you need!

What are your favorite Fall movies?

xoxo

Friday Five

ONE | PANCAKES

It's a Sunday morning tradition in my home: we love our pancakes. And waffles. And coffee! Can't forget about the coffee. One of the wonderful thing about pancakes is that they're cost-effective (AKA cheap). Just add water and you're set! I love to make extra and take them as a breakfast-for-lunch kind of deal. It's so delicious! 

TWO | BIG BOWS

Seriously. They're super adorable. Especially when monogrammed... You can wear them so many ways! I cannot wait to get my hands on a monogrammed bow for my hair. Obsessed. 

THREE | FULL COURSE LOAD BAG

This beauty is from Modcloth

I am so excited that Autumn is here, and I love to look for new items to complete my wardrobe (although it is never really completed, is it?) and I adore the "Full Course Load" Bag from Modcloth. It seems functional yet stylish; perfect for college students or teachers. I have a bag similar to this one and I'm in love!

FOUR | HARRY POTTER MARATHONS

Autumn is all about back-to-school, at least when you or someone you care for is beginning classes. And what better way to kick off the school year than with a Harry Potter marathon? While I would love to have the time to pick up the books and read them all again, it just isn't possible for me with all of my other readings...
So I will snuggle up in my hand-made Ravenclaw scarf (pictured below), grab a butter beer, plop down on the couch and have a Harry Potter movie marathon instead. 

FIVE | KNITTING

My Ravenclaw scarf! This picture is a mix-up of #4 and #5! I love this scarf, and I definitely worked hard to make it!

I have been knitting for a very long time - I first learned in elementary school, then re-taught myself as a freshman in college. I've knit quite a few scarves and hats, and right now I have about 4 projects going on and since classes have started, next to no time to do them. Hopefully I can get a few moments in every day; I could really use the calmness that knitting gives me.

Happy Friday!
xoxo

Friday Five

ONE | COZY CARDIGANS

There is something about Autumn's morning chill and cool breezes that always makes me want to be all wrapped up in a soft, cozy cardigan. This one from Modcloth (pictured above) is so adorable and it is certainly on my wishlist. I just love the houndstooth!

TWO | TRADER JOE'S 

Seriously, Trader Joe's is the best. It has great, (mostly) healthy food at prices that are often lower than Target or Safeway. They have such a nice fruit and vegetable selection, and I really love their gnocchi! It's a wonderful store for me in the sense that I'm trying to save money, be healthy, and balance all of the parts of my life... Trader Joe's helps!

THREE | THE O.C.

  The O.C.: The Complete Series (Seasons 1-4)
 Every other year or so, I like to re-watch The O.C. Particularly towards the end of the year, so I can watch all of the Christmukkah episodes (that are wonderful)! It's cheesy and silly, but I still feel compelled to sit there and knit whilst watching a show that is 10 years old. 

FOUR | WEN HAIR PRODUCTS

 
WEN® Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner 16oz 
What with me moving into a new (saltier) climate and dying my hair recently, it has become necessary for me to have a great moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, as well as other hair products. My mom bought me Wen cleansing conditioner in Sweet Almond Mint as a gift, and it has done wonders for my hair! I'm obsessed. My hair is so soft and silky now. 

FIVE | THE GOOD MAD

Seriously, take a listen. This song, called "What Money Paid For" is seriously so wonderful. I am so glad that I found this band.

What are you loving this week?

xoxo

Friday Five: Autumn

ONE | CHANGE

Isn't this auburn color gorgeous?
Source

I am going to get my hair done this weekend (for the first time in months - one bad haircut and it all goes downhill!) and I have really been wanting to switch up my look. So, like the seasons, my hair will be changing, too. I'm switching up the color and cutting off quite a few inches.

I can't wait to see what my hair looks like in auburn!

TWO | BAKING

My banana & chocolate chip muffins

Mmmm... Baked goods. Cookies, muffins, monkey bread! I adore baking and I have already started to get back into the baking swing! It will be difficult to bake during the school year, so I may just have to bake a bunch now and freeze for later. Or just find time to bake whilst studying.

THREE | RAINY DAYS

There is something about the sound of rain that calms my soul. I have always loved the rain: dancing and playing in puddles, kissing in the rain, or even curling up with a good book (with the window cracked so the sound can float in). Rain epitomizes Autumn for me, and I cannot wait for rainy days. For now, I'll settle with listening to Rainy Mood.

FOUR | HALLOWEEN

As you can see, I've already started crafting for the spookiest day of the year!

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. It falls a week before my birthday and it is an excuse to dress up and eat candy, two of my favorite things to do! Last year I dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood, and this year... who knows? Normally I know by now but there are so many choices! Wait and see what I will be.

FIVE | LONG DRIVES

There is something about piling into a car with three or four friends and some really good music, and just driving. No particular destination is needed, just an hour or two spend cruising with friends. It is much more expensive to do this now, what with gas prices being so costly, so I'll probably only do this one time this Fall. But I sure am looking forward to it!

What are you looking forward to most this Autumn?

xoxo

Friday Five

ONE | Bastille

Seriously, this song ("Pompeii") has been stuck in my head for two weeks now. It's just so catchy!

TWO | Black Boots

Rampage Iceland Boot

I've been eyeing these boots for a while now; I really want them! The quilting and the gold accents really make this pair special.

THREE | Pinterest

Pinterest is always a fun distraction for me, and I now have a Pinterest under this blog name! Go check it out and procrastinate with me!

FOUR | The Mortal Instruments

Found on pinterest

I started reading City of Bones before seeing the movie, because that is the only way to see a movie based on a book! (I reviewed the book and movie already; read here.) Now I am obsessed with the books; I am currently about halfway through the third, called City of Glass, and it just completely draws me in. Such a great series. 

FIVE | Headbands

Etsy

Growing out my bangs is taking forever. Seriously. Finding ways to pin back my too-long-for-my-face but too-short-to-be-normal-hair fringe is frustrating. So, when in doubt: headbands! They are the best. Currently I'm using ones I bought in high school and a cheap-but-cute one from Target... but this nautical-chic one from Etsy is adorable! Must have!

xoxo,

Caryn Elizabeth