Christmas Movie Checklist

If you celebrate Christmas, you have a favorite (or two) Christmas movie. There are so many movies to watch in such little time; only 15 days till Christmas and some much holiday viewing to check off the list.

Checklist:
Prancer
All I want for Christmas
Christmas Carol (Jim Carey version)
White Christmas
Holiday Inn
Christmas Vacation
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
Santa Claus
Little Women (not really a "Christmas" movie, but appropriate)
While You Were Sleeping
Charlie Brown Christmas
Miracle on 34th Street
Fred Claus
It's a Wonderful Life
Elf
Home Alone
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Grinch
Polar Express
Frosty the Snowman
The Holiday
Love Actually
Harry Potters (even though they are "Christmas"- I like to watch a few)
The Saint
Pride and Prejudice 
Lord of the Rings- watched all but The Return of the King


I think I might have to double-up! I'm probably missing some of my favorites, but this will have to do. Do you have any favs to add to the list? Let me know.

Fashion Resolutions

When I look at my cluttered closet and see impulse buys I know that I must make some major changes!

I often go with the standard black or brown color scheme. But I have seven black skirts of different varieties hanging in my closet. Where's the risky salmon colored skinny jeans or electric blue heels I have been lusting over? Instead of purchasing another "safe" black piece, why not go for the splash of color ? Color can liven up an old outfit or make a statement.

My husband would agree that there's a good possibility that my closet has a black hole. Sweaters, cardigans, summer tank tops go missing for months, even a year. Suddenly that shirt comes back into my life and I think, "I survived this long without it…but can I really throw it out?" So, I'll say goodbye to my black hole clothes. If I haven't missed an item of clothing during two seasons it will go in the donation bag. Why hold on to something for the "just in case" when another could wear it today? I'm sure my husband will be happy to remind me of this resolution.

I will not buy something just because it is on sale! I'm a huge sucker for the sale rack, the 20%, and the buy one get on ½ off, etc. Don't get me wrong, sales are heavenly. However, I often find myself purchasing simply for the sole reason that it is a good deal and not because I need it or even really want it. In 2012, I will only go to said sales when I need something. Otherwise, it will probably be sucked into that black hole.

Instead of roaming sales and blowing my budget on less needed items, I will do two things to satisfy that desire for a new look. First, update my outfit with accessories. I could go cheap or hit the sales to find that perfect new necklace or clutch to bring new life into an old look. Second, I will use that saved money from untraveled sales to purchase one pair of fabulous shoes I have been coveting. Shoes don't go unnoticed and a fun, risky pair only makes you feel sexy and trendy.

I hereby resolve to follow these simple, yet realistic fashion goals so that 2012 will be a much happier year for me, my closet, and my wallet.

Dallas/Ft Worth Christmas Guide

As we recover from Black Friday and our glutinous ways, thoughts of Christmas will come to mind. The Dallas/Fort Worth area has plenty to offer those seeking to fulfill the Christmas spirit- whether it be a desire to view spectacular Christmas lights, participate in Christmas activities, or watch Christmas shows. Whether young or old, there is something for you this holiday season.

Holiday checklist item #1- View Christmas lights and participate in Christmas activities :

If you do not want to travel far for a good display of lights you may want to consider cruising through these neighborhoods:

1. The city of Farmers Branch welcomes visitors from 6:30-9:30 each evening beginning at I-35E and Valley View. The 300,000 light show is free, but donations are gladly accepted (http://www.ci.farmers-branch.tx.us/).

2. The 4th annual Christmas in the Square in Frisco allows you to enjoy the outside ice rink which is open now through January 8, 2012 for only $10 with skate rental in addition to viewing the dazzling lights (http://www.lightsonice.com/home for more information).

3. The kids will love the interactive window displays outside of downtown Dallas' Neimann Marcus. Call 214-741-6911 for more details.

4. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags over Texas is always a fun way to spend an evening with family or friends. Head over to Arlington and take a walk through a Texan style winter wonderland.

If you want to provide the full Christmas experience for your child, or the child within, take a short ride to Lindale, TX just north of Tyler where you can travel through 24 acres of Santa's Land for $20 a car starting at 6 PM (http://www.santalandtexas.com/).

Holiday checklist item #2- Christmas shows

1. Fair Park Music Hall will perform the classic, A Christmas Carol for three days, December 16, 17, 18. Tickets range from $17-$59 (http://www.liveatthemusichall.com/index.shtm).

2. You don't want to miss The Nutcracker this season. The Texas Ballet Theatre will perform at the Winspear Opera House from November 25- December 4 and Fort Worth's beautiful Bass Performance Hall from December 9-24 (http://www.texasballettheater.org/?q=node/2). Dallas Children's Theater will bring Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to life with puppets and special effects that the children will be sure to love. Performances run from November 26- December 22 at the Robyn Flatt Studio Theater off Skillman Street in Dallas. Check the Dallas Children's Theater website for more information (https://www.dct.org/info/info_master.php).


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!