All Aboard!

Today's photo challenge was also excitingly anticipated for me as was yesterday. The Christmas season is full of much wonderfulness. Something that has stuck with me through the years is my love for Christmas movies. The classic claymation movies with Santa, Rudolph, and that Elf are always fun to watch. As are The Santa Claus movies (1 and 2 but not 3), the Home Alone movies (1 and 2 but not 3 and 4), and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. My most favorite Christmas movie though is The Polar Express. Tom Hanks does a fantastic job narrating one boy's story of coming to believe. Along with my picture I am posting a link here of my favorite clip of the movie. Captain signing off.

I'M IN A STORE, AND I'M SINGING!!!

Elf is the best Christmas movie, and you're a cotton headed ninny muggin if you don't think so.

If you haven't seen it, it's about an unusual elf that goes to NYC in search of his real father. As you might have imagined the cuisine and customs of NYC are just a bit different than the North Pole. Buddy the elf has to learn about being a human rather than an elf while also saving the spirit of Christmas. There's quite a bit of humor and even a bit of romance with Zooey Deschanel, playing a singing store worker.

This is one my favorite scenes when Buddy shows his newly found Dad how to eat breakfast. The meal includes leftover spaghetti, PopTarts, maple syrup, M&Ms, chocolate syrup, and all other sorts of sugar, none of which is in small proportions. Because you know elves must stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.

To add to my bucket list is to ride the main elevator of the Empire State Building and push all of the buttons like a Christmas Tree!

Before I spoil the plot of the movie, I'm going to scedaddle out of here. I have a full list of things to do today: 

These are a few of my favorite things...

Looking down our blog, I realize almost all of us have made lists in our posts lately...I think lists are really easy to read and it makes the post look so organized. So, I'm going to cave to peer pressure and follow the trend. I'm not sure why I have the urge to make this post, but I've been wanting to make a post of some of my favorite things. In a way it's sort of a spin-off on the 'thankful' posts like Martha S. and Captain Something Fun made...because of course, I'm very thankful for my favorite things. Here goes:

1. Fru fru coffee/ espresso drinks (and coffee shops)...as the other Twenty-Somethings know, I love the comfort, low-lighting and of course the specialty drinks of coffee shops. Anyone want to meet up at one sometime soon? :) Also, I recently bought a carton of Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha iced coffee drink at the grocery..it was a splurge, but it's pretty good!

2. Pinterest. I could spend hours on there and still not get enough. I have been getting alot of good gift ideas off of there lately...and ideas for Christmas crafts too!

3. Baking. This is especially a favorite around the holidays. It's so much fun trying new recipes and sharing the goods with other people. Buddy the Elf said "the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."...I think the best way to spread Christmas cheer is actually baked goods. ;)

4. Christmas movies (and music)! Oh, I need to get to re-watching my old favorites and remembering to turn on the Christmas music, because they both make me happy!

5. Crafting...I absolutely love being able to make things for myself and the people I care about. As I mentioned in my last post, I've been knitting alot and I find making things to be a great stress-reliever. If you're looking for another reason to start knitting or crocheting, check this out, it's a craft that's good for your health!

6. My family's pets. Speaking of stress-relievers..it's so nice to live with and around so many animals. They're a good excuse to get outside and take a walk, plus they're always around to hug and love on whenever you need it. And...they always greet me with a wagging tail when I come home late and my parents are asleep.

7. Taking Pictures! Since getting a smart-phone I don't take nearly as many high-quality photos as I have in the past. But, high-quality or not, I love taking photos. Right now I'm participating in a December photo challenge and I'm posting a photo everyday to Instagram. Most of the photos have something to do with the Christmas season and I think it's kind of a fun way to get into the spirit of the holidays. Plus, I always love looking back at my old photos.

8. Jason. Last, but certainly not least. I love this boy to death. He isn't a thing, but he is my favorite.

Of course, this is only a few of my favorite things. Time to wrap it up though and get back to being productive! I hope you're all having a lovely start to the Christmas season!

The Farmer's Daughter