Happy Halloween!

Now Playing: RL Grime's 2014 Halloween Mix

Music Monday: Christmas Playlist!

I'm one of those people who love holiday music. The classic familiarity that it delivers is unparalleled. I don't listen to the jingle bells all year 'round (that would only take away its magic) but I do start rocking around the Christmas tree about the weekend after Thanksgiving. Here are some of my favorite recordings that get me in the spirit of it all...



1. "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt, 1953.
2. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee, 1958.
3. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Bing Crosby, 1943.
4. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Mariah Carey, 1994.
5. "Winter Wonderland" by Ray Charles, 1997.
6. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon, 1972.
7. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland, 1944.
8. "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives, 1965.
9. "Merry Christmas Baby" by Chuck Berry, 1964.
10. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by The Temptations, 1968.
11. "Silver Bells" by She & Him, 2011.
12. "I'll Be Home or Christmas" by Elvis Presley, 1957.
13. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Frank Sinatra, 1950.
14. "O Holy Night" by Ella Fitzgerald, 1967.
15.  "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, 1954.

Elf Yourself!

Every year, it doesn't feel quite like the holidays until I create one of these little Elf videos for my family and friends. It's so simple and easy to do but manages to wow people who haven't seen it before. It always puts a smile on my face and laughter in my heart; sentences like that confirm that I am officially in the Christmas spirit!

The embedded code wasn't working but here's a couple of direct links:

Classic Christmas: http://host-d.oddcast.com/php/application_UI/doorId=1177/clientId=299/?mId=51227563.2

Honky Tonk Holiday: http://host-d.oddcast.com/php/application_UI/doorId=1177/clientId=299/?mId=51227496.2













Now Playing: "Hold On When You Get Love & Let Go When You Give It" by Stars
*That title...

A Mother's Day Gift Guide

1. Lotions & Potions. 

 Keep your Mom feeling and looking great with a luxurious skincare set. Brands to Try: La Mer, Clarins, Shiseido. 

 2. A Beautiful Book.

Coffee table books are some of my favorite presents to receive but get something she'll appreciate. Even a novel or memoir makes a thoughtful gift. 

 3. Flowers. 

You can never go wrong with a gorgeous floral arrangement. If you'd rather not spring for something that will quickly wilt away, why not plant something or take her to a botanical garden.

 4. Chocolates.

 Because what woman doesn't love sweets?

 5. Something Artistic.

A painting, special photograph or perhaps a camera if she's good behind the lens. Even better? Arrange to have family pictures taken by a friend or someone starting out and looking for experience. A cost effective way to capture a beautiful afternoon. 

6. Jewels. 

Diamonds are a girl's best friend but I always say that crystals make a great acquaintance. 

 7. A New Bathrobe. 

Maybe add some of her favorite bath products or book a day at the spa. A massage is always a nice treat.

 8. Wallet/Handbag.

 If she's anything like me, there's always room in the closet for a new piece of arm candy. 

 9. Slippers.

 Snuggle time! 

 Now Playing: "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Ay Yai Yai!

Despite taking several years of language on both the high school and college levels, I'm far from fluent in Spanish. The extent of my conversational skills includes sentences on par with this (and no, I did not use any sort of translator- it should definitely show):

Mi llamo es Krista. Yo vivo en Pittsburgh. Me gusta beber cervezas con mis amigas a la discoteca. 

Let's keep it real. When you're partying in Mexico (or anywhere for that matter), isn't that all you truly need to know how to express? Your name. Where you're from and what you like to do?

Have a safe and enjoyable cinco de mayo! (I remember being taught not to capitalize).











Now Playing: "Cheers" by Don Trip (jj's "Save Our Souls" Remix)
*This video

Happy Presidents Day

Just a few shots of the Presidents of my lifetime thus far; a handsome Ronald Reagan, a fatherly George H.W. Bush with son George W. & family, a sax-toting Bill Clinton (this one made me laugh!) and a pensive Barack Obama.

“Being President is like being the groundskeeper in a cemetery: there are a lot of people under you, but none of them are listening.” 
-Bill Clinton













Now Playing: "American" by Lana Del Rey

Winterlicious Tag!

1) Favorite Winter Nail Polish?
I'm crazy enough to own more nail polishes than a salon. I correlate certain months with colors. December- Reds, Greens & Golds, January- Silvers, Metallics, Glitters, Blues. February- Reds, Pinks, Purples. March- Greens, Oranges, Greys. A Few Favorites- OPI An Affair In Red Square, OPI Crown Me Already, LA Colors Color Craze Live, OPI Glitzerland, Essie Penny Talk, Chanel Peridot, OPI Step Right Up, Revlon Perplex, Zoya Veruschka... I could go on for an eternity so I'll stop right there.

Essie Penny Talk

2) Favorite Winter lip product?
A classic red lip (Chanel Fire or NARS Cruella), berry shades or "vampy" bordeauxs are also nice but a good lip balm is essential- Burt's Bees does the trick quite nicely. Revlon Lip Butters and YSL Volupte Sheer Candy are my favorite products for hydration and color.

Adele's gorgeous red lip at the Grammy's.

3) Most worn Winter clothing piece?
If we're keeping it real, I have to be honest and admit that it's leggings- whether for sleep, working out, under skirts, lounging around the house, dressing up a sweater dress or tunic... there is a pair for everything.

4) Most worn Winter accessory?
Scarfs! Scarfs! ...and more scarfs (they definitely deserve a prettier name)! I love infinity scarfs but my gigantic leopard print scarf is my favorite.

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Leopard Scarf.

5) Favorite winter scent/candle?
As far as candles go, I'm easy to please. Anything woodsy is nice. Perfume- Gucci Guilty. Overall, I love the scent of fresh air when it's cold or snowing.

6) Favorite Winter beverage?
Seasonal Christmas/Winter Ales or Red Wine (Pinot Noir).  

7) All time favorite movie that's primarily set during the Winter?
It's difficult to think of one that isn't exclusively a holiday movie (A Christmas Story, Home Alone, The Family Stone, etc.)... hmmm... I'm sure there's a better answer in my head but I'll go with Some Girls or Zack and Miri Make a Porno.



8) Favorite non-holiday song with a lyrical/musical Winter theme?
"Blood Bank" by Bon Iver is up there.



But as far as winter themed music videos go, "Sleep Forever" by Portugal. The Man is the ultimate:


9) Favorite Winter food/treat?
Peppermints!

10) Favorite Winter activity?
Playoff football and hockey season! I'm missing the NHL.

















Now Playing: "Truth" by Alexander
*Love this song so much! It just doesn't get old for me.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you to anyone who reads my blog; be it deliberately or by happenstance. I enjoy sharing my thoughts with the world. I appreciate those of you who take the time to find out what's on my mind. If you ever have any questions, suggestions or just wish to say hello, I'd love to hear from you! My email address is kristaselene@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! :)

Love Always,

Krista












Now Watching: A Christmas Story
*My favorite!

Flashback Friday: Christmas Presents!

My Very First Christmas, 1986.

Over the years, here are some of the gifts I was more than happy to find under my Christmas tree:

The Midge Wedding Party!
When I was little, I lived for Barbie dolls. Of course, as a fellow redhead, I was partial to Midge. When that plastic ginger tied the knot with her sexy groom and Mattel sold the wedding party as a set, I was beyond sold. Having the miniature flower girl and ring bearer dolls gave me endless hours of fun (I later made them the couple's children). FYI: Midge and her man drove away from the wedding in their brand new '91-ish Ferrari... I LOVED that Barbie car!

When I got bored with cruising my dolls around the living room, I took this little beauty around the block for a spin... My red Corvette Power Wheels!

And speaking of spinning, I'll never forget the day I was nearly kidnapped while I was playing with... my Skip-It!

And last but not least, what flashback Christmas gift list would be complete without an old school board game?!

Ladies and gentlemen... NIGHTMARE!!!

When I had sleepover parties with my girlfriends, we'd always break this game out around midnight. I'd pop the VHS tape into the VCR and we'd all play along. All I remember was the man on the tape was creepy, scary and a total jagoff. If I could find this disturbing board game, I would totally play it again but with a few adult beverages!
















Now Playing: "Under the Stars" by Morning Parade

Someone Can't Wait Until Christmas...

My 3-year-old shih-tzu, Ireland, is totally and completely spoiled. My Mom stuck a few dog treats inside her Christmas stocking when she wasn't even in the room but Ireland knows they're in there. She wouldn't stop barking for the goodies, so I caved and let her have some early. If this is any indication of what I might be like as a parent with actual children, it looks like I'll be a softy.











Now Playing: "Ride" by Lana Del Rey
*I guess that makes me a fan.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"The First Thanksgiving 1621" by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, c. 1912.



A few of the things I'm thankful for...
 The health of my family, friends, animals and my own.
The roof over my head.
The city and country I live in.
The job I have.
My dreams and aspirations.
The ability to learn and share anything through the internet and literature.
Stage AE for finally bringing better music to Pittsburgh.
Our President.

Now Playing: "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons
*It's way too catchy, huh?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!



Kissing our Leprachaun friend, "Finnegan", for luck!

 It's the best day of the year in Pittsburgh! We take St. Patrick's Day pretty seriously! I hope everyone enjoys some green beer and good times with friends and family! It's good to be Irish! :)

Now Playing: "Drink Up Yinz Bitches"

Luxe Living: Christmas Decor!

Now Playing: "O Holy Night" by Nat King Cole

Holly Jolly Holiday Tag

1. Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Christmas Story! I watch it every Christmas (way too many times).

2. Are you on the Naughty list or the Nice list?
Naughty, of course ;)

3. Show us an embarrassing Christmas Card photo!
My family always sent out traditional cards... no embarrassing photos to share but here's my first Christmas in '86. As you can see, I'm a natural redhead and thankfully my ears don't stick out like that anymore.

4. Have you ever had a White Christmas?
Yes, quite a few (it feels like the majority but I'm not sure). It doesn't feel like Christmas without at least some snow on the ground. I don't understand how people who live in warm, sunny climates can fully get into the holiday spirit.

5. Where do you usually spend your holiday?
At home with my family :)

6. Play or Sing your favorite Christmas Song!
Play! I'll sing along when no one is around or if I've had a few... not a gifted singer to say the least.

7. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
We have family and friends over each year, so I open the presents that they bring. In the past, I may have opened one from my parents or taken a peek inside my stocking but for the most part, I wait until Christmas Day. I get my shopping done pretty early, so I'm always anxious to give my gifts!

8. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen & Rudolph?... looks like I forgot Vixen.

9. What holiday tradition are you looking forward to most this year?
I love to give presents. I'm excited to see what my sister thinks of one of the things I made for her.

10. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
We have two artificial trees. It's not the real deal but it's so much easier and that's two more trees left to keep the area beautiful.

11. Hands down, what's your all-time favorite holiday food and holiday sweet treat?
Candy Canes :)

12. Be Honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
When I was little, of course I loved to get presents on Christmas but as I've gotten older, I much prefer to give gifts. It's awkward to receive a present and feign interest if you don't care for it. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings... not a fun position to be in. I'm not the easiest person in the world to buy for because I have really specific tastes. I LOVE to give presents because I can be creative. I consider myself an excellent judge of character and a good listener. I'm also pretty generous. So, I've been told I give thoughtful, useful and memorable presents.

13. Show us your tackiest Christmas attire (ex: Ugly Sweater)

Shoulder pads, printed turtleneck, Palin hair/glasses, little makeup and of course, embroidered gingerbread men. I won (duh):

14. What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
Home is where the heart is but anywhere in the mountains with lots of snow would be nice... Aspen or Vermont, perhaps.

15. Does your family have a special holiday recipe you like to help make?
Not unless the recipe pertains to alcohol.

16. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?
I've always been on the artistic side (drawing, designing, etc.) but when it comes to wrapping presents... failure. I think I get too excited to have it look nice that I rush through it. Gift bags are my friends but I still like to wrap what's inside for an added touch of fun.

17. Most memorable Holiday moment?
Having really special Christmas Eve parties each year that would go pretty late. My parents are very hospitable and down to Earth, so people would come at all hours. Plenty of laughter, drinks, music, food... nice memories.

18. What made you realize the truth about Santa?
I wasn't even in school yet. My older sister found out when she was in kindergarden and proceeded to share the news with me. For a couple years, I still held out hope but it was basically over before it really took off for me. I never lost the holiday spirit, though :)

19. Do you make New Years Resolutions? Do you stick to them?
Yes. I try to choose things that I can gradually improve upon... some more successful than others.

20. What makes the Holidays special for you?
Where I live, the weather shifts right as the holiday season starts to begin. The colder air comes through, snow starts, extra traffic... it just feels different around Christmas time. What makes it special is the atmosphere it brings. Showing love and appreciation for friends, family and the year as a whole is always wonderful. I love feeling like a child again.










Now Playing: "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes

American Greetings

Here is the adorable card that my Mom gave me for Thanksgiving. You can always count on cards to have gingers on them! Thank you, cartoonists and animators of the world! :)

Now Playing: "Let Me Go" by Phantogram

"Holidays" by Miami Horror

Stumbled upon this song/band while watching random YouTube videos. Love it!