Top Ten Favorite Christmas Movies (Plus a Bonus)

Since there are already too many "Top 10 Favorite Christmas Movies" lists, I'm going to be completely original and blog about my "Top 11 Favorite Christmas Movies".

Or maybe I simply couldn't decide which one to eliminate.  Cheers to the bonus movie!

 

1. Love Actually

 
2. It's a Wonderful Life

 
3. This Christmas

 
4. The Holiday

 
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

 
6. Elf

 
7. A Christmas Story

 
8. Miracle on 34th Street

 
9. White Christmas

 
10. Home Alone

 
11. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

 

My trip to H-Town & the much-needed BFF Reunion

So ... my friend Crystal and I decided that it was time to visit Alicat in H-town, so we took off work early one Friday and headed to Houston over Halloween weekend.  It never fails that we have the most fun together.

During our trip, we went to Tiny Boxwoods, Brassiere 19, Home Goods, boutique shopping, riding through River Oaks, the Heights, Montrose Halloween Pub Crawl, etc.  You get the pictue.  Below are my favorite quotes from that weekened:

1. Suffering succatash
2. Where the f*** is a Mr. Coffee when you need one?
3. It's been five years, Rachael.  It's a cell phone - not a car!
4. Crystal broke your house!!!
5. Who did you blame before you married me?
6. You cheap Mother F*******!  You obviously need this more than I do.
7. Monkey balls.

 Even stuck in traffic we have a blast!  Static-y hair from throwing-your-head-back-laughter.  Road trip, Jerry Seinfeld style - that's what I'm talking about!

 Brassiere 19: Lamb and succotash.

Tiny Boxwoods, AKA "Little Fernwoods"

 

Some things are better left unexplained, but fun is always had.  Miss you, Alicat!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

~ Sound of Music ~

 Vegas lights

 Yoga Kitty

 Hibiscus Martini

 Sleepy Kitty

 Giant Latte

 Peonies

 Snowmen!

 Fa la la la - not Lifetime

 More snowmens

 Hydrangeas AKA 'Fluffy White Flower'

 Owls

 Twinkly lights

 Pretties

 Sparkly Package

 Minty Martinis

 Christmas Drinks

 Favorite magazines

 More twinkly lights & cupcake sheets

Birthday Cake

Frosted Cupcakes

Silent Night...

Children tucked into their tiny beds, Sleepy sighs, "I am safe," is what that says
Waking to their elves, who have run amok the house
'Let's hurry now, dress warmly', quick hugs and kisses, let's dash out.
Tick tock goes the clock, tick tock
Goodbye my little child, goodbye. 

Reading, writing, arithmetic
Learning life's lessons, oh so quick
What is fair? Life is not, but senseless deeds are on the mount
Tick tock goes the clock,tick tock
Goodbye my little child, goodbye.

Christmas wishes running through their heads
Smiling, sweet faces, innocence turns to dread
Wait, what's that noise?
Tick tock goes the GLOCK, tick tock
Goodbye my little child, goodbye.

Panic courses through, as chaos surrounds
No more visions of sugar plums, are anywhere around
Sights no one should ever have to see
Will shape the children, who've survived today's unspeakable deed
Goodbye my little child, goodbye.

Holes left in families, no more pitterpat feet
Christmas elves suspended in mid-mischief, eternal Christmas grief
Sweet angels are gone and we ask,
'What sense is to be made?' with no answer to offer peace
Goodbye my little child, goodbye.

Children witnesses will never be the same
Gone are the innocent, childhood ways
But babies they were, when they left for school
Alas, no more, as evil eludes
Goodbye my little child, goodbye.

Bedtime approaches
Sleepy are their heads
But nightmares persist, and some have empty beds
Tick tock goes the clock, tick tock
Goodnight my little child...goodnight.

With love,
Rachael

Best evite ever!

Love Actually Christmas Evite Poem

Twas a few weeks before Christmas, and all through Rachael's house
Cocktails will be stirring, but not for a mouse.
A hot chocolate bar with spirits will be set with care, So let's hope St. Nicholas will not be there.
The ladies will be nestled, and well-fed,
While visions of Colin Firth dance through their heads.
Christmas PJs are the trend of this party’s fashion,
So don't show up, dressed as if you're getting action.
Prancer and Rudolph are not invited,
But Vixen and Blitzen, why yes, I'd be delighted.
So spring to your car, give a cute guy a whistle,
But don't pick him up, because he'll get a dismissal.
Love Actually Christmas is out of sight,
Kicking off a Happy Christmas, and a very good night!

You can steal this for your "Love Actually Christmas" if you'd like.  You may also send me a Christmas present to thank me for my genius as well.

Treasure of Memories: Cheers to Giving Thanks

Tonight is the night before Thanksgiving, and this is my first holiday without my Paw Paw.  I will be thinking of him during tomorrow's prayer, hearing his reverent voice.  

Sometimes, I'm reminded of him when I least expect it, usually when I'm driving in my car.  That's my time to think, letting my mind wander.  I'm reminded that last year at this exact time, my Paw Paw was in the hospital, and we were discussing my past, present, and future.  It was my Paw Paw's way of making sure I was going to be all right.  That's how he showed his granddaughters he loved them.

He was a man of few words, but of great action, and unbeknownst to most, he helped many.  He wasn't one to brag, or complain for that matter - his life, an example for all.

This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for a treasure of memories of my cornerstone and the application of humble lessons.

With love and fond memories,

Your loving granddaughter
xoxo

Elephant vs. Donkey

I rarely debate politics, partly because there are people out there who eat, sleep and breathe politics, and could probably eat me alive in a debate.  I do not consider myself an expert in political matters (I am far from that), but I do consider myself more informed than some (I know this is a very sad benchmark, but what can I say?), and believe I have exercised my right to vote, responsibly.  Because of my governmental job, I have to be somewhat careful in what I write regarding the political arena, because I cannot come across as campaigning for any particular person or party, so I'm taking a more informative, vague role in this post.

I'm the type of individual that does not enjoy debates, but I do enjoy mature political discussions, respecting others' beliefs.  While I have my own opinions on who I think would make the better leader for our country, I can respect others' differing opinions, as long as they stem from a well-informed decisions.  To each her own, right?

I'm almost reluctant to say, that my more liberal days are behind me, and feel a slight, nostalgic grief towards my wilting liberalism.  When I was in college, I almost felt that spouting off liberal views was my way to rebel against my Southern Baptist family.  I'm not sure why A) I considered this rebellion and B) why I felt the need to rebel, but needless to say, this was my illogical conclusion of badassness, and yes, I'm making that a word.

While I understand that many are concerned with women's rights, and rightfully so, I feel the more pressing matter is focusing on fiscal responsibility and moving this country out of debt.  In this election, I feel you have to select your most important political issue, without having unrealistic expectations that someone can jump in there and "fix" everything, immediately. 

I  would fail myself if I did not mention my concern over this country's impending debt.  I'm not here to blame this on one president.  I'm wise enough to know that previous presidents are able to set events in motion for upcoming presidents, but I do believe that regardless of what was inherited, the fiscal turmoil worsened, and this country needs to be very concerned that whoever is elected, is going to turn this around.

I also realize that health care reform is another large topic during this election.  As someone who has worked in the healthcare regulatory industry for ten years, as well as worked in marketing for one of the largest insurance carriers in my state, I can say that regardless of what the government initiates, businesses are going to find a way to get their money - end of story.  Consumers will end up paying higher premiums.  Insurance companies will spend more time answering to federal government, leaving less time, for fewer employees, to create better solutions outside of raising premiums, and not just in health insurance.  Watch for increases throughout all lines of insurance.  Oftentimes ideas sound good in theory, but the reality is much different, because the government does not always understand the private sector.

I am worried for the future of our divided country, that is fiscally desperate and indebted to China.  Let's pray for God to guide our next leader of the free, but desperately indebted country.

Oh Restoril, Restoril, how you make me shop online in the wee hours

So I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm a typical insomniac and am not the least bit embarassed about it.  My doctor told me that there are more studies showing that this is actually a genetic trait, so I blame it on my parents, or maybe I blame it on the rain.  But either way, it is what it is - and it is TRAGIC to my pocketbook.

Let me explain before I sound like a loon, which I very well might, because this is a post-Restoril, post-online shopping blog post.

I realize that all the warnings tell you to only take prescription sleep meds, if you are actually planning to go to bed right away, but some nights that just doesn't work out for me.  I've been known to instead, get online and shop, usually for random items like air filters, which shows my aversion to driving to Walmart for boring necessities.  Yet I digress like I do in every blog.  Maybe I should add ADD to my insomnia, or possibly just hypochondria.

N-E-Ways.  So tonight was like any other Restoril shopping binge, I ordered lots of cute things from The Loft, and possibly Forever 21, although I'm pretty sure I traded the F21 items from my bag to my wishlist, and only because  the family and friends discount is coming on the 21st.  I just hope they still have the peacock feather dress I so badly want.

The thing is, I might as well have drunk five martinis for all that I care that I'm spending money in my sleep deprived, somewhat comatose state, which I'm sure I'll regret tomorrow, but am totally psyched about now.

So before I ramble on any further, or shop any further, I'm going to sign off by asking the most important question of the day.  Why are we not able to order H&M clothes online in this area?  What area is this anyway?  In the US?  Just Louisiana?  Just me, since they must have realized I'm Restoril shopping again?  Alas, I guess it's for the better.  But people, it's on my wish list if you also want to take a Restoril and shop for me.  It's lots of fun - I promise.

Good night sweet princes of Maine, you kings of New England.  You can dream of my blogs soon to come about S*** that happens at work - all true stories.  Until then, happy dreamland shopping.

Hurricane Issac is an a**hole - Part Deux

In a previous post I spoke about Hurricane Isaac as if he has a personality all his own, and I'm sticking to it.  He apparently has secret powers that turn more than myself into a little crazy.

Before I start the story, my apologies to my brother David and his wife Leigh Erin, but it's just too funny not to share.  

*** Disclaimer: any violence exhibited in this blog came from pure good intentions, and let's be honest, a little hurricane/sleep deprivation crazy.

So picture this.  A newlywed couple is living in New Orleans with their little girl.  They've just returned from our Paw Paw's funeral, only because a hurricane was about to pummel into their home.  (In all seriousness, my Paw Paw does deserve a moment of silence here.  We love you and miss you, Paw Paw.) 

Back to scene setting.  Everyone already has frazzled nerves, and now it's time to prep their New Orleans' house for a hurricane.  No sleep has been had in almost a week.  My brother, the former boyscout and military man, has set up safety areas around his entire home, planning for almost any hurricane scenario.  Take that Isaac!  

In all his wisdom, he had everyone well-hydrated for the inevitable, losing power in the middle of a hot Louisiana summer.  It is now bedtime and my niece Ella (cutest kid ever), my brother and sister-in-law prepare for much-needed slumber, because more craziness was to come.

There was one flaw in my brother's preparations.  Their alarm went off in the middle of the night, and my brother was certain it was looters trying to take all of their cool DIY belongings, but most likely was just the high-speed winds moving the door. David sprung into action like a jungle cat.  (Okay I just wanted to use the term jungle cat, so I'm making it work).

He leaps out of bed and searches the house, Rambo-style.  No one was to be found, but he was still on edge.  He takes a door that was being used for one of Leigh Erin's many DIY projects (don't ask - just know it will be super fantastic), and props it up against their bedroom door.  They all eventually fall back asleep, but not before my brother creates a contingency plan to attack any crazy NOLA looters.  Heck yeah!  That's how the Lundy's roll. 

Leigh Erin, being the well-hydrated, but very sweet wife that she is, woke up, and not wanting to wake my brother - who has been through a loss - decided she was going to maneuver around my brother's crazy anti-looter, Macguyver setup, but not so successfully.  

Apparently, my brother is a light sleeper and thought the looters were back in business.  He jumps up, again, to take action.  Luckily Leigh Erin starts screaming, and rightly so.  My brother soon realizes it's his wife and not a scary looter, or Ninja West Nile Virus mosquito.  (If confused - see previous blog post), and no harm was done.  Cutest kid ever, slept through the whole debacle.  However, following that, my brother decided it was in everyone's best interests that he sleep on the floor with his feet propped up against the door, so that he would be the first point of contact for crazy looters or the wind, whichever.  

Crisis averted.  Take that Ninja Mosquitoes, crazy looters and Hurricane a**hole Isaac!

Crouching Tiger Killer Mosquitoes

So I'm pretty certain that being stir crazy should be a clinical diagnosis, and I must have it, along with every other non-evacuee in Louisiana.  For the past week, I have been couped up in my condo, along with my cat that has inherited the nickname PK for Psycho Kitty (thank you Cammi), because of that a**hole Isaac.  Yes, I went there.  I called a hurricane an a**hole.  What of it?  He is.  

Right when everything seemed like it was finally over, an entire day later, one more band swept through the area, and catapults a grill into my friend Cammi's window that night, causing her alarm to go off.  Of course she thinks someone is breaking into her home, so she yells, "I've got a gun and I'm from Bunkie!"  Need I say anything else?  Haha, it's so obvious I live in the South, but I'm pretty certain she's got another kind of crazy going on outside of stir crazy.

Because I have decided not to venture all over town with all the traffic lights down, I'm becoming only ever so slightly stir crazy and am so bored, that I can't even watch TV or read any more, because I swear I've been doing that for a week.  I'm surprised I don't have a bed sore.  Sad, I know.  

However, before I decided to stop watching the news, a segment came on about the onset of mosquitoes following a hurricane, but that we shouldn't be too worried about contracting the West Nile Virus, because those types of mosquitoes are only bred in standing water.  Hello, I'm pretty certain the flooding left plenty of standing water all over the state, geniuses, so I'm not feeling very relieved at the moment.  

So... of course, there is a killer mosquito in my house, which I'm fairly certain is a West Nile mosquito - just saying.  I've never moved so fast in my life, with my karate moves, or what I think looks like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, but in all likelihood, looks more like me having a seizure while screaming like a little girl.  Alas, the mosquito is still flying around here trying to feast on me and give me killer viruses.  Mosquito + 1: Rachael: 0

Vengeance will be mine.

Julyeaux de Mayeaux

I LOVE Louisiana - from its parades to its culture.  But, I especially enjoy the mindset of the Louisianian, because we know how to throw party.  And I'm not just talking about a Louisiana Saturday night, Bob McDill.  No indeed.  I'm talking about the fact that all we need are beads, and we've got ourselves a parade.  Give our musicians a stick, and we've got ourselves some music.  Give our dancers music, and we've got a Second Line.  Give us a moment, and there is creative genius in the world.   
This is a Sassy shout out to my friend Katie Walsh, AKA creative genius and event planner extraordinaire, for inventing Julyeaux de Mayeaux, simply because the world just doesn't get enough margaritas on Cinco de Mayo.  How brilliant is that, you say?  I say it's pretty brilliant, indeed.

Salut to all the Katies in the world, and Happy Julyeaux de Mayeaux!

My Heart Belongs to San Francisco

I realize that every time I post on my blog, I pronounce that I have renewed my commitment to making writing a daily priority, but honestly, I write when the inspiration hits, as do many writers.  So fickle are the artists...  What can I say?  Well let's see.  Read below.

Recently I traveled to San Francisco, and completely fell in love with the city, its weather, its people, its adorable cable cars and public transit, and most of all - Napa Valley - but that part is no surprise to anyone who knows a thing or two about me.

For those of you who know me, you know I love, live and breathe travel, and if I could have Anthony Bourdain's job, I would be in career heaven.  Anthony, are you out there, and will you hire me?  Did I mention that you're my not so secret crush???

Alas... I do not have Tony's job, but I do, however, create my own version of heaven, with my mini-vaca getaways - my latest being San Francisco, or as my dyslexic friend kept saying - Fran Sancisco.

San Francisco's view of the Golden Gate Bridge, unhindered by the fog, is unparalled.  Being mostly surrounded by water, it would be a waste not to visit the pier.  Pier 39, although toursity, is actually a must see, even if it's just to get a quick glimpse at the sea lions.  Who knew sea lions had so much personality and could be so entertaining?  I know what you must be thinking.  "She liiiieeeess..." I lie not.  For animal lovers, this is a must see. For those of you who are not animal lovers, which is beyond my comprehension, booooo ... your loss. 

Of course, no Pier visit is complete without a bread bowl filled with delicious, creamy clam chowder, so eat some of that coastal, yummy-goodness.  Go... right now...  Aside from that, The Pier can become a bit touristy for my tastes, so head on out.

Moving along from the Pier to China Town ...
China Town has this magical power over it, making you feel as if you traveled across the world in one moment, and that you really are in the middle of a market in China.  In fact, my friend made the comment that they must think we are "stupid" Americans, which unfortunately is such a common misconception, but I digress (however, I did not miss the irony...).  I had to remind her that we were actually still in the states, and did not migrate to another country, even though no one was speaking English.  We had a good laugh, and that was the ongoing joke of the trip. 

If you're planning on visiting China Town, you must eat at House of Nunkong, which was small, quaint, and satisfyingly delicious restaurant.  This is a must, so write.it.down.  There are pictures of all sorts of famous celebrities on the wall, including Rachael Ray, but after my visit, I'm pretty sure they replaced her picture with another Rachael's picture - just saying.  This is where the foodies go.  Go eat there, and thank me later.  We ordered an assortment of appetizers to sample, and split an entree, but go crazy.  All the dishes looked de-lish and are lip smacking good.

San Fran's understated, must-see show of the decade is the "Beach Blanket Babylon" show, which comes highly recommended by the locals.  If you enjoy current events, People Magazine, elaborate costumes, humor, and/or musicals, or have any sort of positive attribute to your personality and are not a complete bore,then you simply must fit this into your schedule.  It was hysterical!  I'm pretty sure I laughed throughout the entire show, and was working up a six-pack on my laughing abs - seriously.  And it's complete with cocktails, so I guess there goes the six pack, possibly?  Yes indeed!

I could go on and on, but I'm just hitting the highlights.  We decided to take an antique train tour to Napa Valley, which was my FAVORITE part of all - as always, I save the best for last.  Granted, I realize this might be the touristy thing to do, but by no means was it disappointing.  It was quaint and elegant, complete with an impressive, gourmet meal served in the most beautiful antique train dining car.  Following our meal, we were escorted to another dining car for desserts and drinks.  How fancy are we?  I felt like I stepped back in time and I was channeling Rosemary Clooney in "White Christmas", except for the drinking lots of wine part.  Hence, I was ever-so-slightly less elegant, but only slightly.  Ahem...  Alas, I was born in the wrong decade. Too bad we didn't break into song, but if that's your thing, there is a singing train tour as well.  Rock out!

We stopped at two wineries, Raymond being my favorite.  This French-owned vineyard had the most fascinating, whimsical flare, and I couldn't help falling head-over-heels in love with it.  The ambiance was intoxicatingly sexy, literally, with glitz and glam all around.  My favorite part of the winery was that one wall was completely devoted to "ooh la la" phrases, all written in hot pink lipstick, sparkling under the gaze of a gorgeous chandelier that only has business existing in Sarah Jessica Parker's posh SATC closet.  Still hypnotized by the lights, lipstick, pink and delicious wines.  Aaaahhh.... Where were we?  Oh yes...

I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed San Francisco, and its people.  Everyone was so helpful and friendly, from the hotel staff at The Intercontinental, to its tour guides and residents.  I couldn't get over what we, down South, call "Southern" Hospitality.  Southerners, I have some news for you.  San Fran is rocking it on that front.  Watch out!  In my book, they are honorary Southerners.

I left my heart in San Francisco, but hope to find it again one day in my next travels.  Until then ... Cheers & Salut!

P.S. Now I want to watch Sideways again, with a bottle of Chenin Blanc Viognier Blend 2011, which I discovered on the Napa train - so good!