The Blog
Truth found in unexpected places
The Best Holiday Movies of 2019
Did you know that 2019 brought us nearly 100 new holiday movies? Almost 100. I'm saying 95. NINETY-FIVE NEW HOLIDAY MOVIES. In one year! In one SEASON! What on earth. It's outrageous and seems unbelievable, but it is true. When you add the new romantic or...
The Top 100: Looking Back at 2019
With 2019 being the end of a decade, the "best of" lists cannot be avoided. Best of the year, best of the decade, best of all time! The countdowns and collections are simply everywhere. And to be honest, they're kind of bumming me out! Every time I read another list...
The Deal with December Deadlines
If I’d never worked in advertising (or fundraising or publishing), I might think it was a little unrealistic. All the promotions and projects on the line at the holidays in our favorite Hallmark and Lifetime movies seem like a made-up plot device, don’t they? Who...
13 Ways to Make Holiday Movies Even Better {GIVEAWAY + ANNOUNCEMENT}
As we wrap up this Thanksgiving week, we are halfway through the holiday movie season. And we have had an abundance of choices when it comes to holiday movies. An embarrassment of movie riches, really! This week, there's been a new one every day -- and sometimes more...
The Ultimate Guide to 2019’s Holiday Specials
Here a list of every new holiday special airing on television in 2019, at least as far as I know. Holiday specials, not holiday episodes or movies. And I’m not including dog shows or beauty pageants for no other reason than I didn’t want to. Also, I did include a few classics and it’s quite possible I’ve missed some; feel free to tell me if I have. If I run across other specials, I’ll add them. But for now, for today, here are the specials!
Everything You Need for a Magical Holiday Movie Season
Two days ago, it snowed in my town. Like Lorelai Gilmore, my eyes lit up and I sighed, happily. I didn't talk about smelling snow, but let's be honest: I totally smelled snow. My kids, on the other hand, were not so happy. They refuse to wear gloves, but also, their...
Introducing 2019 Hooked on Holiday Movies
Oh, friends, do you know what day it is? It's the beginning of Holiday Movie Season! Starting tonight, we have the opportunity to watch 87 (EIGHTY-SEVEN) brand-new holiday movies. Yeah! Eighty-seven! And, odds are, the number will actually be higher because a couple...
Maybe Meant to Be is Not for Me
Last week was the 25th anniversary of my first date with my husband. Way back in 1994, we went to our homecoming dance together. And then we lived happily ever after. Um, well, kind of. We've been married 20 years, we have two daughters, and when we ended a quick...
Treat Yo’ Self: 10 Small Indulgences You Can Enjoy All Year Long
Most of us can’t press pause on real life (and real budgets, LET’S BE HONEST) for an entire day of treating ourselves. But we can often do more than live vicariously through characters on our favorite TV show. Here are a few ways I like to treat myself when I can (whether it’s official “Treat Yo’ Self Day” or not!).
14 Books I’m Excited to Read This Fall
Sitting next to me right this very minute is a stack of library books — eight in total, two several weeks overdue. I also have a bunch of books on my bookshelf, in my bedroom, and on my Kindle. All waiting to be read. Prompted by Kaitlyn’s question, though, I’ve decided to just accept defeat and come up with a better plan. I’m returning the overdue books, committing to the others I’ve checked out, and finally getting around to some books I’ve been wanting to read for a while. Here are 14 books I’m excited to read this fall.
Why I’m Not Apologizing Anymore for the Movies I Haven’t Seen
Do you feel embarrassed to admit you have seen that movie (or read that book or recognize that song)? I say don’t be! Entertainment is for fun, after all, not as a metric to determine who’s smart enough, cool enough, good enough. If you want to watch Dirty Dancing and episodes of The Office on repeat, you do it. And don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it!
When You Need a Reminder About Who’s in Control
When I hear the word “control,” I immediately begin mixing my pop culture metaphors as my brain simultaneously sings Janet Jackson lyrics and does a [poor] Gollum impression, whispering, “My precious,” to the idea of control. Ah, to have everything in my world following my commands and plans! Like Ms. Jackson, some days I imagine my last name really is Control.