Santa was Kickin' it Old School This Year

I showed you what I got from my boyfriend, but I failed to show you what I got from "Santa." It's pretty cool. A while back I'd read or seen these Fuji Instax cameras - basically they're polaroids but made by Fuji. I got the Instax Mini - which prints wallet sized photos.

The little photo prints from the top and develops before your eyes. Film isn't cheap and only comes with 10 pictures, so since it's not digital there is no room for error. There are no do-overs when it comes to film cameras.

I scanned some examples for you:

There's a photo of my brother's dog Wally, a self-portrait, and my cat Minnie. I might take it with me on New Year's eve and possibly my boyfriend's birthday next weekend. The only trouble is it's not exactly small, so I'll need to bring a bigger purse to fit it.

Oh, and some of you might remember back in the summer I promised to do a project where I would use my 35mm film SLR using black & white film - well I'm still working on it. I sorta lost inspiration for a little while. The cool thing is that I started in the summer, took some in the fall and am now taking photos during the winter - so once I do finish it will really span the seasons. I'll maybe take a walk tomorrow in this winter wonderland and get some shots.

What did Santa leave you under the tree? I know Christmas isn't just about gifts and stuff, but it's still fun.

Spoiled Girl Fashion

So I will have to make some changes to my New Year's outfit because.....

My boyfriend gave me this beautiful necklace on Christmas Eve. I guess he really likes me :P He came over and brought wine for my parents, which was sweet. We had stuffed pasta with homemade vodka tomato sauce and it was delicious. We exchanged gifts and played pool. It was a nice night.

New pendant with green dress for New Year's.

Sparkly Bracelets

Or "silver" bangles?

And...check out the shoes I got!

Hope you all have a fabulous New Year's Eve!

iTunes Playlist Tuesday #129

It's that time of year again...the time where I pick 10 albums from the year and a song from each! The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: 2011 edition!

1. Metals by Feist - Best "Worth the Wait" album.
Leslie Feist, shellshocked by the success of The Reminder waited a while to put out her follow up. This album is way more subdued than her last - but has been meticulously orchestrated. Though it makes me sad sometime to listen to it (it really sounds like a break-up album) I still love it.

Song: Caught a Long Wind

2. Ceremonials by Florence + The Machine - Best "I'm not a one hit wonder" album.
I was surprised that Flo put out another album so soon after Lungs, and was a bit worried it would end up sounding like a rush job (striking while the iron is hot), but it doesn't. It's everything that was wonderful about "Lungs" but with a bit more maturity.

Song: No Light, No Light

3. Wasting Light by Foo Fighters - Best rock out while driving album.
It was nice to see the Foo Fighters playing some good rock and roll on this album, but it's not so loud that it's unlistenable.

Song: Arlandria

4. Seeds by Hey Rosetta! - Best album from a Newfie Band.
I can't let this list go without a few Canuck musicians! Hey Rosetta! is a band I've been following for years, but have gotten more publicity this year. Seeds isn't my favourite album by them, but it's a solid record for sure.

Song: Seeds

5. Eureka by Mother Mother - Most fun party album.
Something about Mother Mother just makes me want to dance - and I never dance! I saw them in concert this year and my friend got me a signed copy of this CD!

Song: Oleander

6. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Better than Beady Eye.
Noel has shown the music world why he wrote most of the songs for Oasis.

Song: If I Had a Gun

7. Collapse Into Now by R.E.M. - Best final album.
Fans had no idea that this would be the last album R.E.M. ever records together when this came out, but the band did. It's a great album and a wonderful bookend to their career as a band. Love them <3

Song: Blue

8. The King of Limbs by Radiohead - Too weird for me album of the year.
The dancing video was a hit, and Lotus Flower is a decent song, but the rest of the album does nothing for me.

Song: Lotus Flower

9. I'm With You by Red Hot Chili Peppers - Good effort, but I still miss John.
I like it - but that's really all I can say about it. I don't love it.

Song: Police Station

10. Collider by The Sam Roberts Band - Best consistently good album.
Sam's albums are always pretty consistent - good mix of some solid rock and roll with a few heartfelt ditties. Love this one.

Song: Without a Map

What were your favourite albums in 2011? Any disappointments? What are you anticipating in 2012?

I Would Buy You a Green Dress...

As New Year's approaches I'm trying to figure out ways to style my cheap, but cute Old Navy dress. I've settled on a black cardigan and black tights, but I am working on jewellery and accessories. I need opinions.

Necklaces

Belts

As for shoes, I'm looking for some black wedges and maybe a black scarf. 

Thank You & Happy Holidays!

Just wanted to say Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Season's Greeting, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading - some have been reading since the beginning and I've gained a few new friends this year! Thank you so much! Hopefully I can keep it going in 2012.

- Allison

iTunes Playlist Tuesday #128

Welcome to my year-end Best of! This year has been interesting in terms of coming up with original ideas for new playlists. I fear I'm running out of ideas. This weekly tradition hit a major milestone this year too - I wrote my 100th playlist! Thank you to all of you who have read and commented this year. I'll try to keep it going in 2012!

Here are 10 playlists I feel were some of my best and most creative!

1. Breakfast in Paris #80
This list was based on a fiction breakfast that Myself, Lalalalauren, and Tom and I had in Paris. Hard to explain, but I made a playlist about it.

Song: Paris by Edith Pief

2. Rainbow Songs #82
I tried to find songs with the names of colours in them - pretty simple concept, but people seemed to love it.

Song: Purple Stain by Red Hot Chili Peppers

3. Bird Songs #85
"Put a bird on it!" - Birds seemed to be the trend of 2011, so why not songs?

Song: Jonathan Gull by Danny Michel

4. Damn the Man! #87
I was invited by Liz to participate in her political/damn the man themed playlists and I really had fun with this topic. They're now calling 2011 "The Year of the Protest."

Song: Masters of War by Bob Dylan

5. Solstice Mix #102
This list was all about the first day of summer and songs to get everyone in the mood.

Song: Summer Day by Coconut Records

6. True North #104
This was a playlist I made for Canada Day 2011 and a bit for 4th of July for my American friends...but mostly poking fun (lightheartedly).

Song: TransCanada by A.C. Newman and Kathryn Calder

7. What's in a Name? #107
A selection of songs with people's names in them.

Song: What if I Can't See the Stars, Mildred? by Matthew Good

8. Inspiring Words #111
This playlist was inspired by the death of Canadian politician Jack Layton. His final letter to Canadians inspired this list.

Song: Today I'm Going to Try and Change the World by Johnny Reid

9. Broke as a Joke #113
This list was songs about money - something most people can relate to.

Song: If I Had a Million Dollars by The Barenaked Ladies

10. Feisty Ladies #117
I hadn't done a new list about my favourite female artists in a while, so I decided to once Flo and Feist put out new albums.

Song: Shake it Out by Florence + The Machine

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, Happy Holidays to all! Next my list will feature songs from 10 albums from 2011!

Is it Bad That I Think I'm Awesome at Gift Giving?

Call me crazy, but I actually love holiday shopping. I feel like I'm pretty good at finding unique and personal gifts for most people on my list. I like gifts with themes, meanings, inside-jokes attached. I like to wrap them using pretty paper and ribbons and tags. I like nice cards and making people smile by giving them something fun to open when they check their mail, instead of bills and flyers.

So, while I love opening gifts on Christmas morning - I also really love giving them.

A while back I wrote a post about stressing over how much and what to get my boyfriend for our first Christmas as a couple. We never set a limit, but I think I pretty much nailed this one. I can't really see any of the things I got him not going over well.

It's hard to see everything in this super fantastic cellphone photo, so I'll give you the run down of what's in this basket:

1. BluRay of The Lincoln Lawyer - first movie we saw together (awwww...I know, right?)

2. Old Man Drinks - He is constantly complaining about his aches and pains, and sometimes goes to bed at 8:30 P.M. I got him this drink recipe book as a joke.

3. A Christmas ornament shaped like playing cards - He plays poker every Sunday.

4. Chocolate golf balls - Sometimes I feel like he loves golf more than me. I really am dating an old man.

5. Dart flights & shafts - My boyfriend is British and he quite enjoys playing darts. So much so that he has a fancy set of darts that come in a case. The shafts bend and break often, so I bought him some fancy ones. Also, the flights are just fun.

6. I threw in a hand full of soccer football shaped foil wrapped chocolates.

7. A glass - it helps fill up the basket, and goes with the drink recipe book.

I'm really happy about how this all came together. I'm really excited to give this to him on Christmas eve.

Oh, for those of you who care, this is me at the Santa 5k last weekend:

Me & my Santa friend :)

Christmas is a' Comin'

A while back I asked you guys if you were ready for the holidays/Christmas...

Absolutely! So full of cheer! 3 (20%)

Bah Humbug! 2 (13%)

Uh, no feelings either way. 4 (26%)

Sorta, hasn't set in yet. 6 (40%)


All I can say is that I hope you get ready soon, because it's coming fast! One more weekend! If you celebrate Hanukkah, it starts Tuesday night!

Also, starting today, polls will be monthly!

2011 - The Year I Woke Up

For the past two years I've done a bit of a yearly round-up, so this is 2011!

2011 Pop Culture Influenced Round Up 

Here is my BEST OF list:

Favourite New TV show: 

2 Broke Girls - I'll admit that it didn't grab me at first, but I've really grown to love it. I can relate, being broke myself.

Favourite Album Released in '11: 

Feist's Metals and Florence + The Machine's Ceremonials. Both powerful and beautiful in different ways.

Favourite Song from '11: 

Caught a Long Wind by Feist

Favourite Movie: 

The King's Speech - I believe this came out officially in 2010, but I saw it in 2011 and loved it. 

Favourite Book: 

The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman - This book is truly a sign of the times (like 2 Broke Girls, but different) - it's about a newspaper and the various employees there and the ultimate death of the paper. I can relate having once worked in print media.


Significant Moments of 2011: 

• The end of 2010 and beginning of 2011 was marked by a pretty horrible anxiety attack, but in truth I'm glad it happened. I needed that to wake me up and make me realize that I wasn't happy and needed help.

• Saw Danny Michel play in Hamilton with my aunt.

• I cut back on how much coffee I drank significantly.

• I went to Niagara Falls with one of my best friends to celebrate her birthday. We went skating, had dinner, visited the Hershey store, and went on a huge ferris wheel.

• Saw the band Guster play with one of my best friends - she visited and stayed with me for the weekend.

• My parents got a puppy named Chester. He is adorable, but a giant pain in the ass.

• Started dating someone...and even though we had a weird and rocky beginning, we are still together. 

• The biggest highlight of the year by far has to be my trip to Bath, UK, to visit my cousin and his wife. It was my first trip flying alone and I had a great time. It was so lovely there I could have stayed longer for sure.

• Went back to visit my university after four years.

• Saw the musical adaptation of Billy Elliot with my mom and two aunts.

• Shed some tears over the death of politician Jack Layton.

• Almost got skunked numerous times.

• Ran two 5k races and one 5k charity fun run.

• My favourite Band, R.E.M., officially broke up.

• Reconnected with my childhood friend, and along with another friend we went to see Mother Mother together in Toronto.

I challenge my readers to write a similar type post before January 1, 2012.

2009
2010

Guess I'm Just a Jealous Girl

I never think of myself as a jealous girl - I trust my boyfriend and know how he feels about me, but I don't always trust his friends.

The holidays are special to me, and I like to spend them at home with friends and family. The boy's family is less festive, and his friends all seem to be equally Grinchy - so they really don't care about that sort of stuff.

I knew that a lot of them planned to go to a bar on Christmas Day night, and I didn't really care because I knew I probably wouldn't see my boyfriend that day because I have a lot of family to see, and we're not at the stage in our relationship where we come as a packaged deal to family gatherings. But this is our first Christmas as a couple, and I'd like it to be a bit special. This is why I invited him to dinner with my parents on Christmas Eve.

Last night at the pub the topic of Christmas Eve came up, and a bunch of the sad and lonely single guys are planning on hitting up a bar known for it's sad and lonely single women. They asked me what the boyfriend was doing that night (he was working, so wasn't there to answer for himself) and I said he was coming to my house for dinner with my parents. So they said, "after that."

I got annoyed.

I told them that if he wanted to go I guess I couldn't stop him, but I'd kill them if he flirted with any girls. I'd obviously kill him too - but I was mostly mad because I knew they're not the types to care about the fact that he has a girlfriend. They told me not to be so possessive. Jesus - is it possessive to want to spend time with the person you love during the holidays and not have him run off to a bar to drink with his friends? They told me I could go too, but why would I want to spend Christmas Eve at a bar with a bunch of guys who have nothing better to do but get drunk and hit on girls?

I understand this is a bit of a expectations vs. reality situation.

My expectation is that my boy will come over and have dinner with my family. We'll exchange gifts, play some pool, maybe watch a movie. He'll go home, and I'll go to bed so I can wake up and spend Christmas morning with my family.

Reality might end up being that we'll eat, exchange gifts and he'll leave to go to a bar with his friends.

Am I being selfish? I just don't like the implications of the night - the guy who's idea this was is notorious for hitting on girls and getting numbers. I just feel sad that this is how some people plan to spend their holidays. They don't know this, but I feel like they're trying to ruin my first Christmas with my boyfriend by making him feel like he has to choose. But like I said earlier, they're probably going to a bar on Christmas night - why both nights? I'm so annoyed!

Guess I'm just a jealous girl...

iTunes Playlist Tuesday #127

This week's theme is: 'Tis the Season...to Go Crazy!

1. Half Crazy by Jukebox the Ghost - The holidays make everyone a little crazy.

2. Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai - Online shopping anyone?

3. Tired of Waiting by The Trews - Tired of waiting long lines?

4. What You Waiting For? by Gwen Stefani - Santa Claus?

5. Ode to My Family by The Cranberries - An Ode to my Crazy Family.

6. Handjobs for the Holidays by Broken Social Scene - Only if you get me a nice gift (just kidding).

7. Time is Running Out by Muse - Less than two weeks for those who celebrate Christmas.

8. We Used to Wait by Arcade Fire - For Santa to arrive.

9. I Will Survive by Cake - I will not kill my family or friends!

10. NYE by Dinosaur Bones - Can't wait for New Year's Eve.

Next week I'll be doing the best of 2011 Playlists - please comment if you had a favourite playlist from this year.

The Following week I'll do 10 Albums of 2011.

Cheers!

Things I Learned from One Side of a Very Loud Phone Conversation on the Train

I was on the train heading to Toronto - a few stops after mine a girl got on and proceeded to have a very loud cellphone conversation with her aunt Mary. This is what I learned about her and her family:

• That she's "so over Christmas" and plans to spend Christmas alone with her boyfriend.

• She's not too impressed with a girl named Libby, who's likely her sister. Apparently Libby had promised to drive this woman home after thanksgiving, but only took her part of the way. They had a heated argument - which left the woman with a cut lip. Apparently Libby's boyfriend drove her home. Libby apparently doesn't take her anxiety medications and everything sets her off.

• Apparently a young cousin is pregnant. The women seemed unhappy about this, but said she'd wish her well.

• When Grandpa Joe died, a guy named Davey - presumably the woman's brother - had an anxiety attack. Anxiety runs in this family.

• Aunt Carol looks too much like her mother, and this also upsets Davey.

• She doesn't talk to "that" side of the family - too much drama. She likes to stay out of the drama. (Really - cause it sounded like she thrives on drama).

• Doesn't want any gifts for Christmas, 'cause she has everything. (rich people's problems)

• Wants to take some younger, single relative to a bar near her house where "all the young suits go after work." She's not single herself, but would live vicariously through this young girl.

• She works with a lot of young 20-somethings and says that they "don't want to put a stamp on anything." I think she was talking about relationships.

• Has an uncle who used to scare her as a child, but now she really respects him. He once read a huge book on Russia and this impressed her.

• Libby's boyfriend, also named Dave, has a child who Libby doesn't like. Libby doesn't want kids, but Dave wants more. Libby wonders why Dave won't marry her. But it's 'cause Libby is crazy and he'll never marry her.

• She discussed a recently split up couple having talked about shared custody of their dog. But seemed happy that the one person just bought their own dog.

• Someone else got a St. Bernard. Thought it was okay because they're pretty laid back, lazy dogs apparently.

So while this epic family catch-up was going on a girl on the train had headphones in. She turned to her friend and said "don't you wish you had an iPod?" and pointed towards the annoying woman on the phone. At one point her call got disconnected, and I think me, and all the other passengers let out a collective sigh of relief, but then that darn aunt Mary called back!

After Miss loud talker hung up with aunt Mary, another person on the train made a loud phone call - this time it was less dramatic. Something about a mother recovering from a surgery.

I think I would be embarrassed to air out all my dirty family laundry out there for all the passengers to hear - even if I knew I probably wouldn't see them again. It's just rude. But I will admit I was slightly entertained by her family drama - made me feel less bad about my own. Though, I wouldn't be nearly as self-righteous as this woman was.

'Tis the Season...to be an Asshole

Yesterday, while I was helping my mom move stuff out of my grandma's apartment (she's moved into a nursing home), I had a grocery cart and was crossing the street from the parking lot to the building when a car rolled up to the stop rather quickly. A bus was obstructing my view, so the car caught me off guard and I must have looked startled.

So what does the driver of this vehicle do? Well, he rolls down his window and yells at me of course!

"What? You didn't think I would stop?" In an angry growl.

Merry fucking Christmas to you too sir.

Today, I was walking to pick up my Santa suit for tomorrow's 5k run (yes, I'm running in a Santa race!) when I heard loud swearing. I turned around and saw a man walking rather quickly and was cursing and swearing and threatening murder. At first I thought maybe he was on the phone, using a bluetooth device, having a heated argument with someone, but no - he was yelling to himself.

Now, this man either had an extreme mental illness, the worst case of tourette's I've ever seen, or was in a real hurry to go murder someone. If it was the latter, I guess I should have alerted the authorities. I'm going to bank on he was just crazy.

Happy Holidays!

Festivities in List Form!

I have a few holiday things coming up that I thought I'd share with you all (since I seem to not have that much to say lately). Sorry to those who do not celebrate Christmas, this is a very Christmas-centric post, as most of my posts will be this month.

1. Santa 5k - This Saturday!

I have signed up to run in the annual Santa 5k where I live and for this race you are given a Santa suit with your entry fee and you must wear the suit when you run. There are apparently 4000 Santas in this run! It's kind of a big deal - so I'm pretty excited about that! I'll hopefully have photos and hilarious stories about that next week.

2. Christmas Party with University Friends - This Sunday!

Ever since our second year of university me and my friends have been celebrating Christmas together with food, dessert and plenty of silliness! The tradition lives on even though we've all graduated. For the past few years we've added themes for our gift giving. We did "As Seen on TV" Secret Santa - and we mostly all gave one another Snuggies. Last year we did a Steal-a-Gift with practical gifts (kitchen gadgets, tea pots, wine glasses etc.) This year we are doing Steal-a-Gift Card - that's right! We are lightening our loads by each buying a $25 card for a common store/restaurant and will draw names and steal them from each other till everyone gets one they like (and we all have good taste, so we'll all be happy with what we get).

We also do small, inexpensive stocking stuffers. Should be a good day.

3. Work Christmas Party - December 20

We gather and eat Chinese food and play silly games in the cafe after close. It's usually really funny and nice to see all my co-workers together in one room!

4. Christmas Eve with The Boy

This is what I hope will happen. The boy will come over and eat dinner with me and my parents and not be awkward. Then he and I can play pool downstairs or something and give each other our presents. He has not yet confirmed with me that he can come.

5. Christmas Day

Blah blah blah presents. Yadda yadda yadda turkey.

6. New Year's Eve

The plan is to go to British New Year's at our local pub for a drink and to see his parents and grandma, then go out somewhere after for real New Year's. I have a dress and I'd better have somewhere to go!

Anyone attending any fun holiday events?

iTunes Playlist Tuesday #126

This week's list was inspired by my Grinch of a boyfriend who hates Christmas music.

1. Baby, It's Cold Outside by She & Him - I like that they switched traditional roles in this version - less sexist this way. She's the one pleading to him.

2. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon - Who can resist John Lennon, really?

3. Christmastime in Toronto by Gordon Downie - Not really a traditional cheesy "Christmas" song.

4. My First Christmas as a Woman by The Vandals - The first time I heard this was on the radio while I was driving to a friend's place to visit. I was actually laughing out loud in the car. If this doesn't make the most cynical of Christmas haters smile, I don't know what will.

5. We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Weezer - Maybe Weezer isn't on everyone's list, but I'd like to think this is tolerable.

6. Christmas With You is the Best by The Long Winters - A song that leaves out all the commercialism...and is basically the classy version of "Dick in a Box."

7. Don't Shoot Me Santa by The Killers - If you're naughty Santa will shoot you!

8. Oi! To The World by No Doubt - I believe this is a Vandals cover - but still good.

9. Snowflakes by Jeremy Fisher - So cute :)

10. I Bet on Flying High by Matt Costa - For those who choose to party hard this Christmas.

Any other non-traditional, non-lame Christmas song suggestions? I'm thinking of burning a CD for him :P