Tag Archives: winter

122 Facts about Some of Your Favorite Christmas Movies

Over the years we’ve explored some great Christmas movies…we learned about who voiced all the kids in A Charlie Brown Christmas (it was actually a bunch of kids!), how Chevy Chases’s rant scene was filmed for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and even what inspired the “accidental boob graze” in The Holiday.

If you’ve missed any of the holiday-themed fun fact articles, I’ve gathered them all here for your reading pleasure!

So after you’re done shopping, when the gifts are wrapped and the kids are put to bed, pour yourself a glass of eggnog and enjoy these fun facts about some of your favorite Christmas movies!

122 Facts about Some of Your Favorite Christmas Movies

15 Fun Facts about A Charlie Brown Christmascharlie-brown-christmas

13 Fun Facts about National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacationchristmas-vacation-fun-facts

23 Fun Facts about Home Alonehome-alone-fun-facts

27 Fun Facts about The HolidayTHE HOLIDAY

19 Fun Facts about How the Grinch Stole Christmashow-the-grinch-stole-christmas

25 Fun Facts about It’s a Wonderful Lifeits-a-wonderful-life

Sometimes you just need a little fun in your life! Check back every week for a new “Just Bee-cause” post, where I discuss everything from celebrity news to favorite videos and websites!

 

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7 Super Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers

Well, it’s now T-minus 5 days until the big day…do you have all your stockings stuffed?

If not, no worries! Here are 7 SUUUUPER last-minute stocking stuffers you can make and gift this weekend!

7 Super Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers

Candy Cane Sugar Scrub Cubes
Candy Cane Sugar Scrub Cubes

These scrubbie cubes make a great gift for anyone on your list. Refreshing and soft on the skin, these scrub cubes are sure to become holiday favorites in everyone’s stocking.

Grinch Bath Bomb Ornament
Grinch Bath Bomb Ornaments

This is like two gifts in one! Presented as an ornament, this gift can then be opened and used as a bath bomb for after the holidays. I mean, let’s be real, we’re all gonna need to relax after this one, right? 😉

Handmade Sushi Roll SocksDIY Sushi Socks

Simply roll and pin some socks and you’ve got yourself a gift! Gift or “serve” them in a little bento box for a fun presentation.

Popcorn Ball KitsPopcorn Ball Kits

Filled with everything you need to make your own popcorn balls, these kits are super easy to make and great for gifting to cousins, co-workers and neighbors.

DIY Jewelry DishDIY Clay Jewelry Dish

Moms, grandmas, sisters, aunts and friends will love this beautiful clay dish…and you’ll love how easy (and fast!) these are to make! Don’t forget to make one for yourself, too!

DIY Grippy Socks10 DIY Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Turn plain ol’ socks into cozy grippers with a little fabric paint. Create a cute snowflake or star design, or let your imagination run wild!

DIY Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

A few ingredients come together to create this delicious scrub that will help get anyone through the winter. You can make one huge batch or several small ones. Step aside, Santa…gift-giving just got real…

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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16 Last-Minute Candy Barks You Can Make for Christmas

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for friends and family? Forget the cookies and go for the candy bark!

Easy and quick to make, these candy bark recipes make a great gift for anyone on your list. Use the recipes below or mix and match your favorite holiday flavors to create your own unique creations!

16 Last-Minute Candy Barks You Can Make for Christmas

candy barks

  1. Rocky Road Chocolate Bark
  2. Candied Orange Peel Bark
  3. Chocolate Cherry Bark
  4. Candied Bacon Bark
  5. Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark
  6. Swirled Peppermint Bark
  7. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
  8. Snowman Bark
  9. Oreo Cookie Bark
  10. Pomegranate Bark
  11. Gingerbread Bark
  12. Pretzel Bark Bites
  13. Quick and Easy Holiday Bark
  14. Cherry Cashew Bark
  15. Super Nutty Chocolate Peppermint Bark
  16. Salted Caramel Chocolate Bark

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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13 Books to Read on a Snowy Day

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book on a snowy day…even better is a book that totally immerses you in a winter world from the comfort of your own home!

These 13 books do just that. From snowy countrysides to magical far-off places, these 13 books are perfect for reading on a snowy, blistery winter night.

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13 Books to Read on a Snowy Day

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The Snowman, Jo Nesbø

When dozens of women show up murdered on the day of a first snow fall, investigator Harry Hole is put on the case. As his investigation deepens, something else emerges: he is becoming a pawn in an increasingly terrifying game whose rules are devised—and constantly revised—by the killer. This one is long, but worth it in the end.

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The Road, Cormac McCarthy

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape, save the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other. A heartbreaking story of love and survival.

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The Girl with Glass Feet, Ali Shaw

Strange things are happening on the remote and snowbound archipelago of St. Hauda’s Land. Magical winged creatures flit around the icy bogland, albino animals hide themselves in the snow-glazed woods, and Ida Maclaird is slowly turning into glass. Ida is an outsider in these parts who has only visited the islands once before. A visitor to this land before, she has returned in search of a cure.

Chocolat and The Girl With No Shadow, Joanne Harris

The delicious story about Vianne Rocher and her chocolate shop begins with Chocolat and continues with The Girl With No Shadow. Two whimsical, romantic books that will warm your heart and soul (and make you hungry for some delicious hot cocoa!).

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Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden

In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl’s virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction—at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful—and completely unforgettable.

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The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

By her brother’s graveside, Liesel’s life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger’s Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library, wherever there are books to be found.

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Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

A family of ladies, including talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, unite in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

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The Harry Potter Series, J.K. Rowling

No real description needed here! This entire series is always a fun one to re-read in the winter (or anytime, really!).

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The Snow Child, Eowyn Ivey

Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart – he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season’s first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone – but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees. What they eventually learn about this girl they call Faina will transform all of them.

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The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. Beautiful winter scenes pepper this book with a magical landscape, and the rich, seductive prose, makes this spell-casting novel a feast for all the senses.

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Snow Falling on Cedars, David Guterson

San Piedro Island, north of Puget Sound, is a place so isolated that no one who lives there can afford to make enemies. But in 1954 a local fisherman is found suspiciously drowned, and a Japanese American named Kabuo Miyamoto is charged with his murder. In the course of the ensuing trial, it becomes clear that what is at stake is more than a man’s guilt. Gripping, tragic, and densely atmospheric, Snow Falling on Cedars is a masterpiece of suspense that will leave you shaken and changed.

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The Golden Compass, Philip Pullman

Can one small girl make a difference in such great and terrible endeavors? This is Lyra: a savage, a schemer, a liar, and as fierce and true a champion as Roger or Asriel could want–but what Lyra doesn’t know is that to help one of them will be to betray the other. The first in a magical series of books that will stay with you long after you’re done.

Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a “Bee Happy” post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.

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10 Winter Decorations You Can Have Up All Season

The best thing about winter decorations is the fact that you can keep them up through February. Simple snowflakes, white winter wonderland scenes, they all make for beautiful decor you can showcase all season.

To help you get started, here are 10 winter decorations you can have on display for at least three more months!

10 Winter Decorations You Can Have Up All Season

winter decorations

Turn mason jars and other glass containers into seasonal snow globes.

snowglobes

Turn scraps of yarn into a fun winter wreath you can have up throughout January.

wreath

Paint pine cones white and arrange them in a candle display for a beautiful winter decoration that will instantly warm your home.

candles

Fill pots and jars with evergreen branches for a stunning entryway decoration.

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Paper snowflakes can easily decorate a paneled door.

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Need a helpful reminder that spring really is coming? This sign should do the trick!

sign

Curl up with this snowy snowflake button pillow.

pillow

Plants need to be cozy, too! These adorable planters will help keep your greenery nice and warm throughout the cold months (and you don’t even need to know how to knit to make them!).

knit

These golden antlers add an expensive look at dollar store prices.

antlers

Bring the beauty of winter inside with these cute winter branches.

branches

Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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12 Splendiferious Grinch Recipes

Your heart’s a dead tomato splotched with moldy purple spots, Mr. Grinch…

The Grinch Smile GIF

But these snacks inspired by the Grinch will have your heart growing to two times its normal size!

Whether you’re brave enough to go see the new Grinch movie (sense my sarcasm?) or you’re just a fan of the original book/movie, these great grinchy treats will have you banging your tartinkers and slanging your sloo-slunkers!

12 Splendiferious Grinch Recipes

GRINCH-RECIPES

  1. Grinch Cake
  2. Grinch Candy Bark
  3. Grinchy Rice Krispie Treats
  4. Grinch Cake Balls
  5. Grinch Ice Cream
  6. Grinch Smoothie
  7. Grinch Pretzel Bites
  8. Grinch Cookies (dairy free!)
  9. Grinch Cake
  10. Cut-Out Grinch Cookies
  11. Grinch Popcorn
  12. Green Grinch Fudge

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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25 Fun Facts about It’s a Wonderful Life

There are few movies that hit me right in the gut like It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s the only holiday movie I can only watch once a year because my delicate emotions just can’t handle more than that.

That being said, It’s a Wonderful Life is up there as one of my favorite movies ever. There’s something so honest and raw about it, something in George Bailey that just gets to me every time.

its-a-wonderful-life

Ironically, though it’s a beloved classic today, It’s a Wonderful Life was considered a bit of a flop when it first came out. It didn’t make back it’s large $3.8 million budget and though it boasted casting several Oscar winners, it wasn’t until several years later that the movie found the following it was looking for back in 1946.

If you find yourself in the holiday spirit, you’re going to love these enduring fun facts about one of the best holiday movies of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life

25 Fun Facts about It’s a Wonderful Life

In the scene where Donna Reed throws a rock through the window of the Granville house, director Frank Capra hired a marksman to shoot the window out on cue; however, Reed broke the window herself. She played baseball in high school and had a strong throwing arm.

Its A Wonderful Life Christmas GIF

As Uncle Billy drunkenly leaves the Bailey home, it sounds as if he stumbles into some trash cans on the sidewalk. In fact, a crew member dropped a large tray of props right after Thomas Mitchell went off-screen. James Stewart began laughing, and Mitchell quickly improvised, “I’m alright, I’m okay!” Director Frank Capra decided to use this take in the final cut and gave the stagehand a $10 bonus for “improving the sound.”

Image result for uncle billy it's a wonderful life

The gym floor that opens up to reveal a pool was real. It was located at Beverly Hills High School in Los Angeles.

James Stewart Dancing GIF

James Stewart was nervous about the phone scene kiss because it was his first onscreen kiss since his return to Hollywood after the war. Under director Frank Capra’s watchful eye, Stewart filmed the scene in only one unrehearsed take, and it worked so well that part of the embrace was cut because it was too passionate to pass the censors.

Its A Wonderful Life GIF

Director Frank Capra said It’s a Wonderful Life is one of his favorite films.

James Stewart Christmas GIF

While filming the scene in which George prays in the bar, James Stewart was so overcome that he began to sob. Frank Capra later re-framed and blew up the shot because he wanted to catch that expression on Stewart’s face. This is why the shot looks so grainy compared with the rest of the film.

Image result for george bailey in the bar

The set of Bedford Falls was constructed in two months and covered four acres of land, one of the longest sets in American movie history. It included 75 stores and buildings, a main street, a factory district and a residential and slum area.

Image result for bedford falls

Main Street itself was 300 yards long – about 3 city blocks.

Capra created a new “snow” for this film, using foamite, soap and water. This quiet snow would allow the team to record the sound live. Previous to It’s a Wonderful Life, snow was made using Cornflakes that had been painted white, which were so loud that dialogue had to be dubbed in later.

James Stewart Snowing GIF

A photograph of James Stewart at 6 months old was donated by his parents and included in the film set.

Though a beloved holiday tradition today, the film was considered a flop when it first opened in 1946.

Today it’s ranked as the #1 Most Inspirational Movie of All Time by the American Film Institute.

Its A Wonderful Life 1940S GIF

The scene on the bridge where Clarence saves George was filmed on a back lot on a day where the temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why James Stewart is visibly sweating in a few scenes.

Image result for george bailey on bridge

James Stewart cited George Bailey as being his favorite character he ever played, but stated in several interviews that Harvey (1950) was his favorite movie he starred in.

Its A Wonderful Life 1940S GIF

In the scene at the dance in the high school gym, when George Bailey first sees Mary and approaches her, the young man talking to Mary is “Alfalfa” of Little Rascals fame in the uncredited role of Freddie Othelo.

Image result for george bailey at the dance, alphala

The part of George Bailey was originally developed at another studio with Cary Grant earmarked for the role. When Frank Capra inherited the project, he rewrote it to suit Stewart.

The entire film was shot in 90 days.

Stewart was 38 years old while filming, though his charter George ranged in age throughout the film from 21 to 38. Donna Reed was 25 during filming, though her character Mary ranged in age from 18 to 35.

James Stewart GIF

George says he hopes to go to college to “learn how to build things”. In real life, Stewart majored in architecture at Princeton University.

Image result for jimmy stewart, princeton

It’s a Wonderful Life marked Donna Reed’s first starring role.

Its A Wonderful Life Christmas Movies GIF

Henry Travers, who plays Clarence, also stars in The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945) as Horace P. Bogardus. When George Bailey passes a movie theater towards the end of the movie, that film is being showcased.

Image result for it's a wonderful life, the bells of st. mary's

The scene on the famous poster of George holding Mary in the air is never shown in the film.

Image result for it's a wonderful life movie poster

Capra was said to have gotten the idea for the film from a Christmas greeting card.

Mr. Potter is never caught as the thief who embezzled $8,000, which apparently he got to keep. This was unusual for a Hollywood film of the time as criminals were often required by censorship to be punished or made to repent.

Image result for it's a wonderful life mr. potter

Over the course of the film, there are 42 bell chimes…meaning 42 angels got their wings!

Christmas Tree Bell GIF

Sometimes you just need a little fun in your life! Check back every week for a new “Just Bee-cause” post, where I discuss everything from celebrity news to favorite videos and websites!

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10 Jellies, Jams and Other Canned Creations

Canning isn’t just for pickling…you can make delicious jams, jellies, butters and even salsas using the ol’ trusty mason jar.

Not only is this a great way to use fruits and veggies that are nearing season’s end, but these canned creations make great gifts for the holidays.

Surprise the hostess with the mostess with some homemade apple butter, or fill holiday stockings with a can of homemade salsa. Thrifty and fun to assemble, these canned jellies, jams and butters will help you clean out your produce stash in no time!

10 Jellies, Jams and Other Canned Creations

jellies-and-james

  1. Canned Apple Pie Filling
  2. Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles
  3. Old Fashioned Apple Butter
  4. Homemade Salsa
  5. Bourbon Soaked Cherries
  6. Pumpkin Ginger Jam
  7. 5-Minute Lime Curd
  8. Blackberry Jam
  9. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
  10. Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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12 Days of Christmas Candy

I love making cookies for the holidays, but it’s a ton of work to have your oven on all day every day and batches of cookies all over your house. My fridge is packed with so much butter and eggs that I don’t even have room for ACTUAL food to live on 😉

I’ve been trying to cut back on the cookies in recent years, so I like to off-set and fill in my cookie baskets with some homemade candies. Candies often take less than an hour to make and often require 0 baking time. They’re great for bringing into the office, as one batch usually makes a ton of servings…and they’re great for gifting, as they can stay out at room temperature and be packaged without the fear of ruining any decorations.

If you’re looking for some quick and easy treats to make this holiday season, look no further than these 12 holiday candy recipes. From peanut buttery buckeyes to candy-coated popcorn, these sweets are sure to get your friends and family in the holiday spirit!

12 Days of Christmas Candy

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  1. Homemade Gum Drops
  2. Salted Nut Roll
  3. Marshmallow Bon-Bons
  4. Buckeye Balls
  5. White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
  6. Homemade Peanut Brittle
  7. Chocolate Orange Party Mix
  8. Vegan Candy Pecans
  9. Gingerbread Caramel Popcorn Crunch
  10. Easy Homemade Almond Joy Bars
  11. Turtle Pretzel Clusters
  12. Chocolate Peanut Candy Bars

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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12 Alternative Christmas Trees

It’s (ALMOST) the most wonderful time of the year…

bored the grinch GIF by The Good Films

I love having a tree in the living room for Christmas; however, my living room is so small that it can barely even hold our furniture, let alone a decorated tree.

I’ve mainly used artificial trees in my years of apartment living but last year I decided to try a small, little tree…a la Charlie Brown. While it made the apartment smell amazing, it also shed needles all over the carpet that I’m STILL finding now almost a year later.

UGH.

This year I’m seriously considering trying an alternative Christmas tree…one that I can hang on the wall or make from something I have around the apartment already.

In case any of you are in the same boat, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite ideas! Made with pieces of wood, ladders, boxes and more, these alternative Christmas trees are a great way to bring the holidays into your home without worrying about needles all over the floor!

12 Alternative Christmas Trees

trees

Shelf Tree

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Wooden Tree

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Garland Tree

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Box Tree

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Fringe Tree

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Wood Branch Tree

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Ladder Tree

Funky Junk's treeless Christmas ladder tree

PVC Pipe Tree

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Fairy Light Tree

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Wooden Plaque Tree

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Trinket Tree

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Framed Ornament Tree

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Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.

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