And, of course...

{edited by me, butpicture found here} 

I wish you all the absolute best for the new year! May you be lucky, healthy and most of all happy!

The fireworks are still going off here -as are numerous car alarms-, but I'm guessing they'll be over soon. My cat is freaking out and I am more than ready for bed, so I'll just leave it at this. See you tomorrow!

Awesome Games: Cute Owl

If after the holidays you find yourself with a lot of time on your hands, you might want to give Cute Owl a try. In this adorable game the objective is to make sound by waking an owl and have it hit a drum.

The owl, and other creatures, are indeed cute; and the game is quite original too, but possibly my favorite thing about it is the music. That alone is worth trying this game. Though the game is too. Enjoy!

Lovely Movies: Rise of the Guardians

Unfortunately not a sequel to Legends of the Guardians, but a fantastic animation movie nevertheless. And even though Santa is one of the main characters you can definitely still watch it after the holidays.

It had so many wonderful characters. You'll also come across Jack Frost, the Easter Bunny, the adorable Sandman and the stunning Tooth Fairy along with her cute little helpers.

I did thought that for a children's movie it was kind of intense, especially on the big screen. Somewhat older kids are probably all right, but I wouldn't take any really young kids.

Anyway, this is definitely proof that animation keeps on getting better. I also really liked the storyline as well as the ending, and let's face it, the ending is usually the part that makes you walk out of the cinema with a smile on your face.

Wishlist

Aren't these deer bowls amazing?! They look so friendly and elegant. And I love that pale wood too.

They come in a set of three, one in each size. Though to have even one would be amazing!

And the best thing is, they're all handmade! Find these and other handmade Mexican items at mexchic.

Owl Things Considered

I hope you're all still enjoying the holidays. Of course it's too late to order any Christmas themed items, but you can always keep these two owls in mind for next year.

And otherwise you can choose one of many other owls from the Claylicious shop.

I absolutely love this one! It has such a great Dr. Suess quote on it. It's also a very neutral, yet elegant color.

And here's a little glimpse of some other, more useful items you might find in the shop.

Aren't they wonderful! The pomegranate honey jar, the flower dishes and the way those handles are attached to those cups, all such great concepts!

Click here to see more.

Circle Songs #24

"How'd you like to stay up late, like the islanders do? Wait for Santa to sail in with your presents in a canoe...?"

Christmas Island - the Andrew Sisters & Bing Crosby

{picture sources: 1 - 2 - 3*}

*=unknown

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you have a great time planned with friends and/or family. Or that you'll be watching a nice movie with a pet on your lap, like yours truly. Either way, happy holidays!

Sponsor Call: January

When the holidays are over and the weather isn't exactly inviting, the computer is a great solace. Which means it's probably a good time for advertising as well.

Same old 2012 prices still apply! But here's a quick reminder:

-Large ad: $20 - includes interview, tutorial or guest post ONLY 1 AVAILABLE!
-Regular ads: $8 or $20 for 3 months
-Small ads: $5 or $12 for 3 months

Read a more elaborate version here. And Email Me if you'd like to reserve a spot or if you want to discuss giveaways/reviews.

Cute Little...ehm...Killers?!

Here's a lovely animation I found today. It's very short, yet very good. And quite different too... Enjoy!

Spotted

Candy canes and peppermints are some of the most Christmassy things in my book. You can't really find them here anymore, but whenever I see one online, I always feel very festive.

This lipbutter definitely screams candy cane. Bet it smells great too! And to top things off, it's all-natural.

These rare vintage candle holders are amazing! Too bad I can't afford them.

One of the funniest Christmas items I've ever seen. Would make a great gift too.

I'll be spending my Christmas bundled up in my thickest sweater, but if you live in a warmer part of the world you might want to consider wearing this dress.

Can't go wrong with these babies either.

And here is the perfect Christmas snack to accompany a cup of hot chocolate.

Yet again, all-natural. This soap sounds devine! And it looks pretty awesome as well.

I was at once both excited to see this creature and very sad that I couldn't get one as a pet. I'd be more than happy "settling" for a print though!

I could hardly post this collection without adding some candy to it. These are about halfway between candy cane and peppermint.

Lovely Movies: Push

It's quite unusual to see anything about psychic/paranormal abilities in non SF-movies. Let alone in any action-packed films. I suppose it's something that could get a bit corny, but Push turned out to be amazing.

I loved that most of the actors were pretty unknown. It made it so much easier to get into the story. And all characters looked like normal people too. Sometimes dirty or sweaty, sometimes tired. Far from your regular perfect Hollywood hairdo's.

1 Minute rule! 1:10 at most.

Anyway, this movie definitely brings something new to the table. It had great twists and was very entertaining. Also, Dakota Fanning did a great job. But then again, she usually does.

Wishlist

Though foxes are pretty popular at times, I don't often see jewelry with them. Thankfully Welded Heart on Etsy offers a bunch of different handmade fox items. And they are incredible!

There are wrap around rings and bracelets that are incredibly cute, yet still surprisingly mature. I love them!

You can also place a custom order and have your own cat made into a ring. The perfect gift for any cat lover, right?!

Go visit the Welded Heart shop if you want to see more wonderful jewelry. You're probably broke from Christmas shopping, but this is definitely a shop to remember!

Amazing Art: Roberta "Roby"Baer

I just found this incredibly lifelike piece of art. Doesn't this barn owl look real?!

And there's even a video of how it's made. I haven't watched the whole thing yet, but I will soon. Anyway, here it is:

Owl Things Considered

Simona's Crafts is full of amazing slippers. I don't think I've seen a single pair I didn't like. There are ones with owls, ones in the shape of bunnies or mice, but a lot of more mature ones as well. So if you're looking for a last minute Christmas gift to keep someone warm this winter, look no further.

Something Incredible

Ok, I'll admit that most of my morning was dedicated to watching, and often crying to, audition videos on YouTube. Most of them were singers, but here's another video that actually made the biggest impression on me.

This little girl single-handedly restored some of my faith in mankind. I just love how she tricked everyone into listening to her important message. And to do that in such a witty, heartwarming and kind of kick-ass way too... incredible!

A Short Love Story

It's hard to believe this is stop motion instead and not animation, isn't it? Can you imagine how many hours this must have taken? But well worth it, what a stunning result!

Spotted

It's not snowing anymore, but it's still very cold. So time for more animals from the Arctic. This time.... polar bears!

Though the combination of meal time and polar bears usually isn't something you'd like to be part of, this plate shows it can be very nice after all.

If you're unfamiliar with La Cravatte Du Chien you are really missing out. Plenty more where this brooch came from!

This portrait is so lifelike that I wouldn't be surprised if it would start talking.

I love this gorgeous set of vintage polar bears. It's a brooch turned ring, but I'd probably turn it back to a brooch again...

I love this sweater! The print is so beautiful and it looks very comfortable as well.

I love all the different layers and elements in this piece. And as it holds all the colors of the rainbow it would match any interior.

Nothing more important than a good night's sleep, right? This might help!

I love the personality of this little duo! Wouldn't one of these look great on a book shelf?

This little guy will keep your drinks nice and warm when you're on the road.

And these will do the same for your feet. Aren't they pretty?