The authors are a national treasure and this book is a perfect reason why. Read the review for In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
This post lists 13 great Christmas decor ideas. Christmas is a special time, and putting up decorations is one of the best parts! They...
Shopping is always a popular activity here in the Mad River Valley and the best part about the experience is that you are likely to stumble upon so many beautiful…
Amazon.com: In a Holidaze: 9781982123949: Lauren, Christina: Books
I rarely watch anything other than holiday movies + Christmas episodes from my favorite series during the Christmas season! Over the past few years, I’ve added to my list of all-time favorites to share with you again this year.
A pre-Valentine's Day snowfall at one of our guests' favorite cabins.
As Doctor Who turns 50, a look back at others who have hopped around the space-time continuum
There is no place in the world quite like Christmas in Germany. Find out about the 15 best markets in Germany with tips and guides!
Here are the grand goddesses of John Waters’ Dreamland repertory company, Divine, Edith Massey, and Jean Hill, making spirits bright for the holidays in this collection of pin-up photos. Though all three performers have sadly left this planet (Divine in 1988, Edie in 1984, and Jean Hill in 2013), their beauty and glamour lives on. The majority of these photos were taken for novelty Christmas cards in the ‘80s—the sort you would have found at a Spencer’s Gifts back in the day. As a Christmas bonus, here’s the infamous “cha cha heels” scene featuring Divine from John Waters’ masterpiece, Female Trouble (1974):
At age 57. With a bow and arrow. A League of Their Own/Hunger Games crossover, anyone?
Thinking about visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany in winter? Discover Rothenburg Christmas Market with our practical festive guide.
Christmas in Slovakia is surrounded by traditions and superstitions, customs, and special foods. Learn about Christmas in Slovakia!
Candlemas, Brigid’s Day, Brigantia (Caledonni), Lupercalia (Roman), Feast of Nut (Egyptian), Feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau (Welsh), Disablot (Norse) February 2 Imbolc is a…
I am sure you are familiar with the weird, whimsical Victorian- and Edwardian-inspired artwork of Edward Gorey. His illustrations were often mischievously macabre, poking a bit of fun at death and often populated by strange creatures, along with Victorian or Edwardian characters. His illustrations are both simple and complex, often hiding intricate detail in an otherwise common setting like a home or outdoors. Obviously, I love his work and seeing it makes me happy. Gorey illustrated many Christmas and winter scenes during his long and eclectic life, many of them appearing in magazines, others used in books, greeting cards, and so on. These bring me so much joy this time of year and I wanted to share a few with you on this lazy Sunday; check them out below: Fun fact: Did you know Edward Gorey was a lover of animals and had many pets throughout his lifetime? Per The Gorey House website, "He left his estate to The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust which he established for the welfare of all living creatures including not only cats, dogs, whales and birds, but also bats, insects and even invertebrates. After his death in 2000 his Cape Cod home was converted into the Edward Gorey House, a museum whose profits and programs help benefit animals rights and literacy causes." You can visit Gorey House in person if you are ever in Massachusetts - it is where Edward Gorey lived and contains some of his works of art! I hope to get there myself some day. Until next time, stay spooky!
All the timeless pictures that made up this month's backgrounds.
With the equinoxes energy upon us it’s a time for us to take a step back and reflect on energies from the past 6 months. In the spring we had the outbreak of a world wide pandemic which has caused …
(Part III) Girl Playing The Piano A Woman Surrounded By Children A Child’s Prayer Posy Girl With Kittens The Land of Counterpane Morning Checkers Goldilocks And The Three Bears Robin Put His …
While I love Krampus and am tickled that he has gained so much popularity here in the U.S. in the past few years, I think it is high time some of the other holiday monsters get the spotlight. In case you didn't know, there are many other creatures stirring in European folklore that are every bit as frightening as Krampus. Let's look at a few, shall we? Grýla by þrándur þórarinsson Grýla - This Icelandic ogre lives in caves in the mountains and she has the ability to detect misbehaving children. During Christmastime, she descends from her cave to gobble down those that have been naughty by making them into a stew. She is mother to the Yule Lads, who live with her and the Yule Cat. Yule Lads Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) - Sons of Gryla, these 13 gnome-like tricksters are known to steal food, harass livestock, lick spoons, and basically lurk around humans' houses and farms stealing stuff. Their names reflect the kind of mischief they like to cause, from Spoon-Licker to Door-Slammer to Sausage-Swiper to Window-Peeper. In some tales, they are much more violent and eat misbehaving children like their mother does. However, they have turned more benevolent in modern times, rewarding good children by placing gifts into shoes that children leave on windowsills. Yule Cat Yule Cat (Jólakötturinn) - The Yule Cat is another creature associated with Icelandic folklore, and this giant black cat stalks the snowy mountains during Christmastime and preys on those that have not received new clothes. You see, workers were often rewarded for hard work at the end of the year with new clothes, so if someone did not receive new clothes, it was assumed they were lazy and that the Yule Cat would devour them. You better work, ghoul! Perchta mask by Krampus Los Angeles [image source] Frau Perchta - Perchta is descended from Germanic folklore and during the 12 days of Christmas she is known for rewarding the good and punishing the bad. She has earned the nickname of "Belly-Slitter" for her gruesome punishment of ripping out the internal organs of those that have been naughty and replacing them with garbage, straw, and rocks. She is either depicted as a beautiful, white-robed young woman or an old, ugly crone. Much like Krampus, there are Christmas processions where people wear Perchta costumes (usually depicted as the old crone) and parade through the streets. Straggele, Perchta's sidekicks Straggele - Straggele are Perchta’s demon sidekicks, who travel alongside her and help her punish bad children. They kinda get her leftovers, and are known to rob children and tear them to pieces (to avoid this, people sometimes leave out food for them as offerings in hopes it deters them from tearing apart their children). Mari Lwyd [image source] Mari Lwyd - Mari Lwyd is known as the Christmas zombie horse. A horse skull is hoisted on a stick, decorated with ribbons, bells, and is draped in a white sheet (so its bearers are hidden). A group with the Mari Lwyd travels from door-to-door asking for food and drink in rhyme. Traditionally, the Mari group knocks on a door and sings a song requesting entry, and the homeowners counter-song with a song refusing entry or challenges and insults. The Mari Lwyd group and the homeowners then engage in a battle of wits, trading riddles until one side loses. If the Mari Lwyd group wins, they are allowed entry into the home and given food and drinks. Belsnickel Belsnickel - Belsnickel originated in Germany and became popular in some pockets of the U.S. when immigrants brought the folktale to the Pennsylvania Dutch communities. He wears tattered, patched-together clothing and ragged furs, carrying a whip. He visits children around Christmas, snapping his whip to frighten the naughty and rewarding the good with candy. His name comes from a combination of the German "belzen" (meaning to wallop) and "nickel" for St. Nicholas. Hans Trapp - This creepy monster takes the form of a scarecrow and originated in France with the tale of a rich and cruel man named Hans Trapp. He was excommunicated from the Catholic Church for worshiping Satan, and exiled to the forest. There he disguised himself as a scarecrow and preyed upon children so he could eat them. One day, he was just about to eat a child he had captured when he was struck by lightening and killed. Trapp is used as a cautionary tale for children to behave, or else he will come dressed as a scarecrow to punish bad kids around Christmas. A man dressed as Père Fouettard Père Fouettard - Another France folktale of a child-eating monster, Père Fouettard ("Father Whipper"), was an evil butcher (or innkeeper, in some versions of the tale) who plotted with his wife to rob and kill three children. When the children were killed, they were prepared in order to be eaten, but St Nicholas intervened and resurrected the boys. As punishment, St. Nicholas made Père Fouettard his eternal servant, whose role is to dispense punishment to bad children on St. Nicholas Day. Italy's La Befana [image source] La Befana - This Italian Christmas witch isn't a monster, but I wanted to include her anyway as she is near and dear to my heart. I grew up celebrating La Befana on January 6th - it was like a second Christmas, where my sister and I got small presents from La Befana, who is a benevolent witch that brings well-behaved children small gifts. You can read more about La Befana HERE! Who are your favorite Christmas monsters? Stay spooky!
Three southern sisters who share family traditions, our favorite recipes, craft ideas, decorating projects, beauty tips, and our lives with you.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Here are some popular Christmas traditions around the world that have really scary, horrific, and creepy backstories.
Stay connected to family and friends by sharing the LittleThings that spark joy.
Looking for Christmas novels to get you in the holiday spirit? We have got you covered with these 35 popular books.
Are we forgetting anything? Frankincense, myrrh, gold..... Did you remember the gift receipts?
The Germanic goddess Ostara or Ēostre is known as the goddess of spring and dawn. She was mentioned only once by the British historian Bede in his work
Here are the grand goddesses of John Waters’ Dreamland repertory company, Divine, Edith Massey, and Jean Hill, making spirits bright for the holidays in this collection of pin-up photos. Though all three performers have sadly left this planet (Divine in 1988, Edie in 1984, and Jean Hill in 2013), their beauty and glamour lives on. The majority of these photos were taken for novelty Christmas cards in the ‘80s—the sort you would have found at a Spencer’s Gifts back in the day. As a Christmas bonus, here’s the infamous “cha cha heels” scene featuring Divine from John Waters’ masterpiece, Female Trouble (1974):
Cameron Mathison is best known for his role as Ryan Lavery on ALL MY CHILDREN. He joined the cast in January 1999, receiving a a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2002 and 2004. Mathison’s other television appearances include THE DREW CAREY SHOW, CSI, JAG, WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU, CASTLE, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and HOPE & FAITH. In September 2007, he joined the cast of ABC's DANCING WITH THE STARS. He also appeared in the television movies ANY MOTHER'S SON and ABC Family’s upcoming original holiday film, HOLIDAZE. In 1999, Mathison appeared on the 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards broadcast as the show's Fan Zone host, and was a presenter at the 40th Annual Country Music Awards. He currently serves as a correspondent for GOOD MORNING AMERICA on ABC. Mathison made his feature film debut in the 1998 Miramax release, 54. He also starred in Washed Up, The Carpenter’s Miracle and The Surrogate. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Vanessa, and their children, Lucas and Leila. Mathison met with the media last week to discuss his role in HOLIDAZE, airing Sunday, December 8 at 8 p.m.. He co-stars alongside Jennie Garth (BEVERLY HILLS, 90210) in the ABC Family Original Movie premiering as part of ABC Family's annual 25 Days of Christmas. Read the interview below: What's your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? CAMERON MATHISON: It's funny, because we're a tradition overload kind of family, but most of them are in and around Christmas. I think our Thanksgiving tradition is the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It's turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, but the little twist is that we always buy our Christmas tree the weekend that immediately follows Thanksgiving -- so that we get to enjoy our Christmas tree for as long as possible without infringing on Thanksgiving. Was it challenging to have your on-screen feelings with Jennie Garth go back and forth so much? CAMERON MATHISON: You know, it was in a sense. We had to keep on remembering “Alright, so wait a minute, what's happened? Where are we now? So we're in love with each other now, this is good”. We always had to go back. It was almost like two different characters, and the director was very, very helpful with me, especially, because Jennie more or less made a natural progression in her change. Whereas, mine was a black and white change as soon as she went into her dream state/alternate reality state. I was a totally different guy and that was fun. It was a good challenge and, again, like I said, our director was great with making sure that I stayed on top of that. What kind of process did you have to go through to get this role? CAMERON MATHISON: I've got a great relationship with ABC, ABC Family, Disney and it was kind of that once they got their female lead locked in with Jennie Garth, they extended an offer to me because they felt I was a good fit. Jennie and I know each other a little bit and the way we act together. It was just sort of like “Get your lead female in place and then let's go looking for the guy that would work.” It was a nice phone call. It was a nice offer to get. What was your reaction when you found out that you had the role? CAMERON MATHISON: You know I was thrilled on a few different levels. I was thrilled because I really like the script. I thought the script was very sweet and I enjoyed the different elements. I loved my character Carter McClure. I really appreciated the decisions that this guy made in his life to stay in a small town. He's very grounded with good values -- he didn't want to follow the big city and the corporate world. He wanted to live a nice, simple grounded life in a small town and stick to those roots, and I really appreciate that in him because I didn't do that. I went to New York and L.A. chasing the dream, which I'm very grateful that I did. But at the same time, I'm at a phase in my life where I'm probably headed more in that direction. I'm always trying to simplify and find more balance in my life. I loved the script. I loved the character. I'm a big Jennie Garth fan. I think she's very funny, very good, so sweet, and it was nice to get to know her while working together on this movie. I was thrilled on several levels. What do you find most rewarding about acting? CAMERON MATHISON: I think what I find most rewarding is learning about myself through my characters and the experience. The more deeply connected you are with the people that you're working with the better the work and the character, and then I think that really translates to life. It will help you in life to be more grounded and genuine. The more you can get out of your own way and remove the chatter in your head, the more the genuine character can come out and unfold in a spontaneous way. I think that's also great in life to really focus on other people and cherish others, which I align with working as an actor. I really feel that the best actors out there are very centric. They're really connected. They're not in a “what about me” state and I think that's a good lesson in life. So I think those are the things that I've taken away from acting that are the most rewarding. There's probably more, but those are the first that come to mind. How was filming on location for HOLIDAZE? CAMERON MATHISON: We filmed in Toronto! I spent half of my young life in and around Toronto, so it was nice and chilly – but beautiful - in January. I love Toronto. I organized my high school basketball alumni game while I was there so I got to see all my buddies. My brother and his family live in Toronto, so I stayed with them for part of it and it was a great time. Are there any correlations between your character in ALL MY CHILDREN (Ryan Lavery) and your character in Holidanze (Carter)? How much of your own personality is in this particular character? CAMERON MATHISON: First, the Ryan Lavery/Carter McClure connection, I would say that my character Ryan on ALL MY CHILDREN had a more troubling background. He wasn't grounded and genuine in that small-town-way in the early stages, but he kind of grew to that. I believe he grew up to be more like Carter McClure in HOLIDAZE, so in that sense, they're sort of connected. I think Carter is just a solid good guy and has stuck by his values his whole life. He really knew what he wanted in life, and I think Ryan was far, far more troubled and made many mistakes in his life. Second, my connection to Carter, I would say I always bring part of myself into the haracters. I really admire Carter. It's the aspect of me that is trying to have more of a balance in a small town feel of a life - but also be able to continue in the entertainment world, which is typically a big city experience. I crave a simple, content, peaceful life. I really, really enjoy that and that to me is the real solution. That aspect in me is probably where I bring in Carter's perspective. I'm able to find a little bit of balance. For example, I live in L.A., but I don't live right in L.A. I live in the mountains in Altadena so I feel like I'm in this little mountain town and it's a small community, which I love. I'm trying to say no to more jobs so I can be around and coach basketball. There are definitely things about me that are like Carter, but I certainly didn't make that decision my whole life, that's for sure. Were you able to show any of your co-stars your dance experience after being on DANCING WITH THE STARS? CAMERON MATHISON: Jennie and I were on Dancing with the Stars in the same season! And she did better than me by one place — she used to bring it up in a quite sweet and funny way. She came fourth. I came fifth. She beat me by one spot, so if anybody's showing anybody moves, I don't have the unwritten authority to do that. She would lay into me. Would the two of you ever put your dancing shoes together in film or on the road? CAMERON MATHISON: That would be fun! Anything that I can do with Jennie Garth, I would love to do it. I really like her. I got along with her really well and I enjoyed her perspective on life. I think she's really talented and very, very funny. We did a little skating scene in the movie, and there ended up being a little bit of a dance there, but that's as close as we got to dancing in the movie. What is your favorite holiday movie? CAMERON MATHISON: Well, I'm just going to go back to a classic, It's a Wonderful Life and Christmas Story are some favorites for me. The animated original version of The Grinch That Stole Christmas is a classic for me. But my modern favorite movies with my family - probably Elf. My kids love Elf. They just think it's so funny. What is your favorite thing to eat around the holidays? CAMERON MATHISON: It's the traditional Thanksgiving Day meal. We even have it every Christmas, too. It's turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. That's probably my favorite meal of the whole year. Do you prefer to act in dramas or comedies? CAMERON MATHISON: I probably prefer comedy. Why? I'm not sure. I feel like the energy of a comedy is a better fit for me. I try to be a happy guy! It seems that most of my life has the energy more for a comedy than for drama. I'm grateful to do both, but I would have to lean towards the comedy side of acting. Do you prefer acting on television or film? CAMERON MATHISON: The movies that I've been doing lately have been mostly for TV - so it's sort of the same thing. I would say movies because you have more time and it feels less rushed. When you're acting for TV, often the budget is more of a concern and you just have a crazy pace. But then again movies also probably shoot like that sometimes. I'm just happy to work! Do you have a particular attraction or show that you like from any of the Disney parks? CAMERON MATHISON: Yes! I would probably say Soarin' is one of my favorites. I think it's “Soarin' Over California” in Disneyland and it's just called “Soaring” in Florida. Space Mountain has got a very special place in my heart. I've always loved Space Mountain. I've got a good story that goes way back to when I was a kid at Space Mountain, so that's just a classic ride for me and I still really, really like it. I think it still holds up. Even with all the roller coasters, I think it totally holds up. What advice do you have for up and coming actors and actresses? CAMERON MATHISON: I would say - study, study, take classes, take workshops, do as much as you can, get involved in a theater project, just as much as you can to study the art. Volunteer in a theater, whatever you can do to train with people, train your voice, train for the physical training in improv. Do as much as you can even if you don't think it's going to be something that you're going to want. It's all going to help you so much. I didn't start in this business at all like that. I started in a completely different way and I really wish I had, which is why I'm so enthusiastic about it. That's the number one thing that I would say to people. If you could revisit any time in your life, what would you go back and do differently? CAMERON MATHISON: That's a good one! I would definitely go back and work on what I'm doing now, in terms of acting. I would make different little decisions – like choosing not to play my first year at college in McGill basketball. I ended up playing from my second year on, you know I really regretted that. I would go back and in any way possible minimize causing any problems with people. What was it like working on set during HOLIDAZE? Are there a particular funny stories from behind the scenes? CAMERON MATHISON: There's one scene in the movie where I have to stand there without clothes on – but obviously I wasn't standing there naked. It was on the third day of filming together with Jennie. So I'm standing there in my underwear for a long time which was awkward! There was another scene when my character and Jennie Garth's character are being romantic and kissing – in between takes Jennie would check her emails on her phone and it all just looked so funny. So I came to the conclusion that I must not be that mesmerizing! If Jennie [Garth] is the better dancer, who is the better skater? CAMERON MATHISON: Probably Jennie! I mean I'm Canadian, so it's really embarrassing for me to say this, but I think I may have passed her. I've had to do some skating in other roles and I took some lessons and I got much better. I took lessons during HOLIDAZE and I was very grateful for that, but it was very humbling as a Canadian to have to take skating lessons. Whereas Jennie just kind of threw on the skates and got out there and did her thing. She was pretty good! Was it difficult to get into the holiday spirit when you were shooting the movie in a non-holiday season? CAMERON MATHISON: It's only difficult when you're just sitting there reading and working on your scenes at home. But then you show up on set - you're in the costume and the set decorators are always fantastic. So you've got all the Christmas decorations, you've got the Christmas lights, the Christmas tree, you've got the smell of the turkey - that all really helps. Then you just try and believe it! You just make the decision and you get lost in that character and that situation. It can be difficult, but if the conditions are right around you it makes it much easier. There were a lot of really talented people working on this film, so they made it very, very easy. What are your plans for this holiday season other than watching HOLIDAZE with your family? CAMERON MATHISON: Of course! My family and my wife's family alternate Christmas and Thanksgiving, so this year we're on Thanksgiving with her family in California. My wife's sister, Denise, puts on an amazing spread. We'll spend Christmas in Colorado with my family. We'll be skiing and it's a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas – it's very snowy and fits the holiday! Are there any current projects that you may be working on? CAMERON MATHISON: I've got a couple of things going on! My main gig at this moment is contributing on GOOD MORNING AMERICA. I shot a pilot in the summertime for Hallmark Channel and I'm waiting to hear if that gets picked up. It's tough to do too much when you're waiting to hear about a pilot getting picked up. My whole family is going to be part of the Disney Christmas Special on Christmas morning, which I'm really looking forward to. What do you like to do for fun outside of acting? CAMERON MATHISON: My number one thing that I do outside of acting and any work at all in my career is be with my family, be with my kids and my wife — just the simple things. I love to do school drop-offs and pickups, play basketball, run around in the yard, play with my dog—all that stuff is my absolute favorite thing to do. The other thing I like to do is that I'm a big meditation practitioner. I love to meditate. I love to train my mind in love, generosity and compassion -- I really practice those in formal meditation and in informal meditation. So that's something a lot of people may not know or guess about me. If you could have one superhero power in real life, what would it be? CAMERON MATHISON: I guess it would probably be the ability to control other's minds. You could stop all war, hurting and harming if you could just stop people from making these decisions. What is the nicest thing a fan has ever done for you? CAMERON MATHISON: I'm sure everybody that's in the entertainment world says the same thing, but I have had such incredible experiences with the fans and so many nice elaborate gifts. The nicest things that the fans have done for me - is usually when they do things for my kids or my wife. They've done things that have gone way out of their way. It's just so generous of them to think of it. I feel like it's such an act of extending themselves - it's so kind. Ultimately, though, the nicest things are just like support and saying kind words. Especially for actors, we really appreciate hearing those things!
Worshipping nature shouldn't cost you a dime. Pagan and Wiccan Rituals. Natural altars. Recipes. Herbal medicine. Living in simplicity.
Romantic Christmas audiobooks are a wonderful escape from any real-world stress and perfect to get in the mood for the holidays!
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For as long as I can remember, I have been OBSESSED with the medieval era. When I was a kid, my grandmother got me these books called "Horrible Histories," and I remember pouring over them again and again! Whenever I visit a museum or art gallery, the medieval section was the first place I was
Have you longed to simplify the holidays? I'm starting by reflecting on years past and what has worked and hasn't worked in celebrating this time of year.
Um, our ancestors were weird, y'all. Maybe we're just missing some context that would make these bizarre Victorian Christmas cards make sense?
Christmas in Switzerland is truly like walking in a winter wonderland. Add in the merriment of the markets, you can't go wrong. If you're looking for Christmas markets in Switzerland, I have you covered with
Dreaming of visiting one of those beautiful small towns in Europe filled with old-world charm, delicious food, and incredible scenic beauty? Here are 15 of the most magical fairytale small towns that you need to visit!
What inspired Charles Dickens to write "A Christmas Carol"? Learn the surprising background behind this timeless Christmas classic.
Curling up with a fun, festive romance is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season! Here, we rounded up our favorite love stories from @ChristinaLaurenBooks, @TessaBaileyAuthor, @lucyscorewrites, @catwalshwriter , @rebeccacrowleybooks, @juliemurphywrites, @SierraSimonesLambs, @Author.DahliaRose, @BooksbySaraandEliza, @TifMarcelo and @labyrinthspine
