Countdown to Kitscshmas: YouTube Video Countdown




When I'm on the computer and I'm not reading/writing blogs (or shopping), I'm watching YouTube videos. Here is my top ten (with added bonuses!!) holiday themed videos.

Ten: It's Hard To Be A Cat At Christmas

An adorable song with a few awesome internet famous cats! It's technically an ad, but it's adorable nonetheless.

Nine: A Cat's Guide To Christmas

Wow, another cat video, how unexpected!

Eight: Miranda Hart's Christmas Acting Masterclass

I totally love Miranda (and her show) and here she teaches you how to express your "love" for a gift.

Seven: My Drunk Kitchen - Christmas Cupcakes

I've been a Hartosexual for many, many years and I can confidently say that I have never screamed during an episode... until this one.

Six: Brett Domino Trio - Ultimate Christmas Medley

Brett Domino Trio is an awesome band that plays on obscure musical instruments who are awkward and amazing and they did a 16 minute 40 song medley.

BONUS: Hello Mistletoe (Goodbye Cold Snow)

This is a Brett Domino Trio original featured in the medley above. It's super catchy!

Five: Simon's Cat in Christmas Presence (Part 1)

Simon's Cat reminds me so much of Magenta in this episode because she hates the singing/blinking Christmas tree plush we bought.

Four: Mythical Beast Christmas Special Hosted by Rhett and Link

This is a pretty sweet Christmas special. There's time travelling puppets, talk of taxidermy, a time capsule, YouTube closed caption fail of Jingle Bells, and so much more. If you have the 28 minutes, I suggest spending it watching this Christmas special.

Three: The Christmas Tree

I watch this video every single year.

Two: Christmas Sweatz

Christmas Sweatz is the best and it features Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart. Definitely going to be a Christmas classic.

BONUS: Christmas Face

Couldn't forget about the follow-up they all did this year!

One: Simon's Cat Santa Claws

Wow! Surprise! A video with a cat in it! I've watched this bunches and it never gets old. Super cute.

BONUS NUMBER ONE
LiL BUB'S Magical Yule Log Video

I don't know about you all, but I grew up with the Yule Log on the TV and it's like the Yule Log got a magical makeover! Good Job, BUB!

Do you have any favorites?!
Have a safe and happy Christmas to all of you who celebrate!



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Countdown to Kitschmas: Giving Back




One amazing last minute gift is a donation in someone's name, or finding a way to give back. Below is a list of causes that I support and some companies that give back when a purchase is made.

TARPS
Homepage

The Animal Rescue and Protection Society, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to effect positive change in the communities we serve, regarding the proper care and welfare of all animals, including those that are homeless, abandoned or rescued from abuse. Our objectives are to: operate a no kill shelter, rescue and care for stray and abandoned household pets, promote the importance of spaying/neutering, place animals with loving adoptive homes, educate the public in the proper care and nutrition of animals, and improve the lives of feral cats through education and action, which includes rehabilitation and humane Trap, Neuter, Release programs. [source]

TARPS has a special place in my heart because it's the shelter that I adopted my baby girls from and personally volunteered at. I paired up the cats with the adopters, was treasurer of the board, and helped keep things organized as well as some other various things! I can 100% say that I stand behind this shelter.

Lil BUB
Homepage

Hey, It's me, BUB. Thanks for checking out my store which has a bunch of cool stuff with my amazing face on it.
If you decide to buy something, I just wanted to let you know that a portion of the portion of the proceeds will be donated to these awesome organizations:
Pets Alive
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Monroe County Humane Association
[source]

Um, Lil BUB is my all time favorite internet famous cat. You can buy (yourself or someone else) an adorable BUB mug or calendar and know that a portion of the purchase will be going to a great cause! It's a total win-win.

Planned Parenthood
Homepage

Every dollar donated through December 31 will be matched up to $350,000!
Planned Parenthood believes in the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. We believe that respect and value for diversity in all aspects of our organization are essential to our well-being. We believe that reproductive self-determination must be voluntary and preserve the individual's right to privacy. We further believe that such self-determination will contribute to an enhancement of the quality of life and strong family relationships.

Based on these beliefs, and reflecting the diverse communities within which we operate, the mission of Planned Parenthood is to provide comprehensive reproductive and complementary health care services in settings which preserve and protect the essential privacy and rights of each individual, to advocate public policies which guarantee these rights and ensure access to such services, to provide educational programs which enhance understanding of individual and societal implications of human sexuality, and to promote research and the advancement of technology in reproductive health care and encourage understanding of their inherent bioethical, behavioral, and social implications. [source]

Planned Parenthood does so many great things, including promoting and providing access to reproductive health care and is one of my favorite places to give money to!

MAC AIDS Fund/VIVA GLAM
Homepage
Viva Glam

The MAC AIDS Fund's mission is to serve people of all ages, all races and all sexes affected by HIV and AIDS. To partner with the bold, the visionary and the brave who confront the epidemic in countries and communities where people are most neglected, off the radar and at highest risk. Responsive, agile and alert, MAF funds innovative programs that deal directly with the most marginalized, stigmatized and under-heard victims. MAF celebrates humanity, life, creativity and individuality. Making a different, one VIVA GLAM lipstick at a time. [source]

Apart from producing awesome cosmetics, MAC has an AIDS fund and donates the money spent on all of the Viva Glam lipsticks to it!

Angela & Roi
Homepage

Our company was founded on strong moral principles. We prioritize ethical and respectful treatment of our customers. Our products reflect our value system that is focused on customer satisfaction, not profit margins. However, we believe we can use our resources productively in a way to impact the greater community. Our company presents an opportunity for us to share our support for non-profit organizations specializing in prevalent health issues. We promise to donate a portion of each sale to contribute to chosen non-profit organizations. Our project vows to intertwine consumerism with philanthropy.

Different medical issues relate to specific colors. For example, Lung Cancer awareness links traditionally with the color white. When customers purchase a white handbag, five dollars will automatically be donated to Lung Cancer Alliance. Our company works together in total with eleven non-profit organizations. [source]

Um, get an awesome handbag and be able to contribute to your pick of organization?! Yes, please.

Spirit Hoods
Homepage

We bring the adventurous Spirit of the wild into everyday life while helping to protect endangered animals. We encourage creating new experiences, giving back and community interaction through self expression.

All Authentic Spirithoods ® are made in Los Angeles California, with the highest quality faux fur (fake fur). You can rest assured knowing that no animals are harmed during the creation of our products. In 2011 & 2012 we were honored to receive Peta Libby Award for Best Animal-friendly Clothing Company. [source]

Here's another company that donates a portion of sales to a great cause. Keep yourself warm and cosy during the winter and give some money to help protect endangered animals!

Kiva
Homepage

We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. [source]

Kiva reminds me of sites like Kickstarter and indiegogo. Donate a bit (or a whole bunch) of money to one specific cause that you can pick yourself!

American Cancer Society
Homepage

Together with our millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society (ACS) saves lives and creates a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has 12 geographic Divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide, and a presence in more than 5,200 communities. [source]

Most people are (unfortunately) somehow touched by cancer, so I couldn't not add in the American Cancer Society.

Wounded Warrior Project
Homepage

Mission: To honor and empower Wounded Warriors.
Vision: To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.
Purpose: To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. [source]

I feel that this, like the ACS, speaks for itself. Wounded Warrior Project is an amazing cause!

USO
Homepage

The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. Millions of times each year at hundreds of locations around the world, the USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO. [source]

USO is another military themed organization. The USO does a lot to keep spirits up; at least out here in Japan!

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services
Homepage

The mission of the Center for Domestic Violence Services is to assist victims of domestic violence and their children to escape the abuse and rebuild their lives. BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services provides free, confidential services for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include: 24 hour crisis/emergency shelter services, safety planning, support/education groups, domestic violence counseling/advocacy, legal system advocacy/court-based services, emergency transportation, information and referral, and community education. [source]

This was another local non-profit for me growing up and another personal cause that I think deserves a lot of attention and support.

Save The Children
Homepage

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm, especially when disaster strikes. We advocate and achieve lasting change for millions of children. We save children’s lives. [source]

Another pretty self explanatory organization!

Remember, giving back doesn't always mean money; it can mean volunteering too! How do you give back during the holiday season? What are your favorite non-profits and charities?



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Countdown to Kitschmas: Holiday Cheer Tag


Ryan and I enjoying the holiday festivities at his extended family's house last Christmas! He was actually having fun, but isn't a really big fan of pictures (as you can probably tell). Also, do you totally love his "evil villain" brows?! We do.

What is your favorite holiday movie?
Currently it's Red/Red 2, I think. For my all-time favorites, click here.

Do you have any holiday traditions?
My parents and I had a few, but no traditions with my hubby just yet! (This is our first Christmas alone!)

What is your favorite holiday candy?
Terry's dark chocolate oranges! Ugh, so good, and I'm super bummed that I can't find them out here in Japan! Here's hoping my parents send me one (or four)!

What is your favorite winter candle scent?
I've just started burning candles, so Evergreen from Bath & Body Works is really the only "wintery" smell I've burned so far, but I'm really enjoying it.

Gloves or mittens?
Glittens, for sure. (Those gloves with the finger tops cut off and the fold-over mitten top thing!) If I had to pick one or the other, I would say gloves.

What is your favorite holiday memory?
I don't know if I have one favorite holiday memory. (Most of my holidays have been awesome cos my family is awesome. Just sayin.') I do specifically remember when my parents got me a Nintendo 64 for Christmas though!

Do you stay in your pajamas or get ready for Christmas morning?
Get ready? Psh. I'm in my PJs until I need to leave the house (or have company over).

What is your favorite holiday song?
December is for Cynics by The Matches!

Who is the most difficult person on your list to shop for?
My dad. He hates everything. Not really, but all he says every year is "long sleeve shirts" and I like getting people interesting, personal gifts so... yeah. I always get him a pooper though! (Ya know, those plastic animals that you fill with jelly beans and then they poop them out? We're a real classy family for sure. Just for the record, he doesn't like them, but it's kind of become a "thing" so I'll stop once I run out of animals or holiday characters to choose from.) If he does like the real present(s) I get him, it is really satisfying because you can never tell with my dad.

Eggnog or hot chocolate?
I'm more of a hot chocolate gal. If you have never tried Land O Lakes' Classic Raspberry Hot Cocoa mix you are totally missing out!

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Yes! (I may or may not have just typed them all out and then deleted it, but I don't want anyone else cheating who does the tag, so you'll just have to take my word on this one. XD)

What's the funniest or weirdest gift you have ever received?
Err, I don't know? I wish I could think of something!

Any New Year's Resolutions? Do you actually stick to them?
I used to make them when I was younger, but I wouldn't ever really stick to them so now I do my monthly goal lists instead.

What is the number one thing on your Christmas/holiday wishlist?
For my hubby to have the day off. Ya know, cos since it's our first Christmas together in our own place, he's working from 0600 to 1800, which means he's gone from about 0500 to anywhere around 1930. COOL.

Do you have a real or fake tree?
This year is my first year with a fake tree.

Do you buy your presents in advance or wait until the last minute?
Both. Sometimes I'll buy someone something in July if I find the perfect present and it's at an awesome price. Other times I wait until the very last minute and only shopping online this year has made that a bit difficult.

Do you get a white Christmas where you live?
Not sure. It hasn't snowed here yet and I hear that where we are in Japan, it doesn't snow too much. Wompwomp! I'll just live vicariously through all of my family and friends' pictures of their white Christmases.

I tag all of you and as always, if you do this tag as well then post your answers or blog post in the comments!



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Countdown to Kitschmas: Holiday Movies





One of my all time favorite things to do to get into the holiday mood is to watch holiday movies! I mentioned in The 2013 Christmas Tag that my favorite Christmas film was The Nightmare Before Christmas as a kid, but as I've gotten older I've started to appreciate more holiday movies. This list is not in order of favorites, but the first four movies are the only favorites I have that are legitimate Christmas films. Keep in mind that I haven't seen a whole bunch of classic Christmas movies (like Love Actually, It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story)!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn't quite understand the concept. [IMDb]

Elf

After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. [IMDb]

The Ref

A cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve. [IMDb]

The Santa Clause

When a man inadvertantly kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. [IMDb]

Die Hard Series

This video contains mature content & spoilers!
John McClane, officer of the NYPD, tries to save wife Holly Gennaro and several others, taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. [IMDb]

Red

When his peaceful life is threatened by a high-tech assassin, former black-ops agent Frank Moses reassembles his old team in a last ditch effort to survive and uncover his assailants. [IMDb]

Red 2

Retired C.I.A. agent Frank Moses reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device. [IMDb]

In Bruges

This video contains mature content, ableism, & fat shaming.
Guilt-stricken after a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be. [IMDb]

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

A murder mystery brings together a private eye, a struggling actress, and a thief masquerading as an actor. [IMDb]

Batman Returns

When a corrupt businessman and the grotesque Penguin plot to take control of Gotham City, only Batman can stop them, while the Catwoman has her own agenda. [IMDb]


Bonus Hubby Favorite!: The Muppet Christmas Carol

The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser's redemption on Christmas Eve. [IMDb]

What are your favorite films to get you into the holiday spirit? Do any from my list make it onto yours?



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Countdown to Kitschmas: Stocking Stuffers






Clinique Chubby Treats from Sephora ($19.50)
Two mini sheer lip colors from Clinique! I don't know about you guys, but I love how popular lip crayons have been becoming!


Tentacle Nail Wraps from ThinkGeek ($12.99)
For someone who doesn't do their nails even remotely often, these seem like an awesome option. ThinkGeek also carries nail wraps in Circuit Board, Blood Spatter, and Nebula patters.


OCC Lip Tar All-Star Mini x 4 Set from Sephora ($20.00)
The OCC Lip Tar Mini sets are definitely a "must buy!" These lip colors pack a punch and are great for makeup beginners and experts alike.


Jingle All The Way Set from Too Faced ($25.00)
Too Faced did an awesome thing and made a travel-size makeup palette (equipped with eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer) that comes with a really cute phone case.


Game of Thrones Wax Seal Coasters from ThinkGeek ($19.99)
Do I really need to say anything about these?! I'm just super bummed that they can't ship these outside of the US!


Best Bite Set from Sephora ($25.00)
I've heard so many good things about the brand Bite Beauty and this set is an incredible value considering one full size pencil is $24!


Naked Basics Palette from Urban Decay ($27.00)
As much as I enjoy my Naked and Naked 2, I really wanted more matte shades and here they are! This is the perfect travel friendly neutral palette.


Color Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set from Sephora ($28.00)
This is a great set if you want to do a "one for you, one for me" type of thing. (No shame, I do it a whole lot during the holiday season!)


Dolly's Opening Act Set from Sephora ($29.00)
I've liked Buxom glosses for a long time now... cos they're awesome. This would be awesome for any lip product lovin' person.


Beauty Blogger Darlings Collection from Too Faced ($20.00)
This set has four of the most popular Too Faced products with beauty bloggers. The Beauty Blogger Darlings Collection has a great variety of products and I'm pretty sure that anyone would be happy to try these out!



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Countdown to Kitschmas: Gift Guide for Kids

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For my Countdown to Kitschmas installation, I'm going to be doing a whole bunch of gift guides! Hooray!

I don't currently have my own child (nor am I buying anything for any kids this year, sadly), but I figured that this could be helpful for those who do! I know that I would have loved any of these things growing up, just sayin'.

countdown
I Am A Power Ranger Bodysuit from ThinkGeek ($16.99)
Um, a Power Ranger bodysuit?! (The original Power Rangers, at that!) Yeah. One of the coolest baby bodysuits I've ever seen.

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Loopa Gyroscopic Toddler Bowl from ThinkGeek ($14.99)
I thought this was super cool when I first saw it. It's a spill-resistant bowl. For realz, it is nearly impossible to spill stuff out of this weird space-bowl. Unfortunately, I don't think it comes with the caramel popcorn, but hey, you can't win 'em all, right?

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Nerdy ABC Flashcards from ThinkGeek ($19.99)
Twenty-six flashcards that each have a different scientific concept for early science learnin'! Plus the drawings are really cute!

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Periodic Table Building Blocks from ThinkGeek ($34.99)
I think these would go really well with the Nerdy ABC Flashcards. These might even be informative (and fun!) for the parents as well!

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Kids' Hooded Towels from ThinkGeek ($39.99)
These come in three adorable options: Eura Unicorn, Shark, and One Eyed Mitch Monster. The only downside to these is that they don't come in adult sizes.

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Darth Vader and Son from ThinkGeek ($14.95)
This is a super heartwarming story about Darth Vader and Luke! A great gift for any book lovin' kid who likes Star Wars.

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Vader's Little Princess from ThinkGeek ($14.95)
This is the same kind of awesome, adorable book as Darth Vader and Son, but about his daughter Leia instead!

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Kids' Superhero Raincoat from ThinkGeek ($49.99)
Who doesn't want to be a superhero as a kid? Choose from Batman or Spiderman!

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Flashball Electronic Handheld Game with Lights & Sound from QVC ($30.00)
This is an awesome game that you can either play with others or by yourself. It really helps develop and strengthen hand-eye coordination!

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FlashPad 3.0 LED Touchscreen Handheld Game from QVC ($31.00)
This is one of the coolest electronic handheld games by far! There are eight built in games and they are super addicting. I bought the FlashPad 2.0 last year and I really want to upgrade since they've added more games to this one. I could seriously play "Catch Me" for hours (and I may or may not have), but I left my FlashPad in the states! If you don't get one for someone on your shopping list, I would recommend at least getting one for yourself.

Can you tell how much I love ThinkGeek? This is not a sponsored post or anything, by the way. I'm just a huge fan. I can (and have) spend hours and hundreds of dollars at ThinkGeek. You can expect more things off of their site in upcoming gift guides, so I hope you like them too!

Let me know what you think of this guide! Would your little loved one(s) like anything on this list?



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