Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Merry December!

Coconut Records--"It's Christmas" (mp3)

What better way to start the Christmas music month than with a bunch of free tunes, free tunes from our friends over at Target? Forget their donations to right wing, anti-gay political candidates. All of that is forgotten, if not forgiven. They're still our favorite major retailer, and, hey, it's Christmas, right? Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.

Not only that, they're actually giving away free stuff. Here's their holiday mix from modern hipsters like Bishop Allen, and the best news is that you can download the whole thing for free just by clicking on those colorful words you just read. What is better than free, new Christmas songs? Not new versions of old Christmas songs. New songs. Thirteen of them.

So, Merry Christmas early! It didn't cost us a cent.

And we hope that's just the start of our December here at Bottom of the Glass. Traditionally, and yes, we can say that now that we are in our third year, in addition to our usual scintillating posts and commentaries about society and modern life, we have sprinkled in the kinds of "end of year" stuff that everybody else does because, hey, it's the end of the year! So yes, you'll be seeing our "best of" lists and our summing ups and our Christmas favs and our New Year's Resolutions.

Based on some rumblings I heard here and there, I think you'll also be able to look forward to a "Guest blog" or two. That's a feature we've always offered here at BOTG, and, three or four times, people have actually taken up on it. I think there are a couple in the works.

The next few weeks will be crazy around here, with all of the holiday decorating, wrapping up of school, Fantasy Football playoffs, faculty parties and bowling tournaments, shopping, cooking, our outrageous party schedules, concert tickets, and above all, blogging.

I hope I'm not stealing too much of Billy's thunder by revealing that he is planning our first-ever BOTG Christmas Caroling event. It will take place live on here on the website at 8PM on Dec. 12th, using the absolutely latest blogging technology. You will be able to load the songs directly onto your Ipod, and watch the festivities right here. You will be able to sing at home; you will hear us and we will hear you. And we'll be able to see you. So wear something decent. Or not. That's technology, baby!

It's the most wonderful time of the year. We're ready for it. Are you?

Christmas and Holiday Decor Part I

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzp!

Yep, that's how fast this year has gone by!  Wow!  I can't be the only one that feels like this, right?  The holidays have descended upon us once again, no mercy!  Thanksgiving was over in a flash and now Christmas is rapidly approaching, so I've cooked up a little inspiration post for those of you who are gearing up for some decorating and holiday parties! :)

There's a lot more where this came from people, so regardless of which holiday you celebrate in December I know you'll find something to love now, or later.


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Also, check out my holiday/Christmas posts from last year for unique decorations, trees, cards, desserts and more:


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both images via Roland Bello
  I love it!  What a fantastic hanging centerpiece for the holidays! The vibrant red of the ribbons and ornamental spheres against so much white is pleasantly dramatic! 







via West Elm










Check out this pretty metal mistletoe decoration!  I'm sure it could be a very pleasurable "conversation" piece year after year... hehe :)



 


(All images via a Google image search, West Elm, Rolland Bello, or where otherwise noted in the image file name)

Monday, November 29, 2010

Inspiring Kitchens: Part II


Here's Part II of my Inspiring Kitchens series... you can check out Part I right here.

Woohoo it's 4:00pm!  One hour to go and I'm home freeeeeeee...... free as a bird.....





























 
 (All images via a Google image search or where otherwise noted in image file title)