Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I can't embed the video in this post, so either click this link, or the image above, to watch this very special moment from the classic film "Meet Me In St. Louis."
This song is one of my favorites, and I feel like it always captures my feelings at Christmastime; the littlest bit melancholy, while reflecting on the bitter and the sweet of the past... but always full of hope for the new year.

I pray that your Christmas is full of peace, joy and love. And don't forget what the season is all about. God bless.

-Amanda

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Christmas Film Classics

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite ways to get into the spirit of Christmas is by taking out those classic movies I've watched year after year, and revisiting my favorite characters, songs, and all those quotable moments. It's twice as fun when I'm introducing a classic to someone for the first time, whether it's my youngest sister, the B.I.L. (brother in law), or a dear friend.

I've compiled a list of the Christmas classics that my family tries to get out and watch almost every year. If you get a chance to pop in a DVD (or a VHS, you gotta love 'em) over the holidays, these are pretty much perfect for the occasion.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This is always a fun way to revisit the holiday, despite the fact that no kid should be called a "blockhead," no matter what sort of Christmas tree he picks out. (Poor Charlie Brown!) Lucy and her Psychiatric Help booth is my favorite. And, of course, Linus is always on hand to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Nutcracker

I danced ballet for five years when I was younger and this was always a favorite. If you can't get out to the actual ballet, this is the perfect substitute for the Christmas season. The cast is excellent and Macaulay Culkin as Drosselmeyer's Nephew is absolutely adorable. My brother looked just liked M.C. when he was little, and it makes this twice as fun to watch.

Meet Me In St. Louis

This one is not necessarily known as a holiday classic, but the film marches through each season of the year in beautiful and amusing ways (love the Halloween scenes), and the story reaches its climax on Christmas Eve. Judy Garland puts in one of her most memorable performances, introducing the song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," and Margaret O'Brien steals the show with her brilliant acting. This is one of my top three Judy films and highly recommended.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens' classis Christmas story has had many adaptations, but this is the one that stole our hearts. You might think that a "Muppet" retelling would be ridiculous, but this movie is surprisingly heartwarming, tragic, and even spooky. Michael Caine is a fabulous Ebenezer Scrooge and the supporting cast of Muppets is equally talented. Oh yes, and the music is fabulous. (On a side note, the widescreen version of this film cuts out the tune "The Love is Gone," which is one of my favorite moments in the movie and really brings you to that crushing, emotional low where you want to bawl your eyes out. Not a good choice by whoever put together the anniversary edition. Watch the fullscreen version.)

White Christmas

This is not only one of the greatest Christmas classics, but one of my favorite films ever. The music is fantastic, including the tunes "White Christmas," "Snow," "Sisters," and more.  Oh yes, and there's also my favorite movie dance of all time, where Danny Kaye and Vera Ellen prove that "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing." Danny is hysterical throughout this entire movie, Vera is an exceptional dancer, and then (of course) there's Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. The latter is one of my favorite voices of the era, and she just shines through the whole film ("Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me" is is superb). Just go watch this already!

It's A Wonderful Life

The Christmas movie to end all Christmas movies and one of the most touching and uplifting films ever made. I don't think there's anyone out there who fails to identify in at least some small way with George Bailey, embodied by the always amazing Jimmy Stewart, as he takes an incredible Christmas journey and learns that "no man is a failure who has friends." If you are an American, this movie is a requirement. And if you aren't, see it anyway. Can never recommend this highly enough.

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Special mention goes to another bunch of Christmas-y classics: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Little Drummer Boy, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, The Year Without a Santa Claus, Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone 1 and 2 (can't honestly recommend these since there's language and many cringe-worthy moments, but Macaulay Culkin is adorable), and The Nativity Story (excellent telling of the real Christmas story - sorry, Santa!).

Another film (and book) that always makes me think of Christmas is Little Women. The opening scenes (and chapter in the book) are such a lovely depiction of a family coming together in 1860s New England. The film version with June Allyson is my favorite.

Lastly, my Nana's favorite film comes to a sweet conclusion during the Christmas season. If your grandmother remembers this movie, An Affair to Remember, starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, you might just want to dig it out for the holidays.

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Did I miss any? What Christmas classics are your favorites?
I'm hoping my family can find time to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" tonight. I'm just aching to relive a certain Charleston Contest... ;)

-Amanda

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And the winner of the "Mix and Match" swimsuit from Modest Sea is...

...Christina! Congratulations for being the lucky number (17) that Random.org decided to choose today!

Christina said she'd like the "Stephanie" body cover with the "Emily" or "Kara" dress, so that what she's going to get (I'll be in touch via email)! Thank you all so much for participating in these giveaways over the past few weeks! Be sure to check out Modest Sea if you're looking for a swimsuit next summer! ;)

I hope everyone has a happy and peaceful rest of the week as you prepare for Christmas. God bless.

-Amanda

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Top Ten of 2011

As we draw towards the close of this year, it's a time for reflection, for looking back on the things we've learned, done... and failed to do. This past year had some incredible highs and amazing blessings. It also hit some lows, presented extreme challenges, and left me with some things that I still need to work through. But I am thankful.

Looking back at the things we've accomplished in the year can be inspiring and encouraging. This week's Independent Fashion Bloggers Project suggests putting together a collection of your blog's top posts of the past year. I decided to participate, and along the way I have rediscovered things that had delighted me and been forgotten.

Here are my top ten favorite posts of 2011:

 

Do you see what I see? ~ Romantic Inspirations

 

A little prayer on Friday evening ~ I am a passerby

 

The first step ~ This week in pretty things

 

The Tank Dress ~ Flowers in Hair

 

Pretties and Inspirations for the week ~ A few small things I like about December

Most of these posts are pretty simple; little thoughts, or collections of inspirations. These are the sorts of things I have most enjoyed sharing, and the direction in which I hope to keep moving the blog. 

I would love to hear your input on which posts you enjoyed the most, and if some of them are missing from here. It would be hard to keep sharing if it weren't for all the support and input I've recieved. Thanks from the bottom of my heart to each one of you who has taken the time to read, comment, and encourage. I'm looking forward to continuing the adventure!

-Amanda xo

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And the winner of the Modesty 4 Me High-cut Camisole is...

... Brandy! Random.org chose 101 as the number for today. Congratulations! I loved how you commented and said that you'd get this cami for your daughter, and that you've been showing her how to dress modestly without compromising style.

I'll email you with more details on redeeming the prize. I hope your daughter loves it! :)

Thank you all for entering! Remember, there's less than a week left to enter to win the Modest Sea Swimsuit! Be sure to give it a try! :)

Hoping you all have a blessed weekend. (We're hosting a family Christmas party!)

-Amanda

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And the winner of the "Ski Bop" Dress is...

... Hannah Kingsley! Congratulations!!!

Today Random.org decided that 3 was the lucky number. I hope you enjoy your dress, Hannah! (I will be emailing you with details on redeeming your prize!)

Thanks to everyone who entered, and be sure join in the giveaways for the Modesty 4 Me high-cut camisole and the Modest Sea Swimsuit!!

-Amanda

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Win your own "Mix & Match" Swimsuit from Modest Sea!!!

Yes, I know it's December, and for most of us 'tis not the season for swimming. But you know that the seasons are going to fly by, and when you're on the lookout for a new swimsuit, you can never start too soon. So we're making it easy, with a chance to win a lovely swimsuit from Modest Sea... and the look is your choice.

Modest Sea is an alternative swimwear company that offers both full and moderate coverage swimwear, and I have to say that their offerings are really gorgeous. Some of these dresses and two piece looks are just adorable, and I know I'd be wearing them out and about - not just to the beach! Be sure to read a little bit about the company to get started.

So... here's the giveaway scoop! One, very lucky winner is going to be able to assemble her very own "Mix & Match" swimwear design over at Modest Sea. She'll get to choose a body cover - full to moderate coverage - and a swim dress to go over it!

To Enter:

• View the options on Modest Sea's "Mix & Match" page and leave a comment saying which look you would choose if you win! You must leave your email address in your comment so that I can notify the winner. If you do not wish to post your email address online, you can message me privately at amandabethboutique{at}gmail.com

For Additional Entries:

• Follow AmandaBeth through Blogger/Google/other feed, AmandaBFly on Twitter (I follow back!), or become a fan of AmandaBeth on Facebook - 1 entry for each

• Post about the giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, et cetera. (You must include the link to your post in your comment!) - 2 entries for each

The giveaway will run until midnight (EST) on December 22, 2011. The winner will be chosen through Random.org on the 23rd and contacted via email.

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I suggest you explore the entire Modest Sea web site - it's worth it! Remember, tomorrow is the last day to enter to win the "Ski Bop" dress from Shabby Apple! Also cast your entry in the giveaway for the  Modesty 4 Me high-cut camisole! Doesn't it feel like Christmas already? ;)

-Amanda

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hush - lovely layers

Here in Massachusetts we've had an unusually mild fall (except for the freak snowstorm before Halloween, of course), but now the chill is finally starting to set in. I find myself thinking far too much about turning up the heat, and dream of cozy things to wear... sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves, leg warmers, and more. There's nothing like soft and comfy layers to keep out the chill, and when I stumbled across this collection by hush, I pretty much fell headfirst. 

These looks are some of the prettiest things I've seen in a long time, and I'd love nothing more than to have the entire line at my disposal. I used to think that fashion and discomfort walked hand in hand, and this is sometimes true (hello, skyscraper high heels!), but it is also possible to be relaxed and comfortable without sacrificing style.

For years I've worn leggings under skirts and dresses during the winter (along with tights, which I love), and I still think there's nothing more comfy, casual and stylish than some leggings with a long top (or a short dress) and a pair of boots.

Sweaters are one of my favorite things, and hard for me to resist. (This year I forced myself to discard a few of the dozen or so that I've collected. For the record, 95% of them were given to me. ;) I think that sweaters are the perfect way to make an outfit cozy, whether it's a casual shirt and pants or a little black dress with high heels. Soft, draping sweaters are feminine, romantic, and so practical. 

I remember disliking wearing scarves as a kid, but now I think they're one of the best things to take away the chill, indoors as well as out. Nobody wants to wear turtleneck sweaters 24/7, and a scarf can fill in a lower neckline and keep you from freezing. And I've heard that the "you that know you lose like 80% of your body heat through your head" statement is a myth, but there's no denying that a hat goes a long, long way to keeping you warm. Just try it.

Lastly, some nice pajamas can definitely contribute to making the season merry and bright... whether you're just lounging around, reading books and sipping cocoa, or opening presents on Christmas morning. And when you're down with an awful cold and in bed for the greater part of five days (yes, that's me - I got it bad this time), comfort is really, really important.

For more hush eye candy, go visit their site. Or click the images in this post to view the items in more detail. Honestly, I could spend a couple of hours just browsing. Definitely putting thus collection on my wish list. ;)

-Amanda

Images: hush

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"Modesty 4 Me" High-cut Camisole Giveaway!!!

Anyone who's been involved in modest fashion and tried their best to keep their wardrobe stylish, without compromising their convictions, knows that sometimes it can be tricky to find a camisole that, well, covers. The popularity of "layering" has given us a lot more options, and a camisole can take a top from immodest to completely appropriate... if you can find a camisole that fits well and covers. (I know this is trickier for curvy girls than for those who - like me - are built more like a 1920s flapper. :P )

Fortunately, there are some solutions. Modesty 4 Me offers simple, inexpensive, high-cut camisoles in a variety of colors. Easy and modest, these camis can help you expand your fashion options (something we all love in this economy!). And here at AmandaBeth, we're giving a basic cami away to one lucky winner!!!

To Enter:

• Browse the basic high-cut camis at Modesty 4 Me and leave a comment saying which color you would choose if you win! (I'd also love to hear what you'd wear it with!) Also, you must leave your email address in your comment so that I can notify you if you win. If you do not wish to post your email address online, you can message me privately at amandabethboutique{at}gmail.com

For Additional Entries:

• Follow AmandaBeth through Blogger/Google/other feed, AmandaBFly on Twitter (I follow back!), or become a fan of AmandaBeth on Facebook - 1 entry for each

• Post about the giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, et cetera. (You must include the link to your post in your comment!) - 2 entries for each

The giveaway will run until midnight (EST) on December 16, 2011. The winner will be chosen through Random.org on the following day and contacted via email.

Be sure to check out all the other modest fashion options at Modesty 4 Me! Best of luck in the giveaway! (And enter to win the "Ski Bop" dress from Shabby Apple, if you haven't done so already!)

-Amanda

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Shabby Apple "Ski Bop" Dress Giveaway!!!

 Yes, that's right ladies, you can win this FABULOUS holiday dress from Shabby Apple, right here at AmandaBeth!!!

As you may know, Shabby Apple has been a real pioneer in ultra-fashionable modest clothing, specializing in women's dresses, maternity dresses, fashions for little girls, and more! They've done an excellent job over the years of offering chic, timeless designs that keep you modest without sacrificing the tiniest bit of style.

The dress for today's giveaway, "Ski Bop," is one of my favorites from their site. The deep maroon shade, slim, fitted style, and ruffled upper-skirt make an adorable, vintage-inspired look, just perfect for the holidays. Imagine wearing this to your family's Christmas party! Or for New Years?
Yeah, I think that sounds pretty fantastic...

In order to enter this giveaway, you need to go Shabby Apple's Facebook page and click "Like." Then you need to post a comment here, letting me know. "Liking" on Facebook is mandatory, and will also get you special promotions and discounts. (If you do not have a Facebook account, please leave a comment sharing which item from ShabbyApple.com is your favorite.) You must also include your email address in your comment on this post... that way I can let you know if you win! (If you don't want to publicly post your email, feel free to send it to me at amandabethboutique{at}gmail.com) Also, I'd love to hear about where you'd wear this dress if you win, and how you'd style it!

For extra entries, you can:

• Follow AmandaBeth through Blogger/Google/other feed, AmandaBFly on Twitter (I follow back!), or become a fan of AmandaBeth on Facebook 
• - 1 entry for each
• Post about the giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, et cetera. (You must include the link to your post in your comment!) - 2 entries for each

The giveaway will run until midnight (EST) on December 14, 2011. That's only a week and a half to enter, so there's a chance that the winner will receive their dress by Christmas! The winner will be chosen through Random.org, announced the next day and contacted via email.

Lastly... drumroll... you can get 10% off your Shabby Apple purchases for the next 30 days!!! Just enter the special code amandab10off at checkout! Be sure to head over to the website and see what goodies you might want to get your sisters, friends, or yourself, for Christmas. ;)

Be sure to enter and spread the word! Best of luck to you all... (and check back Tuesday for another giveaway!)

-Amanda

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A few small things I like about December...

Hooray! It's here! December is, in my opinion, "the most wonderful time of the year." We had an extra special day yesterday, not only welcoming the new month, but welcoming my newest nephew, Henry James, into our family. (You may remember that his big brother, Jack was born two years ago, on December 3rd.) He's a precious sweetheart, and I'll share a picture as soon as I find one where he doesn't look like an old man. ;)

Anyway, December is here, and I am so ready to relax and enjoy it. Here's just a handful of my favorite things about this month...

The visitors playing in the snow. Every year, watching the blood-red cardinals flitting through the bushes in our backyard just gives me a thrill...

Mittens. Gloves may be more stylish, but if, like me, you lose circulation the moment you step out the door, you really want to keep your fingers all cuddled together. That's the only way mine stay cozy on a ski mountain.

All those treats that we'll eat. 'Tis the season for an expanding waistline. Please practice moderation.

Brown paper packages tied up with string. Really, there are loads of creative, easy, and visually stunning ways to wrap your gifts this year. Click here for some more ideas.

Angels in the snow.

Hot chocolate, marshmallows and candy canes. Need I say more?

The anticipation building...

GIVEAWAYS!!!

That's right, there's some super awesome, super fashiony ones coming up here at AmandaBeth. Check back over the next few days for more details... trust me, you won't want to miss these. :)

A free track from one of my favorite bands, The Civil Wars. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is haunting anytime, but they take it to another level entirely. Download your own copy!

The TRUE meaning of Christmas. It's even more of a big deal than Doctor Seuss let on. I'm so thankful for the extra special reminder each year of what Jesus did for me.

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So, what do you like best about December? Please share your inspirations!

And be sure to check back for the giveaway updates! Love to you all...

-Amanda

P.S. I updated the Modest Fashion Bloggers Network with new links. Take a look!

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