Weekend Rewind: December 2, 2012

Gimme Some Weekend Roundup: Celebrating December and the Holiday Season

Gimme Some Weekend Roundup: Embracing December’s Delights and Holiday Cheer

Happy December, everyone! As the festive season officially kicks off, we at Gimme Some are thrilled to bring you a comprehensive recap of the incredible content shared across our network of blogs this past week. From cinematic explorations and heartwarming life stories to delicious culinary creations, insightful literary discussions, and stylish holiday DIYs, our team has been working tirelessly to inspire and entertain you.

This week has been particularly special, filled with reflections on literary giants like C.S. Lewis, a wealth of creative Christmas DIY projects perfect for gifting or decorating, an intriguing dive into Brad Pitt’s latest role (a definite upgrade from his perfume ads!), and a celebration of tasty winter eats that promise to warm you from the inside out. We also immersed ourselves in the joyous spirit of Christmas carols, exploring their history and timeless appeal.

Beyond our engaging content, we’ve also shared a super easy and practical tip: how to transform any of your favorite Gimme Some sites—whether it’s Gimme Some Oven, Gimme Some Film, Gimme Some Life, Gimme Some Reads, or Gimme Some Style—into a convenient app icon directly on your iPhone. This means your daily dose of inspiration is always just a tap away, making it even easier to stay connected with the content you love.

We invite you to delve into this weekend’s roundup to discover all the amazing posts you might have missed. But hold on, there’s even more excitement on the horizon! **Be sure to stay tuned this upcoming week, as we’re kicking off some truly BIG giveaways across all of our blogs tomorrow!** ‘Tis the season for giving, and we’re ready to spread some holiday cheer and thank our loyal readers with fantastic prizes.

Click below to explore the full details of this week’s highlights and start planning your festive activities with Gimme Some!

Gimme Some Film: Cinematic Journeys and Star Performances

Image courtesy of 2012 The Weinstein Company

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At Gimme Some Film, we’re your go-to source for insightful movie reviews, thoughtful analyses, and recommendations that truly stand out. This week, we took a deep dive into several compelling cinematic experiences, offering perspectives that go beyond the usual blockbuster chatter.

  • {Weekend Watch} Killing Them Softly: Brad Pitt delivered a performance that truly captivated critics and audiences alike in this gritty crime thriller. We explored the film’s nuanced narrative, its critique of the American dream, and Pitt’s powerful portrayal, offering a fresh take that delves deeper than just surface-level commentary.
  • {In My Queue} Rabbit Hole: Shifting gears to a more emotionally resonant drama, we revisited the powerful film “Rabbit Hole.” This feature explored the complexities of grief and healing, showcasing compelling performances and a sensitive script that left a lasting impression. Our review highlighted why this film is a must-watch for those seeking profound storytelling.
  • {Random Film-ness} A Very Good-Looking Winter Preview: Get ready for the colder months with our special preview of upcoming films that promise to dazzle on the big screen. We highlighted some of the most anticipated releases, featuring stylish cinematography, intriguing plots, and, yes, some of Hollywood’s most attractive stars. It’s your guide to staying entertained through the winter season.

Gimme Some Life: Living Fully and Finding Joy

Christmas Carols, a festive feature on Gimme Some Life

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Gimme Some Life is dedicated to exploring the nuances of everyday living, offering insights into travel, personal well-being, and heartfelt experiences. This week, we focused on cherishing moments and embracing traditions:

  • {Travel & Culture} Thanksgiving In Chicago: We shared a delightful recap of a recent Thanksgiving experience in the vibrant city of Chicago. This post offered readers a glimpse into local traditions, culinary adventures, and the unique atmosphere of the Windy City during the holiday season. It was a perfect blend of travel inspiration and personal reflection, encouraging readers to explore new places and create lasting memories.
  • The Joy of Christmas Carols: In a heartwarming tribute to the holiday spirit, we explored the timeless tradition of Christmas carols. This feature delved into the history, cultural significance, and emotional impact of these beloved songs, reminding us why they remain an essential part of our festive celebrations. It’s a wonderful piece to get you into the true spirit of the season.

Gimme Some Oven: Savoring Winter Flavors and Tech Tips

Delicious Potato Pear Soup recipe from Gimme Some Oven

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Gimme Some Oven is your culinary companion, offering delicious, approachable recipes and smart kitchen hacks. This week, we brought you a selection of delectable dishes perfect for winter, alongside a super practical tech guide.

  • {Recipe} Potato Pear Soup: Embrace the cozy comfort of winter with our unique and incredibly flavorful Potato Pear Soup. This recipe blends the earthy richness of potatoes with the subtle sweetness of pears, creating a smooth and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s an innovative twist on classic soup that you simply must try!
  • {Tech Tip} How To Create A Gimme Some Oven iPhone App: Never miss a recipe again! We provided a super simple, step-by-step guide on how to turn our blog (or any website) into an easily accessible app icon on your iPhone. This means your favorite Gimme Some Oven recipes are always just one tap away, making meal planning and cooking more convenient than ever.
  • {Recipe} Honey Sesame Shrimp & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry: For a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal, look no further than our Honey Sesame Shrimp & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry. This recipe is packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and effortless.
  • {Recipe} Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce: Elevate your holiday table with our gourmet Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce. This recipe takes a traditional side dish and infuses it with sophisticated notes of orange zest and a hint of bourbon, creating a truly unforgettable accompaniment to your festive meals.

Gimme Some Reads: A Journey Through Literature and Wisdom

garden angel | Ireland 2009

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Gimme Some Reads is your sanctuary for all things literary, from celebrating classic authors to exploring new perspectives through words. This week, we celebrated a beloved author and pondered profound ideas:

  • {Literary Birthdays} Clive Staples Lewis: We honored the enduring legacy of the masterful storyteller and theologian, C.S. Lewis, on his birthday. This post paid tribute to his incredible contributions to literature, particularly through his Narnia chronicles and profound philosophical writings, inspiring readers to revisit his timeless works.
  • {Quotes} C.S. Lewis: Following our birthday tribute, we shared a collection of insightful and inspiring quotes from C.S. Lewis. These selected passages offered a glimpse into his wisdom, wit, and spiritual depth, perfect for reflection and contemplation.
  • {Monday Melodies} Never Too Late: Blending literature with the power of music, this segment explored themes of redemption, second chances, and personal growth through a lyrical lens. It was a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams or turn a new page in life’s story.
  • {Pingback} Lincoln: We delved into a “Pingback” discussion inspired by the historical figure Abraham Lincoln, examining his leadership, legacy, and the impact of his life on American history and beyond. This post sparked thoughtful conversations about historical narratives and their relevance today.
  • {Tuesday Travels} Those Who Wander: Our “Tuesday Travels” segment celebrated the spirit of adventure and discovery. This feature encouraged readers to embrace wanderlust, whether through physical journeys or the imaginative explorations found within the pages of a book, reminding us that there’s always something new to learn and experience.
  • {Word Wednesday} Augury: Expanding our vocabulary and understanding of language, “Word Wednesday” introduced readers to the intriguing term “Augury.” This segment explored its meaning, origins, and usage, enriching our appreciation for the English language and its historical depth.

Gimme Some Style: Festive Flair and Home Transformations

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Gimme Some Style is your guide to elevating your aesthetic, from personal fashion to inspiring home decor. This week, we brought you a perfect blend of holiday preparation and chic design ideas:

  • {House Tour} A View From Above: We invited readers on an exclusive house tour, showcasing stunning interiors and innovative design choices from a unique aerial perspective. This feature offered fresh inspiration for home decor, emphasizing creative layouts and an elevated sense of style.
  • {Holiday Prep} Christmas Checklist (aka Go Enjoy This Holiday!): To help you navigate the busiest time of year with ease and joy, we published a practical Christmas Checklist. This guide wasn’t just about tasks; it was a gentle reminder to slow down, embrace the festive spirit, and truly enjoy the holiday season without the stress.
  • {DIY} Christmas Ornament Vase: Get crafty with our step-by-step DIY guide to creating a beautiful Christmas Ornament Vase. This project is a simple yet elegant way to display your cherished ornaments, adding a personalized and festive touch to your home decor.
  • {My Imaginary Closet} Baby It’s Cold Outside: Our “Imaginary Closet” series returned with a focus on staying stylish and warm as the temperatures drop. This post curated chic winter fashion ideas, from cozy knits to elegant outerwear, helping you brave the cold in style.
  • {DIY} Faux Chalkboard Art: Unleash your inner artist with our easy DIY Faux Chalkboard Art tutorial. This project offers a creative and budget-friendly way to add personalized messages or artistic flair to any room, perfect for seasonal decorations or everyday inspiration.
  • {DIY} Advent Calendar Template (Free!): Count down to Christmas in style with our free printable Advent Calendar Template! This DIY project is a fun and engaging way to build anticipation for the holidays, allowing you to customize your calendar with unique treats or messages for each day.

Don’t Miss Out: Big Giveaways Are Coming!

As you can see, it’s been a week packed with inspiring content across the entire Gimme Some network. We are immensely grateful for your continued support and readership, and we’re excited to give back.

Remember to mark your calendars and stay tuned across all Gimme Some blogs starting tomorrow, as our **BIG holiday giveaways** will officially begin! This is our way of spreading extra joy and gratitude this festive season. Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletters and following us on social media so you don’t miss any announcements.

Wishing you a wonderful December filled with warmth, happiness, and plenty of inspiration from Gimme Some!