Top five festive films

The inclement weather somehow put a stop to posting for a while! Still, I endeavour to do better. To help keep us all warm, here's my top five festive films.

1. Elf - hands down the best, warmest and funniest festive movie ever. So many quotable lines, that it's pretty much become part of my daily lexicon whatever the time of year.

2. The Grinch - I love it when his heart grows three sizes!

3. Scrooged - totally over-the-top Bill Murray at his most belligerent and awesome!

4. Muppets Christmas Carol - I defy you not to cry at this. It cannot be done.

5. Home Alone - yes, it is a Christmas movie and yes, it is amazing.

SNOW!

Hurrah - snow has arrived in Edinburgh! Hopefully, I'll be taking to the slopes later this week.

Have fun with snowball fights, building snowmen and the like.

two talented

It's not fair, but some people have multiple talents. The Talbot Rice Gallery's Alasdair Gray exhibition blew me away. The illustrations and notebooks of this eminent Scottish author have inspired me to read Lanark, arguably his most well-known work.

career counselling

The UK's top female snowboarder and US X Games gold medallist Jenny Jones gives us a rundown of how she came to be at the top of her game, as part of the Relentless 'Short Stories' project. Check it out and get inspired, whatever your chosen field.

More Snowboarding Videos

elementary my dear whoever

Element have an amazing range of tees this winter, many with animal prints and themes. I want to give this one a big bear hug. The compay were founded in the 70s by Johnny Schilleriff, who was inspired to take up skateboarding before five thanks to the influence of his big sister. How awesome is that! See their full range at http://catalog.elementskateboards.com/girls/.

what a waist

Fancy chanelling Mad Men style? Online vintage store Juno Says Hello could be the gateway to a whole new sihouette.

seasonal style

Cellar Door's autumn issue is bursting with inspiring fashion and style tips, for you and your home. I liked Desk Job, where we see how some creative types organise their workspace. Check it out at: www.cellardoormagazine.co.uk.

out on the plains

Heard a few songs by Warpaint and quietly impressed. Find out for yourself, as they generously have Undertow available for free download on their website - www.warpaintwarpaint.com. Or they are playing Stereo in Glasgow later this month, if a live sample would be preferred.

feeling for snow

Now that autumn is here, thoughts naturally turn to winter. This beautiful movie shows just how much fun you can have in the snow, and doesn't Montana just look stunning?

Handmade from This Is Productions on Vimeo.

Snap happy

Lots of interesting images posted at Mailbag Hickory, a cool photoblog with digital and lo-fi pictures to enjoy.

All the leaves are brown

Autumn is the best season for fashion. All those cosy colours. Here's a beautiful hat to keep your ear warm as the air gets nippit! It's from eka, snowboarder Gilly Seagrave's company, check out her full range here.

Open your heart

Lots of fabby places to explore in this fine city on Saturday and Sunday. Check out the Cockburn Association website. I fancy a backstage tour at the Traverse.

Service interruption

Looking forward to The Runaways, despite Dakota Fanning. Is this wrong? I am sure the rock n roll will more than compensate. Here's what the Guardian thinks, although I often disagree -http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/sep/09/the-runaways-review.

Period detail

Prolific short story author John O'Hara gives an atmospheric account of life for wealthy (but miserable) Manhattanites in prohibition era NYC in BUtterfield 8.

Paper lanterns

Multi-talented and magical Beirut play at Edinburgh's PictureHouse tonight. And Brazil has a day dedicated celebrating the band later this month - Beirutando happens on 30 August.
Check out the exquisite vid for Elephant Gun by Alma Har'el - http://www.almaharel.com/elephantGun.html

Hello hippies

The lovely cellar door features the most amazing VW van ever, created by Sophie Goodenough. Perfect inspiration if you still haven't had a summer adventure.

Fringe notes

The Edinburgh Fringe programme is very pretty this year, and guess what, you can wear it!
http://bit.ly/8ZBEGK