Gimme Some Weekly Roundup: Kicking Off 2013 with a Fresh Start!

Welcome back, dear readers, to the much-missed Gimme Some Weekly Roundup! After a brief, yet eventful, hiatus, we are thrilled to reignite this beloved tradition. January has been a whirlwind of activity, and while we’ve been busy creating a wealth of inspiring content, our regular roundups took a temporary back seat. But fear not, we’re making up for lost time with a special, super-sized edition designed to catch you up on everything amazing you might have missed across all our vibrant platforms: Gimme Some Oven, Gimme Some Film, Gimme Some Life, Gimme Some Reads, and Gimme Some Style.

Returning to Our Weekly Tradition: A New Year, A Renewed Commitment

It’s true, we admittedly fell off the wagon when it came to our consistent weekly roundups. The end of last year and the start of this one brought with them an avalanche of excitement and challenges. Embarking on a month-long adventure across the captivating landscapes of Europe and then diving headfirst into January to tackle the massive backlog, meant that some of our regular features had to pause. We deeply regret the interruption, especially considering the sheer volume of fabulous posts that have graced our sites over the past two months! From my personal travelogues across Europe on Gimme Some Life, to insightful Golden Globes and Oscars commentary at Gimme Some Film, delicious culinary creations on Gimme Some Oven, engaging literary discussions and inspiring quotes at Gimme Some Reads, and chic winter fashions and creative home decor ideas on Gimme Some Style – there’s been so much incredible content blooming in the new year!

Rather than attempting to list every single one of the 100+ posts from the past eight weeks, we’ve opted for a curated approach. This special comeback roundup features all of this week’s fresh content, alongside a hand-picked selection of our absolute favorites and most popular posts from December and January. Consider this our official re-commitment: we’re enthusiastically jumping back on the wagon for regular weekly roundups. We’re here to ensure you never miss a beat in the Gimme Some universe. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery together!

Gimme Some Film: Dive into the World of Cinema

For every film enthusiast, Gimme Some Film has been a vibrant hub of cinematic exploration. The past weeks have been packed with exciting opportunities, critical reviews, and fascinating insights into the magic of movies. Whether you’re seeking your next watch or a deeper understanding of the art form, these posts are a must-read:

Exclusive Giveaway: Don’t miss your chance to win big with our incredible Two 6-Month Netflix Streaming Subscriptions. Imagine endless nights of your favorite films and shows!
Filmmaker Flashcard: Get up close and personal with the genius behind some of cinema’s most iconic works in our Filmmaker Flashcard | Quentin Tarantino. Explore his unique vision and enduring legacy.
In Theaters – Must-Watch Releases: We’ve been diligently reviewing the biggest movies hitting the big screen, helping you decide what to see next. Catch up on our thoughts on these cinematic sensations:
- In Theaters | A Very Few Words About Argo: A gripping political thriller that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
- In Theaters | Django Unchained: Quentin Tarantino’s bold and unforgettable take on the Western genre.
- In Theaters | Zero Dark Thirty: A powerful and intense recounting of the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden.
- In Theaters | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Embark on a grand adventure back to Middle-earth, perfect for fantasy fans.
New On DVD: For those who prefer movie nights at home, our DVD reviews keep you updated on what’s new. Check out our take on the high-octane action in New On DVD | Premium Rush.
Random Filmness – Curated Watch Lists for Awards Season: Our popular “Random Filmness” series has been your guide to navigating the exciting buzz of awards season, offering thematic viewing queues and engaging discussions:
- Random Filmness | Moving Means No Movies!: A relatable discussion on the challenges of movie-watching amidst life’s big transitions.
- Random Filmness | A Netflix Queue Inspired By The Best Actor Nominees: Curate your watchlist based on the year’s top performances.
- Random Filmness | A Netflix Queue Inspired By The Best Actress Nominees: Celebrate leading ladies with this specially crafted viewing guide.
- Random Filmness | A Netflix Queue Inspired By The Best Directors: Explore films from the masterminds behind the camera.
- Random Filmness | The Golden Globes Live Blogging: Relive the excitement and drama of one of Hollywood’s biggest nights with our real-time commentary.
- Random Filmness | A Watch-At-Home Queue Inspired By The Best Picture Nominees: Your ultimate guide to catching up on the films vying for the top honor, all from the comfort of your couch.
Weekend Watch: Planning your next movie night? Our Weekend Watch | In The Oscar Nominees’ Shadows post offers recommendations for hidden gems and essential viewing surrounding the nominated films.

From the grandeur of theatrical releases to intimate home screenings, Gimme Some Film remains your comprehensive guide to the captivating world of movies. Stay tuned for more engaging content!

Gimme Some Life: Explore, Experience, Enjoy!

Gimme Some Life is where we share stories that go beyond the screen or the kitchen – focusing on personal growth, unforgettable experiences, and enriching adventures. The past couple of months have been especially rich with tales from an epic journey, inviting you to travel vicariously with us. Here are the highlights:

An Epic European Adventure (Europe 2012 Series): Join us as we recount a month-long exploration across Europe, sharing breathtaking sights, cultural insights, and personal reflections from each destination. This detailed series will transport you:
- Europe! (General overview of the excitement).
- Europe 2012: Day At Sea: Relax and enjoy the tranquil moments between destinations.
- Europe 2012: Palermo/Sicily: Discover the vibrant history and unique charm of Sicily’s capital.
- Europe 2012: Civitavecchia/Roma: A journey through ancient wonders and the bustling heart of Rome.
- Europe 2012: Savona: Experience the picturesque beauty of this Italian Riviera port city.
- Europe 2012: Marseilles/Provence: Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Southern France.
- Europe 2012: Barcelona: Explore Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces and the lively spirit of Catalonia.
- Europe 2012: London (Part 1): Begin your detailed exploration of England’s dynamic capital.
- Europe 2012: Shrewsbury: A charming detour to a historic market town in Shropshire.
- Europe 2012: Oxford: Wander through the esteemed university city, steeped in history and academia.
- Europe 2012: London (Part 2): Continue your adventure through the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of London.
Modern Living Essentials: Beyond travel, we also discussed practical elements of modern life. Discover our insights on the indispensable Kindle, a perfect companion for both everyday reading and extensive travel.

Whether you’re planning your next grand adventure or simply seeking moments of daily inspiration, Gimme Some Life offers rich narratives and thoughtful perspectives to help you live your best life.

Gimme Some Oven: Savor Every Delicious Bite!

The kitchen at Gimme Some Oven has been bustling, churning out a fantastic array of recipes to satisfy every craving. From healthy starts to decadent desserts and quick weeknight dinners, we’ve got your culinary needs covered. Get ready to impress with these irresistible creations from the past two months:

Irresistible Appetizers & Sides:
- Kick off any gathering with a unique twist: our Ginger Wasabi Edamame Hummus offers a vibrant burst of flavor.
- For a lighter, yet equally delicious dip, try our Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip – all the taste, less guilt.
- And don’t forget the perfect accompaniment for any meal: our Whole Wheat Garlic & Herb Beer Bread is wonderfully aromatic and easy to make.
Effortless Main Courses:
- Simplify dinner time with our incredibly Easy Meatballs, perfect for pasta or subs.
- For a fresh and flavorful vegetarian option, our Linguine with Arugula, Garlic & Parmesan is a guaranteed hit.
- Embrace lighter fare with our inventive Zucchini Pasta with Raw Marinara Sauce, a healthy and vibrant meal.
Sweet Indulgences & Desserts:
- Master the art of dessert with our foolproof Microwave Caramel Sauce, a versatile topping for almost anything.
- Indulge in a healthier treat with our innovative Raw Carrot Cake with Cashew Vanilla Frosting.
- For the ultimate cookie experience, you must try our Oreo Doodles (Oreo-Crusted Chocolate Cookies) – a true delight.
- Spice up your dessert routine with our exotic Mexican Spiced Dark Chocolate Tarts.
- And for a classic, incredibly simple treat, our 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a lifesaver.
Healthy Sips & Smoothies:
- Start your day energized with an Easy Berry Smoothie, packed with fruity goodness.
- For a revitalizing boost, our Green Detox Smoothie is both healthy and delicious.
- Looking for more liquid inspiration? Explore our comprehensive list of 10 Favorite Smoothie Recipes to keep your blender busy!
Year-End Culinary Reflections:
- See which recipes resonated most with our community in Your Top 12 of 2012.
- And get a peek into my personal kitchen with My Top 12 of 2012 – my favorite recipes from the past year.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, Gimme Some Oven provides the inspiration and approachable recipes to create memorable meals and sweet treats.

Gimme Some Reads: Open the Pages to New Worlds

For the bibliophiles and those seeking intellectual nourishment, Gimme Some Reads has been a sanctuary of thought-provoking content. We’ve explored new reading habits, shared profound wisdom, and even taken virtual literary journeys. Here’s a glimpse into the pages we’ve turned recently:

Reading Goals & Inspiration for the New Year:
- Kickstart your literary adventures with our ambitious Reading List For 2013, offering a diverse selection for the year ahead.
- Cultivate a consistent reading habit with practical tips from our post on Daily Reading Books.
- For insights that are quick yet impactful, explore Three Thoughtful Quick Reads, perfect for a busy schedule.
Profound Quotes & Reflections: Dive into powerful words from influential figures, offering moments of contemplation and inspiration:
- Quotes | On Hope: A collection of inspiring thoughts to lift your spirits.
- Quotes | Martin Luther King Jr. On Love: Reflect on profound wisdom from a civil rights icon.
- Quotes | Shaw & Woolf: Delve into the literary insights and sharp wit of George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf.
Melodic Mondays: Our “Monday Melodies” series pairs beautiful music with reflective thoughts, creating a harmonious start to your week:
- Monday Melodies | My Song Is Love: A heartfelt musical and lyrical exploration.
- Monday Melodies | Go Do!: An inspiring call to action set to a captivating tune.
Tuesday Travels – London Literary Walks: Embark on fascinating virtual tours through the historic literary landscapes of London:
- Tuesday Travels | London Literary Walks #1: Begin your journey through the haunts of legendary authors and iconic literary sites.
- Tuesday Travels | London Literary Walks #2: Continue your exploration of London’s rich literary heritage.
- Tuesday Travels | London Literary Walks #3: Conclude your literary walk through the city’s storied streets.
Word Wednesday: Expand your vocabulary in a fun and engaging way with Word Wednesday | Do You Funk Fluffles? – a playful dive into unique words.
Thoughtful Gift Guides: Our popular holiday gift guides featured thoughtful pairings, perfect for the book and movie lover in your life:
- Gift Guide | Books & Their Movie Counterparts (Part 1).
- Gift Guide | Books & Their Movie Counterparts (Part 2).

From profound musings to captivating literary journeys, Gimme Some Reads is your gateway to a world of words and wisdom.

Gimme Some Style: Elevate Your Everyday with Flair!

Unleash your creativity and refine your aesthetic with Gimme Some Style, your ultimate resource for inspiring home decor, fashionable trends, and engaging DIY projects. Whether you’re aiming to revamp your living space or refresh your wardrobe, we’ve compiled a collection of brilliant ideas and practical tips to spark your imagination. Explore these highlights:

Home Decor & Creative Living:
- Transform your space with budget-friendly and charming ideas like 4 Ways To Decorate With Postcards, adding a personal touch to any room.
- Discover clever and rustic storage solutions with our Manage It Monday | Wood Crate Dresser project.
Engaging DIY Projects: Get hands-on and create something beautiful with our easy-to-follow tutorials:
- Add a touch of sparkle to your accessories with our dazzling DIY | Glitter Spray Paint Bag.
- For a touch of self-care, learn to make your own nourishing DIY | Easy Cuticle Cream.
- Stay organized and inspired with your personalized DIY | Life Lessons Notebook.
- Craft a delightful present with our adorable DIY | Cupcake Gift Set, perfect for any occasion.
Fashion & Wardrobe Insights: Discover tips and tricks for building a versatile and stylish closet, making fashion fun and accessible:
- Celebrate footwear favorites with our post In My Closet | Hooray For Boots, exploring stylish ways to wear them.
- Elevate your everyday look with inspiring outfit ideas in In My Closet | Taking Flight.
- Master the art of layering and accessorizing with blazers in In My Closet | Blazer Fun.
- Unlock the power of versatility with Mix It Up | 1 Shirt, 5 Outfits, demonstrating how one key piece can create multiple distinct looks.
- Indulge your fashion fantasies and embrace a playful pattern with My Imaginary Closet | Invasion Of The Polka Dots.
- Embrace effortless elegance and comfort with My Imaginary Closet | Rockin’ The Maxi Dress.

From practical DIYs to aspirational fashion and clever home hacks, Gimme Some Style is your go-to guide for living beautifully and creatively, ensuring your everyday is anything but ordinary.