Gimme Some Weekend Roundup: Your December 2, 2012 Edition

Happy December, everyone! The most wonderful time of the year has officially arrived, and with it, a fresh wave of inspiration, festive cheer, and valuable insights from across the entire Gimme Some network. As we warmly welcome the final month of 2012, we’re absolutely thrilled to bring you a comprehensive weekend roundup. This curated collection is brimming with fantastic content that will surely ignite your holiday spirit, spark your creativity, and perhaps even inspire a new adventure or culinary delight.
This past week has been exceptionally vibrant across all our Gimme Some blogs – a true celebration of diverse interests and engaging topics. Our dedicated teams have been hard at work, crafting posts that cater to every facet of your life. From profound literary explorations into the mind of C.S. Lewis to heartwarming holiday DIY projects that add a personal touch to your home, and captivating film analyses discussing roles far more engaging than a perfume ad (yes, we’re looking at you, Brad Pitt!), we’ve covered it all. We also shared some wonderfully tasty winter eats designed to comfort and nourish, and celebrated the timeless joy that Christmas carols bring to our hearts.
Beyond the engaging content, we’re always looking for ways to enhance your experience. This week, we were excited to discuss a super easy and convenient tip: how to transform any of our beloved sites—whether it’s Gimme Some Oven, Film, Life, Reads, or Style—into a handy app icon directly on your iPhone! This simple trick ensures you’re always just a tap away from your favorite recipes, reviews, or inspiring articles, making your digital experience smoother and more integrated into your daily routine.
But before we dive into the detailed highlights of the week, we have a very special announcement for our cherished community: **Be sure to stay tuned this week for some truly BIG giveaways kicking off tomorrow across all the Gimme Some blogs!** ‘Tis the season for giving, and we’re absolutely excited to share some wonderful treats and surprises with our loyal readers. Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to win some amazing prizes – it’s our way of spreading a little extra holiday cheer!
Now, let’s embark on this curated journey through the best posts of the week from each corner of the Gimme Some universe. Click below to explore the enriching content we’ve prepared just for you!
Gimme Some Film: Cinematic Insights and Weekend Watches

Gimme Some Film once again delivered a compelling array of cinematic reviews and recommendations, guiding you through the latest releases and uncovering hidden gems for your viewing pleasure. Our film enthusiasts dove deep into new theatrical offerings and curated insightful picks for your home viewing pleasure. For those who appreciate sharp dialogue, intense performances, and a gritty narrative, our review of {In Theatres} Killing Them Softly explored Brad Pitt’s captivating role in this crime drama. It’s a performance that truly showcases his range, offering a stark, unflinching look at the criminal underworld with a unique stylistic flair that sparked much discussion among critics and audiences alike, proving far more memorable than his brief appearance in those infamous Chanel No. 5 ads.
For your cozy home viewing pleasure, we highlighted the critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant drama {In My Queue} Rabbit Hole. This powerful film, starring the phenomenal Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, delves into the poignant journey of a couple coping with profound loss. It’s a beautifully acted and deeply moving experience that challenges viewers to reflect on themes of grief, healing, and the enduring strength of human connection, making it an excellent and thought-provoking choice for a quiet evening in.
Beyond specific features, our {Weekend Watch} Killing Them Softly section provided additional perspectives and discussion points on the week’s top cinematic picks, ensuring you’re well-informed before making your movie choices. And for a broader look at the anticipated cinematic landscape, don’t miss our {Random Film-ness} A Very Good-Looking Winter Preview. This special feature offered an exciting glimpse into the upcoming releases and must-see movies poised to capture audiences’ attention throughout the upcoming winter season, setting the stage for many thrilling trips to the cinema and evenings on the couch.
Gimme Some Life: Embracing Experiences and Holiday Traditions

Gimme Some Life continued to inspire our readers with captivating tales of travel, insightful personal reflections, and heartfelt celebrations of everyday joys. This past week, we reminisced about a memorable autumn journey with our post on Thanksgiving In Chicago. This evocative article transported readers directly to the heart of the Windy City, sharing delightful anecdotes, unique culinary experiences, and the unparalleled charm of celebrating a major holiday in a bustling urban environment. It served as a beautiful reminder that some of the richest and most cherished experiences come from exploring new places and cherishing moments spent with loved ones.
In the true spirit of the season, Gimme Some Life also embraced the pure magic and profound significance of Christmas carols. This timeless tradition brings an undeniable warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of shared heritage to countless homes and communities. The festive image associated with this section beautifully captures the essence of holiday music, reminding us all of the immense power of song to unite, uplift, and spread joy during this special time of year. From classic hymns that evoke deep-rooted memories to modern festive tunes that add a contemporary twist, carols are an integral part of creating a truly joyful holiday atmosphere, fostering a sense of community, hope, and shared celebration.
Our “Life” section is dedicated to sharing authentic experiences and offering practical insights into living a full, vibrant, and meaningful existence. Whether it’s through engaging travel diaries that spark wanderlust, thoughtful personal development tips that encourage growth, or insightful reflections on cultural phenomena, we strive to connect with our readers on a deeper level. Our aim is to encourage them to find beauty, meaning, and inspiration in their own daily lives. We firmly believe in celebrating life’s grand milestones as well as its quiet, everyday wonders, offering a welcoming space for shared inspiration and genuine connection.
Gimme Some Oven: Savoring Seasonal Flavors and Culinary Creations

For our devoted food enthusiasts and aspiring home chefs, Gimme Some Oven delivered another tantalizing selection of recipes this week. These culinary creations are perfect for warming up those chilly December evenings and adding an exquisite festive flair to your upcoming holiday table. Our culinary journey this week began with the unexpectedly delightful and comforting Potato Pear Soup. This unique combination offers a comforting warmth with a subtle, intriguing sweetness, making it an ideal starter or a light, satisfying meal for the winter season. It’s a testament to creative cooking that simple, wholesome ingredients can yield such sophisticated and memorable flavors.
Speaking of making life easier in the kitchen, we also shared a brilliant and highly practical tutorial on How To Create A Gimme Some Oven iPhone App. This step-by-step guide empowers you to transform your favorite Gimme Some Oven content into a handy app icon directly on your iPhone home screen. This means instant access to a treasure trove of delicious recipes, invaluable cooking tips, and meal planning inspiration whenever and wherever you need it. Imagine having all your go-to dishes, new culinary ideas, and essential kitchen hacks just a tap away – convenience redefined for the modern home cook and food lover.
For a quick, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner, look no further than our fantastic recipe for Honey Sesame Shrimp & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry. This dish masterfully combines succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp with crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, all coated in a savory-sweet honey sesame sauce. It’s a wonderful example that healthy meals can also be incredibly delicious, satisfying, and remarkably easy to prepare. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave something wholesome yet utterly satisfying.
And of course, no holiday meal is truly complete without the perfect accompaniment, which is precisely why we featured our exquisite Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce. This elevated take on a classic side dish infuses traditional cranberries with zesty orange and a subtle, sophisticated hint of bourbon. The result is a rich, complex flavor profile that will undoubtedly become a highly anticipated highlight of your festive feast. It’s a simple yet incredibly impactful addition that adds a gourmet touch to any holiday spread, impressing guests and delighting taste buds.
Gimme Some Oven remains your trusted and go-to source for accessible, consistently delicious, and truly inspiring recipes that cater to every occasion, dietary preference, and skill level. We firmly believe that cooking should be an enjoyable, creative, and fulfilling activity – a wonderful way to bring people together, share love, and create lasting memories. Our diverse range of posts consistently reflects this philosophy, aiming to make every kitchen experience a joyful one.
Gimme Some Reads: Diving Deep into Literature and Thought
For the avid readers, thoughtful contemplators, and intellectual explorers among our community, Gimme Some Reads offered a rich and diverse tapestry of literary insights, philosophical reflections, and engaging discussions this week. Our blog is a cherished haven for those who deeply appreciate the written word and seek to deepen their understanding of both literature and the broader human experience.
Our weekly melodic feature, {Monday Melodies} Never Too Late, beautifully combined the evocative power of music with thoughtful prose. This piece explored universal themes of timing, opportunity, and personal growth through a unique and harmonious blend of lyrical and literary analysis. It’s a truly beautiful way to begin your week, prompting you to ponder life’s grander narratives and the moments that shape us.
In our engaging {Pingback} Lincoln post, we delved into the profound historical significance and powerful cinematic portrayal of Abraham Lincoln. This insightful article offered a reflective look at the 16th U.S. President, likely prompted by the then-recent film release. It masterfully connected historical narratives with contemporary interpretations, encouraging a deeper appreciation for pivotal figures in history and their enduring legacies.
The exhilarating spirit of adventure and discovery was vividly captured in {Tuesday Travels} Those Who Wander. In this inspiring feature, we explored the myriad joys and invaluable insights gained from both physical and intellectual travel. This piece encourages readers to embrace exploration in all its forms, highlighting how new environments, cultures, and experiences profoundly shape our perspectives and immeasurably enrich our understanding of the world. It’s a vibrant call to curiosity, open-mindedness, and a lifelong journey of learning.
For language enthusiasts and word aficionados, {Word Wednesday} Augury provided a fascinating deep dive into etymology and meaning. This segment brilliantly spotlighted a captivating word, “augury,” and explored its historical context, usage, and nuanced interpretations. This regular feature helps readers expand their vocabulary, appreciate the intricate beauty of the English language, and ultimately make their communication richer, more precise, and more impactful.
A significant and particularly cherished highlight of the week was our dual tribute to an undisputed literary giant: {Literary Birthdays} Clive Staples Lewis and {Quotes} C.S. Lewis. We celebrated the birthday of this esteemed author, best known for the enchanting “The Chronicles of Narnia,” by thoroughly exploring his profound impact on literature, theology, and philosophy. These posts offered invaluable insights into his remarkable life, his enduring works, and shared some of his most timeless and thought-provoking quotes, reminding us all of his enduring wisdom, imaginative genius, and profound spiritual insights. Gimme Some Reads consistently strives to honor literary legacies and inspire a love for reading that transcends time and generations.
Gimme Some Style: Creative Living and DIY Inspirations

For those who love to infuse creativity, personal flair, and a touch of elegance into their homes and wardrobes, Gimme Some Style was an absolute treasure trove of inspiration this week. Our blog is dedicated to helping you discover unique and enjoyable ways to express yourself through innovative decor, contemporary fashion trends, and delightful DIY projects, especially as the enchanting holiday season rapidly approaches.
Our ever-popular feature, {House Tour} A View From Above, took readers on an enchanting visual journey through a beautifully designed home, offering a captivating aerial perspective of its thoughtful layout and stunning aesthetics. These immersive tours are specifically designed to spark fresh ideas for your own living spaces, showcasing how different design elements, textures, and colors can seamlessly come together to create a cohesive, inviting, and truly personalized atmosphere.
As the festive season ramps up and the to-do lists grow longer, our essential Christmas Checklist provided invaluable guidance for navigating the holiday rush with grace, efficiency, and, most importantly, enjoyment. This practical guide aimed to significantly reduce holiday-related stress and help you focus on the true meaning of the season, ensuring you have ample time to relax, connect with loved ones, and create cherished memories rather than getting bogged down by endless tasks and preparations.
The DIY spirit was undeniably strong this week with several engaging and creative projects. Learn how to craft a beautiful and unique display with our fantastic tutorial: {DIY} Christmas Ornament Vase. This simple yet incredibly elegant project transforms ordinary Christmas ornaments into a stunning centerpiece or a charming decorative accent, adding a personalized, handmade touch to your festive holiday decor. It’s a wonderful and sustainable way to repurpose items and proudly showcase your creative side.
For fashionistas looking to stay effortlessly chic and wonderfully cozy as temperatures drop, {My Imaginary Closet} Baby It’s Cold Outside offered a plethora of stylish outfit ideas and essential tips for dressing warmly without ever compromising on elegance or personal style. This inspiring feature helps you curate a winter wardrobe that is both practical and fashion-forward, ensuring you look and feel great no matter how low the temperature dips.
Further enhancing your home decor possibilities, our ingenious {DIY} Faux Chalkboard Art tutorial showed you precisely how to create trendy and easily customizable chalkboard-style art without the mess or commitment of actual chalkboards. It’s a fantastic and versatile way to add rustic charm, personalized messages, or whimsical drawings to any room, offering endless possibilities for creative expression and home customization.
And finally, get into the joyful spirit of anticipation with our incredibly helpful {DIY} Advent Calendar Template (Free!). This free, printable template allows you to easily craft your very own Advent calendar, making the magical countdown to Christmas even more exciting, personal, and interactive. It’s a delightful project for families, friends, and anyone who loves to celebrate the holiday season with thoughtful, handmade touches and a sense of wonder.
Gimme Some Style is your ultimate go-to destination for practical, endlessly inspiring, and wonderfully creative ways to enhance your personal style and beautifully transform your living spaces, making every day a little more beautiful, a little more unique, and distinctively you.
Join the Gimme Some Community and Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Giveaways!
As we lovingly wrap up this vibrant and enriching weekend roundup, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community of readers. Your unwavering engagement, insatiable curiosity, and shared enthusiasm are the vital forces that truly make the entire Gimme Some network thrive and flourish. We sincerely hope this carefully curated selection of posts has provided you with ample inspiration, delightful entertainment, and genuinely useful tips to help you navigate and fully enjoy the festive season ahead.
Remember, the excitement and generosity don’t end here! This upcoming week promises even more thrills and opportunities with our highly anticipated **BIG giveaways** launching across all Gimme Some blogs. To ensure you don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to win some truly wonderful prizes, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletters, actively following our social media channels, and checking back frequently on all our sites. It’s our heartfelt way of saying a massive thank you for being an integral part of our journey and for helping us make this holiday season extra special and memorable for everyone.
Whether you’re eagerly searching for your next great read, craving a comforting and delicious recipe, seeking a dose of insightful film critique, looking for inspiring life lessons, or scouting for stylish home decor and creative DIY ideas, the comprehensive Gimme Some network is your ultimate and trusted resource. We are passionately dedicated to consistently delivering high-quality, engaging, and relevant content that enriches your daily life and celebrates the diverse passions and interests of our vibrant community. Happy reading, happy creating, and joyous, happy holidays to all!


