Source: ShutterStock

Over at the Gurl offices, we’re thinking about 2013 and how we’re going to make it the best year ever.

Step one: Start with the right resolution. We each picked a resolution to share with you, our favorite people on the internet…aside from Ryan Gosling.

Melanie, Senior Editor
I have so many resolutions (probably because there are so many things I could be better at!) but my biggest one is to maybe be a little less hard on myself. I’m sure you can relate when I say that I often feel like I’m letting someone down if I didn’t do something super perfectly—but the truth is that nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes here and there. So, here’s to making mistakes, hopefully learning from them, and worrying way less about living up to someone else’s standards!

Meg, Intern
Every year, I make a New Year’s resolution to floss more. Maybe that sounds boring, but I stick with it a little bit longer each year, so I figure it’s only a matter of time before I am a flossing pro. I do like to set a more specific resolution for each year, as well. For 2013, I would really like to do more creative writing. I read a lot of great books and saw a lot of movies with awesome screenplays this past year, so I finally need to stop daydreaming and actually start writing some things down!

Jessica, Editorial Assistant
I’m actually really, really terrible at keeping up with New Year’s resolutions so I almost never make them because it’s sort of pointless. But this year I’m going to try something a little bit different. My resolution is to find something to be happy about every day no matter what else is going on. That probably makes me sound like a miserable person, but I swear I’m not. It’s just easy to get bummed out or stressed out over little things and I’m sick of doing that. So from now on I’m going to stop sweating the small stuff and just be happy about what I have. I feel like I might actually be able to keep up with this resolution!

Julie, Editorial Director
I’m not the biggest resolution maker. I’m just not that into forcing myself to look at my life and find something wrong to fix. Not that my life is perfect–it’s not, like AT ALL–but, I really try to focus on how wonderful the great parts of my life are and not dwell on the rest. But, I think this year I have a resolution that is really positive and will make 2013 even better for me. My resolution is to listen to my gut more. I have great intuition, but sometimes I just ignore it and go with advice other people give me. Why do I do that? I have no idea! But, it’s going to stop. Next year is all about listening to myself and believing in what I have to say!

Do you have any resolutions for 2013? We’d understand if you didn’t, because we think you’re perfectly perfect! If you do, let us know in the comments. And happy, happy New Year to you!

How to wear glitter like a boss!

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Christmas cookies: As if you needed a reason. | Source: ShutterStock

The holiday season means Christmas cookies are out in full force. They’re delicious, they’re pretty, and you probably don’t need to be told twice to munch on ‘em. But in case you feel guilty about noshing on Christmas cookies this year (which you shouldn’t–you look fine and they’re not around for very long), we have a slew of reasons why you should relax and enjoy them. Just make sure you brush and floss your teeth well, otherwise you may have an unwanted visit from the tooth fairy instead of from Santa.

1. Christmas cookies keep you from getting depressed. Seriously.
Dude, it’s science. A study reported that nixing sugar and fat has the same effect on your brain as going through drug withdrawal. When you suddenly stop eating delicious treats like Christmas cookies too suddenly, you can feel bummed out. So gorge to your heart’s content and just wean yourself off gradually by New Year’s. Problem solved!

2. If you don’t, you’ll make other people depressed.
Whoever baked those delicious Christmas cookies put blood, sweat, and tears into them. Or maybe not, because that would be gross. But they probably did use a lot of sugar, love, and effort. So if no one eats those cookies, they’re going to feel like they’ve failed. Do you want them to feel that way? No? Then eat a cookie. And then eat another cookie.

3. They’re a stress reliever.
Feel like you’re about to bite someone’s head off? Do it literally. But instead of your best friend, dad, teacher, boss, or anyone else, do it with a gingerbread man. There’s a lot less drama involved and legal ramifications are slim to none (as long as you didn’t steal said gingerbread man), and you just might feel better when you’re done.

4. You won’t have another chance until next year.
Christmas cookies are a gift in themselves. Sure, you can have Valentine’s day or St. Patrick’s or Halloween cookies, but chances are they don’t have the unique flavors Christmas cookies often do–think gingerbread, peppermint, or red velvet. So you’d be wise to enjoy them while you can!

5. Remember that next year may never come.
Hurry up! The Mayan apocalypse is coming in nine days! Don’t waste them!

Do you really need a reason to eat Christmas cookies? Do you think fatty foods can really cause depression? What’s your favorite holiday treat or dessert? Tell us in the comments!

What do your Christmas cards say about you?

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The holidays are a time to have more fun with your look (and everything else!) so why would you want your party makeup to blend into the wallpaper at your granny’s house?! My philosophy is definitely “glitter big or go home,” and I’ve got a few suggestions of the best glitter makeup for you–all under $20! I guarantee you’ll want to add at least one of these to your party makeup bag this season!

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Stila Glitter Eyeliner - $16

This pretty glitter copper color (called Kitten!!) is flattering on everybody and will make you shine so bright.

Find It Here

Kat Von D Glitter Lipstick - $19

This Foiled Love lipstick in Valentine has micro glitter to make every smooch sparkle. So pretty!

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Butter London Glitter Nail Polish - $14

Sure, you can get cheaper glitter nail polish, but this color (Lovely Jubbly) just screams to party it up this holiday season. I want it!

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Make Up For Ever Glitter Pots - $14

These little shakers come in all sorts of colors, and you can seriously find so many uses for them! Shake a little onto clear nail polish, dust some on your cheeks--it's up to you!

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Sephora Glitter Spray - $10

Spray it on your hair or on your skin for a super glitzy holiday look that's anything but subtle. Glitter big or go home!!

Find It Here

What do you think about my party makeup rules? Do you wear glitter makeup? Do you think it can ever be subtle? Tell us in the comments!

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1. Chocolate Body Paint – $18

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It’s Jamie’s birthday! To celebrate, she’s making one of her favorite things–Snow globes! And what luck, it happens to be one of our favorite things too. Snow globes make fabulous birthday gifts (hint from Jamie), holiday gifts and a little gift for yourself. You deserve it, girl!

What will you put in your snow globe? Do you collect snow globes? Tell us everything in the comments!

Make An Origami Wreath!

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Lego granted James Groccia’s Christmas wish in a big way. | Source: Facebook

Picture that urge, multiply it by about a million, and you have James Groccia‘s Christmas wish for the Lego Emerald Night Train set.

James loved Legos since he was about four years old, and when he was 8, he really wanted the 1,000 piece set. It was designed for ages 14 and up, and his folks were a bit wary that he wouldn’t be able to put it together–plus, it was about $100. They encouraged James to save up for the set himself if he wanted it badly enough, and he did.

One problem: After scraping together allowance, birthday money, Christmas cash, and earnings from a research study (James has a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome), Lego had stopped selling the Lego Emerald Night Train set. (Nooooooooooooooooooo!)

James wrote a letter to Lego telling them how badly he wanted the train set, and how much he loves Lego in general, using the blocks in his study group that helps autistic children learn social skills. An excerpt? “I got another Lego set, thinking I could forget about the Emerald Night, but every time I see it anywhere on line I get very sad and disappointed. I still want the Emerald Night so badly, but there are none to be found.” D’awwwwww!

First, Lego couldn’t help. But then… Just watch the video below. And have a tissue handy. (Hint: It’s a Christmas wish come true.)

Learn more about autism here!

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While I guess you could give these gross-factor items as holiday gifts, I would exercise caution. When I look at these holiday decorations and accessories in all their gross and disgusting glory, all I can ask myself is “Why? WHY?!” That said, while I may not want these holiday decorations hanging in my home in these next few weeks, they are worth checking out (and hey, if these all say “Happy Holidays” to you, then by all means, enjoy them as part of your holiday celebration!). Let me give you the gift of these 13 icky, gross holiday-themed items, and may you not be scarred during this time of holiday joy.

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Santa Barf App

Why would I want to make poor Santa throw up? If the man can fly around the globe in a night, I have to think he has some kind of effective digestion plan for all that cookie eating. You download the free app, you shake your phone and Santa spews green vomit. Against my better judgment, I even downloaded this to get this appetizing screen shot, so yeah, you're welcome.

Source: Santa Barf App

Santa And Reindeer Candy Poopers

I'd seen the pooping reindeers before which have always grossed me out, but never the pooping Santa. I mean, it's all still gross because you are eating candy that is being compared to excrement (hilarious!), but I just think there's something particularly scarring about the man in the red suit doing this. Needless to say, I would never eat from one of these.

Source: OffBeatTreats.com

Reindeer Poop Lip Balm

I pity the poor unsuspecting family members who get a kiss on the cheek when I am wearing this. Just the idea of wearing something related to poop around my mouth really skeeves me. Apparently though, the flavor of "reindeer poop" is actually chocolate and peppermint which sounds amazing. I just don't think I could apply this in public without getting some weird looks.

Source: Etsy

Pooping Moose Holiday Sweater

I have received a number of sweaters I wasn't super into over the years, but I can luckily say I never received this. Can you imagine showing up to Grandma's in this get-up? I know it's a natural part of life and all, but I do not feel like it needs to be emblazoned on an article of my clothing.

Source: Stupid.com

Unsavory Holiday Cards

There's plenty of less than wholesome holiday cards floating around the Internet. Take this one in particular. Not only would my mom not know where to put this among her holiday display of cards, she would probably faint if someone actually sent her that. And like seriously, when did number two become the go-to holiday reference??

Source: Etsy

Santa Toilet Paper

See what I mean! Actually, while this by itself isn't too gross, when you remind yourself of the purpose of toilet paper, it becomes a little unsettling to have all those Santas on it. In any case, I pretty much draw the holiday bathroom decorations at evergreen scented hand soap.

Source: Fosfor Gadgets

Gingerdead Men Cookie Cutter

Okay, so the product name is kind of a clever pun. This isn't so much gross as much as it is kind of sad. I mean, yeah I guess I'm going to eat the gingerbread men, but thinking about them as having creepy little skeletons is a little on the morbid side.

Source: Think Geek

Baby Head Tree Topper

Granted, from what I can tell, it's not like this is being mass produced, but it is still highly unsettling. I also have a childhood doll with a very similar-looking head so this feels particularly upsetting. I mean, the lights in the eye sockets!! Yikes.

Source: Pintrest

Zombie Santa Ornament

Hanging ornaments was always a happy family affair for me. I can't imagine that a zombie Santa complete with rotting flesh and some kind of toxic mouth spew really fits in with those happy memories.

Source: Etsy

Bloody Ornaments

I know red is a color associated with Christmas, but who knew there was such a holiday bloody-gore market. These ornaments have the drippy "blood" interior, but also little detached limbs in there as well. Hey, they're definitely creative. I'm just not sure that I want to look at them when snacking on holiday treats.

Source: Etsy

Tampon Menorah

I'm all for arts and crafts, but would I really want to explain to holiday guests that this menorah is made from tampons (*obviously unused)? No, I probably would not. I mean, tampons are nothing to be ashamed of, but the idea of having to pull the tampon string to "light" the candles on this holiday centerpiece during Hanukkah would be just a little too much for me.

Source: TamponCrafts.com

Lady Gaga's Christmas Tree Song

I remember first hearing this song. It started as "Yay, a Lady Gaga Christmas song!" and slowly turned into total mortification when I really listened to the lyrics and realized my professor was right nearby. If you thought Christmas trees were spared from the very long list of words with sexual innuendos, well this song will prove to you otherwise.

Source: C.Smith/ WENN.com

White Chocolate Peppermint Pringles

Full disclosure: I have yet to try these. Maybe I would love them. But when I saw that these existed I was hesitant, and then I also read this excerpt from a review from GrubGrade.com: "Imagine eating a handful of kettle corn along with some toothpaste, and that’s what these chips tasted like." I love a peppermint-themed holiday food, however I may skip these ones.

Source:GrubGrade.com

Do you own any gross holiday decorations? Would you want these are part of your holiday celebration? Would you give any of these items as holiday gifts? Let us know in the comments!

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Passover starts with a seder, which has all sorts of delish dishes. | Source: Shutterstock

Passover is a Jewish holiday that falls in the springtime, often near the Christian Easter celebration. In Israel, Passover lasts seven days, but can be recognized for eight days elsewhere depending on one’s beliefs. It’s one of the most widely recognized Jewish holidays in the Hebrew calendar.

It celebrates the freeing of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, though the story is actually far more intense–albeit in a dark way–than the Hebrews merely escaping. According to the book of Exodus, it’s believed that God put ten plagues on the Egyptians until the Pharaoh would release his Jewish slaves, and a lot of it sounds like it’d make for a freaky horror movie today: in the first plague, all the water in Egypt turned to blood (yikes!). The tenth and final plague was considered the worst–the slaughter of the firstborn. The Israelites were instructed by God to put lamb’s blood on their doors, and God would “pass over” their homes and their firstborns would live. I don’t know about you, but this all seems like pretty frightening stuff!

Matzo is a symbol of Passover. | Source: Shutterstock

That plague was enough to finally convince the Pharaoh to free the Israelites, who were worried he’d change his mind–so they fled before their bread was done leavening. (Which was a smart move, because it turns out they were right!) That’s why no leavened bread is eaten during Passover. In many religious households today, all “chametz” (leavened food made with certain types of grains) is either removed, sold, or sealed off to recognize the holiday before it starts. Many households use different dishes and/or cooking utensils around this time to avoid contact with leavening agents or grains. Matzo is a symbol of Passover and generally eaten around this time, as it’s generally made solely from flour and water.

Passover is celebrated with a seder, a feast that occurs in a special order. At a seder, a family will often read from a special text called the Haggadah, which details each step of the meal–there’s 15 of them!

Would Dianna Agron be fun to sit next to at a seder? | Source: Shutterstock

So, when is Passover? This year, Passover begins tonight (Friday, April 6), and ends next Saturday night (April 14). If you’re celebrating, you’re in good company: Dianna Agron, Mila Kunis, Adam Levine, and Drake are all recognizing the feast too!

Are you celebrating Passover? Do you have any special Passover traditions? What’s your favorite Passover food? Let us know in the comments!
 
 

Wonder What Other Celebs Are Jewish? Find Out Here!

This flashy thing isn't the only thing we'd like to drop!

Come. On. If he were at a club, we'd all laugh.

9. The Kardashians. I can’t even remember why we cared to start with.

The sweatshop allegations were the final straw for me!

8. Pointless movie sequels. Doesn’t anybody have new ideas?

This was just . . . oh man.

7. Dick picks. From anyone. Especially on Twitter. Yuuuuuuck!

Keep it in your pants, dudes.

6. Nightmare pageant queens–and mini-princesses for that matter.

Rule of thumb: Four-year-olds should not look like they're forty.

5. People being famous because they’re insane/screwed up.

Charlie was embarrassing, not something to celebrate.

4. Major 3-D overkill. There’s even 3-D deodorant. No joke.

It'll stop all three dimensions of your stink?

3. Celeb bump watches–and celeb pregnancy skepticism, too.

Beyonce's pregnant. Get over it everyone.

2. Creepy old dudes scamming on young girls.

You're to blame, too, Stodden. Creepy Supreme.

1. Bullying. Let’s be real: People are not punching bags.

Def DON'T want to drop rad campaigns like this one.

What do you want to ditch in 2012? Did we miss anything so awful you can’t stand it anymore? Tell us in the comments!

Now, find out what your New Year’s resolutions really mean!

2011 trends