Welcome back to Mac Claire, your curated destination for all things Music, Arts & Culture! First off, I wanted to say Happy Veteran's Day to all of our nation's veterans who we celebrated and honored this past Wednesday and wish a happy Diwali to all who celebrate. Last week I promised you that today's Mac Weekly Highlight would have more content than usual and today I'm going to deliver! We're going to be looking at a Hallmark Channel #CountdowntoChristmas original movie premiere, a photograph that speaks volumes in the time of COVID-19, one of Starbucks' lesser-known holiday beverages, a Billie Eilish music video, and a mobile game that will get you ready for Christmas.
Movies
Christmas in Vienna
This picturesque, musical #CountdowntoChristmas film premiered on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday. Starring Sarah Drew and Brennan Elliott, it followed the story of a professional violinist named Jess whose Christmas adventure in Vienna brought her re-ignited passion for her music, a chance to reconnect with her college roommate, a new home, and love. Since the movie was filmed on-location before the pandemic we got to see the sights of a normal Viennese Christmas; the Christmas markets, the lights, the live music, the stunning architecture, etc. Hallmark is known for providing us with an escape from our daily lives through their movies and they certainly did so with this one!
Photo Courtesy of Hallmark Channel
Art
Untitled Photograph, Katharina Ahlemeyer
This past week, Mouthing Off Magazine released a series of pieces from their resident artists representing their feelings and experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic/lockdown. The photograph contributed by Photographer/Videographer Katharina Ahlemeyer stood out to me because of my love for juxtaposition in art. To see the vibrant colors and joyful elements of a child's birthday party obstructed by a sterile medical mask reminds us how truly different our world is right now.
Untitled Photograph, Katharina Ahlemeyer
Food
Iced Eggnog Latte, Starbucks
Starbucks holiday drinks are officially back! I haven't put out my holiday decorations yet, but I have indulged in a few festive beverages already. Eggnog on its' own is not my favorite flavor, but I adore the flavor of it incorporated into a latte and Starbucks does it best! Though the Eggnog Latte is not the most popular holiday drink on their menu, I urge you to give it a try sometime! (P.S. This drink will be making a return appearance on my Mac Christmas Favorites special features article!)
Photo Courtesy of Starbucks
Music Video
Billie Eilish, Therefore I Am Official Music Video
The newest song release from pop singer Billie Eilish comes with a nostalgia-inducing music video that I had such fun watching. In it, Eilish ventures through an empty mall enjoying soft pretzels and donuts, running past stores that some of us haven't been able to go in for ages, riding elevators and escalators, and lip-syncing to Therefore I Am. The music video ignites a sense of longing for childhood and days spent in the food court and buying trinkets at Claire's and Limited Too (did I just make myself sound old?). It also makes us yearn for a time before COVID-19 when taking a simple trip to the mall was safer, easier, and carefree. The video can be watched at: https://youtu.be/RUQl6YcMalg.
Photo Courtesy of Kenneth Cappello via Billboard
Games
My Xmas-Tree by Imagineer!
When I had the strong urge to put up my Christmas decorations this week and talked myself out of it (I'm going to wait until Thanksgiving week) I thought, there should be a mobile game where you decorate for Christmas. Then I thought, there probably is! Sure enough, I was right! After looking through the different options I liked My Xmas-Tree the best; you can decorate christmas trees, house interior and exteriors, explore lights options, furniture, wreaths, candles, and more. It's a relaxing Christmas game that's sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
(One of My Designs From The Game!)
Well that's all for today, friends! I hope you enjoyed this jam-packed Mac Weekly Highlight. This coming Thursday at 8pm I'll be publishing my second holiday featured article of the season- Greetings From... NYC and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes! It'll be sure to transport you to Christmastime in the city. 🌃
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Have a wonderful week ahead and thank you for reading. ❤
~Claire
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