Monday, March 28, 2011

Holi Festival of Color 2011...


Holi Festival of Color is an Indian ceremony celebrated by Hindus every Spring. Every year the Utah Krishna's open their temple and grounds to tens of thousands of revelers for a day of brightly colored powder, mantra, music and a bit of "holi" mayhem. (Granted the religious roots might be overshadowed by the fun, but there were incredible messages and music performances. enjoyed by all.) But who am I kidding, it's all about Oneness, Unity, Love and yes, COLOR!! This event has been on my radar for a couple years now, but I finally made it happen. And I plan to go back again next year. I had a blast. If you ever get the chance be sure to check it out. You'll be glad you did!

World of Color!...

HOLI Cow-- What a fantastic weekend with my friends. A few snapshots:







Love List | March Edition...

{ A L o v e L i s t F i r s t ! }

A TIE FOR #1 SPOT... PLUS 10 MORE THINGS
THAT MADE FOR A MARVELOUS MARCH.
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1|MONSTER BALL
After months and months (and months) of waiting... the day finally came. Scissor Sisters + Lady Gaga + Me in the same building = MUTHA-HUGGIN'-AMAZABALLS! Easily, the Best Concert I've EVER Seen. What a fun and epic night. If I were forced to nitpick, better seats and a longer Scissor Sister set would have been nice, but that being said-- the most fun this little monster has had in ages! Relive the magic one more time with me HERE.


1|HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLOR
I've wanted to attend Holi ever since I got wind of the Festival of Color a couple years ago via photos posted in friend's Facebook galleries. All I can say is Pride has some competition for my favorite weekend of the year in Utah. (But as proven by this month's Love List, I'm not against choosing easy (or cheating) and just calling a TIE. I'm allowed two GREAT weekends a year in this state? Right?) We had a blast! I plan on venturing down to Spanish Fork, making it a tradition each and every Spring. I'll see you there! MORE and MORE.
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3|MY SHOWER
I have suffered through terrible hot water pressure at my apartment for as long as I can remember. The problem has just gotten worse with time. (Hence the bath craze of 2010!) So I finally asked my landlord to see if there was anything we could do to remedy the problem. At first the plumber thought it might be necessary to replace a quarter of the house's hot water pipes-- which sounds like a big scary, time-consuming (and costly) job. However, the next day I came home from work and discovered a house with FULL hot water pressure. I'm not sure how we fixed it-- but I'm over the moon now. Never underestimate the joy of a long hot shower.
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4|ELLIE GOULDING'S ALBUM LIGHTS
When I wasn't rocking to steady playlists of Lady Gaga and Scissor Sisters this month [see #1... the first one] I discovered this awesome artist and her dazzling debut album. I was instantly hooked; purchasing after only one quick preview listen. (Thanks Christmas iTunes gift card givers!) I know what you're thinking, me being obsessed with yet another Brit female singer, imagine that! Well, I like what i like-- and Ellie the perfect addition to my iPod music family. .


5|127 HOURS
I KEPT MY EYES OPEN FOR 127 HOURS...*
I ain't no pussy!

* Fantastic film set and shot in my home state--
James Franco totally deserved that Oscar nomination!


6|JACKASS 3
I'm not above (porta) potty humor.
(Especially when Johnny Knoxville is involved!)
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7|TMC P!NK MEGAMIX
When Entertainment Weekly (my Bible) mentioned this remix in its Bullesye feature, I knew it would earn a quick place in my heart (and a spot on this list.) I mean, if you've read my blog throughout the years-- you know that P!nk is a major obsession and a Love List MVP. So what better way to pay tribute than mash up all of her hits into one jammin' dance anthem. Brilliant!

Listen for yourself, HERE. (See!)
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8|MOOCHIE'S
Let the record show, I am NOT a fan of Guy Fieri (ugh!) but this month I finally got around to checking out this downtown joint featured on his national show Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. It's a shame that it took me so long to get my sandwich lovin ass through its front door. I must say quite possibly one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Thankfully the stench of Mr. Fieri kept me away for so long, otherwise I'd be spending a lot more time in #11. Locals and people of the sidewalk, check it out Moochies Meatballs and More... Nom nom nom!
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9|SAMANTHA WHO?
As you know by now, my nighttime ritual involves re-watching TV classics, via Netflix Instant Watch, as I unwind from the day. (You know, the likes of 30 Rock and Arrested Development.) Heeding the recommendation of a friend, I decided to mix it up with an undiscovered comedy and check out Christina Applegate's shortly lived Samantha Who?. I must say I am glad I did, the writing is funny and sharp, and the cast is stellar. If your looking for some humor, I'm passing the recommendation forward-- in case your asking yourself, Samantha Who? too... .


10|RED
When I rented the movie, I went in with low expectations-- but I'm happy to report that I was quite surprised on how much I loved this funny action flick. It is a must see for Helen Miren alone. She kicks so much ass, it's sick! And Bruce Willis also proves things do get better with age. (Woof!) Definately worth hittin' up Redbox or throwing it in the queue.
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11|24 HOUR FITNESS
at TROLLEY CORNERS
This month I realized that it was going to take more than just diet and a passive approach to P90X to acheive my fitness goals by Summer-- it was time for an official gym membership again. Thanks to a FANTASTIC deal at Costco I got a 2 year membership for only $299. The initial purchase stung a little bit up front, but considering it breaks down to about $12.50 a month, my inner frugalista was pleased. So I'm channeling my inner gym bunny and look for me getting my cardio on at my new home-away-from-home. I plan to get my money's worth.


12|THE CAST OF THE FIGHTER
I started the month out with only two (out of the 10) Best Picture Oscar Nominees left to cross of my to-see-list. The Fighter being one of them. [127 Hours was the other. Done and done!] I was excited to see what all of the buzz was regarding this indie film. Christian Bale and Melissa Leo both earned Best Supporting statues and rightfully so. (Melissa Leo especially-- didn't even recognize her!) Amy Adams was also nominated and proved once again why she's one of my favorite actresses today. I can see why this movie had seven nominations, it's just a well made film all around with an important message.
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Uncle Casey Watch...

I promised Brylee that when they moved into their house, that I would buy her something for her new room. Of course she was excited and when I asked what color she wanted her new room to be, she stated "Pink, purple, blue and green." (White was later added as well!) Well being the fantastic uncle that I am, I hit the jackpot with the bedding photographed below (and no, I am not responsible for the two throw pillows-- give me SOME credit.)

So I got the chance to pick up my Bubbas from Kindergarten (a first) and take her home. She seemed very surprised and loved her new room. And just so you don't think I'm neglectful, when Sadee actually moves into her big girl room, she'll get hers then!

Monster Ball 2011...

Last May when I purchased tickets to the Monster Ball, I thought April 19, 2011(!) would never get here-- talk about a lesson in patience. Well it FINALLY did. I met my friend Hilaree (who ventured all the way down from Boise) for a delicious dinner at my new SLC fave The Wild Grape, after which we made our way to the E.S.A.
The Scissor Sisters opened the show shortly after 8:00pm. Of course they were fan-frukin-tastic! (Like I knew it would be-- I've been a big fan for years!) My only complaint was their set was far to short. However, considering they weren't even on the tour when I bought tickets, their presence was a delightful bonus. (Two must see bands for the price of one! SCORE!) After a quick refill and a potty break it was time for Mother Monster herself. Gaga was beyond amazing. She is a true performer and the crowd ate up every bit. I was on such a high running on pure adrenaline (and possibly acting a fool) but it was more fun than I've had in ages. Once the show wrapped we headed to JAM for a nightcap-- where the shenanigans continued. I'm so glad that I got to experience this show with my gal Hilaree. I can think of no other Little Monster I'd rather go wild with. When the next morning rolled around, I realized that I completely lost my voice, and took several days to recover... but man it was worth it! Wha-what!