Thursday, December 29, 2011

Best of 2O11...


{ MAN of the YEAR }

{ EXPERIENCE of the YEAR }

{ OBSESSION of the YEAR }

{ DESTINATION of the YEAR }

{ CONCERT of the YEAR }

{ CHICK of the YEAR }

{ MOVIE of the YEAR }

{ TRANSFORMATION of the YEAR }

{ BOOK (ON TAPE) of the YEAR }

{ SITCOM of the YEAR }

{ BREAK-OUT of the YEAR }



...HONORABLE MENTION...
{ EVENTS of the YEAR }

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

♥LIST: December Edition...

{1}The Muppets
Ladies and Gentlemen, Its The Muppet Show! // Its time to play the music // Its time to light the lights // Its time to meet the muppets on the Muppet Show tonight. // Its time put on makeup // Its time to dress up right // Its time to raise the curtain on the Muppet Show tonight! // But now its getting started // Why don't you get things started? // Its time to get things started // On the most sensantional // Inspirational // Celebrational // Muppet-ational // This is what we call The Muppet Show!


{2}Amazon
I don't know if it's a sign of me getting older... or just wiser (I'd like to think the later) but this year I managed to do the majority of my holiday shopping online. I just couldn't handle the Christmas crowds; and the few in-store purchases I did actually make, were on days-off of work during the week. I really don't know why everyone doesn't just buy online. My favorite webstore had to be Amazon. You can find almost anything there, and no waiting in line while some old lady writes a check. Plus it's always like a little surprise when your special delivery arrives. Mail over mall any day!


{3}Friends With Benefits
Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis charmed the pants off me in this funny romantic comedy. Figuratively speaking anyway. They had great chemistry, and played well off each other. (She is quickly becoming one of my ultimate faves!) The rest of the cast as just as hilarious! Woody Harrelson especially deserves a mention. I was surprised as just how much I enjoyed this flick. A great choice for movie night with your loved one or with your friends (regular, or the kind with benefits.) Or in my case, with your cats.


{4}Demetri's 'Music of the Year'
I have two go-to friends in my life that keep me 'current' and hook me up with amazing music suggestions. (Both of which have been mentioned on Love List before.) This month was no different, as my friend Demetri published his Albums and Songs of the Year Playlists. Once I had my fix of Christmas songs (via #9) and Robyn (#7; act surprised!) I had moved on to a continuous loop of fresh and fabulous tunes. Thanks DJDemetri for turning me onto the 2011 work of YACHT, The Whip, Metronomy, Lykke Li, Holy Ghost!, Friendly Fires and Sound of Arrows (to name a few) along with previous faves like Florence + The Machine and Monarchy. I'll be enjoying this ultimate playlist well into 2012! Check out these bands, they're awesome! (If you have Spotify I have them saved there.)


{5}Our Idiot Brother
Paul Rudd is always so utterly adorable, funny and charming.
Yes, even while rocking hippie Jesus hair and wearing orange Crocs.
Watch the trailer HERE.


{6}My Paul Frank Comfy Pants
Old drafty houses should be required to come with such comfy winter attire! I LOVE wearing my new pants [in the privacy of my own home.] Well full disclosure just once, only once ever in public to the grocery store. A fact I'm not particularly proud of but what I lacked in style points, I made up in comfort. They're great, I may or may not be wearing them as we speak!


{7}Robyn
This month I rediscovered, or rather more correctly, 're-obsessed' over Robyn. After her amazaballs SNL Performances [1 and 2], she earned a spot back on heavy repeat (when I need to take a break from the Christmas tunes.) She is such a creative and passionate artist, who is just fun watch do her thing. She should be way more famous than she is. She's a superstar! Other Robyn highlights this month included the music video for Call Your Girlfriend and the song Stars 4-Ever. Werq momma!


{8}Nog
It's just not the season without this annual holiday treat! This year, however, I graduated from the standard dairy version to the Silk brand Nog. Mmmm Soy! It's like Christmas in a cup, and probably a good thing it's only available once a year, to keep my belly from rolling like a bowl full of jelly. (Well more than it already does.)


{9}Pandora
Sure I love Spotify, Slacker and iTunes, but hands down the best Christmas music source of the year goes to Pandora! (And it's convenient on the go iPhone app.) It took me a while to jump on the Pandora bandwagon, but I'm glad I finally did. In addition to festive tunes, especially now that the season is over, they have great channels for work out music! Perfect for cardio at the gym and all your (er, rather my) New Year resolutions.


{10}Salt Lake City at Night
Sure everyone knows (at least I think they do) about the world famous Temple Square Christmas lights displays, but they are not the only ones with holiday spirit. The downtown area transforms itself with twinkling lights lining the streets each year. Other jolly spots include The Gallivan Plaza and The Gateway shopping district. (Which had an AMAZING tree this year!) It's so easy to get into the holiday spirit when you live in a beautiful festive city!


{11}Year in Pop Mash-Up
Every year one of the things I look forward to is the annual DJ Earworm's United States of Pop 2011: World Go Boom. This mash-up includes the likes of Adele, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. It's a great way to enjoy and relive the past 365 days of pop music's biggest hit makers. See it HERE if you haven't already!


{12}Compliments For Strangers
Viral Video
The world needs more things, and more people like this.
Watch it HERE. Now wouldn't you agree?


{13}Treevenge
If you think there isn't enough blood and gore during the holidays, well then I found the perfect short movie for you! Turns out that it's not human zombies we have to worry about, it's those of the pine variety. (Phew, than goodness I use artificial. Maybe I'll be spared!) You'll never look at a freshly cut X-Mas tree the same way. Promise! See it HERE. Oh, and there's some swears as well sprinkled in with the carnage. Merry Christmas every body!


{14}'Six To Eight Black Men'
Short Story by David Sedaris
David Sedaris (brother to Amy) sure knows how to crack me up!
Listening to this really good bedtime story will be a new yearly Christmas tradition.
[Part One, Two and Three]


{15}Allgoogly.com

...which is why I love this fun website HERE.

Christmas 2011...

So I actually had a pretty good Christmas this year. I spent X-mas Eve night relaxing with my boys on my lap, enjoying some holiday beverages of my choice and my bachelor home 'cooked' dinner, while watching movies under my warm Grandma Bernice blanket. (A Christmas Story, again!?) I woke up the next morning and drove to spend the day with my family. Car-load of presents and all! (Seriously, how does Santa do it?) The girls loved all of their gifts, which put a big smile on my face... even if Santa didn't leave me what I really wanted. There's always next year! Are you listening big guy?!



(Mit & Mo LOVED their presents. Especially the Nip!)

(Werq!)


Deck My Halls: 2011 Edition...


So it's no secret that my favorite part about the X-mas season has to be the festive holiday transformations and decorations that happen in (and outside) our abodes. And this year was no different! Much like the gift-giving, I went a bit overboard (again, no surprise). But I prefer to just call it "full of holiday cheer." (Has a better ring to it!) What can I say, Mit and Mo love a festive home. As does their daddy. (Evidently!) It's the most wonderful magical pretty fancy festive time of year after all!