Monday, November 30, 2015

LOVELIST: November Edition...


It's Adele's world. We're just living in it!  Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that she was E-V-E-R-Y-WHERE this month.  After a five year hiatus, I couldn't be more pleased. From SNL, magazine covers, super spoofs and parodies, fun interviews, the best prank of the year ('Ello Jenny!), and just cracking us up (when she's not making us cry)...  and oh yah, one amazing album, all I can say is Hello Adele, welcome back. We've missed you so.  Favorite '25' Tracks Include:  Water Under the Bridge, Hello, River Lea, Sweetest Devotion and Send My Love (To Your New Lover).

The all new "true crime" case of Fargo's new chapter travels back to 1979 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Luverne, Minnesota, where a young State Police Officer investigates a case involving a local crime gang and a major Mob syndicate. 'Season two of Fargo retains all the elements that made the series an award-winning hit, successfully delivering another stellar saga powered by fascinating characters, cheeky cynicism, and just a touch of the absurd.'-RT  

Take a glimpse into an alternate history of North America. What life after World War II may have been like if the Nazis had won the war. From executive producer Ridley Scott, 'The Man in the High Castle is unlike anything else on TV, with an immediately engrossing plot driven by quickly developed characters in a fully realized post-WWII dystopia.'- RT   Amazon 


One of the best new series of the year, the brilliant Master of None follows the personal and professional life of Dev, a 30-year-old actor in New York.  Watch it now!   Netflix   


Stockholm-based electro-pop group Kate Boy was my new band discovery of the month, with their first album One. It's played heavily on a loop since.  Easily, One of my best albums of the year!  Favorite Tracks Include:  Midnight Sun, Human Engine, Higher, Self Control and When I Was Young.


Every one's favorite Aussie pop star is going to help you and yours get into the spirit this season with her latest holly jolly album drop.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Christmas Wrapping, White December, Christmas Isn't Christmas 'Til You Get Here and I'm Gonna Be Warm This Winter. (But really the entire album is great and a perfect addition to your holiday playlist.)

Speaking of holiday playlists, some of your favorite RuGirls joined together to create the fun and festive Christmas Queens album.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Alaska's Every Day It's Christmas, Sharon Needles' Jingle Bells, Manila Luzon's Slay Bells,  Courtney Act, William & Alaska's Christmas SweaterGinger Minj's Christma-Hannu-Kwanzaa-Ka and Phi Phi's Naughty or Nice.  

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.  'Smart, thrilling, and surprisingly funny, The Martian offers a faithful adaptation of the bestselling book that brings out the best in leading man Matt Damon and director Ridley Scott.' -RT

Canadian born singer songwriter Grimes released her fourth studio album Art Angels this month.  It is another one of the best albums I've heard this year.  Just a few of my Favorite Tracks include:  SCREAM, Venus Fly, California and Kill V. Maim.

Billy Eichner has been killing it lately.  Snagging big A-List names for hilarious bits for the latest season of Billy On The Street. In case you missed Tina Fey (LaTina Fey), Julianne Moore, Amy Sedaris (Shondaland) Jason Sudeikis (Bros Out), Chris Pratt, Anna Kendrick, and Katie Couric (that parade though, genius!) you must watch them now. It's an order!  Be prepared to laugh.  Oh, and who could forget about Elena! She's back too!

Proving good things can come in little (sassy) packages, Tim Gunn and Not-Heidi Klum bring a batch of talented youngins for the latest Project Runway spin off.  The most rewarding thing is seeing kids so comfortable in their own skin at such a young age.  Make it werq indeed!  (Also:  See #15)

Even more music this month!!  Can you handle it?!  British pop star Ellie Goulding dropped her third album Delirium a couple weeks ago. (The deluxe version featured an impressive 23(!) songs(!) Narrowing down just a few of the best, Favorite Tracks Include: Lost and Found, Something In The Way You Move, On My Mind and Codes.  



There's a certain couple that I know. They're strictly lovebirds, A pair of turtle dove birds. He's a guy who wants the world to know. So ev'ry day You'll hear him say I Love Lucy and she loves me, We're as happy as two can be, sometimes we quarrel but then again How we love making up again. Lucy kisses like no one can, She's my missus and I'm her man; And life is heaven you see Cause I Love Lucy Yes I Love Lucy and Lucy loves me.  Hulu 

Two video clips went viral this month and I couldn't get enough of them. Joseph Gordon-Levitt literally killed it channeling Ms. Jackson (if you're nasty) on Lip Synch Battle.  Shante you stay!  Then Alanis Morrissette stopped by the Late Late Show with James Corden and gave us a modern update twist on her 90's classic Ironic. Pretty freaking genius, don't ya think?  Watch them (again) HERE and HERE.

'After a break-up with his boyfriend, journalist David Thorpe embarks on a hilarious and touching journey of self-discovery, confronting his anxiety about "sounding gay." Enlisting acting coaches, linguists, friends, family, total strangers, and celebrities, he quickly learns that many people - both gay and straight - often wish for a different voice. In Thorpe's feature-length documentary debut Do I Sound Gay?, what starts as a personal journey becomes a chance to unpack layers of cultural baggage concerning sexuality, identity, and self-esteem.'  Netflix 

Saturday, October 31, 2015

LOVELIST: October Edition...



Only 13 years in the making...
and I love my new ride!
(I must admit, it's a bit weird driving something from this century!)

Marina and the Diamonds has only been to Salt Lake City twice-- and I've been there both times, front and center (wearing my handmade bright pink Marina tank top, of course).  Performing some of my favorite tunes from The Family Jewels, ElectraHeart and Froot, Marina put on a damn good show!  Come back again soon now, ya hear!  I'll see ya there.

Scottish electronic band CHVRCHES may have just dropped one of my top albums of the 2015!  It's been on a loop all month long.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Leave a Trace,  Keep You On My Side, High Enough to Carry You Over and Empty Threat.  

I'm checking in to Season 5 for an extended stay.

A woman gives up her prestigious job and upscale Manhattan apartment to search for love in California. Lively musical numbers and a refreshing, energetic lead, Rachel Bloom, make Crazy Ex-Girlfriend a charming, eccentric commentary on human relationships. -RT

Electropop, Alternative rock, Dance-punk, and Synthpop band YACHT just released their sixth studio album where it instantly found its way into heavy rotation.  Favorite tracks include:  I Thought the Future Would Be Cooler, Matter, Don't Be Rude and LA Plays Itself.  

Mrs. Clinton had a very good October.  
And it all started with a very special (and she-larious) visit to her SNL doppelgänger.  Maybe Kate McKinnon should just be her running mate? 
Watch it: HERE


Portlandia Season 5 is now available on Netflix, and it's one of it's strongest outings yet! Taking on everything from  tiny houses, the Post Office, healthcare, Sea World, fashion and the 4th of July...  Carrie and Fred left me in stitches this month!

Nom nom nom!  Thanks in part to an out of town visitor (See #15) I dined out (a lot!) this month; revisiting some old favorites and discovering plenty of new joints.  It's fantastic that there are so many delicious options where I live.  If you visit Sawadee, Blue Lemon, Squatters Brew Pub, Taqueria 27, Johanna's Restaurant, The Original Pancake House, Simply Sushi, Tsunami, Blue Plate Diner or Hub & Spoke, you'll leave a happy camper with a full and belly.  Great, now I'm hungry again!

An outwardly perfect suburban housewife leads a secret life as a psychopathic killer in this gleefully dark satire. When the woman's crimes -- all committed to uphold her vision of family values -- are revealed, the housewife becomes a media sensation, winning the hearts of millions.  Serial Mom may have came out way back in 1994, but thanks to HBO Go, it's won over my heart too!  Finally!

I stumbled upon Black-ish thanks to Hulu's auto-play, and boy I'm glad I did.  It's provocative, timely and  most of all hilarious!  Like the Clevers, the Connors, the Tanners that came before, the Johnson clan has already found a way become a favorite classic TV family.  (Oh, and I also kinda have a bit of a crush on hot Tracee Ellis Ross!)

In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent [Blunt] is enlisted by an elite government task force official to aid in the escalating war against drugs.  'Led by outstanding work from Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro, Sicario is a taut, tightly wound thriller with much more on its mind than attention-getting set pieces.' -RT

These singles rocked my world this month.  We haven't heard or seen much of Mackelmore, Jake Shears(!) and especially looking at you Ms. Adele!  Welcome back. My ears are happy for your return.  Listen and Love:  
Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis' Downtown
Adele's Hello.  
NERVO feat. Kylie Minogue, Jake Shears & Nile Rodgers' The Other Boys.

My friend Alex came to visit Utah this month, and we had a blast. Covering all the usual site seeing spots, a day trip to Antelope Island, a rainy Oktoberfest at Snowbird and of course all the delicious local restaurants.  (See #10) It was fun showing off this wonderful place I call home.  

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

LOVELIST: September Edition...


It's my favorite weekend of the year!
NorCal or Bust!

English electronic duo Disclosure debuted their sophomore studio album Caracal this month. With the help of such famous friends as Lorde, Sam Smith and The Weeknd, it was on heavy rotation for my entire vacation and kept my ears happy. Favorite tracks include: Omen, Magnets, Jaded and Echoes.



By now we all know I'm literally obsessed with Lana Del Rey. It's just a fact.  And her latest album did not disappoint. Favorite Tracks Include:  High By The Beach, Music To Watch Boys To, Freak and Art Deco.

American Experience takes an unprecedented look at the complex life and enduring legacy of one of America’s best-known storytellers – Walt Disney. Featuring rarely seen footage from the Disney archive, scenes from some of his greatest films, and interviews with biographers, animators and artists who worked on his early films, as well as the designers who helped turn his dream of Disneyland into reality, this two-night, four-hour film reveals the makings of the man who would leave an indelible mark on our nation’s cultural history.-PBS  Watch it HERE.


Part American Horror Story, part Glee; Ryan Murphy's horror-comedy anthology series Scream Queens, about a series of murders in a college sorority is just good campy bloody fun!  If only every day could be Chanel-O-Ween!  (Genius!!)


Sia was Alive.  Nick was on the Levels.   Ellie Goulding was On My Mind.  And Kylie was in Black and White.  Yes, they all gave us new singles this month and made my California playlist even better.   Now download, crank it and repeat!  

"While on a cross-country motorcycle trip, Pat Doody found a badly burned kitten at a Nevada gas station, scooped the little guy up, and continued on his trip, later returning the cat to safety and health. On the road, Doody cared for the kitten -- who he has since named Party Cat -- with cans of tuna and Neosporin to heal his burns. From Nevada to the East Coast, they took plenty of selfies, archiving the adventure on Instagram. And when the pair returned home in New Jersey, Party Cat had his first veterinarian appointment, receiving proper care for a mild case of ear mites and shots to get him back to feeling like his cool kitty self.  Biker buddies for life!" -HP

Sure there were plenty of ah-mazing praise worthy viral Kim Davis funnies flooding the web this month (Here's looking at you @SitNextToKimDavis.)  But the absolute best has to go to Rainbow Randy's The Kim Davis Cell Block Tango.  She had it coming.  She had it coming.  She only had her self to blame.  Huck-a-bee.

Troye Sivan, is a South African born-Australian actor, singer, songwriter, and YouTuber (so multi-talented!) released his latest EP 'WILD' this month... And I was just, well, wild about it! For someone so young (Born in 1995(!!!)) he's got endless talent and can't wait to see where his talent takes him!  Favorite Tracks Include:  WILD, BITE, FOOLS and EASE.

Since I don't live in Orlando and won't be visiting Florida for the foreseeable future, I'll settle for the next best thing.  Experiencing the new Walt Disney World Hocus Pocus stage show performance online, of course! 'Tis the season after all!  Bibity Bobity BOO...  It'll put a spell on you too!  Watch it HERE.


I've concluded Nabisco is the devil.
And these are freaking delicious.
#ThinMintsAllYearLong

English singer and song writer Jess Glynne dropped her second album this month  and it debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.  Since I am half Brit after all, you knew I'd love it.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Gave Me Something, Hold My Hand, Don't Be So Hard On Yourself and Rather Be

Tiny House Hunters is partly comical, partly infuriating (complaining about lack of closet space or no dishwasher... Really!?  And did you see the one about a family of six (plus a dog) going small. Really small!)  Just another show to continue my love of HGTV!  


Cookie's BACK!

Monday, August 31, 2015

LOVELIST: August Edition...


It's not every day that the world famous queen Coco Peru comes to Salt Lake City, but when she does-- you better believe that you snatch up a VIP Meet and Greet ticket!  Even though the night started as an unorganized mess, (like most club Grand Openings can be, I suppose) by the time she finally took the stage, all was forgiven.  Now pass me some Tension Tamer.

When my friend Jeff moved out of state two-and-a-half-years ago I never thought I'd walk through Cafe Ramona's front door again.  Well, guess who just moved back into his once former abode?!  Thats' right!  Even though the previous tenants left it a mess, we spent a lot of time cleaning and then transforming her too!  I couldn't be more proud of the makeover we gave her!  It's never looked better.  Super Ramona is open and back in business. Home Sweet Home, the sequel.

'Set in a city where dreams and fortunes are made every day, along with hundreds of new cases of herpes. Meet a fresh batch of real Hotwives loving and clawing their way through the town with smiles on their faces - cause the Botox won't let them frown.'  Hulu's hilarious original series is back as Jenfer, First Lady Ivanka, Denise, Leona, Callie and Phe Phe (yes, that PhePhe) bring the drama and that Sin City heat!

Well, now I know I'm half Brit, with a quarter West European and quarter Scandinavian.  
All that from a vile of spit!  Pretty cool, eh?

 Documentary Now! brings you an in depth look at the daily lives of two aging socialites and their crumbling estate. This mother and daughter live in extreme squalor, but the documentarians find more than just dirt and clutter on the property.  This is Sandy Passage.  

Life is really tough for Julie and Billy, two 30-something aspiring comics living and working in New York City. While their friends and acquaintances move on to find success and love, they continue to struggle with careers and relationships, getting more bitter by the day. Between Difficult People and The Hotwives (See #3) Hulu sure is on a roll this month!  

One can never have enough Robyn in their life.  Thankfully, with the assistance of La Bagatelle Magique, every one's favorite Swede dropped a new mini-album this month. Favorite tracks include:  Got To Work It Out, Set Me Free and Tell You (Today).

Models, Makeup and Mood, oh my!

(P.S. #TeamNyle all the away!!)

I use the word Obsessed a lot, but I was truly next level o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d with the new single from Lana Del Rey's upcoming debut of Honeymoon.  This bodes very well for the rest of the album arriving soon.  Now let's just all Get High By The Beach, over and over, all day long!  I love my LDR!

While one Jon left us (farewell Mr. Stewart, the world will never be the same without our Daily Show!)... Another John just keeps getting better and better!!  Last Week Tonight is on fire.  John Oliver's take-down of tax exempt churches was brilliant!  Hallelujah! Amen.

Maybe it's the 50% Brit in me, but I couldn't get enough of the UK's Celebrity Big Brother drama this month.  (Thanks Youtube!)  It's the Yanks vs the Brits this season, and seeing as most the the Americans are loud annoying trash, I'm obviously on Team England!  Watch them HERE

Insomnia: Obsessed!!
Watch the whole thing HERE.  

This month I added another two new tasty spots to fill my belly.   Zao Asian Cafe and Pot Belly Sandwich Shop; both awesome options to grab a bite to eat for lunch.  Nom nom nom.

 It may not be the happiest place on Earth, but it just might be the most intriguing!  
How does Banksy do it!?

To be clear, I hated Call Me Maybe.  However, this new album, I did not hate.  I actually quite liked Ms Jepsen's E•MO•TIONs.  Favorite tracks included:  Run Away With Me, I Really Like You, Gimme Love, and Warm Blood