LOVELIST | September...

Yes, it may seem like I was just in San Francisco, but that was a whole two months ago. (Boy, time flies!)  I had such a good time last trip, I had to go back for another long weekend of fun, friends (new and old) and other things that start with F.  Special shout out to Patrick, thank You for the hospitality!  I’ll definitely be back- maybe even before the end of the year!  Hashtag #SFFlashback3 

Speaking of San Fran things that start with F… Fleet, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Fabulous Views.  This holiday weekend my friends John and Nando invited me to tag along an a hour-long scenic boat tour of the Bay.  It was great getting an up close view of all of the landmarks and sites, from Alcatraz to sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. I highly recommend The Red & White Fleet Cruise if you ever find yourself in the area.

In Bridget Jones’s Baby, the next chapter of everyone’s favorite singleton, our heroine finds herself unexpectedly expecting. After breaking up with Mark, Bridget’s "happily ever after" hasn't quite gone according to plan. Forty-something and single again, she decides to focus on her job as top news producer and surround herself with old friends and new. For once, she has everything completely under control. What could possibly go wrong? Then her love life takes a turn and Bridget meets a dashing American suitor named Jack, who is everything Mr. Darcy is not. In an unlikely twist she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch...she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby's daddy.  

It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for new music from British indie pop band Bastille, and this month we finally got some.  Wild World, their second studio dropped and became a perfect soundtrack for my September.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Good Grief, Warmth, Snakes and Fake It… and Send Them Off!… and The Currents… (Honestly, I love the whole album.) 

I stumbled on Netflix’s latest series by chance, or perhaps fate— and it was love at first sight . I binged the romantic dramedy’s 10 episodes over one weekend (although, I’m an expert binger, so that’s nothing out of the norm for me.)  Love follows a mismatched couple through the ups and downs of their relationships together.  I think you’ll love it too!

We’ve been to the Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freak Show and Hotel and finally after weeks of teasing fans the great mysterious Season 6 of American Horror Story finally arrived.  And the theme is… Drumroll Please… “Roanoke”. I’m totally digging it, and it’s different documentary vibe.  I can’t wait to see where Ryan Murphy takes us along for this spooky, creepy, scary journey.  

Will, Grace, Jack and Karen are (finally) back betches!  And they’ve come with a special and important, timely message!   Watch it HERE.

NBC’s This Is Us is the first show of the new Fall TV season that had me instantly hooked, from the strong pilot episode.  The full-tilt heartstring-tugging drama follows a group of people with the same birthday, including a married couple expecting triplets in Pittsburgh, a successful business man who was abandoned as a child, a handsome television actor growing bored of his fly bachelor lifestyle, and his funny and sweet heavyset twin.  

Speaking of Fall TV, my favorite funny television families are back on ABC for a new season of livin’ laughin’ and lovin’.  The Pritchetts (and Dunpheys), the Goldbergs and the Johnsons are back on Wednesday nights to make me LOL. Or rather Thursday when I stream them online. 

While I was in San Francisco I dined at two delicious eateries, that you should more than check out if you’re in the area:  Starbelly (I’m still dreaming about that Pizza with grilled corn, white cheddar, fresh mozzarella, grana, cilantro, aleppo & lime aioli) and Crepevine (Mmmmm breakfast foods.  All of them!)  

Yes, I still tune into Project Runway each season and see if they can make it work.  Heidi, Tim and the fashionable gang are still In in my book. 

Sia’s music video dedicated to the victims of the Orlando massacre is one of the most moving touching things I think I’ve seen all year long.  The Greatest, indeed!

True Crime is one of the hottest TV trend this year, and CBS jumped on the bandwagon featuring an in-depth several night special focusing on the 20 year old unsolved murder of JonBenét Ramsey.  And like many of you, I was hooked on this 90’s who-done-it mystery.

With the out-of-this-world level ridiculous insanity that has become this year’s 2016 presidential campaign it’s good to find the humor and have a good laugh.  Right?  Well thankfully Hillary Clinton visited Zach Galifianakis on Funny or Die’s Between Two Ferns.  And then Randy Rainbow went and killed it with Donald Drumpf’s Braggadocious spoof. 

For some reason, all month long I was craving tacos.  Meat, cheese, and veggies in a crunchy shell.  Mmmmm… It may have something to do with he-who-shall-not-be-named, and the promise of what voting for Hillary will mean by one of his surrogates;  I just know I look forward to having a Taco Truck within walking distance of my home at any given time!  Just, remember that come November when you Vote, Honey! 

LOVELIST | August...

I discovered my hidden spontaneous side this month, after an last-minute early-morning call from my friend's Greg and Philip inviting me on a weekend camping trip to Bear Lake.  Pitchin' a tent along side a river, warming by an inferno of a campfire under the stars, small- town diners and of course the hours and hours playing in the lake... it was just the unexpected Summer fun I needed. Thank you boys, I had the best time!  #LakeLiiife!

Ru brought back ten of her most fierce and fabulous queens ever for a second chance at the crown.  So far the second season of RuPauls Drag Race All-Stars has been gag worthy and Ah-mazing!  (They clearly learned from their mistakes in Season 1 *Cough*Teams-Fail*Cough!)  Let’s get this party All-Star-ted Okkkuurrrr!  *And for the record, in my humble opinion it’s clearly Alaska’s contest to lose.  #TeamLasky all the way.

A little girl lives in a very grown-up world with her mother, who tries to prepare her for it. Her neighbor, the Aviator, introduces the girl to an extraordinary world where anything is possible, the world of the Little Prince. “Beautifully animated and faithful to the spirit of its classic source material, The Little Prince is a family-friendly treat that anchors thrilling visuals with a satisfying story.” -RT

One of my favorite reality TV show competitions is back but this year, but with a twist.  Tattoo artists compete on two teams for the ultimate Ink Master face-off for Season 8.  Will it be Team Peck or Team Nuñez?  Time to Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz and find out!

Netflix’s Stranger Things was the surprise breakout hit of the Summer.  I wasn’t the only one obsessed with all the weird things going on in Hawkins, Indiana back in 1983.  After mega-binging through all eight episodes last month, I needed more. Then I stumbled on the reality of reaction videos on Youtube, where you watch other people watch shows.  I got sucked into viewing far more Stranger Things Reaction Videos than I’d like to publicly admit.  Now the countdown in on for actual new episodes when Season 2 debuts in 2017.

Emotion: Side B was announced on the one-year anniversary of Carly Rae Jepsen's third studio album, Emotion. It features unreleased songs that did not make the cut for the original effort. The EP received critical acclaim upon its release. And Casey acclaim as well! Favorite tracks include:  Higher, Cry, Fever and First Time.

Apparently I was in the mood for some dirty funny women this month, as I took in not one-- not two-- but three freakin’ R-Rated Comedies.  Bad Moms follows three overworked and under-appreciated mothers are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence.  in The Boss, a titan of industry is sent to prison after she's caught insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America's latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.  And The Bronze follows a foul-mouthed former gymnastics bronze medalist with local celebrity status reluctantly trains a rising Olympics aspirant.  Thanks for making me laugh ladies!

This month VH1 Classic became MTV Classic, featuring some of our favorite shows from the nineties like Daria, Beavis and Butthead, Road Rules and of course my favorite guilty pleasure, marathons of vintage The Real World.  Get ready for some Music Television nostalgia. 

Prisma is my favorite go-to photo editing app of the Summer. Say cheese!

As we all know I'm an HGTV addict but I’ve already watched all of the streaming episodes of all things House Hunters (in all forms), Love it or List it and Property Brothers.  Then I stumbled on Genevieve’s Renovation on Netflix.  The series follows former favorite Trading Spaces designer as she overhauls her New York City abode.

I checked out two powerful documentaries that followed the aftermath of the tragic Orlando terror attack this month.  MTV’s True Life: We Are Orlando and Viceland’s Gaycation: Orlando; both are available to watch online. Just have Kleenex handy.  #OrlandoStrong  #RestInPride

Admittedly, The Lobster is one of the weirdest and craziest films I’ve seen in recent memory. I can’t stop thinking about it and my opinion is often changing about it.  But the thought provoking art piece is still worth checking out.  In a dystopian near future, single people, according to the laws of The City, are taken to The Hotel, where they are obliged to find a romantic partner in forty-five days or are transformed into beasts and sent off into The Woods.  See, I told you it sounded weird!

One of my favorite things to do this Summer has been going on night walks around the neighborhood once the sun sets, and a pleasant temperature settles in.  Noticing a lot of cute houses and nice landscaping along the way, and realizing how many of you keep your curtains wide open (won’t worry I’m not a weird lookie-loo) and just thinking while listening to tunes.  Gotta enjoy it while I can, Winter is coming!

LOVELIST | July...

Well, it’s only the official breakout sensation of Summer. If you follow me on social media, you are well aware of how obsessed I’ve been with Netflix’s Stranger Things lately. When a young boy disappears, his mother, a police chief, and his friends must confront terrifying forces in order to get him back. It’s like a warm hug from your childhood, full of rad 80’s nostalgia. Combining Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action Adventure, Horror; all wrapped into one incredible series with nods to everything from Stephen Spielberg, ET, Alien, Goonies, Stand By Me and more… oh and the music and soundtrack, is pure perfection. (I was honestly hooked from the moment the opening credits played.)  If you haven't already. Get binging!

Last month I ventured over to the City by the Bay to spend time and make memories with old friends, new friends and even some Fair weather friends.  It was a fantastic and fun weekend getaway!   Like the song says, I think I left a piece of my heart there. That settles it, I guess I'll just have to go back...  See ya again soon San Francisco!  [Warning: Future Love List Spoiler Alert] 

Sometimes you just need to leave your daily troubles (and your kitties) behind and head out into the great outdoors. This month my friend Jeff and I did just that.  With a car full of supplies, we made our way to the beautiful Uinta Mountains, near the Utah-Wyoming border.  We eventually found the perfect spot to pitch our tent and go off grid to recharge for a few days. (Yes, even I survived a weekend without the Internet!)  It was an awesome getaway indeed.

It’s been thirteen(!) years since we went under the sea looking for a little fish named Nemo.  It was an additional ten(!) years prior for the last time that I visited a Drive-In Theater.  (Fun Fact: It was 1993’s Jurassic Park, as well as Hocus Pocus!)  So flash forward back to present day, when my friend Max and I wanted to check out the long awaited sequel, he suggested we do so at the Redwood Drive-In.  Of course, as expected Finding Dory was beautiful, adorable, funny and maybe required a Kleenex or two.  And it was fabulous reliving that Summertime experience of watching the ol' big screen from the comfort of your car.  Thanks again for the awesome idea Maxwell!  I had a great time, might have to do it again.

Honestly when HBO cancelled it after Season 2 I was a little heart broken.  I was grateful when they announced there would be a Looking Movie, for fans to have one last opportunity to bid farewell to the boys of San Francisco.  Would I have rather had another full season?  Of course!  But, I’m grateful that I got one more chance to say goodbye to a series that I genuinely loved. Thanks for the memories Patrick, Richie, Kevin, Dom, Agustín and Doris. (yes, even Agustín!)  You will be missed.

Lets just be honest, there will never be another First Lady (at least in my lifetime) as amazing as Michelle Obama.  Beautiful. Intelligent. Engaging. Cool. Entertaining. Stylish.  Inspirational.  Whhhhhy can’t she just stay in the White House forever?  This month she reminded us all just how awesome she is when she found her way into the Carpool Lane with (another Love List favorite) James Corden.  And then  there was her moving powerful DNC speech.  I mean.  Really!  And like they say, if you’re going to copy and cheat, plagiarize from the best.  Yes, that was a read.  C.C. -n- M.O. 4EVA TLA!

Difficult [dif-i-kuhlt] adjective

• 1) not easily or readily done.
• 2) hard to understand or solve. 
• 3) hard to deal with or get on with. 
• 4) hard to please or satisfy. 
• 5) hard to persuade or induce; stubborn. 
• 6) disadvantageous; trying; hampering. 
• 7) fraught with hardship. 

Difficult People Season 2, now streaming on Hulu 

Broods is a music group from New Zealand made up of siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott.  They released their second album Conscious last month.  Upon first inspection I’m not sure I was completely sold on it.  I wasn’t an instant fan, but after a couple listens my outlook turned around and it became a steady presence on my playlist this July.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Free, We Had Everything, Heartlines, Recovery and Couldn’t Believe.

If there’s something strange in the neighborhood, I know who I’m gonna call.  Sexy secretary Kevin (♥) of course!  ...And he’ll put me in contact (hopefully) with the four baddest bitches in town.  Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, and Kate McKinnon Leslie Jones were hilarious (duh!) and aren’t afraid of no ghosts. Internet trolls and haters be damned. Ghostbusters... and Girl Power!!

Last Love List I tuned into the fascinating CNN docu-series about the 1960’s, and this month I checked out the following decade that I was (barely) born into; The Seventies. ‘The eight-part documentary examine the people, events and cultural touchstones that defined the '70s, delving into everything from the impact of the Vietnam War to the unprecedented scandal of Watergate. Also covered are the Iran Hostage Crisis, the sexual revolution, the Munich Olympics massacre, and the kidnapping of Patty Hearst. Combining archival newsreel footage, personal movies, interviews, and comments by historians, journalists, politicians, celebrities and others, bringing new perspectives about a consequential and groovy decade.’ Available on  Netflix 

Maybe I’m just a glutton (or is it gluten?) for punishment attempting to diet and still tuning into this classy baking TV competition each week.  I just can’t deny myself from this charming and strangely addicting British television export.  From the entertaining cohosts, to the sweet- but stern judges (awe Mary, love!) and the batch of talented and genuinely nice contestants, TGBBO proves there’s always room for dessert. Even when you're dieting. [Season 3 now airing on PBS in the USA]

As we know by now, I had an amazing time in San Francisco.  Staying with friends at the historic (and not haunted, but it was more fun to pretend it was... Heya Lady Gaga!) Hotel Whitcomb.  Having breakfast each morning across the street at SAMS, to late night food grub stop at Mel’s Diner, to a fancy delicious Italian dinner in the Castro at Poesia.  And the drinks seemed to be always flowing at hot spots The Eagle, The Edge, Midnight Sun and Hole In The Wall.  Yah.  It was an amazing weekend indeed.

Cash Cash is an American electronic dance music group from New Jersey.  Made up of brothers Jean Paul and Alex Makhlouf, along with Samuel Frisch, they produce, record and master all their music together as a trio.  They released their fourth studio album a couple months ago.  Checking them out based on a friend’s Facebook post, I found it perfect addition to my gym playlist.  Favorite Tracks Include: How to Love (ft. Sofia Reyes), The Gun (ft. Trinidad James, Dev & Chrish), Lightning (ft. John Rzeznik), Arrows in the Dark (ft. Anjulie) and Take Me Home (ft. Bebe Rexha).

Thanks to Hulu’s auto-play feature I checked out this latest game show reboot by accident  Truthfully, I didn’t even know Match Game 2.016 existed, and I really didn’t want to like it.  But guess what, I did.  Alec Baldwin is perfect as the smarmy but entertaining wise-cracking host and the stars are equally fun.  (Obviously some more than others- naturally.)  If you do nothing else, track down the Leslie Jones episode. She was so crazy, (How crazy was she?!) She had me in... Stitches.    

LOVELIST | July...

Well, it’s only the official breakout sensation of Summer. If you follow me on social media, you are well aware of how obsessed I’ve been with Netflix’s Stranger Things lately. When a young boy disappears, his mother, a police chief, and his friends must confront terrifying forces in order to get him back. It’s like a warm hug from your childhood, full of rad 80’s nostalgia. Combining Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action Adventure, Horror; all wrapped into one incredible series with nods to everything from Stephen Spielberg, ET, Alien, Goonies, Stand By Me and more… oh and the music and soundtrack, is pure perfection. (I was honestly hooked from the moment the opening credits played.)  If you haven't already. Get binging!

Last month I ventured over to the City by the Bay to spend time and make memories with old friends, new friends and even some Fair weather friends.  It was a fantastic and fun weekend getaway!   Like the song says, I think I left a piece of my heart there. That settles it, I guess I'll just have to go back...  See ya again soon San Francisco!  [Warning: Future Love List Spoiler Alert] 

Sometimes you just need to leave your daily troubles (and your kitties) behind and head out into the great outdoors. This month my friend Jeff and I did just that.  With a car full of supplies, we made our way to the beautiful Uinta Mountains, near the Utah-Wyoming border.  We eventually found the perfect spot to pitch our tent and go off grid to recharge for a few days. (Yes, even I survived a weekend without the Internet!)  It was an awesome getaway indeed.

It’s been thirteen(!) years since we went under the sea looking for a little fish named Nemo.  It was an additional ten(!) years prior for the last time that I visited a Drive-In Theater.  (Fun Fact: It was 1993’s Jurassic Park, as well as Hocus Pocus!)  So flash forward back to present day, when my friend Max and I wanted to check out the long awaited sequel, he suggested we do so at the Redwood Drive-In.  Of course, as expected Finding Dory was beautiful, adorable, funny and maybe required a Kleenex or two.  And it was fabulous reliving that Summertime experience of watching the ol' big screen from the comfort of your car.  Thanks again for the awesome idea Maxwell!  I had a great time, might have to do it again.

Honestly when HBO cancelled it after Season 2 I was a little heart broken.  I was grateful when they announced there would be a Looking Movie, for fans to have one last opportunity to bid farewell to the boys of San Francisco.  Would I have rather had another full season?  Of course!  But, I’m grateful that I got one more chance to say goodbye to a series that I genuinely loved. Thanks for the memories Patrick, Richie, Kevin, Dom, Agustín and Doris. (yes, even Agustín!)  You will be missed.

Lets just be honest, there will never be another First Lady (at least in my lifetime) as amazing as Michelle Obama.  Beautiful. Intelligent. Engaging. Cool. Entertaining. Stylish.  Inspirational.  Whhhhhy can’t she just stay in the White House forever?  This month she reminded us all just how awesome she is when she found her way into the Carpool Lane with (another Love List favorite) James Corden.  And then  there was her moving powerful DNC speech.  I mean.  Really!  And like they say, if you’re going to copy and cheat, plagiarize from the best.  Yes, that was a read.  CC n'MO 4EVA

Difficult [dif-i-kuhlt] adjective

• 1) not easily or readily done.
• 2) hard to understand or solve. 
• 3) hard to deal with or get on with. 
• 4) hard to please or satisfy. 
• 5) hard to persuade or induce; stubborn. 
• 6) disadvantageous; trying; hampering. 
• 7) fraught with hardship. 

Difficult People Season 2, now streaming on Hulu 

Broods is a music group from New Zealand made up of siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott.  They released their second album Conscious last month.  Upon first inspection I’m not sure I was completely sold on it.  I wasn’t an instant fan, but after a couple listens my outlook turned around and it became a steady presence on my playlist this July.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Free, We Had Everything, Heartlines, Recovery and Couldn’t Believe.

If there’s something strange in the neighborhood, I know who I’m gonna call.  Sexy secretary Kevin (♥) of course!  ...And he’ll put me in contact (hopefully) with the four baddest bitches in town.  Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, and Kate McKinnon Leslie Jones were hilarious (duh!) and aren’t afraid of no ghosts. Internet trolls and haters be damned. Ghostbusters... and Girl Power!!

Last Love List I tuned into the fascinating CNN docu-series about the 1960’s, and this month I checked out the following decade that I was (barely) born into; The Seventies. ‘The eight-part documentary examine the people, events and cultural touchstones that defined the '70s, delving into everything from the impact of the Vietnam War to the unprecedented scandal of Watergate. Also covered are the Iran Hostage Crisis, the sexual revolution, the Munich Olympics massacre, and the kidnapping of Patty Hearst. Combining archival newsreel footage, personal movies, interviews, and comments by historians, journalists, politicians, celebrities and others, bringing new perspectives about a consequential and groovy decade.’ Available on  Netflix 

Maybe I’m just a glutton (or is it gluten?) for punishment attempting to diet and still tuning into this classy baking TV competition each week.  I just can’t deny myself from this charming and strangely addicting British television export.  From the entertaining cohosts, to the sweet- but stern judges (awe Mary, love!) and the batch of talented and genuinely nice contestants, TGBBO proves there’s always room for dessert. Even when you're dieting. [Season 3 now airing on PBS in the USA]

As we know by now, I had an amazing time in San Francisco.  Staying with friends at the historic (and not haunted, but it was more fun to pretend it was... Heya Lady Gaga!) Hotel Whitcomb.  Having breakfast each morning across the street at SAMS, to late night food grub stop at Mel’s Diner, to a fancy delicious Italian dinner in the Castro at Poesia.  And the drinks seemed to be always flowing at hot spots The Eagle, The Edge, Midnight Sun and Hole In The Wall.  Yah.  It was an amazing weekend indeed.

Cash Cash is an American electronic dance music group from New Jersey.  Made up of brothers Jean Paul and Alex Makhlouf, along with Samuel Frisch, they produce, record and master all their music together as a trio.  They released their fourth studio album a couple months ago.  Checking them out based on a friend’s Facebook post, I found it perfect addition to my gym playlist.  Favorite Tracks Include: How to Love (ft. Sofia Reyes), The Gun (ft. Trinidad James, Dev & Chrish), Lightning (ft. John Rzeznik), Arrows in the Dark (ft. Anjulie) and Take Me Home (ft. Bebe Rexha).

Thanks to Hulu’s auto-play feature I checked out this latest game show reboot by accident  Truthfully, I didn’t even know Match Game 2.016 existed, and I really didn’t want to like it.  But guess what, I did.  Alec Baldwin is perfect as the smarmy but entertaining wise-cracking host and the stars are equally fun.  (Obviously some more than others- naturally.)  If you do nothing else, track down the Leslie Jones episode. She was so crazy, (How crazy was she?!) She had me in... Stitches.