Love List - June Edition

14 Things I'm Loving This June

(Grab your umbrella, it is totally raining Cats and dogs!)

1. Kathy Griffin:

My Life on the D-List

The two time Emmy award winning comedienne's Bravo series is back for it's fifth season. This year the show has a different feel, seeing how technically she's not that much of a D-Lister anymore. (That'd be you Speidi!) It is still fun to have her point out the difference of her and say Bette Midler or cooking 'Cake Soup' for Paula Deen. Mmmm... But my absolute favorite is her box wine-loving momma Maggie. So cheers that glass of Chablis to Kath & Co. If she's not your cup of tea, well you can just "Suck It."

2. HCG Diet

It seems like everyone is on this diet nowadays, but seeing the results for myself I can see why. I started at the end of May, and carried it through June. Losing 20 pounds is great. I love fitting into my clothes and shrinking my lurve handles I've been sporting for the past year. It's not a quick fix and it's hard work but it's proved a great jumping off point to re-start P90X again. And get some killer response. Look no further for inspiration than...............

3. Ryan Reynolds' Abs
That Entertainment Weekly cover.

That one scene in The Proposal... you know the one.

All the motivation I need, to uncover my hidden six-pack.

One kink in the plan though. I'm ridiculously obsessed with........

4. Häagen-Dazs Frozen Yogurt

w/ Vanilla Honey & Granola

....... we'll it's a helluva lot better for me than my former addiction to Cookie Dough Ice Cream. This was my guilty pleasure reward after weeks of dieting. And it was so worth it.

5. Up

Pixar can do no wrong. 'Nuff said.

6. Samoyed Puppy

in 'The Proposal'

Maybe because we had a Chow-Samoyed dog (Buddy) growing up I'm biased, but I couldn't get enough of the pup in this movie. It deserved more screen time for sure, maybe in the sequel. Hands down, he (or she) is the cutest thing you'll see all Summer-- perhaps all year. That little ball of white fur could melt any one's heart. It sure did mine! Woof!

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7. Summer Thunder Storms

No you're not in Seattle and this certainly is not Portland. Salt Lake has been inundated with Summer thunder storms all month long. While it may put a damper on a Pride Parade or an Art Festival, I can't seem to get enough of the thunder, the lightning and the amazing smell of desert rain. The much needed moisture and a delayed fire season are nice too.

8. Little Boots "New In Town"

I'm beginning to see a pattern. I have a thing for British Song birds (See: Adele, Kate, and Lily) I can't get enough of this song! I can't wait to check out the rest of her album as well. She is definitely my favorite music discovery of the season.

9. Abravanel Hall

It's Salt Lake City's unofficial hot spot; hosting both Flight of the Conchords this past May and Joel McHale in June. And oh, a certain sassy redhead you might have read about (on this blog posting, no less) Kathy Griffin in November. It's starting to feel like a second home and a premiere destination for some of my favorite funny people.

10. Cat Deeley

I'm not super fan of So You Think You Can Dance, like some-- but I'll tune in on occasion and I must say Cat Deeley is probably one of the most charming Reality hosts on TV today. (Less robotic than Chen and way less douchey than Seacrest.) But it was in an interview with Entertainment Weekly where she earned my Love List status. She's bloody adorable. And British too. (The Trend Continues!)

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11. HGTV's Curb Appeal

Hulu.com has provided many hours of TV viewing pleasure. My latest weekend marathon was HGTV's makeover show Curb Appeal. It's amazing what some blood, sweat and tears... and elbow grease... and some really big machines... and several thousand dollars can do to transform your yard. Oh and lots and lots of paving stones. Those apparently are very hot right now.

12. Huffington Post
Along side Facebook, MSNBC and EW.com, this safe-for-work website has officially been added to my daily viewing list. It's great and very informative. Check it out!

13. Fat Actress: Season 1

I had read that this show was entertaining, but I never got around to checking it out when it was on the air. Thanks to Netflix Watch-Instantly, I'm happy to report that the rumors were true. This show was hilarious. And kudos to Kirstie for being able to laugh at herself while providing some great comedy for the rest of us.

14. Sadee Jade

...And last but not least my adorable cute-as-a-button niece S.J. What kinda uncle would I be if she didn't make the cut? Can you believe I've been serving as the World's Greatest Uncle for nearly four years now (and counting!)

Happy Birthday Jeana...

Introducing My New Niece...

Happy Birthday Boys...

Derek

June 23rd

Jason

June 24th

It's a Girl...

A few snapshots of Baby Girl's first 24 hours outta the womb.

Happy Father's Day Dad...

With all the craziness of a new baby, I wanted to make sure that you know how much I appreciate you. As I've gotten older, I've come to understand (and value) the effort you put forth to providing for me and the family. You are the definition of hard worker, and always made sure that Marty and I got everything we wanted. And while we could not be more different in pretty much every way possible, you are a great Dad to me. I love you Dad. Happy Father's Day!

She's Finally Here!...

Baby Girl [TBA]

June 20, 2009

6 lbs 10 oz

19.5 inches

Sushi Suturday...

After an action packed Saturday, filled with a rain soaked Farmer's Market and certain baby being born... Garrett, Jake, Jeff, Malcolm and myself tapped into our Japanese roots (or at least into Garrett's Japanese roots) for our 3rd Annual Sushi Party. Keep in mind that the last make-your-own-sushi night took place four years ago... so 'Annual' is used very loosely. We didn't even know who Jeff and Malcolm were, and Jake and Garrett hadn't yet realized the joys of living in Spokane back then. Anyway, every one's rolls turned out delicious and tasty, by the end of the night everyone was stuffed to the brim. Especially me. This was my first real meal after three weeks of strict dieting. Great splurge if I do say so myself. Lets just pray the next 'annual' sushi party, comes around again sooner rather than later.

Our Final Presentation for the Judging Table. Watch out Iron Chef!

Friday with Joel...

Friday June 12th - If you didn't already know, I lurve Joel McHale. He is as hilarious he is adorable. I was thrilled to hear he was coming back to Salt Lake City. Shila and I pounced on tickets the minute they went on sale, scoring 7th row seats. He put on a great (and quite lengthy show) covering everything from Seacrest to the Kardashians (typical The Soup fodder) to his wife and son Eddie (is he a genius or a moron?) Come back soon Joel, Abrav-ANAL Hall will be here waiting! As will I!

Sunday at Pride...

Sunday June 7th - There's one day a year that Utah just lets loose and knows how to have a good time. No that is not Pioneer Day. It's Pride Day, and no amount of rain showers, or down pours could spoil the fun. Thousands of people turned out for a day of celebration and unity. I may have not taken as many photos as normal, with one hand steadily holding an umbrella but before you can have rainbows, you gotta get some rain!