LOVELIST | December...

Ever since I saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch way back in 2001, I’ve been obsessed.  It’s one of my all time favorite films.  Obviously, when the touring Broadway production of said musical was coming to the brand new Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake (more on that in a minute, see: #8) I knew I’d be having a Treat Yo’ Self early Christmas present to myself.  The story follows a transgender punk-rock girl from East Berlin tours the U.S. with her band as she tells her life story and follows the former lover/band-mate who stole her songs.  The cast performances and production were amazing. Long Live the Queen!

It's been a long time since I've loved a movie as much as I enjoyed this romantic musical.  Easily, my favorite flick of the year, but also it earns a spot on my All-Time Favorite Films list.  La La Land follows Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.  (Also: Ryan Gosling, swoon.)  (Also: Emma Stone, swoon.)

When one of my favorite bands comes to town, I'm gonna be there. Luckily I bumped into some friends there and didn't have to jam out to Dragonette all on my lonesome.  They really put on an amazing show!

Sing Street takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents' relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, über-cool and beautiful Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band's music videos. There's only one problem: he's not part of a band...yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he's promised - calling himself "Cosmo" and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos. 

In the Sundance Film Festival fave Other People, a struggling comedy writer, fresh off a breakup and in the midst of the worst year of his life, returns to Sacramento to care for his dying mother.  Have plenty of Kleenex on hand!

Search Party is an engaging, weird, funny dark comedy about four self-absorbed twenty-somethings who become entangled in an ominous mystery when a former college acquaintance suddenly disappears. (Welcome back Maeby Fünke!)

Everyone's favorite Baking Show jumped the pond for their yearly holiday series on ABC: Yankee Edition.  Luckily, beloved Mary Berry is there with yummy Johnny Iuzzini judging all the biscuits, er cookies, cakes and other tasty treats. No soggy bottoms allowed!  

The brand new George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater in Downtown Salt Lake is a stunning gem that will draw even more art and culture into Utah's capital. I popped my first-time visit cherry with the incredible touring Hedwig and the Angry Inch (#1). Beautiful addition to the city indeed, and I look forward to enjoying it a lot more in the future.

Oh, so you thought America's Next Top Model was all over and forgotten (oh how could we ever forget You Nyle... we can't and we won't!) anyway, think again.  VH1 dusted off Tyra's classic modeling reality competition with a fresh updated reboot this month. I knew from the minute I saw the vastly improved opening credits (good font choices are important Tyra!) I was back in.  I don't think I'll ever be able to quit this darn show!

It's an annual tradition now that as the year winds down, I compile an amazing Spotify playlist of all the songs I rocked out to over the previous 365 days. Listen to eight-and-a-half hours of great ear candy HERE.  Here's to an amazing 2017, see ya next year!

The first series ten years ago(!) was stunning and incredible.  The second go-around is just as beautiful and amazing.  From the mountains, to the deserts to the grasslands to the cities, this planet we call home is one mind-blowing, breath-taking, magical and deserves our respect and our care; and this series perfectly illustrates that fact. Watch Planet Earth II episodes HERE. 

In the phenomenal critically-acclaimed Hell or High Water, a divorced father and his ex-con older brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family's ranch in West Texas.  (Also, Chris Pine:  Swoon.) 

I was so happy that on Rusty's big road trip around the U. S. of A, my home base in Salt Lake City served as another pit-stop! This time with special bonus guest Christopher!  It was great seeing them once again. Mo was more than happy as well. Just love these guys!

In Imperium, a young, idealistic FBI agent, goes undercover to take down a radical right-wing terrorist group. The bright up-and-coming analyst must confront the challenge of sticking to a new identity while maintaining his real principles as he navigates the dangerous underworld of white supremacy.  (Also, Daniel Radcliffe: Swoon.)

This biopic dramedy is the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice.  Of course Meryl Streep is as incredible in the staring role, as usual.

LOVELIST | November...

When your current reigning drag queen super-star comes to town, bringing her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and her talent... you head to the club, splurge for VIP tickets, Purse first! 

I just started the new HBO series Westworld as the month was winding down.  My newsfeed was full of friends who were obsessed with the show; and only a few episodes in I can already see why. I went in blindly not really knowing what it was about... which I kind of like, if I’m being honest.  Nice being surprised.  If you want a spoiler teaser primer, then watch the trailer HERE.  And then jump on the (covered) bandwagon with us already.  Yee-Haw! 

Australian electronic duo, Empire of the Sun has been on a loop for practically all Autumn at my house, as I patiently waited for their new album’s November drop.  (As evident from their Love List shout out last month!)  And when that day arrived, it did not disappoint.  Favorite Tracks Include:  High and Low, Ride, Friends and Way to Go. 

When you get an invite from friends to join them for an afternoon of bowling, my first instinct was to ask how good they were. (It has been approximately a decade or so since I strapped on ol’ bowling shoes, after all, so I'm a bit rusty.)  Thankfully Greg lied and claimed ‘below average’ so I agreed.  Truthfully one of them brought their own bowling ball and the other used to be on a bowling league team.  Regardless of the fib, it was for the greater good and I had a blast at an alley I didn’t even know existed before.  Bonwood, I’ll totally be back.  Striiike!!  Okay… Spare!  

A misplaced sausage and his savory friends embark on an existential adventure through the aisles of a massive supermarket in the animated, raunchy Sausage Party.  As the store's annual 4th of July sale draws near, the perishable pals must return to their rightful places on the shelves before the customers come flooding in to fill their carts, while striving to discover the truth about their existence. Offensive, yes. Hilarious, yes.  Thought-Provoking, surprisingly yes!  Now, Let’s Eat…?

It seems like I’ve been waiting for some new tunes from the Canadian electronic band Dragonette forever now.  And hooray-hoorah some finally arrived, with the debut of their fourth studio album Royal Blues.  Plus they’re coming to town next month and I can’t wait to see them live!  Favorite Tracks Include: Lonely Heart, Sweet Poison, Secret Stash and Darth Vader.

You may or may not know that I kinda love cats.  (Oh hai Mit and Mo!, Daddy Loves You!)  So when I stumbled on this documentary called The Lion in Your Living Room on Netflix, you know I had to check it out.  Mit also seemed to be enthralled with it as well, as he couldn’t keep his eyes off the TV.  Mo on the other hand, well that lion in my living room opted for a nap instead.  Available to watch online HERE.

In the latest entry in Marvel’s ever expanding cinematic universe Doctor Strange, we follow a former neurosurgeon embarking on a journey of healing, only to be drawn into the world of the mystic arts.  

I discovered another culinary delight in Salt Lake this month; Avenues Proper.  I enjoyed it so much I went twice within one week. Back-to-back Saturday brunches with amazing company of some great friends from both near and far.  Check them out when you’re feeling hungry (and thirsty), I know I’ll be back!

As the promo promised, you are cordially invited to a high class dinner party, that just got a little Higher. This VH1 BFF Cooking Show gave me all the feels this month. Martha and Snoop’s adorable opposites-attracts chemistry is undeniable. Serious Squad-Goals, fo' sure Fo’ Shizzle!  Now, Let’s Eat!

In this charming and funny British comedy, Chewing Gum follows Tracey Gordon.  A religious, Beyoncé-obsessed twenty-something who is fast finding out that the more she learns about the world, the less she understands. (Available on Netflix) 

QUICK, FOR A DOLLAR:  WHO IS THE FUNNIEST COMEDIAN RUNNING AROUND WITH A MICROPHONE ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK CITY WHILE OFTEN TIMES FLANKED BY SOME A-LIST COMPANIONS!?   BILLY ON THE STREET JUST CELEBRATED IT’S 5TH(!) SEASON DEBUT.  WHY AM I YELLING?!   

I love it when Salt Lake ends up being a pit stop when friends are traveling through out the west.  This time I was happy to host my good friend Rusty as he made the long drive on a road trip back home for Thanksgiving.  It was the third time this I actually got to see him this year, and it’ll be four, if the weather holds out for his journey back home!  Fingers crossed Mother Nature. Cooperate now, ya hear!

Is this considered a guilty pleasure favorite album, because even if it is, I was proudly totally digging it all month long.  Joe Jonas and Co. had me DNCEing and grooving out to their recently dropped album.  Favorite Tracks Include: Doctor You, Blown, Naked and Zoom. 

This year I got to celebrate Turkey Day with some of my favorite people; my second honorary family.  Delicious food (and I mean DEE-LICIOUS!) and Great company, (And I do mean GRRRREAT!), and lots of fun.  Of course we jumped on the bandwagon making our very own Mannequin Challenge (in one take, mind you!)  I’m beyond thankful for that wonderful Peterson clan.

LOVELIST | October...

I've lived at Trolley Manor for a long time now.  (Happy 10 Year Anniversary to Me!!)  That doesn't mean that I don't mix it up and keep it fresh every-so-often.  When I mentioned the possibility of getting new carpet to my (amazing, wonderful, super-duper) landlords and they said Yes, I was over the moon. After painting the ceilings (ugh!) and throwing in some new art, furniture and accessories, it's never looked better.  I can honestly say I've never loved this place more.  Home Sweet Home, indeed!

One of my favorite bands St. Lucia has been to Salt Lake a few times now, but I've never been able to make it.  Well, I finally got to pop my St. Lucia concert cherry this month.  The only thing that could make a great show even better, would be seeing it with a great group of guys.  Which I did. Come back real soon now, ya hear and I'll be there.

My friend Alex just came to town for another Utah visit.  Since we covered a lot of the obvious tourist hot spots on his trip last year, we had to come up with some new ones.  A favorite of mine was the gem of incredible beauty in Salt Lake City's gorgeous Red Butte Gardens. I'd actually never been, but if you ever find yourself in SLC, be sure to check them out.

The upcoming Empire of the Sun album doesn't come out until November, but that didn't stop me from being a super-fan for the past few weeks; as I counted down to the new tunes arrival.  Literally they were rocking my Spotify a good chunk of the month. And will likely be doing the same in the next one too.

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet,

 Give me a Bucket of these to eat.  

No seriously, like for real.  So addicting. 

Tyler Glenn just put out his most personal album ever and it spoke to me (for obvious reasons.)  I love and respect him for being so honest and open with his core internal struggles and triumph at moving forward creating art and freedom in the process. Favorite Tracks Include:  Trash, Shameless, Midnight and Devil.

One of the only good things that have came from the lunacy of 2016 is Kate McKinnon as Hillary and Alec Baldwin as some orange snake oil salesman con man on Saturday Night Live.  So spot on it’s scary.  And thankfully, funny too.  If we don't laugh, we'll surely cry. Right?

A few months ago I gave a Love List shout out to the many Stranger Things reactions on the web. Now, I admit I got tired of The Walking Dead a few seasons back and quit watching.  After hearing about it’s shocking (and I do mean S-H-O-C-K-I-N-G!) season premiere, Youtube was soon flooded with episode reaction videos, and I got sucked in.  I couldn’t seem to stop watching them either.  Watch a gasp-worthy, tears-inducing, heart-breaking, gutted, pissed, distressed highlight reel HERE.  Lucille was a thirsty girl indeed. Speaking of thirsty, I also discovered a new crush for 2016.  Negan!  I mean holy crap... Negan!!  Is it bad to root for the bad guy. Cause I’m Team Negan all the way! 

I’ve said it once, I’ll stay it again- there are just too many damn good TV shows out there in 2016!   And a bundle of returning favorites just hit the air again this month.  Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Bob’s Burgers, Last Man On Earth, Fresh Off The Boat and The Real O’Neals all  fought for attention and space in the DVR.  I may have to start breaking up with a few series, but for  now, these funny sitcoms will still get my love.   

Remember how about ten-seconds ago I was complaining about the era too much must see TV, well here’s another new hilarious series to add to the watch list.  The Good Place follows a New Jersey woman after she enters the afterlife and tries to become a better person and make amends for past bad behavior, once it’s clear she may be there by mistake.  I forking love this show!

When you have a friend come to town, it’s always a great excuse to go out and explore new places to chow down.  I got to discover several new (and new to me) restaurants like HSL and Kyoto; Coffee Shop, The Rose Establishment; Speak E-Z, Good Grammar, and one can never go wrong with the mega popular Red Iguana.  I was definitely well fed in October and happily recommend each and every joint.

It’s the televised baking competition that the world has fallen for!  Sadly, Season 7 might just be the last go around before it looses it’s tasty magic.  Behind the scenes drama, the loss of both it’s wacky pun-loving hosts and the always delicious bun-loving Mary; who knows if The British Bake Off will ever be the same.  A major thanks to who ever posted the episodes on Youtube.  I appreciate ya for allowing me to follow along as it was actually airing, and not having to wait an eternity for the US broadcast like us Yanks usually are subjected too.  Now, Bake!

Truth be told, I wasn’t instantly sold on Gaga’s latest more folksy twangy offerings but after giving it a bit of a chance, it’s grown on me. And major props to Mother Monster for putting her self out there with risks and doing what she loves. She’s a true artist in every sense of the word.  Whether we get it or not. And luckily, I’m coming around to jumping on board this one too.  Favorite Tracks Include: Perfect Illusion, Million Reasons, Diamond Heart and A-YO.

Was she a cold-blooded psychopath who brutally murdered her roommate or a naive student abroad trapped in an endless nightmare? In the Netflix Original Documentary Amanda Knox, directors explore the notorious case that made headlines around the world.  

In Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, hard-partying brothers place an online ad to find the perfect dates for their sister's Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo. Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza (my favorite!!)

In Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, When their new next-door neighbors turn out to be a sorority even more debaucherous than the fraternity previously living there, Mac and Kelly team with their former enemy, Teddy, to bring the girls down.

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!