Favorite things - Dec. - Jan. Edition

December was filled with yummy treats, Christmas carols, the luminaria walk down Ridgecrest with my man and dog, AND A GILLION CHRISTMAS PARTIES, hence why I never got around to my Dec. list of favorites.  But of course, they were all about Christmas / Winter / Holidays, and we don't need a post to state very obvious favorites.  So here we are, moving on into 2011, and I'm happy to say that it is day twenty of the new year, and I'm still feeling that fresh hopeful glee you get when there is a new start.  My to-do list is chalk full of new ideas on how to get inspired and creative and healthy, while keeping the responsibilities in check.  We'll see how long it lasts... Anyways, here's a look back:

1.  This was a while ago, but lets start off the list with a huge props to Oprah.  It IS her last season and she DID just start the Oprah Winfrey Network on cable, but she still managed to squeeze in a history making reunion on her talk show that I HAD to record.  The cast of 'The Sound of Music' was on her stage, in its entirety, for the first time in 45 years.  As she would say with wide open arms "MONUMENTAL!"  This is one of my favorite movies and it was really cool seeing old footage, hearing about Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews on set, and seeing how none of the von Trap children looked anything like their childhood selves.  Thank you Oprah! 

I still have it saved on my DVR if there are any fans that missed it

2.  Trader Joe's Freeze Dried Blueberries -- I am the only person in the entire world who still hasn't shopped at TJ's, but I plan to someday, and when I do, I will definitely pick up a few bags of these luciously dried morsels of fruit.  My Dad gave me a bag last month, and I was like, 'great, thanks dad, dried fruit' (blah), but they are actually delish and have a lot of flavor.  You can bake with them, add them to oatmeal, or just eat them raw (just beware -- you might get them stuck in your teeth).  They have zero additives, and I'm pretty sure that the entire bag is one serving and is only 120 calories so you can eat a few handfuls and not even dent your diet (or your pretend diet, if you're like me).

3.  Good Magazine.  My cousin stayed with me last month and left it behind and I really like it!  it's like totally 'by the people, for people' and super creative, but not to the point where you feel like it's all discombobulated / hippy shit.  It was 'The Work Issue" and talked about everything jobs / career / economy / education and all in a context that is down to earth, real life, interesting, and for 20-early 30somethings who are still close to their college ties.  It is visually interesting (they have graphic art competitions for their cover / article work) and has nice thick heavy paper.  Me likey.  Also, I haven't yet perused it yet, but their site looks just as interesting.

thanks cuz!

4.  Fruitables dog treats.  Luka is not a fan of any kind of meaty treat.  He is more of a banana, carrot, cucumber kinda guy.  I always wanted to take him to formal dog training, or do it myself, but he won't give a rats ass because he doesn't like any of the treats I buy.  He either spits them out, or pretends to bury them in the carpet.  Last month some friends were visiting from Ohio and  brought along their dog's favorite snacks, fruitables, and Luka loved them.  They come in a bunch of different flavors, are organic, healthy, and not so high in calories that your dog will pork out if he eats too many.  There are flavors like: Pumpkin & Blueberry, Pumpkin & Banana (which even sounds like good human food), Pumpkin & Cranberry, and Pumpkin & Apple.  I've been to the chain pet stores in town and they aren't there, but I bet Clark's or Whole Foods will (my source says she buys them from Amazon).  They have Luka's seal of approval.

5.  If you have seven bucks, go catch the matinee showing of "True Grit."  uh-ma-zing.  The girl that stars it it gives a mezmorizing performance, she reminds me of a western Judy Garland but with depth.  As soon as the movie was over, I felt so involved in the story, I wanted them to start it over so I could watch it again.  GO.  SEE.  IT. 6.  Goody hair spin pins -- I've been spreading the word about these little gizmos for a while now, but I just love them so much, they need an honorable blog mention.  Say you make a bun like normal, messy or tight, high or low, and then you basically screw this pin in and it holds it all together.  Each box comes with two pins in case you have a ton of hair, and you can find them all Walgreens / Target.  Goody is also on top of giving ladies what they want, so they also have these new snazzy products and tutorials to show you how to use them. 7.  Before New Year's Eve I scoured the interwebs for some good appetizer recipes and this one seemed to be a winner with the crowds:  Bacon wrapped pineapple shrimp.  It doesn't look like much right here, but I promise, you won't be disappointed.  It tastes like a little kabob on a toothpick and is veryyyy easy to make.  David doesn't like shrimp, but I discovered if you wrap it in bacon, he can't get enough of it.  Thank you Rachel Ray for your little pterodactyl arms and quick yummy recipes.   8.  A few new blogs have been brought to my attention this past month.  One is a guilty pleasure, and the other makes me want to quit my job and remodel a beautiful Virginian home.  First, 'Calling People Names' is hilarious and often is about things most people think, but don't have the guts to say.  I love it.  It can be sweet, funny, and raunchy, but without crossing the line, just like things I think about everyday ;)  The other blog was brought to my attention by a girlfriend who knows of my budding DIY interest and it's about a couple who (since the crazy popularity of their blog) have been able to quit their jobs and blog full time about remodeling/decorating/stylizing their house.  Young House Love.  They do almost everything themselves in super easy creative ways and give great DIY instructions to follow.  They also seem really sweet and down to earth and aren't afraid of letting it all out, from the details of their courtship / wedding / marriage to having a kid and looking for a new house, the husband and wife take turns with blog posts and are wide open for everyone to see.  I also love that they post like twice a day so there is always something to read (low work productivity when I read this blog).  (JDel, you will love this site, but be prepared to sit for a few hours because the reading is endless.  A lot of the projects remind me of things you and Reed would do for your new home.) 9.  Final Favorite -- Narayan's 2nd Birthday.  It's amazing how time passes and now he has grown up into a little boy who is putting sentences together, listens to directions, and is in love with anything with wheels. Happy Friday!