Musical musings for January

The first month of any new year always seems to fly by too quickly. Although I shouldn't be disappointed by this because it means not only do I edge closer to warmer weather, but also to upcoming fun adventures. I think I am doing a decent enough job of not turning into a bear and hibernating through winter. However, there are two things that could happily keep me entertained inside for hours, ice hockey (so glad to have it back) and having way too many TV shows to watch. Television, including reality shows, is responsible for the majority of songs that ended up in my iTunes library this month. I have grown particularly attached to How I Met Your Mother with song number six on the list below playing during one of my favourite scenes of the series thus far:

1. Love Like Mine (feat. Hayden Panettiere) - Nashville Cast
2. Kiss You - One Direction
3. If I Knew - Bruno Mars
4. Suit & Tie - (feat. JAY Z) - Justin Timberlake
5. Home - Phillip Phillips
6. Let Your Heart Hold Fast - Fort Atlantic
7. Stutter - Marianas Trench
8. Stupid Boy (The Voice Performance) - Cassadee Pope
9. Why Ya Wanna - Jana Kramer

Clearly I am in no hurry to get over my One Direction phase. I think it is safe to say I am a fan of their music. Having said this, I don't think I would ever go to one of their concerts, but a concert I am going to is Marianas Trench in April. I am really excited to see them live especially as I now have so much of their music in my iTunes. Also, I have to say how nice it is to have Justin Timberlake back in the music biz. I am sure I wasn't the only one that missed him and his music.

January's music can be found on these albums (images courtesy of iTunes)

Movie buzz

There are many award shows held throughout the year with The Oscars being one of the most anticipated, as much for the fashion as for the winners. I find that once the award nominees have been announced I become somewhat curious of the Best Picture nominees and even consider going to watch some of them either before the awards or after. This year is no exception, however the only difference is any intrigue or curiosity I had has now been satisfied. Of the nine nominations, I have watched the four movies that I was interested in seeing: Les Miserables, Django Unchained, Argo and Silver Linings Playbook. These movies are each so different, but definitely worth the watch depending on your movie preferences. I would have to say that out of the four, Silver Linings Playbook was my absolute favourite followed by Argo. I had no real expectations for Silver Linings Playbook except that the trailer looked good and that it must be a decent enough movie considering all of the awards it had been winning. Without revealing any of the plot, I thought it was a fantastic movie and I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw a better one. The plot, its characters and the actors that play them are a great combination. It is such a funny movie and what I would consider an unconventional romantic comedy with the pairing of Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper a dynamic duo. I would even go so far as to say that if someone asked me to go see it again with them I would say yes without any hesitation. I think it is just that good, but enough of me overselling it, you should go check it out for yourself and any other nominees that have caught your eye.

Silver Linings Playbook Movie Poster (image courtesy of IMDb)

Baking and books

So a few days ago I officially entered the last month of my twenties and maybe I should be painting the town red while my age still starts with a 2 and maybe I will, but not today. Instead I enjoyed the cold sunshine, clear blue sky and gorgeous snow-capped mountain views. It was one of those lovely days that reminded me how lucky I am to be in Vancouver just walking around and taking it all in. My little incidental exercise adventure took me to one of my favourite stores, Chapters. I definitely didn't need any more books because I am already in the middle of one and have two more on my nightstand to read, but that didn't stop me from purchasing another two, The Great Gatsby and Living Single. The first inspired by the movie adaptation release later this year and I guess the other probably because of my current relationship status and the plot sounded interesting. Sometimes I just buy things I really don't need, but at least my somewhat impulse buying isn't an expensive habit.

The other thing I indulged in today was baking because I had been thinking a little bit about white chocolate chip chocolate cookies the last few days. It is funny how you get something on the brain and it doesn't go away until you have indulged in whatever it is. So I made these cookies using the recipe I found here and they were delicious.

Baking and books are definitely a part of my top ten favourite things and I don't think this will change as my age does. As the days tick down to my thirtieth birthday, which by the way I am spending at Disneyland in Anaheim...whoop whoop, I have no doubt I will think and try to achieve some things before that day dawns. Until then I should at least have some happy co-workers on Monday, as clearly I can't eat all the cookies I baked today.

Little Missy take two

Christmas might be over for another year and the Boxing Day sales are either winding down or already over as we enter the second week of 2013. However, I wanted to take the opportunity to give a quick shout out to my sister's business, Little Missy, as first mentioned here. For anyone looking for a unique, hand-made gift for a loved one, young and old, then check out Little Missy's collection of hair accessories, photo boards and many other lovely products. I was lucky enough to have received a gorgeous magnetic photo board last Christmas, which I was finally able to bring back to Vancouver in November after my most recent trip home. You definitely won't be disappointed with the quality of the product and your loved ones will be very happy recipients. Although, why stop with just gift giving, maybe something will catch your eye that you will want to covert for yourself. Take a minute or two to stop by and see what products are on offer.

New Year, New Obsession = Pinterest

For a while now I have been contemplating a return to the world of Facebook, which I left a few years ago for various reasons. As I continue to ponder this matter, I seem to have taken a slight detour to the wonderful world of Pinterest. I had heard about this website through a few people and finally decided to see what all the fuss was about. I am still trying to work out if this was a good or bad idea because now I am hooked. I already have 20 boards and 342 pins, which may not seem like a lot, but I have only been a part of this craze for a few days. I think my problem is there are too many fun/inspiring things in pretty much all areas of life to pin and pinning is just so darn easy. I almost hear myself thinking just look at one more person's boards then logout. Fast forward a few hours and many boards later and you might just catch me logging out. You can find my boards and pins here. I am sure as I delve deeper into the world of Pinterest I will split some of my existing boards into different ones, which is something I have already begun. Also, after the initial excitement wore off, I went through my pins and renamed a few to suit myself. Well happy pinning to those already a part of Pinterest and if you aren't then maybe you should check it out, but beware that addiction is inevitable!