Inception, Mad Men, and why I need a vacation

Inception. All I can say is wow. Great cast. Great effects. Great plot. Great film. I like that Christopher Nolan kept the plot shrouded in mystery and that the previews were not overly-revealing. I tend to figure out the plots of movies, and thankfully this one (for the most part) kept me guessing. It's safe to say that the husb and I will be seeing it again. And soon. (And who else was pleased to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a more adult roll? Because until I saw this movie he was still the arm waving kid in Angels in the Outfield, 500 Days of Summer, notwithstanding.)

Mad Men. Okay, in all seriousness, we are trying to figure out why it took us so long to start watching this show. I mean, it's genius. Sheer genius. The dialogue is sharp, the acting is brilliant, the costuming is a-maz-ing. I don't think I've been this enthralled in a TV show since... well... ever, maybe. (Because I don't think Buffy the Vampire Slayer counts.) Husb and I have watched three seasons in three weeks and cannot wait for the premiere of season 4. (And I'm pretty sure I want all of Betty Draper's clothes... and maybe Greg wants Don Draper's hair... I'm just saying.)

Why I need a vacation. Because I think it's mean to make people work in the summer. Seriously, we should all take the summer off. Just kidding. (Or am I?) In all seriousness, I just think it would be nice to have a bit of a respite since work has been super busy. (But let's be honest, busy feels oh so good most of the time.) Which is why I am irrationally excited for our forthcoming vacation to Newport. (Though I wouldn't mind going to Cabo again. Thus the picture above.)

Happy Monday, everyone.

Granato's with my Jami-friend

I'll admit it... I'm a bit of an Italian food snob. With good reason, I think, since I've been inundated with the goodness of good, old-fashioned Italian cooking since birth. Which is why I love finding places that enjoy preserving the culture and cuisine of my parentage.

Enter Granato's.

It's a little place I like to frequent for lunch with my Jami-friend (who, might I add, is one of my most favoritest friends) and we catch up over delicious sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.

Like the San Fran Kid, for example:

It's my current favorite sandwich, boasting imported prosciutto crudo, delectable fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, drizzled in oil and balsamic vinegar, sandwiched in between Granato's fresh ciabatta. Sounds good right? (Sort of food-gasmic? Yup, it's true... it cannot be denied.)

The establishment is so charming, and the quality of the products is top-notch. (You should see how many different varieties of Pellegrino they stock... it's incredible.) It's just one of Salt Lake's many gems. If you're in the area, I highly recommend stopping by. And Jami and I will probably be there, too.

So maybe I've always had a bit of a thing for vampires...

Which I used to be slightly abashed to admit. However, a jaunt through an electronic store on Saturday reminded me of my love for a certain TV show, and for the vampire genre in general. I'll admit, it was the lure of vampires that hooked me into the whole Twilight series, long before it became a well-known pop culture staple. And let's be honest, though the whole notion of "vegetarian" vampires that sparkle in the sunlight are an interesting interpretation of the genre, I kind of prefer my vamps to be the stake-able, "must be invited in" sort of creatures.

If you're with me, I invite you to check out my favorite vampire series of all time. It's charming and campy, and I think it paved the way for this new generation of vampire love. I especially recommend seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4. Happy viewing.

An Education at the Tower

This weekend, husband and I jetted over to the Tower Theater to catch this little gem, which we've been wanting to see for ages.

Carey Mulligan shines as Jenny... and the plot is as unpredictable as it is charming. If you're late to the game like we were, we highly encourage and suggest seeing this film. We'll even go see it again with you.

And just a little note on the theater itself, we were completely enraptured with its shabby chicness. It's been there for ages and has a little screen, but is so charming with its architectural details and retro-feel. And they still use film there, which is a fun twist on contemporary film watching. We will definitely return for more.

A few recommendations bred from our latest holiday break

A couple of movies we finally got around to seeing last week were The Blind Side and Fantastic Mr. Fox, both of which we wholeheartedly recommend.

We also recommend the patronage of both Brewvies and The Broadway, which is where we saw each movie, respectively.

It could be said of either establishment that the seats are not as comfortable, nor the picture as clear as in a larger theater, but each place has its own charm. We were able to procure two tickets plus a deliciously made pizza at Brewvies (that we were able to consume whilst sitting on a couch) for $17. And we were able to enjoy the more intimate and less crowded setting that is the Broadway. For us, sometimes it's more satisfying to avoid the masses and have a more laid-back cinematic experience.

Of the four-ish books I read over the break, I humbly recommend Anthem by Ayn Rand and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. They were pleasingly, if not surprisingly, harmonious when read in tandem. For me, it's oft times refreshing to delve into more classic literature that I have yet to experience, rather than to pick my way through the overwhelming amounts of drivel that mire contemporary literature. And this is not because I think that contemporary literature has no merit; rather, I merely think that it is becoming increasingly difficult not to be exposed to copious amounts of inane mediocrity when in search of something intellectually satisfying. But maybe that's just me.

Thriller

On Tuesday, we went up to Kingsbury Hall to see ODT's Thriller. It's been five years since I have last seen it, and it did not disappoint this year. Husband hooked us up with some phenomenal tickets, and the view was perfect. It got me in the mood for Halloween. Which, might I add, is my second favorite holiday. If you enjoy this time of year and love dance, I highly suggest checking it out.

Thank you Fox...

for making my Wednesday evening all the more enjoyable.

I have high hopes for season 6 of SYTYCD.

And I am in LOVE with Glee.

So many gems come from the Sundance film festival

The weekend we were in Bear Lake was a bit cold. Thus, we spent a lot of our time indoors.

We took the opportunity to finally watch this, which is yet another brilliant product of the Sundance film festival. And though I'm disinclined to love Evan Rachel Wood, I will say that the girl can act. And it's nice to see Michael Douglas in a role like this.

We think you'll like it.

500 Days of Summer

is a beautiful, poignant and hilarious little film. I think Zooey Deschanel is exquisite and Joseph Gordon Levitt is superb.

Seriously, go see it.

It's baaaack

and I couldn't be more excited. Even if it is on Lifetime.

Filled with Glee

We loved the pilot, and can't wait until the series begins.

If you want to enrich your life in the same spirit as Arrested Development and Flight of the Conchords, please view it below.



And thank me later. He hee.

O'Falafel, how we love you

If you happen to be a fan of amazingly delicious (and affordable) Mediterranean cuisine, husband and I highly recommend a new little spot we have discovered called O'Falafel. This fine establishment offers everything from humus to kebabs to (of course) falafels. They make their pita bread in house, and we both agree that it is absolutely delectable. And if you're in the mood for some fries, enjoy their sassy version of fry sauce, full of spices. It's yummy. It's also a vegan friendly establishment, which is always a plus.

Husband and I both heartily recommend the humus, fries, the Falafel sandwich and the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich (both served inside a freshly made pita). Trust me, you won't be sorry.

I love fishes 'cuz they're so delicious...

Dear Whole Wheat Goldfish Crackers,

Thank you for being my lunch today. As you know, I didn't have time to stop working today to grab anything else. So thanks for stepping up and helping me not to faint. And thanks for being made from whole wheat. I greatly appreciate it.

Best Regards,
Lauren

My lover and I saw

this at the Broadway tonight.

We wholeheartedly enjoyed it.

Ah, how I love fashion.

I really want

one of these right now.

SIGH.

My Dough Girl

Mmk, so I know that cupcakes are all the rage these days... but who can hate on the glories of an impeccably made cookie?

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting some of my favorite former co-workers at a delightful little cookie shop called My Dough Girl.

And all I can say is WOW.

I was especially taken by the Ricki (coconut dough with chocolate chips, coconuts and almonds) and the Vivianna (orange dough, mangoes and dark chocolate). But I will be back to try all the other kinds.

If you live in or around the slc, I highly suggest you check it out.

Sorry critics...

but we loved it.

um, so i'm pretty sure the trekkie in me just did a happy dance

yup. it was that good. my childhood zeal for all things star trek has reemerged. (bet ya didn't know i was a trekkie, did ya? te hee.)

so maybe we bought a wii...

and a wii fit and three extra controllers. {hey, sometimes we can be spontaneous.}

and just maybe we saw this tonight and found it highly entertaining. the great thing about going to a 21 and older showing is that there aren't any annoying kids around making noise in the theater. though you may have to put up with somebody who's just a little more than tipsy sitting right next to you, laughing just a little too loudly and talking just a little too much at times. but mild enough to still fully enjoy the intense special effects.

So maybe I happen to like (some) healthy food

I have always had a sweet tooth. I mean, when I was young, it got to the point where my mother had to hide the sugar from me because I thought that two tablespoons full should be added to any cereal (you know, like Honey Comb and stuff). That being said, I have always loved fruit. It really is nature's candy... and I have always found it to be quite tasty.

I cannot, however, claim the same thing about vegetables.

I used to live in fear of the broccoli and cauliflower medley that would frequent our table, dousing them with the cheese sauce that would inevitably come with them. I used to cower at the site of peas. It's ridiculous, really. And though I have gotten better as I have gotten older, I still loathe the first two. And seriously, why would you eat vegetables when you can have fruit? (You know, besides that whole "it's good for you" stuff?)

But why not have both? Why not enjoy both? I have found a way to do just that. Enter, arugula.

I will admit that I have always loved salad greens. (Which, in my mind, DOES NOT include iceberg lettuce... please at least branch out for some romaine, I implore you.) The typical "spring mix" that you find in the store, and even plain baby spinach have always been favorites... but it's nothing compared to the love I have for arugula. It is, by far, my most favoritest vegetable ever. I love the peppery taste and the texture (there's not the potential for limpness as there is in spring mix, and not the stems of spinach), and just the way it makes me feel. (Which is neighboring on warm and fuzzy, just fyi.)

Because it's a bit of an ephemeral green, I like to hoard as much as I can when I can find it. And then I have lots and lots of salads that also have fruit in them. So pretty much, it's the most perfect plan ever. (And not a thoroughly original one either, but oh well.)

My idea of a perfect arugula salad involves baby arugula, pears (or apples), pecans, slices of authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and a simple vinaigrette made of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a hint of honey and/or Dijon mustard. (And, if you're feeling dangerous, add some peeled carrots and avocado for good measure. Or just sub the pears for avocado.)

I, very literally, could eat this salad every day. I dare you not to love it too.