*hey there, it's christa*

Now That January's Almost a Wrap, Here's a Few Observations...

In a mere six days, the first month of 2012 is officially a wrap (!!!), so while I recover from shock (yeah, aside from the weather, it still feels like it should only be January 10th or so), here's a few random—and I do mean random— observations.

*There's a whopping 10 months (!!!) until the presidential election, and I'm already suffering from major political fatigue. For the record, Facebook isn't exactly helping my cause.

*It's seems a little weird that last year's leaves (yeah, we never quite got around to raking) and a few new flower blooms are already peacefully co-existing in our yard. But you won't hear this Northern girl complaining about the decidedly Spring-like temps. I'm a fan.

*Now let's talk entertainment. Was it just me or was Snow Patrol's new album was a major disappointment? I mean I'm all for switching things up, but Fallen Empires sounds like something from an entirely different band. Thankfully, the same can't be said for the latest from Kathleen Edwards. Amazing stuff.

*I also had higher hopes for "Alcatraz," namely that it might help fill the LOST void. But aside from Hurley being part of the action, I was pretty underwhelmed by it all. Funny enough, that's how I expected to feel about The Bachelor, but as it turns out, you still can't look the other way with a total trainwreck like Courtney on the loose. I guess that's why it's the guiltiest of all TV pleasures, right?

*Speaking of what's on TV, I think I actually preferred it when Ricky Gervais was a little meaner. One can only hope the upcoming Oscars will be a little more exciting than the Golden Globes were—especially in the fashion department. Almost everyone belonged on the "Worst Dressed" list in my estimation, save for Viola Davis, Elle Macpherson and Octavia Spencer.

*And from TV to sports, it's been nearly two weeks, and I'm still bummed about the Packers losing to the Giants. I can only imagine how bad the 49ers fans are feelin' this week. Sigh.

*Last, but certainly not least, I've noticed something not all that surprising about New Year's resolutions. When you're not eating out all the time and regularly baking Christmas cookies, it's actually possible to eat healthier (quelle surprise!). Now here's hoping all that chocolate available in February won't derail the good progress in January...

Now that all my ranting and raving is over, I'd love to hear from you—what's gotten the thumbs up or down from you this January?

Extreme Heat: DFW Edition (A.K.A. Fall Can't Arrive Soon Enough)

I've never exactly been the green thumb type, but I still never expected my lawn to be a lovely shade of wheat.

Yes, it's drought season here in Texas, and despite my best efforts in programming our automatic sprinklers for just the right amount of H2O at just the right time, the Banister lawn is easily the ugliest one on the block.

Even worse is the large stripe of brown in the otherwise green rectangle of grass near the mailbox. I don't know if the water simply doesn't reach or if our lawn was secretly hoping for chunky highlights, but it's pretty atrocious.

See, before I moved to DFW last summer, everyone had warned me about the Texas heat and how it was different from other kinds of heat. And considering I'd visited several times since Will and I've been married, I (almost) knew what I was getting into...well, except that I never dealt with it every day. But I assumed that 8 1/2 years of dreadfully hot and humid summers in Nashville was a decent prerequisite, right?

I guess not.

See, grinning and bearing it for a few days in Texas (thank you, Frederic Fekkai glossing cream) isn't so bad. But facing the heat on a daily basis, especially when you've got pasty white porcelain skin like me, is the proverbial horse of a different color. To wit, I have a horrendous tan line on my wrist (thank you, cute Fossil watch) just from checking the mail, and I won't even elaborate on what Will calls my "redneck socks."

Needless to say, I couldn't be more thankful that I work inside on days like these. At home. Not only do I have the air conditioning blasting and constant access to bottles of nice cold water and green tea, but I can wear fearlessly wear shorts (ok, they're more like capri pants) without anyone getting frightened by the ghost whiteness of my gams and my strangely tan ankles.

If anything, these summers have given me an entirely new appreciation for everyone who works outside in this blazing, triple-digit heat. I'm sure I'd pass out in like five minutes flat and have third-degree burns to boot. But they handle it like pros, every day no less, so hat's off to them!

Meanwhile, fall can't arrive soon enough for me. I can't wait for a blast of nice temperate air. But as a backup in the meantime, I'd gladly accept a few days of rain as a consolation prize. Hear that DFW weather guys and gals? R-A-I-N. Pronto.

List #3: I Haven't Done One of These in Ages...

It's still all lists, all the time here on my blog, but today's entry was inspired by a tag on my Facebook page.

Remember when a day wouldn't pass without one of these "getting to know you" quizzes landing in your Inbox? Well, in the spirit of not doing one of these in ages, I thought I'd devote this list to just that...

Getting to Know You (courtesy of Joshua St. John)

What time did you get up this morning? I slept in until (gasp!) 8:00 a.m., a rarity in my world.

How do you like your steak? Non-existent. I don't like steak.

What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I was reviewing Red with Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich.

What is your favorite TV show? Anything on the Food Network

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Nashville, Tennessee would be my home sweet home.

What did you have for breakfast? English muffin with crunchy peanut butter and a little raspberry jam, turkey bacon and a bottle of water.

Your favorite cuisine? Italiano.

What foods do you dislike? Steak, roast beef, hamburgers (see a theme emerging here?), most fish, raw fennel, pulled pork, cooked cabbage

Favorite Place to Eat? Dos Caminos

Favorite dressing? Balsamic vinaigrette

What kind of vehicle do you drive? SUV

What are your favorite clothes? Depends on the occasion...I'm not too picky but the older I get, the more comfortable I like to be.

Where would you visit if you had the chance? I'd spend two months in Italy, move on to France and then, the Czech Republic.

Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Depends if I'm feeling happy or snarky.

Where would you want to retire? Santa Monica or Santa Barbara, California

Favorite time of day? Whenever Will gets home from work.

Where were you born? Madison, Wisconsin

What is your favorite sport to watch? Are there are any other sports worth watching besides pro football?

Bird watcher? Yes, I have an unhealthy fear of them, so it's good to know where they're at.

Morning or night person? Is it possible to be both?

Do you have any pets? Only stuffed

Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I'll let you know.

What did you want to be when you were little? Hannah Storm or Judy Blume

What is your best childhood memory? Shooting hoops with my dad

Are you a cat or dog person? Neither really, but if pressed, I'd say a dog person. Cats make me sneeze and are a little too mean for my liking.

Are you married? Yes, five years now...

Always wear your seat belt? Always!

Been in a car accident? Yes, and it's forever changed the way I drive.

Any pet peeves? People who are mean, people who are always late, bad drivers...yeah, that pretty much covers it.

Favorite Pizza Toppings? The works or Hawaiian works for me.

Favorite Flower? Gerbera daisies...so cute!

Favorite ice cream? Chocolate chip cookie dough

Favorite fast food restaurant? Chick-a-fila

How many times did you fail your driver's test? None, I passed the first time.

From whom did you get your last email? My movie review editor, Laura MacCorkle

Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, Sephora or Nordstrom (and yes, I can't pick just one)

Do anything spontaneous lately? I went for an unplanned walk this afternoon, does that count?

Like your job? Definitely. I'm my own boss.

Broccoli? Better steamed than raw, but I'll eat it either way.

What was your favorite vacation? My honeymoon, hands down. We drove up the 101 and stayed in L.A., Santa Barbara, Carmel and San Francisco...it was perfect.

Last person you went out to dinner with? Sir William

What are you listening to? The Barefoot Contessa talking about tuna tartare in the background.

What is your favorite color? I'll say red. But I reserve the right to change my mind.

Favorite Bands/Artists? U2, Coldplay, Radiohead, Ryan Adams, Josh Rouse, John Mayer, Ray LaMontagne, and the list goes on and on and on...

Favorite Beer? I'd rather have a peach bellini please.

Favorite Comfort Foods? Pasta and ice-cream

Favorite way to relax? A great book or film will do just fine.

5 Essentials for Surviving Texas

While I'm not completely new to Southern living since I lived in Nashville for eight years not that long ago, I will confess that living in Texas has been a major shock to my system after four years back in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

For one, I'd forgotten (or simply blocked out) just how hot and sticky the summers are, and for another, I'm still getting used to being called "honey" and "sweetie" by complete strangers all over again.

Of course, the people in Minnesota are known for being nice (hence the expression "Minnesota nice"), but this brand of friendly sometimes catches you off guard—like when your Starbucks barista says "I've got a non-fat iced caramel macchiato for sweetie pie," and you know she means you.

But in my quest for survival in the Big D, I have stumbled upon a few new essentials that have made life downright bearable. So with no further adieu, here are my favorite five items I've only recently learned that I can't live without.

1) Greta, my GPS—Yeah, I know it's a crutch, but have you ever tried driving in a place with a gazillion  three-number freeways and the craziest drivers known to man? Here I'd always thought the Nashville drivers were the nuttiest lot around, but now I know they're downright tame compared to the swerving, turn-signal eschewing, cut-in-front-of-you-with-their-gigantic-pick-up-trucks Texans. But thanks to bossy ol' Greta (yep, I named her), I don't get lost while trying to navigate the Texas highways—a giant relief to say the least.

2)Smashbox Photo Finish primer. Truth be told, foundation and copious amounts of sweat aren't exactly bosom buddies. And while I'd love to be one of those au naturel, makeup free beauties, I just don't feel quite "ready" without it. So what's a girl to do when the dewy look has gone seriously greasy? Well, I gave the Smashbox Photo Finish primer a try, and low and behold, my face doesn't look all nasty when I'm out in all that hot sunshine. It keeps everything in place and is weightless to boot—what's not to love?

3)Garnier Fructus smoothing serum. It's cheap and keeps my frizzies at bay. 'Nuff said.

4)Magazine subscriptions. When you're getting your house all organized and are still working, working, working, there's not much time for reading books (as sad as that is). But magazines? That's another story. You can flip your way through (and read a few articles) in no time at all. So thank you Real Simple, Food Network Magazine, In Style and Entertainment Weekly for keeping me informed without taking much time at all.

5)Super Target—Oh how I love thee, I can't even begin to count the ways. In addition to having yummy produce and the roasted red pepper hummus I like, you've got everything else I need, too (lightbulbs, Advil, throw pillows, cheap dishes when your movers have broken most of yours) all in one handy place—genius.

Goin' Back to Nashville...

Just like clockwork, April always brings...

1. The great un-thawing of Minnesota. (Well, except for last year when it actually decided to SNOW! Guess who wasn't happy about that? Yep, you guessed it, yours truly.

2. Some sort of allergy/cold combo where I can't breathe properly through my newly acquired Rudolph nose, usually before, after or during GM Week in Nashville (and thank goodness, it arrived right on schedule a week before my trip).

3. My annual trek to Music City for the aforementioned festivities. Much fruit tea and black bean salad is consumed with friends, music interviews are conducted, and I get my fix of hearing people say they're "fixing to go to the grocery."

4. And yes, there's even some much-needed showers for those May flowers, too. But preferably not during my trip.

Since I'm in the midst of packing for Nashville, I found myself getting a little nostalgic. More specifically, it got me thinking about my very first GM Week (for the uninitiated, that's Gospel Music Week, a few days of interviews, meet and greets, showcases and the Dove Awards, which serve as the industry's big grand finale that honors the best artists of the genre).

When I did the math (never my specialty, but at least this was fairly basic) to figure out exactly how long it's been since that landmark trip of my college days, I must admit I was in shock. It's actually been 13 years!

13!

My, my, my, I feel old (and I'm guessing my pal Amy Bickel, who accompanied me for all the fun, probably feels the same). Incidentally, that trip to Nashville also marked my first-ever flight, which is hilarious considering how I've been making up for my lack of frequent flier miles ever since.

In addition to my first tour of the friendly skies, the Nashville trip also marked my first byline that I'd traveled a considerable distance for. Around the time my junior year had rolled around, I decided that I had to write about GM Week and the Doves for our campus paper, The Northern Light.

Only trouble is, I wasn't a "real" journalist, only a college one, but I wasn't about to let that deter me. For whatever reason (youthful determination, or sheer stupidity, take your pick) I just knew the Gospel Music Association would just have to say "yes" to Amy and I covering the event, and I'm sure glad (thanks Tricia Whitehead) they overlooked our lack of credentials.

While interviewing a slew of my favorite artists at the time, namely Jars of Clay who'd just released their second CD, Much Afraid, I discovered my passion for writing about music. In fact, I was pretty sure that's what I wanted to do in my post-college life. And when people started asking what I had planned for my future (like they so often do, whether you like it or not) I told them I was packing up my trusty Buick Century (a huge "grandma" car that I don't miss in the least) and moving to Nashville. After all, the place, not to mention the music, had made quite an impression on me—even if I'd only been there once.

Then after working a slew of odd jobs (and "odd" is really the only way to describe these gigs with so little in common) once I moved to town, I actually ended up working for the very magazine I'd been subscribing to since I was 14, CCM Magazine. I liked working there so much, in fact, that I stayed for five and a half years before becoming a full-time freelance writer/author.

Now all these years later, (and four since my hubby and I officially left Nashville for the Great White North), I'm still covering GM Week. And while it's probably not with the same youthful exuberance of my college years, (I mean who can compete with that?), it's always fun to reconnect with everyone I've met along the way.

And just like my first trip to NashVegas, I will still always be in awe of just how much butter the cooks slap on top of the delicious pancakes at Pancake Pantry. If you haven't witnessed it for yourself, let's just say that Paula Deen would be proud—very proud indeed.

Don't Mess With My Scrabble!

Anyone who knows me well knows that I loooove me some Scrabble.

In fact, back in my dating days, I'd venture to say that approximately half of Will and I's outings involved some rather competitive Scrabble games. And frappuccinos.

But these days, even though life is busy and there aren't quite as many opportunities to play, our portable Scrabble still goes everywhere we do (Vegas, L.A., you name it). After all, any time you can squeeze in a game is a good, good day. And when there's sunshine and a beach, well, even better.

So given my affinity for all things Scrabble, you can probably imagine why I was a bit freaked out by the recent BBC article that said the official rules were changing. Under the new Scrabble regime (that was fun to type, I have to admit), eligible words would include proper nouns of all things! PROPER NOUNS? You mean, I'd be able to make Beyonce for a whopping 42 points on a triple-word space plus 50 extra for a bingo? That's just wrong, and we're talking 92 points here.

Thankfully before the Scrabble faithful could get in too much of a huff, this article officially set the record straight. I guess these "new rules" only apply to a new version of Scrabble that's hitting stores soon, a bit of news that means that everything is right again in the world.

But whew, that was close!!!!!!!!!!! 

2009: A Few of My Favorite Things

Since Oprah decided not to reveal her favorite things of 2009 (perhaps she will in 2010, considering it's her last year of her talk show and all), I decided to step in and, well, do the honors myself.

Of course, since my budget is considerably, um, less than Ms. Oprah's, everything here will be decidedly more recessionista chic. You know, cool but decidedly more affordable.

And now with no further adieu, here are a few of my favorites...

Food Network—The Magazine: Considering how much I love magazines (yes, I'm single handedly trying to keep the publishing biz alive with all my subscriptions) and Food Network, combining the two was nothing short of brilliant. From the make-your-mouth-water photography to the wide range of recipes it offers from Ina, Giada, Rachael and the like, you don't have to spend 30 minutes in front of the tube to get some great culinary information...just pick up the magazine, and you're set.

Mac Lipglass in "Revealing": While bright red lipstick looks fab on celebrities, I've just never been the girl who can sport the crimson hue without feeling seriously self-conscious. So needless to say, I've been on the lookout for the perfect nude-colored lipgloss with just a bit of shine for a really, really long time. I like doing up my eyes, after all, and prefer my pout to be more subdued.

But one visit to Sephora after the next, I've always been disappointed. While some lip glosses have been the right shade, they just weren't moisturizing enough. Others labeled "nude" were a sickly looking pink color that made my pasty white skin look downright corpse-like. Not a good look to say the least.

However, a chance visit to a Mac counter @ Macy's proved life-changing once I discovered "Revealed." Not only is it the right shade, but the texture rocks, too. Basically, I'm a happy girl who doesn't have to search for the right lipgloss anymore, which saves me serious time at the mall. Now please, please don't discontinue my shade, Mac. Deal?

MacBook Pro: Yes, I'm a Mac, and I've had a couple of white MacBooks that have lasted through thick and thin. And when you write full-time for a living, well, that level of dependability is a must. While I've always been more than happy with my MacBooks past, once I spied the gorgeous silver MacBook Pro with that sleek keyboard and black accents at the Apple Store, I simply knew I had to have it. So now that my old Mac has a happy new home in Colorado with my sister, I've got myself a new addition to my family of Macs. And I absolutely, positively love it.

Bvlgari Body Lotion: It's been said the best things in life are free, and I couldn't agree more when it comes to this lotion. It smells downright divine and was in my hotel room @ The Four Seasons in Los Angeles.

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla from Williams-Sonoma: Ina Garten (a.k.a. The Barefoot Contessa) always extols the value of using "good" vanilla, and after using this particular variety, I can say my baking has definitely improved. Take a whiff, and you'll notice how lovely and vanilla-y it smells, so you can only imagine what it'll do for your cookies, waffles, cakes, etc. (Incidentally, they also make great vanilla beans, too, which taste delicious in so many sweet treats).

MGMT's Oracular Spectacular: Whether you need some funky background music for a party or an energetic soundtrack for the requisite trip to the gym, I love, love, love this album. 

Proflowers.com: Want to make someone's day without breaking the bank? Proflowers.com delivers the floral goods with innovative bouquets at a decent price. Everyone I've ever sent something to from Proflowers has ooohed and aaahed.

Nick Hornby's Juliet, Naked: From High Fidelity to About a Boy to Slam, Nick Hornby's novels are always something I always look forward to. And his latest Juliet, Naked is some of his best work yet. I can already see Phillip Seymour Hoffman playing the reclusive singer/songwriter at the heart of this engaging story.

Dos Caminos in Vegas: Their chips and guacamole had me at hello. Not only is the guac handmade in a mortar and pestle table-side, but it's got this great spicy kick that elevates the already tasty avocados to an entirely new level of delicious.

Aveda Shampure candle: In my estimation, Aveda makes some of the best-smelling shampoos and conditions ever. And since "Shampure" has always been my favorite, it's probably no surprise that I absolutely adore the "Shampure" candle, too. Since it's soy, it burns nice and even, and the 25 different floral and plant essences will definitely liven up your apartment, house, bathroom, wherever...

File Under: Movie Randomness

As many of you already know, watching tons and tons of movies (good, bad and otherwise) is all in a day's work for yours truly.

So from time to time I can't help but notice a few random qualities my favorites all have in common (and no, it's not just Hugh Grant in a starring role).

Lately I've been noticing how every protagonist has a very specific place for his/her keys (usually a handy-dandy decorative bowl that serves no other purpose than, well, holding the keys).

Basically, rather than throwing them on the counter or the first place that feels convenient at the time like most people do, (yes, something that's a huge time-waster once you're forced to search for them) part of establishing the character's home life (those few precious moments not spent at the office or meeting cute) in so many scripts is the simple act of having said character put the keys in that designated spot. Pretty random, huh?

For anyone reading who now thinks I'm a bit bonkers, I double dare you...watch a Nancy Meyers or Nora Ephron rom-com (or even something critically hideous but somewhat personally endearing like The Wedding Planner), and you'll see. Apparently, a specific place for your keys is pretty important...a window to the soul or whatever.

As for me, life is just a bit more fun or hectic (take your pick) when I have to hunt for them.

Ooooh, "Gilmore Girls" Movie, There's Still Hope

I read this most spectacular article in Entertainment Weekly this week that suggests that a "Gilmore Girls" movie isn't completely out of the realm of possibility...now that would be fun, wouldn't it?

As a fan of all things Lorelai and Rory, I also couldn't help but wonder how the show would've ended if G.G. creator Amy Sherman-Palladino had written it instead. My guess is that Rory wouldn't have been working as a stringer for Barack Obama...but hey, now that he's our president, at least there would be plenty for her to write about, right?

But of course what everyone is really wondering is would she still be with Logan? Seriously, the mind reels...

(Incidentally, I'm going with "no," I never really liked the guy...way too smug).

Yeah, The Realities of Fame Aren't Pretty

I've never watched an episode of "Jon and Kate + 8," but like most of America, I've seen the nasty secrets of their crumbling marriage unfolding, well, everywhere.

No matter how much I wish I could escape, I can't because any new development, no matter how minor, is prominently displayed on each and every tabloid. Even the drive-time chat on my favorite radio station is dedicated to the latest developments and CNN.com isn't immune from the Jon and Kate train-wreck, and that's where I'm supposed to be reading the actual news.

It's all a little disheartening to say the least, especially when I heard the show's ratings have quadrupled since the scandal. Seems that viewers have a taste for controversy (no surprise there), so I'm sure the Jon and Kate media onslaught is only going to continue.

Of course, I'll admit that I don't know the true ins and outs of the situation. And with so much spin and speculation out there, I'm sure no one, aside from the Gosselins themselves, really does. But as Jon and Kate's dirty laundry is aired in public like this rather than behind closed doors, I can't help but wonder if they're thinking about those eight kids that made them famous in the first place. After all, without the "+8," these two were unlikely to score a show, let alone the celebrity perks, on their own.

While the kids are still young, they're definitely old enough to understand what's going on. And how strange it must feel to see their parents feuding on those aforementioned magazine covers. I mean, how is it possible to have even a quasi-normal life when everyone on the planet is aware of your parents' very-public spat?

All I can say is this makes me very, very sad. Yes, with fame, there are certain realities. Your private business inevitably becomes everyone else's, especially when your family's every move is carefully chronicled for the camera. But maybe this is the sort of reality TV we shouldn't be watching—because ultimately, until we stop, the Jon and Kate +8 craziness isn't coming to a screeching halt any time soon.