Let's Review: Year in Review

On the Jukebox: "Ladies Choice" by Zac Efron
Quote: "Do you want the long version or the short version? And I have to warn you, the long version is in Aramaic." ~ Bewitched
Flair: Endorsement

In Let's Review I give my opinion of books, movies, food, clothing, and what have you. To start off the year I thought it might be nice to have a recap of some things I liked best in 2009. Please note that the items listed may not have debuted in 2009, but that's when I experienced them.

Flathau's Shortbread Cookies - I specifically love the Key Lime Snaps but if citrus isn't your thing try the raspberry, peppermint, butterscotch, or cinnamon snaps. Think Mexican Wedding cookies - a melt in your mouth-yet crisp, shortbread cookie blanketed in powdery sugar with a surprise 'Snap' of sweetness inside. There are tiny bits of candy in the sugary coating that add to the delight. I get mine at places like Ross, Home Goods, or TJ Maxx at about half the price as you might find in fancy grocery stores.

Books - I love to read and have broken this down into a pick for fiction and another for nonfiction. My fiction pick is "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel and nonfiction pick is "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" by Malcolm Gladwell. I'll probably review these individually in another episode of Let's Review.

Music - Again I like categories. I've got Classical, Adult Contemporary, and Pop. In Classical I'm going with Andrea Bocelli's Amore. I especially like his version of "Besame Mucho." For Adult Contemporary Sissel Kyrkjebø's Gift of Love is wonderful. Her version of "Calling You" is hands down the greatest I've ever heard. For Pop I choose Owl City. This young man is making his way into mainstream music with his song "Fireflies" but it's "Vanilla Twilight" on the same album Ocean City that I like best.

Movies - I didn't see very many movies this year and nearly all of them would be in my thumbs down list. The one that really stands out as being worth owning is "The Blindside", which is interesting because I saw all 3 of Sandra's movies this year and it's the only one that wasn't a romcom. "Up" was good but I'm not into owning it. I'll probably be adding the latest installment of "Harry Potter" to the collection.

Television Shows - Wow this year sort of sucked! I actually gave up watching a lot of shows that I used to faithfully follow. No more "Heroes" or "Ghost Whisperer" for me (talk about jumping the shark!) On the other hand I found 3 new gems to be excited about. "Castle", "The Dish", and "Drop Dead Diva" - reviews on those to come later!

Smell - "Sand and Surf" Yankee Candle car freshener smells just like my memories of the beach. The salty air, the overpowering scent of suntan lotion, and the hint of cinnamon sugar churros. Instant summer in winter.

Dish - It depends on what you're in the mood for. I love the "Orange Blossom Beef" at the Joyful House. That's a Las Vegas Chinese place. If you're looking for something a bit more accessible maybe you'll agree that the "Lobster Ravioli" at Romano's Macaroni Grill is yumm-oh! It's a simple dish of lobster-filled pasta sauteed with a delicate cream sauce topped with tender lobster meat and fresh oregano.

Product - Due to being a diabetic I'm always too dry. Add the desert climate to the equation and I have to use eye drops, lip balm, and lotion like crazy. I should buy them in vats from Costco. My mom introduced me to Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Lotion - and I'm surprised at how well it works. It costs a lot less than my Mary Kay stuff and seems to be doing the job. I'm not itchy or smelly (I hate certain fragrances because they don't layer well.)

Website - Attention Latter-day Saint readers, if you have to sell or buy a home it's worth your time to check out LDSagents.com. In the past we've used other agencies (with no complaints)to manage this task. Looking for a new home in Las Vegas was a bit daunting. I wanted someone who knew where all the church buildings were as well as what the neighborhoods were like. The service is free. I filled out the form and had an agent and a broker within minutes. Working with Darren and Brandon has been great. Especially, since they get that 10% of our before tax income is going towards tithing and shouldn't be calculated into how much house we can afford.