GOOD: Sleep Better in May

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Things are easier said than done, or so the old adage goes, and we couldn't agree more. That's why we do The GOOD 30-Day Challenge, a monthly attempt to live better.

Dreaming of better sleep? You're not alone. A recent CDC report found that nearly a third of American workers don't catch enough winks. Shut-eye isn't just a luxury; the agency calls insufficient sleep a public health epidemic and reminds us that people who don't get enough quality sleep are more likely to suffer from a variety of chronic diseases.

That's why, for this month's GOOD 30-Day Challenge, they are asking you to join them in a pledge to sleep better. Sure, that means getting more hours, but also creating consistent sleep schedules, turning our bedrooms into perfect sleep environments, and more. Throughout the month, they'll offer tips, ideas, and resources for becoming a healthier and better sleeper.

This is one thing to try NOT to sleep on.

Food and Love

They go hand in hand.

Or maybe hand in mouth.

Here is a list of some of the best food and love moments Hollywood has to offer to us, according to Avenue Magazine.

I personally just love movies ABOUT food.. not movies about love that have food in them.

The Age of Innocence

Say what you will about 19th-century New York socialites, but you can’t deny they knew how to throw a dinner party. The movie adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1921 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (directed by Martin Scorsese) features food porn for fuss-budgety types, with lavish displays of historically accurate cuisine. To properly re-create a scene from this film will require an abundance of silver serving dishes, servants and overall opulence — the likes of which you’ll only see at the Fairmont Palliser, Calgary's grand dame of hotels.

Meal: Chilled seafood plate (king crab legs, chilled oysters, marinated prawns, sea scallops, mussels, clams with Marie rose sauce and shallot mignonette) in the Oak Room. (133 9 Ave. S.W., 403-262-1234, fairmont.com/palliser)

Click here to see the scene.

Bridges of Madison County

It’s the age-old story of the middle-aged farmer’s wife (Meryl Streep) and the globetrotting photographer (Clint Eastwood) hooking up for four days while her husband is away at the Illinois State Fair. The food in the movie is simple and plain — think scrambled eggs and toast — and if that’s how you plan to wow your love, then you’re pretty lame. Including the film for its food is a bit of a stretch but I think Bridges is a great love story and they do eat, after all, so you can take your cues from the breakfast they share after they consummate their affair and look for the best eggs you can find.

Meal: Margarita omelette with confit tomatoes, feta and basil at Red’s Diner. (1415 4 St. S.W., 403-266-3448, redsdiner.com)

Click here to see the scene.

Casablanca

This 1942 classic is considered to be one of the most romantic films of all time, and while it’s not a gastronomic classic, they drink tons of Champagne and other tipples, making it well worthy of emulation for romantic purposes. Veuve Cliquot makes an appearance in the movie but it’s Mumm Cordon Rouge that Rick and Ilsa tipple throughout their Paris love affair. Bonus points for also featuring burbon, brandy, Cointreau and French 75 cocktails, made with gin, Champagne, lemon juice and sugar.

Drink: French 75 at Blink Restaurant. (111 8 Ave. S.W., 403-263-5330, blink-calgary.com)

Click here to see the scene.

Chocolat

Based on the novel of the same name by Joanne Harris, this film features chocolate, Johnny Depp and France. Say no more, non? On top of that, there’s comedy, sensuality and dynamic characters that make this quirky, unpredictable story both charming and touching. Despite the cliché that is chocolate and romance, this movie isn’t.

Shop: Coppeneur Chocolatier. (105 8 Ave. S.W., 403-457-4210, coppeneurchocolate.com)

Click here to see the scene.

Lady and the Tramp

Perhaps the most iconic film image of two lovers sharing a meal is actually one of animated dogs. After Tramp, a stray mutt from the wrong side of the tracks, rescues Lady, an uptown cocker spaniel, the two share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs and a night of romance ensues. Just please, please, don’t actually share a piece of pasta in public. Just because it’s cute for dogs doesn’t mean it’s cute for you.

Meal: Meatballs (frozen) and store-made tomato sauce from the Italian Supermarket. (265 20 Ave. N.E., 403-277-7898, italiansupermarket.com/)   

Click here to see the scene.

9 1/2 Weeks

This steamy, sexy drama might not be for everyone, but in the realm of erotic food scenes, it is unequalled in mainstream movies. (By mainstream I mean not porn.) John (Mickey Rourke) spoon-feeds a blindfolded Elizabeth (Kim Basinger) a random assortment of whatever’s edible in the fridge and pantry, including fruit, pasta, Jello, milk, cough syrup, honey and whatnot. As for how to mimic the moment ingredients-wise, anything in your fridge or cupboards will do.

Click here to see the scene.

Waitress

I know, I thought the same thing before I saw the movie. Keri Russell? Felicity? There’s no way this movie can be good. But the pie! The movie is about a small-town waitress who’s married to a big jerk so she makes up for her miserable life by baking the most magnificent pies. There’s a plot that involves an unplanned pregnancy and a handsome doctor and the usual sap, but if you can look beyond that and focus on the pie then you’re in for a treat.

Pie: Lemon meringue pie from Pascal's Patisserie. (101, 5240 1A St. N.E., 403-968-6158, pascals.ca. Check website for availability.)

Click here to see the scene.

When Harry Met Sally

Meg Ryan’s fake orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally may be one of the most recognizable scenes in movie history, but what about that pastrami sandwich of Harry’s? The scene takes place in Katz’s Delicatessen, a real deli in Manhattan that specializes in pastrami, corned beef and hot dogs. Fortunately, Calgary has its own deli specializing in smoked meat so we can all have “whatever she’s having.”

Meal: Traditional Montreal smoked meat sandwich at Myhre’s Deli. (1411 11 St. S.W., 403-244-6602, myhresdeli.ca)

Click here to see the scene.

At Last

That's where it begins and ends for me and these songs were the ones that touched me the deepest. It was like I was laying hold of some part of me that I didn't even know was there until I let it out.

- Etta James

January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012

**

At Last--

it's time for you to rest that beautiful, soulful voice.

Thank you for singing the blues when I wasn't able to find the words.


**

Bye-Bye 2011

Bidding farewell to viral news stories of 2011

Nyan Cat

First there was Honey Badger and then there was Nyan Cat, I haven't been able to sleep the last two nights (Yes, I'll blame it on the rainbow farting cat NOT on other such things).

Watch this if you dare:

The Innocent Joy in being Evil

She's young and she's innocent but she sure loves being on the dark side.

Future Mayor of the Death Star.

The Beauty of Every Second

Every beautiful second counts...


Seconds Of Beauty - 1st round compilation from The Beauty Of A Second on Vimeo.

__

Or if that doesn't move you, this might.

Best Outdoor Gym Ever?

and that's that.

MOM: Mountain Man

I haven't done a Music Obsession Monday in... years maybe.

I have a reason now. A beautiful reason. The reason is Mountain Man.

Do You Realize?

Do You Realize - that you have the most beautiful face
Do You Realize - we're floating in space -
Do You Realize - that happiness makes you cry
Do You Realize - that everyone you know someday will die


And instead of saying all of your goodbyes - let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It's hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun don'-go down
It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round


Do You Realize - Oh - Oh - Oh
Do You Realize - that everyone you know
Someday will die -


And instead of saying all of your goodbyes - let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It's hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun don'-go down
It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round


Do You Realize - that you have the most beautiful face
Do You Realize

**
It's funny the things I dream about. Songs, flavours and feelings. Last night I dreamt of this song. Not sure why. It's been so long since I've even thought about it.

But looking at the lyrics, it resonates with my simple, superficial, views on life. I go deeper then that but this is where I begin.

Married

I found this video in my travels and thought it was sweet:


That a Yes? from Maxine Denver Photo+Video on Vimeo.

Kelly, above, tells the story: "After dating for four years, we had just moved to Oregon. We drove out to take pictures in my favorite giant field, and Paul spontaneously asked me at sunset. He didn't have a ring or anything--he just suddenly felt like it was the right time and place. It's not the most glamorous proposal, but it was so heartfelt, and I can't imagine a sweeter way. We got married three months later."

I'm just a big ol' suck. It's not the grand gestures that are the best ones, it's the real gestures that are the best.

It's been 1, 2, 3, 4, long years...

After 4 long years this super fan has been waiting with bated breath for my most favorite songstress to come out of hiding and release some new sounds. When her Reminder album came out I was disappointed. Most of the material was old to me. Things I had heard in concerts or off of bootlegged albums years prior to the release. One song I have been waiting for is one called Anti-Pioneer. Well, my wish has been granted. Due out in the fall, Feist has an album coming out called Metals featuring a remastered version of Anti-Pioneer. Oh yeeeeeah!

To go along with her new album there is a new and remastered website as well as some coy teaser videos.

She's back and I'm excited. That means a tour and hopefully a return to Calgary Folk Fest. This is her home town. (hint hint Leslie Feist)

Article about Feist's return in Spin Magazine along with a review of a few of the tracks included on Metals.

October is so long away.... *sigh

Guitar Pride

I've been practicing my guitar lots over the last week. I started to loose my callouses and I swore to myself that I'd never go through the rebuilding stage again. So, I had to force myself to really return but all it took was one night and I guess a nice break to capture the passion I had last month. I'm actually doing really well. I know this because I'm not as shy about people hearing me, my mistakes are there but it doesn't matter. I think to an untrained ear they might not be as obvious. My chords are flowing quicker and my strumming has a confidence it hasn't had before. I'm still very beginner but the easy songs I am playing come much easier now. I need to work on my bar chores but I'm proud of where I am and excited of how much better I'll be as I keep practicing. I'm already able to write songs (bad songs but a girls' gotta start somewhere!) and I have just about enough basic knowledge to play by ear. Just about... hee hee.

My favorite songs to play are Joni Mitchell songs because they are the easiest and I love retelling her tortured stories. I also have returned to the first song that I was taught, Cupid by Sam Cook. I struggled my way through it all those month ago but just the other day I opened it up to look at it for the first time in a while and I was able to play my way through it effortlessly. It's become my new favorite.

I have enjoyed Sam Cook since Feist introduced me to his one of his less popular songs. She has a soft place for him as she often talks about him. Hopeless romantics.

Can't Stop Me Now

Can't stop me now hear what I say
My feet wanna move so get out my way
I'm gonna have my say
I'm going to every discotheque
I'm gonna dance dance dance dance ooh
Till the break of day I say

Life, I Love You

 

Life feels so good, it usually feels good to me but it really feels good right now. One of the best things I could have done was stop taking those sleepy time pills. I felt good then but now I feel amazing. They are finally out of my system, I think they left on the last day in Maui because since then, I've only had one bad sleep. I haven't been sleep walking, I feel fresh, alert and amazing. I feel amazing. I can't get over how good I feel even with some of the texture going on I still feel good. It's like underneath all the waves I can feel how warm and comfortable the earth really is. It doesn't have anything to do with the changes in my life or the luck that I've had. It's just me. I'm just content, excited and so in love with life and everyone around me. Even when I get a little down (one can't be happy all the time. Actually, one can't be something all the time... our emotions wax and wan and change. It's healthy. To be stuck in one emotion is like painting with one color.) I still know that inside I feel good. I respect myself and the people around me. I am optimistic.

Am I bragging? I don't mean to be. I just wanted to share how I was feeling.

Yesterday I enjoyed the afternoon reading my book at the park. I talked to interesting people, ate tasty things and took in all the sunshine. I walked and bought something more to eat (Cream Puffs) plus some tooth past and then went home to play guitar. I fell asleep at midnight as I have been the last few weeks and woke up well before my alarm. My sleep was good, my dreams were amazing and I just felt great. I felt great at the start of the year as things started to fall off my shoulders but now. I'm enjoying that feeling and appreciating it everyday. I know there are amazing things a head of me. There are amazing things right in front of me now.

Thank you life. Thank you friends. Thank you world and thank you Blanche. I am just so full of love that I swear, I'm ready to move to Savary Island and be a hippy.

When I went through my oldies soul/rhythm and blues phase in my teens I was the hugest fan of Bill Withers.

When I wake up in the morning
love
and the sun light hurts my eyes
And something without warning
love
bears heavy on my mind.
Then I look at you and the world's alright with me
Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be -
A lovely day - lovely day

When the day that lies ahead of me seems impossible to face

And someone else instead of me always seems to know the way
Then I look at you and the world's alright with me
Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be -
A lovely day - lovely day

Life Changing

It was a few years ago that I watched this movie, Paris Je T'aime and it quickly became one of my favorites of all time. Secretly, I'm a romantic at heart. I can't help it.



This short film changed my life:

It taught me that I controlled my love, I just had to be open to it.

Bastille (XIIe arrondissement) — by Spanish writer-director Isabel Coixet. Prepared to leave his marriage for a much younger lover, Marie Christine (Leonor Watling), a man named Sergio (Sergio Castellitto) instead decides to stay with his wife (Miranda Richardson) after she reveals a terminal illness - and he rediscovers the love he once felt for her.

Mouth Work

Some people get all the talent....

Brandy

Yeah Brandy used to watch his eyes when he told his sailor's story
She could feel the ocean fall and rise, she saw it's raging glory
But he had always told the truth, Lord he was an honest man
And Brandy does her best to understand

Pea Soup

The Exorcist from MrPrice2U on Vimeo.


I thought this was going to be for Pepto...

When I Die...

and I will always give you shade...

This urn will turn me into a tree. You don't find many designers working in the funeral business thinking about more creative ways for you to leave this world (and maybe they should be). However, Spanish designer Martin Azua has combined the romantic notion of life after death with an eco solution to the dirty business of the actual, you know, transition.

His Bios Urn is a biodegradable urn made from coconut shell, compacted peat and cellulose and inside it contains the seed of a tree. Once your remains have been placed into the urn, it can be planted and then the seed germinates and begins to grow. You even have the choice to pick the type of plant you would like to become, depending on what kind of planting space you prefer. I, personally, would much rather leave behind a tree than a tombstone. 

 

my current music obsession: Blood Sweat & Tears; When I Die