Alt Summit in SLC

Am I really that retarded? (Don't answer that!) I blame my short attention span. I follow all these design blogs, but never realized we will be having all of my favorites right here in Salt Lake City for a little event called, Altitude Design Summit. It starts today and runs thru Friday, so I am sure all of the blogs will be talking about it for the next week. It will be like we all were there. Check out the list of talent
If only I had $400 and 3 days off work (dang why was a sick last week, when I could pretend to be sick this week). I could be there too. Maybe next year BBR will be there hobnobbing with all the blog celebs.

Second Annual Holiday Craft Party

What do girls like to do besides talk about boys?  Craft.  We unknowingly started a little holiday tradition last year.  What started out as an excuse to have our friends make their own Christmas gifts, has turned into one of my favorite holiday party ideas.
Brunette is our craft goddess around our apartment.  When she is stressed and needs a little detox, she pulls out her craft supplies.  I'm being completely honest here.  I came home one day and found her gluing strips of paper to decorate a box that she uses to store random tools in her room.  Talk about someone who oozes creativity.  Last year she came up with the idea of craft night and we enjoyed it so much we had to do it again this year.
The craft...well I can't say we had an exact plan, because you could really do whatever you wanted.  The plan was to create flower belts and shoe clips.  But what we saw our crafty friends create were headbands, garland, hair bows and pins.
Here are a few of the end results.

Naomi's beautiful purple shoe clips with feather and button embellishments

Erika's clips she can use for either her hair or a belt

Red's over sized flower belt and feathery clips

Brunette's blue shoe clips

I'll share more photos as we get them.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Christmas is a time for cheer. I suggest you watch these Christmas Music Video Gems* for a little Christmas cheer on this snowy day.

As an impressionable teen growing up in the 90s, I too was enamored with N'Sync. Reminisce here at how much you wanted to snuggle with Justin Timberlake in that amazing sweater (I know you did).



But the 90s were not the only decade to produce amazing quality Christmas Music Videos, No! I submit that the 80s were far better at it. The 80s gave us Wham! and "Last Christmas."



And if you were an impressionable teen growing up in the 90s in Russia (which I was not) you would have enjoyed this pretty little number. Thank you internet for bringing this American the joys that your country produced.



Merry Christmas!

*All this Christmas cheer comes from nostalgia. Ah the memories of my youth. I looked for more recent Christmas cheer, but I couldn't find anything that didn't make me cringe. Yep, I'ma gettin' old. The young whipper-snappers can't turn out anything Christmasey that pleases me.

Round 2 of Blonde’s Christmas Music Favorites

I previously posted on some of my favorite Christmas Holiday Albums.
Here are some more.

Disco Noel
Unfortunately, I do not own this album in electronic form and must rely on others’ record players to get me through the holidays. I first heard this album in high school because some friends found it at the local DI and decided it would be a fun adventure and boy-howdy was it. I found my copy on ebay.
Favorite song: Jingle Bells

Hotel Café presents…Winter Songs
Some traditional, some non-traditional Christmas songs by your favorite female artists. Do yourself a favor and delete Katy Perry’s version of White Christmas upon arrival, otherwise it might make you throw up. Of all the butcherings of classic Christmas songs, hers is all the leftover gross stuff that they meld together to make hot dogs, but pre-hot dog so you have to sit and look at it.
Favorite song: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters
Few can rival the mellifluous sound of Karen Carpenter's voice. Have her sing Christmas songs and you have Christmas Magic.
Favorite song: Merry Christmas Darling

Let it Snow Baby, Let it Reindeer by Relient K
If you thought that punk rock and Christmas did not go together then golly are you in for a surprise. Upbeat takes on traditional Christmas songs as well as some new ones of their own.
Favorite song: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve and Other Stories by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
More Upbeatness with the electric guitar. I can’t help it, I loves me some Trans-Siberian Orchestra for Christmas. My blonde sister introduced me to their intense Christmas array when she started hosting Trans Siberian Orchestra parties at her apartment every week until Christmas (and PS she started in October).
Favorite song: Christmas Eve in Sarajevo

December by George Winston
Need to wind down? I often do and this is the perfect blend of piano prettiness and Christmas favorites.
Favorite song: Variations on the Kanon by Pachabel

More from the Christmas vault of songs I do not love: Christmas Shoes, no matter who sings it. If you like it fine, but if you value our friendship, don’t tell me you like it.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1

The most anticipated film of the year for us here at BBR was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. We are all vivacious fans. Though the movie has been in theaters for 2 weeks and you have probably already seen it (being stalwart HP fans yourselves) here is what we thought:

Blonde: I really really liked it. And that’s saying something. I do not give high praise to most movies I watch and I really don’t give good marks to Harry Potter movies that do not follow my beloved books. Back in 2004 I was so excited for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that I reread the third book right before the movie came out. This was a big mistake as they did not follow the book at all. I was bitterly disappointed and have been holding a grudge ever since. Well, I did not make the same mistake with book number seven—I read it but one time and that was years ago at its release. So, with the not-so-clear memory of the book in my mind I was able to thoroughly enjoy the movie. It was dark and scary and I jumped in more places than most people do. But, it also lightened the mood when it was getting too intense with Ron’s and Luna’s humor. I was particularly impressed with the portrayal of the story of the Deathly Hallows, the spindly illustrations were whimsical yet sinister and ominous. And as for keeping to the book, I felt it did very well. There were a few places where it looked like the scenes came right from my imagination, so I knew they must have followed the descriptions carefully. Well done. I may change my tune once I read the book again, but for now you fooled me.

Red: I love pretty much all movies. Blonde may be convinced my movie opinions are not to be trusted for that very fact. Our varying movie lovingness can cause difficulty at the redbox. Anyway, needless to say I loved HP #7 Pt 1 (like all my abbreviations?).
I took my folks to see the movie and that was entertaining. My dad has never read any of the Harry Potter books and probably only seen one of the movies. To better illustrate what this means, on the drive home he asked "So why are they trying to kill Harry Potter?" Classic Dad. This is why I love you. The parents also added for those awkward moments when you feel like you just got busted watching a naughty movie (they only walk in on the bad scenes). The scene where Ginny asks Harry to zip up her dress and the Harry/Hermione non-clothing make-out were just such scenes. But I'm a big girl and only blushed a little.
I, like Blonde didn't read book seven anywhere near the release of the movie (and with my mind the way it is) I didn't have any problems with possible book/movie conflicts. I was delighted by Ron (he seriously cracks me up and we have a connection...the red hair), the set design (I love the Weasley home in the wheat field), and of course the story (which had me hiding tears from my parents).
Now I need to only wait 226 days for Pt 2.

Brunette: Well it looks like it is three thumbs up here at BBR. I, along with my fair and flaming haired roommates, thoroughly enjoyed HP #7 Part 1. It was dark and twisted and just as dreadfully slow as the book, and if you know me I love slow and dark. Not so much twisted though, but I can forgive that part. I like to watch characters simmer and stew and enjoy seeing lots and lots of character building. There were some plot holes but for avid HP fans, we know what is going on. Although Blonde is usually the jumpy one of the bunch, in this movie I felt like I was suddenly in her shoes whilst suffering through the scary scenes. Seriously does Voldemort just keep getting creepier? And that snake...shudder. More than once my handsome male movie mate was attacked mercilessly by my flailing limbs and screams of terror. (ahh alluring alliteration...) He graciously took the brunt of my fear, and acted as the kind gentlemen. Gosh I must be getting soft in my old age. Anyways, like the other two I also had not read the book in quite some time and found that to be a successful avenue of novel to movie watching bliss. Two enthusiastic thumbs up. 5 stars. Golden cup of awesome. Whatever, you get it.

Now go see it.

Welcome to the Christmas Season!

Though there is no official start, many of you scrooges refuse to indulge in the Christmas spirit until after Thanksgiving. I, as a multitasker, have been glimpsing into Christmas here and there since September AND I celebrate the other holidays in between with no less fervor. My Christmas love knows no bounds and I celebrate when I want.

To help you get into the Christmas spirit, here are some of my favorite Christmas albums for a Christmas playlist.

For the Traditionalist
Christmas #1s by Various Artists
These are all the famous versions of the classic Christmas songs you know and love.
Favorite song: Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives, if this doesn’t put you in the Christmas mood, I don’t know what will.


For the Electronic/Dance Christmas Enthusiast
Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller
The dance mix of Christmas
Favorite song: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (the second one on the album)


More for the Traditionalist (I’m sorry, but if you haven’t noticed, Christmas is usually about tradition)
A Christmas Treasury of Classics by Avon (if your family is anything like my family, you have many many old Avon products that have nothing to do with skin care)
My family had this on a cassette tape growing up and we all loved it so much that as cassettes became an endangered species, my sister quickly immortalized our beloved Christmas music album in electronic form so that we could pass on the Christmas love. You can find it on ebay in 33rpm vinyl or the cassette tape.
Favorite song: oh gosh I love them all! But maybe Round and Round the Christmas Tree by Bing Crosby is a little more favorite than the rest.


Umm, I’m not going to try to put this one in a category
Songs for Christmas by Sufjan Stevens
This is a 5 album set of old and new Christmas songs and all have a special Sufjan spin on them. I’m sure you will find a place for these in your collection as well.
Favorite song: Once in Royal David’s City (clearly played on the old piano in my Grandma’s basement, it sounds just the same)

For the Neil Diamond enthusiast

The Christmas Album by Neil Diamond

I added this for all you Neil Diamond fans (I'm not a non-fan, just not a fan-fan) But I know there are many who wouldn't have the Christmas spirit without a little Neil Diamond to go around. And if this Hanukkah celebrating crooner can croon us some Christmas songs, then I think we can all get along. Don't you?

Favorite song: Jingle Bell Rock (Neil Diamond energy and raspiness at his best)

This post is getting too long but is enough to get you started I believe. I will post again next week to add to your growing Christmas music collections.

Noteworthy side note: I’m pretty nondiscriminatory to differing preferences of Christmas Songs, but if you openly admit to me that you like the song Santa Baby in any form, I don’t think we can be friends anymore.

Warren Miller

They say that the ski season starts with the release of the year's Warren Miller film. Check out the trailer below and our reviews of the film.

RED: I don't ski, but after the opening scene of Andrew McLean and friends ski mountaineering on Antarctica, I want to. Seriously, they skied on an iceberg...AWESOME.
The premise of the movie is ski addicts call Johnny Moseley on a self-help radio talk show. Honestly, it was a little lame. It could have been a good concept with better lines or acting, but what can I expect these are skiers not actors. Snowboarders don't zone out, there is some snowboarding too, but it is mostly a ski video. Actually, the snowboarders were the best part. They were stupid and therefore funny.

By far my favorite part was the Antarctica section. The filmmakers did an amazing job showing off the extreme angles of the mountain. I attempted a little alpine mountaineering earlier this year and have to admit it is the scariest thing I have done. You hate yourself the entire time, determined to sell all your gear when you get safely back to the base of the mountain and some reasonable grades, but as soon as you get to the bottom you're magically ready to do it all over again. The idea of skiing down the mountain after cramponing your way up huge slopes...strap two sticks to my feet (if only it was that easy).
Overall, the footage is great, but it just wasn't as entertaining as movies I've seen at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. My reflex to cry out in "holy cow" or "oh s**t" were much less frequent. Not saying that there wasn't awesome skiing on display, but the vibe was just a little slower. I also think the cost was too high for the experience (tickets for Banff are half the price). Next year they should get some younger skiers in the film to spice it up (still great skiers, but crazy funny to watch).

BRUNETTE: What the... so your 17 bones to watch a sweet "A" ski movie AND let's not forget a day pass to the Canyon's Resort was too expensive? Geez RED, you are hard to please. I on the other hand thought Wintervention was AWESOME. But, I am also the skier of the group (I also board but who's to say which is better. Really.)
The self-help radio talk show bit was pretty hard to muscle down but that was what Junior Mints were for--just when the lack of acting skills and mediocre plot lines kick in, so does my hand reaching deep into the depths of my ginormous purse and rifling out a few of those delectable mints. A satisfying method I would say, to go into a sugar induced coma until the coolness that is backcountry skiing flashes back on. I think my neighbors enjoyed it as well. Duh, Red. Not Warren's fault if you didn't come prepared with your own sugary goodness.

My favorite part of the show was definitely the Southern Utah shots of Reggie and Zach Crist cruising off snow covered redrock. Combining two of my all time favorite activities (southern utah redrock and downhill skiing goodness) is a recipe for euphoria. Well done, well done. Also, the all night skiing shots in Norway where the sun never sets were phenomenal. It had me dreaming of days and nights rolling together of only hiking, skiing, sleeping and eating. Can you imagine a better life? I submit, that I cannot.

BLONDE: I can imagine a better life. It would be to cozy up by the fire, sipping hot cocoa, and snuggling down with a little Harry Potter literature. But, I suppose I am the lame one of the group. Seriously, Wintervention was a good concept, but poorly executed. Especially for this crowd. I'm pretty sure that the ski enthusiast would much rather watch some totally wicked ski films than the trying-too-hard script from the not-so-helpful radio talk show (sorry, I went a little hyphen happy there).
As more proof of my lameness, I watched most of the films through the gaps in my fingers as my hands covered my eyes. I have a hard time seeing people putting their lives in peril just for the fun of it. Or watching the man snowboarding in a full body cast because his doctor told him to avoid skiing for awhile. Really? Is stupidity that entertaining? Apparently so, because I think I'm the only person who thinks this way. Alright, alright, I will admit that much of the footage was spectacular and I wish I could ski, but I'll content myself with just making it down the mountain in one piece so that I can get back to Harry Potter.
To each her own (a cliché for us). Now if you'll excuse me, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are about to play a life-sized version of Wizards' Chess and I must be present or the story will not continue.

Did any of you see Warren Miller? What did you think?

Playing Dress Up

Ok, so maybe Halloween is still over a month away, but it is never too early to prepare. Last year Blonde, Brunette, and I dressed up as each other. I was Blonde, Brunette was me, and Blonde was Brunette. It was a big hit and pretty easy to put together since we just wore the other person's clothes. But as the resulting personification of me wore a lot of spandex (hey I have a lot of biking shorts) I think we should give this year's costume a little more thought.

Here our a few ideas. Leave a comment and vote for your favorite.

• Powerpuff girls
• Charlie’s angels
• 3 Stooges
• 3 Blind Mice
• 3 Amigos
• 3 Musketeers
• 3 Fates (from Greek mythology)
• Harry, Hermione, Ron
• Edward, Bella, Jacob (Who would be Jacob—we can't take off our shirts)
• Gale, Katniss, Peeta (If you don't know these characters shame on you...read The Hunger Games)
• Alvin, Simon, Theodore
• Jeanette, Brittany, Eleanor (the chipettes from The Great Chipmunk Adventure)
• Huey, Dewey, Louie
• Blue Man Group
• Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker
• 3 Little Pigs
• The Supremes
• 3 Fairies from Sleeping Beauty
• Knife, Fork, Spoon
• Peter, Paul, Mary
• BLT
• Snap, Crackle, Pop
• Brains, Brawn, Beauty
• Reading, Writing, Arithmetic
• Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria
• Past, Present, Future
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• 3 Little Kittens
• 3 Billy Goats Gruff
• Destiny's child

BBR Date Night

We had a little adventure this weekend which we like to call a blonde, brunette and a redhead date, BBR for short. Our lives have become very busy so we don't often get to spend time together. Last week we headed to the Salt Lake Art Center for some much needed bonding and a little golf practice.

"The Salt Lake Art Center is exhibiting Contemporary Masters: Artist-Designed Miniature Golf, 18 fully-playable works of contemporary art like you’ve never seen before. Contemporary Masters features original creations by top artists from Utah and around the nation that explore diverse ideas (the current immigration debate, the fragility of personal identity, and the meditative value of Donkey Kong) in equally diverse media, including woven fabrics, video installations, and shredded paper." —Art Center Web

REDHEAD

Let's just say my long game is much better than my short game. I have always been horrible at minigolf. Turn minigolf into art and my skills remain subpar (yes I went there). The first hole was a par 1, it took me 2 shots. All I had to do was hit the ball and it would roll down the hill into the hole. There was no way to miss, but I did. Somehow my orange ball got stuck right next to the hole and didn't drop. There may have or may not have been several holes I just simply gave up and dropped my ball into the hole. Cheating, I think not. I prefer to think of it as helping move the game along.

All in all, I thought it was a creative exhibit idea to get visitors more involved in the art (literally). If we were going to have a rating system on our blog, I'd give it 4.5 stars (-.5 star because you had to wear booties which were not fun with flipflops) or 2 thumbs up (you can't do a half a thumb, that is weird).

BRUNETTE

WHAT??? Miniature Golf made by ARTISTS? (Rub my eyes, clean out my ears, wet my whistle...) When I heard of this awesomeness I could not contain myself. Truly this would have been my dream date. And sadly I went with my roommates (sorry ladies) so there was no immediete falling-in-lovage that quite possibly could have incurred if a gentleman caller had been smart enough to take me to this glorious place first. Really. I love love loved it, and was intrigued by all the creative genius that went behind this concept. My game started off really strong (I am the most competitive of the bunch) but soon I lost interest in winning and gained more interest in enjoying and critiquing the work that went into the show/installation/general awesomeness. (Ok I really like the word awesome...I know) Anyways, I would definitely give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up and 5 whole stars because unlike Redhead, I thought the booties were RAD.

BLONDE

This was fun. Really fun. And not just because I won. It doesn't matter, I won by infinity. There are two holes that have par infinity. And amazing as it is, it took me just 2 strokes to get my ball in the hole at the Donkey Kong exhibit. Wow, the luck I had! and I turned to Brunette to have her share in my joy and it she hadn't seen it, neither had Redhead. Much disappointment because there is no way to verify this amazing feat. Just know that it is true my friends, it is true.

I give it 4.5 stars as well, for the bootie factor. I understand the need for the booties, but that didn't make them less annoying. Maybe if you don't wear flip-flops you can love it as much as Brunette, but Redhead and I were both sporting the casual footwear that placed the booties at their current state of annoying. Other than the bootie kerfuffle, I quite enjoyed myself.

DO:
Salt Lake Art Center: Contemporary Golf Exhibit
20 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.328.4201
http://www.slartcenter.org/

Regular Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 11 am–6 pm
Friday: 11 am–9 pm
Saturday: 11 am–6 pm

Welcome to our home

A view taken from a rooftop in the Aves

Well, hello there.

This is the new blog we just started. We are a

blonde, a brunette, and a redhead

(BB&R for short) and the three of us live together in

Salt Lake City, Utah

(and yes, those are our natural hair colors). We love living in Salt Lake and taking advantage of all the activities and events this valley provides. We’re pretty willing to try just about anything albeit at different levels of enthusiasm. And this blog wants to tell you all about our

adventures and mishaps

while living here. We’ll be hiking, going to concerts, camping, dining, watching movies, reading books, visiting trademark Utah sites, cooking, crafting, eventing*, and pretty much anything else that we take a fancy to.

So, here we go.

*I made up the word eventing to mean that we’ll be going to events. And those events will be in and around the Salt Lake Valley. Side note: eventing kinda sounds like e-venting, like venting our frustrations electronically, which actually might happen, but that is not the definition for the word I just made up.