Five Awesome Dudes I Will Highly Unfortch Not Be Kissing At Midnight

Happy New Years Eve, my friends! What are your plans for tonight? I am having some gals over for a champagne toast before we all go our separate ways for the night and then heading to AAAD Reader Anne's house. As much as I hoping to lay a big one on one of these hot boyz at midnight, I might have to wait until next year. BUT, in honor of Best Of Week, I give you Top Six Dudes I Would Love To Ring In The New Year With And Then Some. And Then Some More.

In no particular order...

1. Sufjan Stevens. Oh Sufjan, I'd love to whisper your name (how do you say it correctly?) as we make albums based on states other than Illinoise.

2. Bill Hader. You are funny. I loved you in Adventureland and every other thing ever. You make me swoon and laugh.

3. James Marsden. Yeah, yeah, everyone else wants to get drunk at a bar and sing and dance with you and look like Katherine Heigl, but how many gals out there have loved you since Second Noah?

4. Adam Brody. We all know I will long to forever be your Summer Lovin', before she went all earthy and weird and you broke up in real life. Call me. Let's eat bagels and self-obsess.

5. John Mayer. You are oftentimes a Douchelord, but I love you anyhow. (Pre-warning: My body is not a wonderland. Especially after the holidays.)

6. Chris Carrabba. You are pretty. I love your voice. Let's kiss now and be angsty later. Cool? You are pretty.

Well, my friends, it's time to hear your lists. Obviously they can be famous and completely unattainable, but hey, you never know what the new year can bring.

YAY 2010! (Insert noisemaker here)
Pia The Pig

So I Found My Date For New Year's

Don't be jelly.

Bobby Bottleservice talks to all the sexy internet ladies - watch more funny videos

Let The Best Of's Begin

I am a Best Of List Lover. Apparently I become a lot cooler around the mid-to-late portions of December every year as I catch up on the best of music, movies, tv, theater, books, and everything else that we all love. It's almost gross that I usually end up being more familiar with stuff on the worst list than best, but whatevs, there's always next year.

Today I got a hold of the podcast of NPR's All Songs Considered: Best Music of 2009. Picked by the listeners, this is a little under two hours and sure to make your ears happier than most of the stuff on the Billboard list. (But who am I to judge?)


You can download the whole show or just have a listen to all of the great songs right here.

What was YOUR favorite song of the year?
Pia The Pig wants to know!

2009's Most Awesome Mashup

I just want to put on this dress
and pretend I am Taylor Swift and Beyonce and dance from '09 into '10 to this awesome mashup of the Top 25 Billboard Hits of '09.


Who's with me?
Pia The Pig

Sketchy Santa=Awesome

Visiting Santa. It's a rite of passage. Personally, my fondest memory of visiting Santa (there are very few) went a little like this:

Circa 1990, I'm on a covered wagon ride through the parking lot at Spring Creek Village. All of the kids are taking turns sitting on Santa's lap, telling him they want the latest Jem and the Rockers Rocker or Pound Puppy. I waited patiently until it became my turn:
Santa: "Hi sweetie, what's your name?"
Me: "Jill"
Santa: "And what do you want for Christmas."
Me: "Well, I'm Jewish."
Santa: (whispering) "Me too."

Hilare! Anyway, only semi-creepy, wholly endearing. Check out
Sketchy Santas for all sortsa Santa weirdness fun.


Did YOU see Santa this year?

Hope you got what you wanted!
Pia The Pig

You've Been Awesome

Merry Christmas to you all! I am hitting up the movies and Chinatown in Richardson with my family (and many, many other Jews tonight), but wish you all a fabulous day.

Hope Santa was good to you!

And how incredibly adorbs is my nephew Jack in this photo from last Christmas?

XOXO,
Pia The Pig

Wrap It Up!

I am a gift wrap whore. I literally have 40+ rolls of paper lying around my not-that-big-house. It's okay. Not everyone feels this way. It takes time. While I could dedicate an entire blog to the beauty of The Gift Bag, there is always something classy about a beautifully-wrapped box. Here are some gorgeous gifts and wrapping ideas courtesy of a new blog I just found (a gift in itself!), Brunch at Saks.

Music sheets, a ribbon, and some extra small bells make for the perfect gift wrapped present!


A little newspaper and a few ribbons will give you this chic, flower topped gift:


Get out your watercolors, crayons, markers, etc. and let your imagination go:


Read more here and here.

Enjoy. Remember, presentation counts! (Even though such gifts will be ripped open in just seconds. They'll pick yours out first!)

Merry Christmas Eve!
Pia The Pig

It's Not Too Late For Something Awesome!

It's Christmas Eve! So, the stores are closing early today and you forgot one last present and can't fathom walking anywhere near the mall. I get it. Time to make BOOB COOKIES!

Of course, these are just thumbprint cookies (an AWESOMELY classic crowd-pleaser), but I can't help from think they look a little like boobies. (Sidenote: am I the only person that feels weird about eating Sprinkles cupcakes because of this same reason?)

Anyhoo, I made a bunch of batches of these the other night and they are awesomely easy as well. And, I certainly won't tell if you need to sample a bunch of Hershey Kisses just to "make sure they're fresh" as my dad would say.

Here's a recipe, although I just cheated and followed the very simple one on the package of pre-made peanut butter dough. Yum!

Don't forget to add a sparkly ribbon!

Great for Santa, too!
Pia The Pig

Hello (Again), Lova!

Can't Wait! I will wear something SPARKLY!
Pia The Pig

Giving Is Glorious...And Awesome

This idea from ad agency Mother London is fabulous. he London agency sent out a spam-like email to a couple hundred people, telling them they win $10k if they respond with their full name and full and verified bank details. One man did, if you believe it, and the guys at Mother showed up at his house with a suitcase full of 10 large and gave it to him (which he turned around and donated to a charity). Enjoy!



Giving IS Glorious. But what would YOU really do with $10,000?
Pia The Pig

My Totally Self-Indulgent Wish List: Part 1: Cats and Candy

I love you all. I think most of you have holiday greetings being delivered to your mailboxes today or tomorrow. IN CASE you wanted to drop a holiday greeting off in MY mailbox, here's my first official "This Looks Awesome. Want." Holiday Gift Wish List.



Cat Bandages. Because "Meow" is only one more syllable but way more than twice the fun as "Ow."

LOL Magnetz. WANT. In case you haven't noticed, I love LOLing at LOLcats. But now I can make my own using Bert's photos on my fridge?

And for Bert: Kittiwalk Carnival. Because who doesn't love a carnival? AND, as many of you know, Bert loves to play outside and now he could not only play (without me freaking out) but have a freaking CARNIVAL? WANT.

Gummi Lights. AMAZEBALLS! WANT TO EAT AND LIGHT UP.

OMG. Because who hasn't wanted to sit atop an ice cream sandwich? While eating one? My mind and ass could possible be blown. Together. A Chrismakkah miracle.

More coming later.

I've Been Nice! ;)
Pia The Pig

EPIC.

And...scene.
Pia The Pig

Vampire Love

For all of you Twihards out there, I have rounded up a few gifts for you, like the AWESOME Women's Love Story tee that generous AAAD Reader Pablo bought me for Hanukkah. This would be a hit for about 68 of my friends. LOVES IT!

But first! AAAD Reader Pam's long-awaited New Moon review.

I suppose you could say I am mildly obsessed with Twilight. I’ve read the books twice, seen the original movie hundreds of times and own lots of merchandise (my favorite being my life-size cut out of Edward). I even have Twilight The Game (yes, they turned the movie into a board game). So, is it really any surprise that I would among the thousands of women waiting in line to see the midnight screening of New Moon? Yeah, didn’t think so.

I thought this movie was much better than the original. Mainly because New Moon is my favorite book of the series and the movie stayed pretty true to book (10 points for director Chris Wentz!). The acting overall is better (no stuttering KStew or accent slip-ups from RPatz), there were some nice CGI effects (water sequence, not the wolves), and a buff Taylor Lautner is given at least 30 minutes of screen time without his shirt on.

OK, now to the parts I could have done without:
1) The Sound of Music-esque running-in-the-woods sequence. I mean, really? The 1800’s costumes were laughable, as was seeing the two run around barefoot in the forest. Can we say foot fungus? Gross.
2) Taylor’s first chest reveal. “Oh Bella! You’re bleeding, so let me strip off my tee so you can use it to stop the bleeding.” Yeah, that really happens. Couldn’t he have just ripped a part of his shirt off vs. the entire thing? It’s not as if we would not be able to admire Taylor’s 35 lbs of extra muscle later in the film. Jeez…
3) Matrix fighting sequence in Volterra: To me, this was that scene that declares “Hey, look! We have more money to do slow-motion fight scenes. In your face Catherine Hardwick!”
4) Jasper’s hair: WTF? Since when did Jasper begin channeling Greg Brady? Let’s hope the stylist shows this guy more love in the next movie, since he’s more pivotal in Eclipse.
5) Jasper’s constant look of constipation: Someone get this man some Exlax. STAT!

With that said, I will probably see this one more time in the theatres and be one of the first to get the DVD in March 2010. Will this movie win any awards? Outside of the MTV Popcorn Trophy or Kids’ Choice Award, probably not. But it’s silly, cheesy and just plain fun. And, did I mention 30 minutes of a shirtless Taylor Lautner?

Thanks for the review, Pam! What did YOU think?

For all of you Team Edward fans, why not add a Twilight Wall Decal to your bedroom as you dream of Edward?

Just look at the swoon!

Pia The Pig

Awesome Finds on Etsy

IT'S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO BUY SOMETHING AWESOME! And if it is, you can always just do an "IOU/SHITTY SHIPPING" printout like I had to do for my dad this year. Anyhoo, of course, loads of greatness on Etsy this year. Here are a few ideas.

Above: Happy Holidays Letterpress Cards, 8 for $13, from Yeehaw

Christmas Tree Garland, $12, from Allium Design

Chalkboard Ornaments (FUN!) $6, from Perch



And even better and a totes awesome last-minute gift: the 2010 PDF Calendar! I got one of these last year and for $5, I printed out calendar gifts for at least ten friends. Here's a few of my favorites this year. Just print, cut, tie with ribbon, and boom! the gift that gives all year long.

Flapper Doodle Calendar PDF, $10 from Flapperdoodle



Beautiful 2010 Calendar PDF in Desk and Wall Sizes, $5


And finally, the Crazy Type Calendar PDF, just $4


When in doubt, hit up Etsy!
Pia The Pig

The Most Awesome Gift Ever

This is the most obvious dead-on product I have ever seen and sure to make everyone else laugh when they want to cry.

Shit, It's Raining! Umbrella , get it here.

Love It!
Pia The Pig

Awesome Holiday Gifts, Comin'atcha

It's not too late to buy something awesome for the awesomest peeps in your life. I'll be posting some great ideas from around the interwebs over the next few days. Don't forget to enter your free shipping codes.

Sure, you may or may not love eating sushi, but who doesn't love CUDDLING WITH IT?!


Plush Sushi, $9.99 at ThinkGeek.

For all the chef's in your life, or anyone with a sense of humor:
Bloody Evidence Chef's Knife, $14.99 at ThinkGeek.

But seriously, for a true help in the kitchen, Onion Goggles are a lifesaver.


I got them last year and just love them. Sometimes I just wear them around the house, ya know, for awesomeness. Onion Goggles, $24.99 and worth every penny. At ThinkGeek.


Giving gives back!
Pia The Pig

That's My Girl!

Miss Piggy is one fierce beast.

During an interview for The Wendy Williams show airing later this week, Miss Piggy stated, "My Kermie is nothing like [Tiger]. I just want to say, he would never do anything untoward moi, but, if he did, you can rest assured there'd be a hole in one, and he'd be the one!"

Can't wait to hear more.
Go girl.

Piggy Wisdom!
Pia The Pig

I'm Back For Holiday Awesomeness!

I am back from cruising through Central America (AWESOME!) and thrilled to be back FOR YOU!


Let's kick this off with a Happy Hanukkah shout out and tribute to my favorite Jew on TV ever, on his birthday.
I love you Seth Cohen. We would have such fun together, eating bagels with your parents Sandy and Kirsten, listening to Death Cab and rocking our duo Jewfros. You are awesome, Adam Brody. Happy 30th Birthday.




Here are some classic Seth moments.


Enjoy!
Pia The Pig

Bon Voyage!

I am taking a sweet little trip for work this week and next and will be back with much more holiday awesomeness when I return.

SEA you soon!
Pia The Pig

Queue The Martha: It's Christmas Time!

Hey Sugarplums! It's December and officially winter here in Dallas. I unwrapped my dry-cleaned-up coat this morning and headed to work as everyone freaked out about snow. Maybe I was driving to work in a daze (YES) but I missed the snow. Anyhoo, saddle up, it's cold, and your even mantles need some warmth, too. (Queue the segue into Martha crafts...)

AAAD Reader and Christmas Craftess Tara garnered loads of Facebook comments when she posted this photo below and a modest "I made this" of the fabulous Martha tree below.
FANTASTIC! I've asked Tara to do a guest post for all of you crafting ladies to try this at home. Enjoy!

Bust out the paper cutter, ladies. It’s time to get your craft on with this eco-friendly Christmas tree made from recycled newspaper. All it takes is a little patience and a lot of time, but the wow factor is WAY worth it. I was browsing on iDIY blog (one of my faves, recommended by the AAAD author herself), and after clicking on a few links I came across this project idea on MarthaStewart.com. I think it’s a couple years old, but it was news to me (no pun intended).

The online video is key – watch Martha’s flawless execution, and it will be a piece of cake for you. Otherwise, the words “bone folder” will probably make zero sense to you. And make sure to get a paper cutter of some sort - don’t even think about cutting those 300 sheets of newspaper by hand. Martha’s “ingredients” say you’ll need a metal knitting needle as the spike that holds the tree together, but I used a wooden bamboo skewer I had in the house already. It worked perfectly, and I even used the side of the skewer instead of the bone folder to fold the paper before building the tree.

Merry Christmas Tree Crafting!
Tara

Thanks, Tara!
Pia The Pig

Neat Idea From The Gap

I would love to work in retail design. Here's one reason why.



Awesomely fun idea. Love the shopping bags!

Enjoy,
Pia The Pig

Sing It, AWESOOOOOOOOOOME!

I am sure going to miss this beast. In Her honor, I am going to start screaming your name the next time I see you. Prepare yourself.



Pia The Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig

And We're Back With Holiday Awesomeness: Shopping Deals!

Greetings, my friends! I am back from my turkey (or non-turkey, more on that later) coma and ready to hit you up with two past weeks of awesome and lots more ahead. I would be remiss if I didn't come back in time for Cyber Monday. So, while we are all thrilled to be reading another post of awesomes, let's just get our credit cards out and heal America. What? You have your credit card number memorized for easy checkout? Me too! Time to buy some froggie slippers!



Here's a roundup of some deals around the web. Please add others in the comments section.

Borders:

All Gap, Inc. Brands:

Free shipping at West Elm:

Free personalization and shipping at Pottery Barn Kids:

The Limited, where I scored the cute Pleated Ruffle Scarf with my Black Friday purchase. It's really cute!

25% off and Free Shipping at Martin + Osa:

Free Shipping on orders over $100 at Paper Source and a new gift guide:

15% off and Free Shipping at Crate & Barrel:

30% off and Free Shipping at Ann Taylor Loft:

Shop for awesome finds with Free Shipping at FredFlare:

Free Shipping at Urban Outfitters:

Free Shipping at Fossil.

Shop for items with Free Shipping on Etsy here.

Also, many deals at Amazon, Apple, and Target.

Happy shopping. Ah, it feels good to be back.
Pia The Pig