Thursday, January 24, 2013

Women that Rock (climb)!

This is so inspiring.

1. I have always wanted to rock climb. I am working on health goals so that I can, one day, confidently attack a mountain and win. Brook Roboutou attacks a mountain like I attack GDS-Free chocolate. Dayum gurl.

2. It is not simply her skill & training, but her unconquerable soul that allows Brook to thrive in this environment. We could all do well to remember that.

3.  Her mom seems like an awesome coach. Go moms!




Saturday, January 19, 2013

Netflix Film Review: Butter

Due to a communication mix-up, I found myself without plans on a Saturday night. There are plenty of things to do in SLC--I could've checked out a show at the Urban Lounge, there was a poetry reading I could have attended, a play or two I wouldn't've minded checking out--and the party girl/extrovert inside STILL feels both guilt and remorse for skipping all of it.

However, the introvert inside insisted that I had just spent a whirlwind weekend in the bustling metropolis that is Provo, Utah and I needed to wind it on down.

So I did.

And that's when I found Butter.

The IMDb description: In small-town Iowa, an adopted girl discovers her talent for butter carving and finds herself pitted against an ambitious local woman in their town's annual contest.

I'm a sucker for quirky coming-of-age stories and this film fits the bill quite nicely. It's only 90 minutes, which is just enough time to build a delightfully layered story without belaboring the drama.

I was especially thrilled by a star-studded cast: Hugh Jackman (my second-favorite character), Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Phyllis Smith, Kristin Schaal...and the surprisingly hilarious Olivia Wilde.

Observe:

Okay, it might be funnier in context but believe me, she knocks it out of the park.

A little more substance than Pitch Perfect but not quite a heavy hitter like Les Mis, it's a great home-alone-but-not-depressed-about-it indulgence.


Have you seen it?
Do you have a not-so-guilty-pleasure flick you'd like to recommend?
Tell me about it!