SAW | "BURN THIS" WITH KERI RUSSELL AND ADAM DRIVER
I had the chance to see this revival at Broadway's historic Hudson Theater this year, and the acting was absolutely brilliant.
ATTENDED | DAVID BYRNE'S AMERICAN UTOPIA AT THE HUDSON THEATER
Hands down the best concert I've ever seen. The Hudson really delivered for me this year.
EXPERIENCED | ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
I had the privilege of attending the induction ceremony this year, and it was one of the best experiences of my life that I get to relive time and again thanks to HBO.. Some of my very favorite artists were inducted this year, including Radiohead, the Cure, Roxy Music, and most importantly to me, Stevie Nicks and Janet Jackson.
ATE | KINDRED
One of my very favorite restaurants in San Diego, with the best cocktails a guy could ask for.
WATCHED | THE MORNING SHOW
In a world ripe with binge-streaming, it has been nice to be so enthralled with a show and not be able to wait for the next week’s episode. Jennifer Aniston’s performance in this show just blows me away.
LEARNED | THE GAME CHANGERS
Our very own Brand Manager, Mallory, told me about this documentary, and it completely inspired me. Educational and enlightening, everything you want in a documentary.
MALLORY
WORE | PARKER CLAY - MIRAMAR LEATHER BACKPACK
This backpack has been my go-to for a few months now. It is lightweight and timeless, which I love.
VISITED | DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
This has become my new favorite spot in Denver. The gardens are beautiful and there is so much to see that you can easily spend half of the day exploring.
LISTENED | KHRUANGBIN & LEON BRIDGES - TEXAS SUN
I can’t wait for this EP to drop in February. Khruangbin and Leon Bridges is an unexpected but awesome Texas mash-up.
COOKED | LOVE & LEMONS EVERY DAY COOKBOOK
This is the second cookbook from Love & Lemons. I never knew how delicious vegetables really were until I started cooking from her books. I highly recommend checking out the recipes on The Love & Lemons website too.
USED | 10 PIECE GLASS MIXING BOWL SET
My brother gifted me these nesting bowls for my birthday this year and they have come in handy so many times. The tiniest bowls are perfect for sauces and the bigger bowls are great for entertaining. I am more of a minimalist so I love that they are so well designed.
ATTENDED | SOUND BATH AT THE INTEGRATRON
This is definitely a must if you are in Joshua Tree or Palm Springs. Tickets to the Integratron sell out about a month in advance so it does take a little planning, but the experience is out of this world.
BRAD
MIXED | COCKTAIL CODEX
Cocktails can be confusing, which is why I love this book so much. Start with the basics and focus on enjoying the drinks.
HIKED | GREEN LAKES LOOP - BEND, OR
One of my favorite places in the world and, while a little more crowded than it used to be, nothing's better than hiking by waterfalls on your way to lakes at the base of mountains.
ATE | AFURI
It's still my favorite which is why its here for year two. Have to beat the champ.
WORE | BRIDGE & BURN - STRAND SWEATSHIRT
Everyone needs a go-to hoodie for those cool evenings or casual days. This is my favorite.
STAYED | AN AIRBNB IN ARCH CAPE, OR
If you’ve never been to the Oregon Coast, this is as good of a starting point as you’re going to get. Sleepy without much around, but some beautiful coast line that will feel like a private beach.
READ | BILLION DOLLAR WHALE
One of those books you have to read to believe what some people will try to get away with, and a lot of the times actually do.
AMELIA
BRUNCHED | FABERGÉ - MONTREAL, QC
Ever had a breakfast you couldn't stop thinking about? Just go here and you'll know what I mean. They even have a Mac 'n Cheese with Pulled Pork Benedict for those of you who are really committed to brunch.
FOLLOWED | @BROOKLYNSNOBS ON INSTAGRAM
Besides just being incredibly detailed and skilled at what he does, this profile on IG posts time lapse videos showing the process behind his unique and intricate creations. Because of this you end up seeing alternate designs for these strange and beautiful pieces - definitely worth the follow.
CAFFEINATED | ROYAL OAK - MIDDLEBURY, VT
Delicious drinks. Beautiful space. Great little shire. (Yes, Middlebury is an actual shire.) What sets this coffee shop apart from the rest is the engaging staff and the extremely welcoming owners, Aless and Matt. Read about them here, or better yet, stop by and say hi. It's even dog friendly so your furry sidekick can come along for the ride!
LISTENED | EPISODE 121 OF CRIMINAL - OFF LEASH
I never miss an episode of this podcast, and this one about "The Dog Lady of Lansing Prison" stuck with me. Give this a listen and it will be pretty hard not to subscribe afterward.
TOASTED | MONARCH & THE MILKWEED - BURLINGTON, VT
Cleverly crafted cocktails like the "Moon Boots," "Bees Knees," and "Negroni Popper," this is my favorite spot for a nightcap, to bring someone who is new to the area, or friends who are visiting.
WANDERED | SALT LAKE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
I almost forgot this was a library when I was inside. A café, shops along the first floor, eye-catching installments and architecture worth googling, it feels like you’re inside a work of art. Even without a library card I was excited just to wander around.
JILLIAN
VISITED | AUSTIN PROPER HOTEL
Kelly Wearstler’s newest hospitality creation is opening in Downtown Austin this month. No one does vintage like Wearstler. The designers keen eye for special, cherry-picked furnishings and immaculate hand for curating rarified air is likely to produce the new catbird seat of happy hours. With Food and Beverage partnerings from McGuire Mormon, the cuisine and atmosphere at Proper looks poised for downtown domination.
PREPARED | THE PLANT PARADOX COOKBOOK
This lectin-free cookbook is full of insanely easy recipes that will make you forget you’re on a diet engineered by a former heart surgeon to keep your body eternally young. My personal favorite is the gluten free, lectin free Brazilian Cheese Bread.
WATCHED | FLEABAG
Starring showrunner Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this two season, 29 min per episode dark comedy will not be returning for a third season despite rampant critical acclaim. It’s a digestible binge watch that is darkly satisfying, deeply irreverent, and tailored for the commitment phobic.
GAZED | MCDONALD OBSERVATORY STAR PARTY
On a Dark Moon when visiting Marfa, always consult a lunar calendar. The McDonald Observatory in West Texas hosts a star party up in the Fort Davis Mountains, and everything’s really only bigger on the dark side of the moon.
LISTENED | IRMA THOMAS - TAKE A LOOK
I put this record on heavy rotation at the Flagship when the weather gets blustery. It’s an intoxicating alchemy of soulful hope and grit. Pairs perfectly with Western Grace mulled wine.
READ | THE RIGHTEOUS MIND: WHY GOOD PEOPLE ARE DIVIDED BY POLITICS & RELIGION - JONATHAN HAIDT
By American social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, this is a must-read for any election year. Haidt’s unflinching take on the moral emotions, the byparty system, and the empathy needed for true dialogue to occur is as thought provoking as it is conversation driving. It’s a read you’ll want to share.
JOSHUA
ATTENDED | TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD AT SHUBERT THEATRE
My wife and I saw this performance with Jeff Daniels playing Atticus and were blown away. Ed Harris has since replaced him, so we might have to go again.
WORE | NIKE EPIC REACT FLYKNIT 2
I buy a lot of sneakers and these are my favs in a long time. When HELM isn’t on my feet, these are.
LISTENED | SPOTTED HORSE - THE GLASSING
New album from the three-piece heavy rock band out of Austin. Sounds like an ocean of beautiful crushing noise with screaming melodies and a perfectly powerful tempo. Hits hard.
WATCHED (AND LOVED) | FORD VS. FERRARI
Took my son to see this (he’s 12) and we both loved it. Amazing performances (Christian Bale, wow!), awesome cars, and an exciting story. We’ll see it again.
BINGED | THE MANDALORIAN
Love this show. Didn’t expect to, but the emotional connection we’ve made with a Bounty Hunter, not to mention baby Yoda, is pretty impressive.
DEVOURED | LET'S MEAT KOREAN BBQ
They do it right. All of it. Sit down and let the server pick your menu and cook it all at your table. Skip the Uber and walk back to your accommodations because you’re gonna need to walk this off.
LIZ
ATE | TRAVELER CAFE - VENTURA, CA
This is a hole in the wall breakfast cafe I came across during a family road trip to Yosemite. I’ll tell you right now that the bacon buttermilk pancakes are not of this world!
LISTENED | LOCATION UNKNOWN - HONNE
This song has been on repeat for much of the year, whether on a long run, studying, or making my daily commute. It was one of my most played on Spotify and I know I’ll always think of this year when I give it a listen.
WATCHED | THIS IS US
This show has been one of my favorites to binge because it is so beautifully produced and written. Dan Fogleman is a master storyteller and touches on important issues we can all identify with.
VISITED | THE JONES - OKC
I’ve spent so much of this year celebrating life, eating good food and enjoying live music at this place. It’s a must if you ever find yourself in OKC!
STAYED | INTERCONTINENTAL - LA
I stayed here in March with a group of my closest friends and aside from gorgeous view and interior, the staff went above and beyond to make our stay phenomenal. I could have spent my whole stay enjoying the hotel amenities alone and still have had a great trip.
READ | APRICOT MEMOIRS
Tess Guinery’s prose and poetry book has been of great inspiration to me in my own life. Her messages, whether simple or profound, probe deeper thought about spirituality, creativity and enjoying life well.