Weekend in a Flash

Here are some ideas of what to do this weekend, you know after you see Twilight.

The Descendants

According to the ads, this is supposed to be George Clooney’s finest performance yet.  But we’re more interested to see how the chick from “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” does. 

Kelly Clarkson on Vh1’s Unplugged

We’ve made no secret of the fact that we’re big fans of Kelly Clarkson so we’re very excited to see the Miss Independent singer on Vh1’s latest episode of Unplugged. It’s Vh1 so they’ll air it on repeat, but you can check it out tonight at 11P/est. Click here for a preview.

American Music Awards

Described as “The Year’s Biggest Party,” this year’s party will include performances from Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, The Beibs and Pit Bull.  Excited yet, well did we mention pretty much anything goes during the AMAs?  We mean it’s not like Beiber is going to win a Grammy anytime soon. 

Share with a friend

Today when we went to pick up our daily treat at Starbucks the Barista informed us that Starbucks is doing a buy one get your friend something free with their holiday beverages.  Our favorite happens to be the Carmel Brulee Frap but the deal also includes Gingerbread and Peppermint Mocha flavors.  So call a friend and hit up a Starbucks from 2-5 through the weekend.

Sports by Crayons

This was a big week in sports and we’re not talking about the Sandusky interview on "Rock Center."  Here’s a little recap of your week in sports:



AP Photo/Kathy Willens



Coach K Passes Bobby Knight

When Crayon Kate used to commute into the city, she was running through books on a weekly basis. One of her favorites was John Feinstein’s book Season on the Brink which followed the '85-'86 Indiana Men’s Basketball Team coached by Hall of Famer Bobby Knight.  The following season the Hoosiers bested the Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA tournament on their way to a National Championship.  That Blue Devils team was coached by none other than Mike Krzyzewski.  On Tuesday, Coach K got the last laugh as he surpassed his mentor and former Coach, Bob Knight with his 903^rd career victory.  Coach K got his start as an assistant at Indiana under head coach Knight.  He then moved back to his Alma mater Army before becoming the head coach at Duke in 1980.  He has since amassed 4 National Championships, 12 Regular Season ACC Titles and 13 ACC Tournament Championships.  He also led the USA Men’s Basketball team to an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008.  Not bad statistics and it appears he’s not stopping anytime soon.

Craig Kimbrel Wins the National League Rookie of the Year

This week is traditionally the week MLB announces its end of the year awards, so we were very excited to learn that the Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was named the Rookie of the Year for the National League. Kimbrel had an amazing season earning 46 saves which tied him for the league lead with John Axford of the Brewers. Kimbrel’s teammate Freddie Freeman came in second.  Congrats also go out to the other winners inlcuding Jusitn Verlander and Clayton Kershaw.  NL/AL MVPs will be announced next week.



Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/Getty Images



Tebow Time Again

There is something about Tim Tebow and the fourth quarter which seems to be clicking.  After a ho-hum 55 minutes, Tebow and the Denver Broncos put it into high gear with their final drive which was capped off by Tebow's game winning TD. After losing two games in four days, the Jets are now just 5-5 and the Broncos, well they’re currently a half game behind the Oakland Raiders in AFC West.

Marc Staal is Cleared

We’re big New York Rangers fans over here at 2littlecrayons so it was nice to see that veteran defenseman Marc Staal has been cleared for light activity.  Staal has been suffering from post-concussion symptoms since being hit by his older brother Eric Staal last season.  Of course, if Sidney Crosby is any example, it could be a long time before we see Staal skating during a game, but it’s still a step in the right direction.   The Rangers meanwhile have been enjoying a seven game win streak.  Thanks Olivia Munn!

Oklahoma State Tragedy

We’d like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Oklahoma State and the families involved in the tragic plane crash which took the lives of Oklahoma State Women’s Basketball head coach Kurt Budke and assistant Miranda Serna on Thursday night.

Charity Buzz - Penguins In Need!

For two people with extensive fundraising backgrounds, both professional and personal, this story about penguins affected by the oil spill in New Zealand really tugged at the heart strings. While the spill is being called New Zealand's worst environmental disaster in decades, there is a glimmer of hope being provided by New Zealand yarn company Skeinz - asking people to sew knit sweaters for penguins affected by the oil spill. This picture made our heart explode, and makes us want to learn how to knit. You can learn more about the need for the "Penguin Jumpers" and find instructions here

Things We Love

We know sometimes it can be a bit difficult to find the motivation to get to the gym. It’s crappy outside and your gym seems super far.  Or maybe you’d rather just veg out on the couch after a long day at work.  But thanks to this free awesome workout playlist from Shape and WorkoutMusic.com we’re hoping it might be a little easier to hit the treadmill, elliptical or weights.  This month’s mix includes songs from ADELE, Gym Class Heroes and Foster the People. And if you’re still having trouble getting yourself out of the house, try blasting your workout mix on your computer while you clean.  It almost makes scrubbing your shower pleasurable…almost!

(Source: Shape.com)

What are your motivation tips to get to the gym? Tweet us @2littlecrayons

Suggestions by Crayon

We’re in November now, the time when some freshman shows become regulars in our TV schedule while others drop by the wayside (sorry “Hart of Dixie,” we really wanted to love you).  But one show that has become a mainstay is the perfect comedy “Up All Night.”  For those who haven’t seen it, it stars Christina Applegate as Reagan, a new mother and producer of fictional talk show “Ava”.  Maya Rudolph plays Ava, Reagan’s best friend and crazy host of “Ava” and Will Arnett is Chris, Reagan’s husband and a new stay at home dad. 

So far the show has had a few great guest stars including Jason Lee and Missi Pyle, but the one person who has yet to stop by is a little actor by the name of Josh Charles, who can currently be seen in “The Good Wife.”   Sure this may seem like an obvious pairing for those of you who have an equally big obsession with Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dead. Can you imagine Reagan’s old boyfriend Bryan showing up?   We smell February sweeps episode!

“Up All Night” airs on Tuesdays at 8 P/est on NBC.

Pat May Have Taken His Last At Bat

According to ESPN, Pat Burrell has acknowledged that his career is likely over.   Burrell was the first overall pick by the Phillies in the 1998 draft.  After helping the Phillies to capture their first World Series ring in 28 years, Burrell landed in Tampa Bay for a brief stay followed up by another World Series victory in 2010 with the San Francisco Giants.  A nagging foot injury which limited the outfielder to just 92 games last season, may finally send Burrell into the wonderful world of golf courses and Caribbean vacations.

Pat endured a love/hate relationship with the notoriously tough Phillies Phans probably because he never quite lived up to the hype (or his absurdly large paycheck).  He generally played it safe seemingly always letting the ball bounce in front of him while playing in the field or taking the walk while at bat.  But he’ll always have a soft spot in my heart.  And yes, the photo above has a little something to do with it.  Adios Patty.

(Photo courtesy of Phillies Photo Day 2008)

Weekend in a Flash

While you enjoy 11-11-11 here are a few things to do on 11-12-11 and 11-13-11

Immortals

So the reviews are in and they’re not very good but on the positive side the cinematography is supposed to be amazing and judging from the trailer Henry Cavill doesn’t wear a shirt.  Maybe we should have put the Henry Cavill part first.

New York Chocolate Show



Photo: Craig X Sotres



Did we ever mention how funny it is that we’ve remained friends for 26 years?  One of us happens to be a huge chocolate fan and other is kind of meh about it.  But if you fall into the chocolate fanatic side and you’re in the New York City area you may want to head over to the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 w. 18^th St. between 6^th and 7^th Aves.) for the New York Chocolate Show.  It’s happening all weekend long and it promises to be a very sweet time. For more info click here.

Make Your Own Muppet

The new Muppet movie may not be coming out for another two weeks, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait for Muppet fun.  FAO Schwartz allows its users to create their own Muppet.  Trust us, this can be hours of fun.  Click here to start.

What are you doing this week?  Let us know @2littlecrayons on twitter

Ask a Crayon

Q.  A few years ago I invested all of my personal savings with a family friend. This included my Bat Mitzvah money, the money my parents gave me after I graduated High School, the savings bonds my grandparents gave me when I was born and all of my babysitting funds.  Now I suspect my family friend was involved in a ponzi scheme and I have lost everything.  What should I do? – Destitute in Duluth

A. Destitute in Duluth this is quite a pickle. We first suggest you get new friends.  Then possible invest in this great piggy bank from Etsy.

Finally, maybe next time put your money in a secure savings account or savings bonds.   When we cashed the ones our grandparents gave us when we were born, we made like three bucks!

Got any questions?  Let us know @2littlecrayons on twitter

One Crayon, Two Crayon, Three Crayon

It’s almost 1 AM and I have spent the last hour and a half trying everything short of singing lullabies to myself and drinking warm milk to fall asleep.  It appears my wrecked new sleeping pattern is just one of the many side effects of unemployment along with finally catching up with House Hunters and discovering The Nate Berkus show.  I honestly haven’t been this off kilter in my Rem cycle since I had mono and spent 17 hours a day sleeping. This has now led me to both blog and Google sleep aids off my blackberry since my computer doesn’t get internet in my bedroom.  Among my generally no fail tricks that have failed to work this evening I have tried

Watching Mobsters – Usually anything on History Channel or Bio allow me to learn just as I doze off

Reading – Although maybe choosing a Stephen King novel was not the best choice

Creating lists – Guess who forget to get facial cleanser while I was at Target today?

Listening to my iPod – I figured now was the perfect time to listen to my favorite Christmas tunes since ABC Family continues to remind me that the 25 days of Christmas is coming soon

Exercise – I Know they say not to exercise 2 hours before bed, but they also say not to eat 2 hours before sleeping and that bag of Herr’s Sour Cream and Onion potato chips was calling my name all night

So 15 minutes after starting this I am still no closer to sleep and running out of ideas.  What helps you fall asleep?  Let us know @2littlecrayons on twitter.  My youthful glow depends on it!

Crayon Wisdom

These little crayons had a busy weekend and learned a few things along the way:

Crazy people are often entertaining - crazy people serving you food are not
The story goes that at the tender age of about 2.5 years old, these two crayons arranged their first dinner date. We apparently both independently told our parents that we were to meet the other one at Burger King at a set time. For some reason they listened to us and brought us to Burger King at the time we had requested - and found the other there, exactly as we had planned it. Needless to say, it was the first of many dinners we'd share together, and to this day we'll even sometimes include our parents in our plans. Friday night we planned dinner in our hometown of Ridgewood, NJ, and while the company was lovely, the service was not. We're not talking just slow, or bad food - we're talking crazy waiter. We got everything from cursing, forgotten orders, awkward apologies, limping, and an actual following us out of the restaurant to ask about his tip. There was only one way to remedy the situation: ice cream. Guess we're still young at heart.

What do you get the baby that has everything?
Kate's a new aunt, and Rachel has a few friends expecting babies in the next few months, including her good friend Lisa whose baby shower was Sunday. Baby gift registries are now just as extensive as wedding registries - but it's still fun to give gifts that you came up with on your own.

Ideas span from the practical:

To the impractical:

Apparently this is what Kelly Rowland picked up for her BFF Beyonce's unborn baby.

Not that, if given the chance, we wouldn't totally love to gift a swarovski crystal covered bathtub. I think that would make us the coolest aunts ever.

Where's the Crayons?

According to NY Magazine, there is a Where’s Waldo movie in the works.  That got us thinking about how we were never in a Where’s Waldo picture…until now! Can you find the crayons?

Things We Love

We’re big fans of Sara Evans style of country.  That’s why we are super excited to see the video for her latest hit “My Heart Can’t Tell You No,” a remake of the Rod Stewart classic. The song is off her album Stronger which you buy here.

Over the weekend Drake’s latest album was leaked online and we’re totally loving it. Here’s the title track “Take Care.” And if you like the track, Make sure to BUY IT!

 (source)

Finally, although it's been out for a while, we still are absolutely obsessed with Kelly Clarkson's "Mr. Know It All."  Her latest album Stronger dropped on October 21st. You can buy a copy here.

Did you Know?

....we've expanded.  Along with Twitter, 2littlecrayons has grown to now include Tumblr.  Check out our Roaming Crayons page to follow our adventure.  It's easy, just click here to get started and don't forget to add to your favorite pages.

Roaming Crayons

Today is NYC Marathon Sunday.  A day that reminds us the day we actually ran our own marathon.  Of course for 3 year olds, instead of 26.2 miles it's actually just 2 miles and you have a 30 minute time limit but it's on the same course as the other marathon. 

Anyway...congrats to all the runners.

Recreate a Cover

A friend of ours has a blog which lists the 30 things she’d like to do before 30.  Well as 12 year old girls making the cover of Sassy would have been close to the top.  Now thanks to the magical world of Photoshop, our dreams have finally come true. 

What magazine did you wish you could be on?  Let us know @2littlecrayons on twitter.

Weekend in a Flash

Here are a few ideas to get that horrible Justin Bieber story out of your head:

Tower Heist

Alan Alda steals money from the working class and it’s up to Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy to get it back.  Plus our friend happens to be making her screen debut.  Where do I sign up?

Honorable Mention: A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas

LSU- Alabama

(7:50P on CBS) 

According to ESPN over 600 people have signed up for media credentials.  That generally signals that something big is going on.  And when it involves the first and second ranked college football teams in the nation who happen to play in one of the premier conferences, then yes, it is a big deal. 

Jay-Z/Kanye West Watch the Trone Tour

If you’re in the New York area than you probably know that two of the biggest rap acts are taking the stage this weekend at the IZOD Center.  Tickets have been sold out forever, but if you’re lucky (or wealthy enough) to get invited to this crazy party, RSVP yes!

Don't forget to turn back your clocks this weekend!

My Christmas List

Instead of Santa, little Kate tells Uncle Tommy what she wants for Christmas

Just as Justin Timberlake once sang about as a member of N Sync, sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to get that girl who has everything for Christmas.  Well keep your love my friend and get me the Los Angeles Dodgers instead.  Sure it’s not the Atlanta Braves but hey, how often do they go up for sale? 

As someone who has family members who stopped watching baseball after the Brooklyn Dodgers left to go to Los Angeles, it seems like the perfect way to rectify history.  And no I am not bringing them back to Brooklyn, there are enough teams in New York, but I will instead enjoy a few Dodger Dogs in my owner suite.  Remember money can’t buy you happiness but it can help get you a World Series ring.  Los Angeles here I come.

Ask a Crayon

Q: I enjoyed a world win romance with a famous sister that resulted in a $10 million televised wedding.  Everything was going great…at least I thought…but after 72 days my wife has filed for divorce and fled to Australia.  I am not ready to give up on our union.  Do you have any ideas? – Still in love in New Jersey

A: Letting go can be difficult.  We understand that.  For a last ditch effort how about surprising your divorcing bride with this:

We found it in the Neiman Marcus Christmas book.  They call it a Dream Folly but we call it a place for her to escape when you have once again screwed up and she needs some breathing room.  We’d also suggest deleting the word Minnesota from your vocabulary and also picking up  a day job while the lockout continues.  We hear Starbucks is always hiring.

If you have a question for Ask a Crayon let us on know on twitter @2littlecrayons

Bring on Mariah

Today is November 1^st, the unofficial start of the holiday season.  I know there are a lot of you out there that believe that Chrismukkah commercials and decorations should not really be seen until Thanksgiving but then you’re missing out on over 20 days of listening to Mariah Carey’s classic “All I Want for Christmas is You.”    So for all of you out there that believe that once the calendar turns to November 1^st it’s ok to begin listening to holiday classics and watching Bill Murray’s “Scrooge” on repeat, here’s a little holiday cheer.