• Southwestern : Blue Adobe Grill (Roasted Salsa, Adobe Salad, Vegetarian Chimichanga) 144 N. Country Club Mesa 480.962.1000, Tia Rosa's
• Italian : Café Boa (Boa Salad, Pola Pola-Artichoke Ravioli) 398 S. Mill Ave Tempe (480) 968-9112
• Breakfast : Farm House (Cinnamon Rolls as big as your head and milk in a pitcher) 228 N Gilbert Rd (480) 926-0676
• Lunch : The Picnic Company (Milan Picnic & Cold Pasta Salad) 142 W. Main St. Mesa
• Pizza : Reachel and Andrew have a thing for pizza, and yes they have been to Pizzaria Bianco, which is good, but if you're not in the mood for a 3 hour table wait, try these:
  La Grande Orange Pizzeria (Roasted Corn Pizza, it's like eating a dreamy pizza cloud with a crunchy silver lining, plus it's couched between the most charming grocery and a gelato spot) 40th Street & Cambell Avenue 602.840.7777
  Cibo, (Enjoy any of the pizza's, but make sure you leave room for some of their famous crepes) 603 N. 5th Ave Phoenix, 602.441.2697
  Grazie Fantastic patio, even in the summer (You won't be disappointed by any of their pizzas, but make sure you try their dessert calzones)6952 E Main St. Scottsdale, AZ, very close to the Hotel Valley Ho, (480) 663-9797
  Classic Italian Pizza cracker thin crusts, with subtle topping suggestions. But the biggest draw in the appetizer, mediterranean basket with olives and fresh feta 1054 E Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ, (480) 345-8681
• Wraps & More :  Pita Jungle (Mediterranean Platter, Falafel) 1250 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe (480)804-0234
• Japanese :  Stingray Sushi (Sunshine Vegetables) Go for happy hour between 4 pm-7 pm on Mon-Fri. 4302 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale (480) 941-4460 Shimogamo (Vegetable Roll, Misc Sushi) elegant, traditional, and quiet, a rarity in Japanese sushi bars. 2051 W.Warner Rd,Suite 14, 480-899-7191TEL
  
• Cuban: Havana Cafe (Cho Cho, Yuca Frita-Fresh Coyote Squash & Fried cassava fingers with spicy banana-guava ketchup) 4225 E Camelback Rd (602) 952-1991
• Hamburgers & Shakes : Streamers (Veggie Burger & Skookie) Located right next to the movies. This menu has three pages of ice cream, so make room for dessert. 1166 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert (480) 635-9222
• Gelato:  The Gelato Spot (Absolutely Anything, Gelato is like ice cream but with all the air whipped out. It's tastes rich and creamy, but has less fat) 3164 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 957-8040 Angel Sweet (Panne Cotta, Fruits of the Forest) 1900 W Chandler Boulevard Chandler, (480) 722.2541
• Arizona Eclectic:  Cowboy Ciao (just reading the menu is fun) start with dessert, each item is one of a kind. 7133 E Stetson Dr., (480) 946-3111
• Modern Comfort: Chelsea's Kitchen (Vegetarian Nut Burger, Dr. B's Vegetarian Taco Plate) the ambiance is industrial and cozy at the same time. 5040 N 40th Street , 602-957-2555
• Vietnamese: Cyclo (Goi Cuon Cbay - fresh spring rolls, Ga Xao Xa Or - Crispy Lemongrass Tofu) the owner is sassy and delightful. 1919 W. Chandler Blvd. (480) 969-4490
  

• French: The Paris (Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi/Butternut Squash Ravioli & Chocolate  Volcano Cake) 1500 S 1500 E 1500 S 1500 E
• Japanese: Happy Sumo (Tofu Steak & Sushi)/Koyo (Sukiyaki & Tempura/reserve a tea room) 2275 E 3300 S 801-466-7111
• Chinese:  Long Life Veggie (Meatless Lemon Chicken & Treasure of Eight)  1353 East 3300 South, 801-467-1111
• Italian: Lugano's (all the pastas) The Old Spaghetti Factory (Manager's Special Marinara/Mizithra & Spumoni)
• Mexican:  Café Rio (Café Rio Salad), Lone Star Taqueria (Shrimp Burrito)
• Pizza:  California Pizza Kitchen (Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza & Sedona Tortilla Soup)
• Burgers:  Hire's Big H (Golden Veggie H)
• Utah Canyon Cuisine:  Porcupine Pub & Grille (Large Variety, Everything is Good)
• Soup & Wraps:  Fresh Food Junkies (The Original Wrap & Veggie Chili) 500 S State Street Provo 801.221.7788
• Indian: Bombay House (Vegetable Coconut Korma, Vegetable  Somosa, & Sweet Lassi)
• Mediterranean :  Mazza (Falafel & Lentil Soup) 1515 S 1500 East, 801-484-9259
• Breakfast Diner: Blue Plate Diner (French Toast with Bananas & Walnuts) 2041 S 2100 E, (801) 463-1151
• Dessert:  Market Street Grill (Zabaione/Sabayon: Vanilla Ice Cream, Every Kind of Berry, & Rum Sauce) Go for the Early Bird Special for a great deal on fantastic fresh fish
• Hot Chocolate: Coco 's Café (Italian Cocoa) 282 East 900 South. 364-3332

• Dan in Real Life
  How can a picture be both predictable and refreshing at the same time? What you think might happens, happens. But the human details emitted along the way, particularly by Steve Carrell and the lack of immoral cringing left us to determine this as one of our favorite pictures of 2007.
• Paris, je t'aime (I Love You)*
  Collection of short films about falling in love with Paris. Truly intriguing to see each director's take on this narrow, yet interpretive theme.
• Reign Over Me
  Are we responsible for the welfare of our friends? A powerful film chronicling post traumatic stress disorder and the effects of 9-11.
• Waitress
  Mixed feelings about recommending this one. Reachel is against any movie endorsing adultery as romantic. And Nathan Fillion's character is admittedly weak and awkward. But flaws and all, this movie was clever and insightful. Kerri Russel is brilliant and endearing and her husband, Jeremy Sisto's character is fully formed with equal parts of detestable, pitiable, and hilarious elements.
  
• Bourne Ultimatum
  Easily the best action movie of the year. Andrew even paid to see it in the theatre. Something reserved as a rare, excessively indulgent treat. Reachel fell asleep in Live Free or Die Hard, but this shot of adrenaline was enjoyed equally by both halves of the couple.
  
• Stranger than Fiction
  Love comics in dramatic roles. The understated layers of humor add uncomplicated depth to the straightest of performances. Add one of the most elegant screenplays and sharp cinematography, and you've got a winner. PS: Andrew's brother Jason met Will Ferrel and says he is "ridiculously nice."
• Marie Antoinette
  Sophia Copla throws an over-the-top Marie Antoinette party complete with appropriately placed 80's music and stunning set and costume design. Immensely sweet visual eye candy.
  
• Rocky Balboa
  It redeems Stallone from Rocky V. It truly goes the distance; Micky would have been proud. Did we mention Reachel wrote her college entrance on a Rocky theme? Is a full ride scholarship the same as a knockout?
• Little Miss Sunshine *
  Reachel has wanted to abduct Abigal Breslin since she wore cowboy boots and dresses in "Signs."
• Brick *
  A screenplay based on the writing style of Dashiell Hammet's 1940s crime fiction . Stylistically cool, and clever.
• The Matador *
  A hitman (Pierce Brosnan) and a salesman (Greg Kinnear) walk into a bar...very funny movie.
• Pride & Prejudice
  Several other adaptations have fallen flat in the wake of the BBC 6 volume mini series, but Kiera Knightly does justice to Elizabeth in this 1995 release.
• Tony Takitani
  This Japanese Foreign Film enchanted us at Sundance. It is the most beautiful movie we saw all year.
• Born Into Brothels *
  An inspiring documentary about children in Calcutta's Red Light District
• Crash
  An amazing transformation for the audience. You hate almost everyone at the begriming of the film and understand and feel for them by the end.
• The Life Aquatic/Rushmore
  Wes Anderson quirky caricatures are unmatched. And the set of The Life Aquatic is art itself.
• The Good Girl *
  Comedies never get the respect they deserve, how many times have you seen a comedic win an oscar? But true humor has just as much depth and layers as good drama.
• Cold Mountain *
  Renee Zellweger's best performance.
• Before Sunrise/After Sunset *
  10 years later the same actors continue the story. Nothing happens but fantastic realistic conversations. The longest single, stationary shots you've ever seen in a movie.
• Narnia
  Love everything to do with CS Lewis including this lovely movie.
• Walk The Line
  Like going to a concert rather than a movie. I can't believe Joaquin and Reese sang their roles.
• Motorcycle Diaries *
  A just portrait of communism's altruistic roots through the youthful explorations of Che Rivera.
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*
• Lost in Translation*
• City of God*
• Hero
• Love Actually*
• Napolean Dynamite
• Elf
• Supersize Me
• The Village

*Favorite Editing Technology ClearPlay.com

• Pushing Daisies
  It's as if Amelie has been made into a syndicated sitcom. Love the look and feel, love the characters, love having a show that isn't crude or violent.
  
• The Office
  You could watch this comedy with the sound turned off. Steve's Carell's faces are emotive masterpieces.
• NPR
  We follow by car radio, pod cast, and streaming audio. But Fresh Air and Diane Rehm are always favorites.
• Lost
  The cut-off in November and the hook up between Kate and Sawyer have caused some second thoughts on loyalty. But we'll still probably tune-in in January to give them another chance.
• Heroes
  Maybe we can fill the emptiness in our TV schedule left by Lost with another drama that's not afraid of magic. It took a while to catch on, but this drama about everyday heroes is starting to catch some interest.

In the Strength of the Lord	David A. Bednar
This I Know	President Gordon B. Hinckley
Godliness with Contentment	Mary Ellen Edmunds
Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer	Richard G. Scott
Learning the Healer's Art	Elaine S. Marshall
The Church is the Cure-All for All Problems	Spencer W. Kimball
Personal Ministry Sacred & Precious	Bonnie D. Parkin
Your Refined Heavenly Home	Douglas L. Callister
Timing	Dallin H. Oaks
An Educated Conscience	Stephen R. Covey
Trying to Serve the Lord without Offending the Devil	James E. Faust
Living on the Lord's Side of the Line	Sherry Dew
Claim the Exceedingly Great and Precious Promises	Spencer J. Condie
Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence	Jeffrey R. Holland
Gifts of Love	Henry B. Eyring

• Classics
  • Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
    Reachel's all-time favorite novel, more poetry than prose. Absolutely lovely vignettes about coming of age in the summer of 1928.
    
  • Walden by Thoreau
    Reachel & Andrew were pleased to hear that Ralph Waldo also liked to imaginary shop. Maybe that's where he got the will power for economy. If you don't want to read the entire account of his life in the woods, Reachel recommends: "Where I Lived, and What I have Lived For."
    
  • Middlemarch by George Eliot
    George Eliot's poignant commentary on provincial life and what happens after the "happily ever after." As an author, Eliot rivals her best English counterparts including Austin and Bronte. Read it and listen to Diane Rehm's Reader's Review.
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck
    An amazing allegory on the Garden of Eden, Cain & Able, and "Timshel" - thou mayest. Steinbeck got Eve all wrong with Cathy, but other than that, it's a beautiful take on the Fall and free agency.
  • Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
    A truly lonely coming of age story where Holden Caulfield yearns to save children from falling over the edge of innocence into the phony adult world.
  • Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
    Are we all Gregor's? Have we somehow forgotten our own location and our relationship with the world? This darkly funny novella explores the symbolic transformation of man to insect, our view of treatment of ourselves and humanity in general.

• Best Sellers
  • I Love You, Ronnie by Nancy Reagan
    A perfect love story for Valentines. Although Andrew did recommend that Reachel stop reading it because President Reagan was making him look bad.
    
  • The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
    Based on ancient philosophy and modern psychology, discussing all kinds of theories around what produces happy people. Favorite findings follow: 1. Right brained minds are indeed genetically inclined to depression. 2. You can't buy happiness, unless you know where to shop. Spend your means on experiences not consumption. 3. You don't gain from adversity, until you apply meaning to it in your personal life story.
  • Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
    Read this narrative of Oskar Schell, nine-year-old amateur inventor, jewelry designer, astrophysicist, tambourine player and pacifist recovering from the tragedy of 9-11, with the finger close to the skip and filter button. But forgiving Foer for his PG-13 content, he's a literary genius. In an interview for "Everything is Illuminated" he revealed how he used to think that depth of feeling was reserved for sadness even depression, that happiness was for superficial, trivial people. Foer's books highlights hundreds of levels and varieties of joy and humor.
  • Italian I Pimsleur
    Reachel is determined to speak to natives in Naples, Amalfi, and Ischia. After listing to Italian I while making dinner and traveling cross country has enabled Reachel and Andrew to say confidently, "Io capsico e parlo un po - Molto Benne!"
  • Spontaneous Healing by Andrew Weil
    Andrew Weil helps the reader discover and embrace our bodies' natural ability to maintain and heal itself.
  • Freakonomics by Stephen D. Leavitt, Stephen J. Dubner
    Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? The study of economics, incentives - and the hidden side of — well, everything.
  • The Life of Pi, Yann Martel
    A paradigm shifting parable.
  • The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
    Interesting story weaving civil rights, feminine strength, and mother-daughter relationships.
  • Angels & Demons, Dan Brown
    The characters are flat, but the history of the catholic church and the possibilities of science were fascinating

  Religious

  • The New Testament, King James Version, Compilation
    If you haven't ever read it, start with the Gospels, relishing the divine birth, through ministry, passion, and resurrection. If you want to dive further, but get intimidated in Acts try The New Testament Made Easier, Part 2.
    
  • Spiritual Lightening, M. Catherine Thomas
    One of the strongest explanations of the fall and man and woman's role in mortality.
  • Lighten Up, Chieko N. Okazaki
    Referenced in our phenomenal Aspen Grove discourses, includes a particularly touching description of the power of the atonement.
  • The PeaceGiver, James L. Ferrel
    An accessible story which incorporates some of the best principles of Warner's "Bonds That Make Us Free." Life changing viewpoint of the atonement, marriage, and forgiveness.
  • No One Can Take Your Place/If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard, Sheri Dew
    The CEO of Deseret Book might repeat herself a little bit in her second and third novel, but they remain inspiring and
  • House of Glory, S. Michael Wilcox
    "A house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God" D&C 188:19 Wilcox guides the reader through the multiple possibilities of temple worship.
  • The 6 Events, Stephen R. Covey
    His first religious book in decades, learn how to experience your own restoration as Covey walks through the significance of each event of the LDS church's restoration.
  • The Great Divorce, C S Lewis
    An insightful view on heaven, hell and how we really do take our pride and prejudice into the afterlife with us. Very funny in a guilty way in which you realize you're laughing at yourself.
  • The Book of Mormon, Compilation
    A fascinating chronicle of the rise and fall of ancient America. Receive an added spirit in your home, a greater desire for righteousness, and a stronger testimony of Christ.

  Business

  • Crazy/Busy by [overstretched, overbooked, and about to snap : strategies for coping in a world gone ADD] / by Edward M. Hallowell
    This is a book about weeding the ineffective multi-tasking and excess screen time out of your life.
  • The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz
    Definitely my favorite self improvement book of the year. Using their impressive work with athletes and corporate executives, Loehr and Schwartz lay out new rules for exceptional results in any performance context. Instead of managing time, manage energy between performance sessions to maximize emotional recovery for the next time you push your personal limits. It sounds trite, but the mindset and stats are really paradigm shifting.
    
  • Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath
    If you felt like The Tipping Point was missing some clarity around stickiness, the insights in this book will clear things up.
    
  • The Big Moo by Seth Godin
    Stop trying to be perfect, and start being remarkable. The purple bible when it comes to marketing 2.0
  • The Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test & Self Discovery Guide
    A centuries-old psychological system with roots in sacred tradition, it doesn't just give you a static personality category, but where you go when you're stressed, when you're secure, and wings you often spread between. Andrew is a creative epicure, Reachel is a giver.
  • Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
    A perfect follow-on to the Tipping Point. Whoever said statistics are boring, doesn't know how to interpret them. Gladwell masterfully illustrates fresh hypothesis with anecdotes and trend lines.
  • The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell
    A fascinating study of human behavior patterns, and shows us where the smallest things can trigger an epidemic of change
  • The Wisdom of Crowds, James Surowiecki
    Endlessly fascinating book, explores a deceptively simple idea that has profound implications: large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant.

• Arcade Fire (Black Mirror, Neighborhood #1)
  Big sweeping sounds of pipe organs and other eclectic instruments swell within every track. This band is anything but blase. Even if you're not much of a concert goer, this is one group you have to see live. And as a bit of needless trivia, one of the lead singers is from what he calls a martini drinking Mormon family.
• Feist (The Reminder - The Whole Album)
  Wes Johnson introduced us to her sweet silky sweeps of melodious comfort. Indie artist Feist's voice melts pleasantly with jangly yet organic flourishes and playfully insistent guitar. Her pacing captures your attention as a toy box of sounds.
  
• Edith Piaf "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" (Piaf's My Way)
  This little sparrow is a French cross between Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra.
• Sondre Lerche "Modern Nature"
  Do you remember when you were in college and your date took you to an intimate, acoustic concert in someone's house where a feeling beyond the music permeated the house. Or when you have a really simple meal of super fresh, seasonal produce. Listening to Sondre Lerche's melodies and lyrics are kind of like that.
  
• The Weepies "What do I compare you to?"
  Like openly crying in Pinocchio with close friends. The merged acoustic careers of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen.
• Ditty Bops "Fish to Fry"
  Abby Dewald and Amanda Barrett completed a cross-country bicycle tour. It's a retro mix of cabaret jazz, vaudeville and western swing.
• The Frames "Star, Star"
  We discovered them opening for Damien Rice. Conviction, grit and skillful songwriting at every turn
• Maria Callas "Caro Nome "
  The undisputed Diva of Opera.
• Madeliene Peyroux "Between the Bars"
  You'd swear this Elliot Smith ballad was written for Billie Holiday. Peyroux (think Peru) is Frenchy, jazzy genius, just the right amount of ethereal joy and heartbreak.

Favorite 06 Road Trip
Pacific Coast Highway
(November 2006)

• Cannon Beach: Retro Atlantic City Type Carnival Beach Town: Fresh Salt Water Taffy
• Pearl District Shopping on Westover Street
• Toured Wieden & Kennedy advertising agency
• Lake Oswego (Little Venice, all the houses back up against a lake, the back yard receives front yard focus),
• Mio Gelato, Lake Oswego Pizza, Bubble Tea
• Modern housing
• Dense forests & redwood trees
• Walking trails surrounded by blackberries built into neighborhoods
  

• BYU Speeches listen to the extensive, free archive of BYU devotionals and speeches. We pick one to listen to every morning as we get ready.
• Audio Ensign Listen to the first presidency message while you run errands or exercise.
• FavoriteRun is perfect for mapping out your training runs.
• AskANinja Ninjuary is our favorite month.
• HomeStarRunner If I were choosing one word to describe myself, it would be fluffy puff marshmallows or homestar runner. Visit Marzipan's answering machine and strong bad's email.
• MyHeritage.com Find out which celebrities you resemble most. It's an addictive, self-deprecating game.
• Fig-Creative/VintageLux
  Check out the site redesign and Christmas Sale
• Napoleon Dynamite
• Wes Johnson Photography
• Apple Movie Trailers
• Moviefone.com Ads: Marriage/Candy Bar
  Listen for Jason Bagley's Voice in the Marriage Ad
• Hillmancurtis Film & Video
  Subtle almost still videos

• Energetic vegetarian
• Vehement entrepreneur
• Wildly creative for a man only reads non-fiction
• Quick to make decisions that affect other people's lives or money
• When it comes to his personal life and finances, decisions generally involve much research and deliberation
• Always looking for ways to optimize a choice, create money

• Vintage enthusiast
• Fitness devotee: running, yoga, hiking, weight lifting, boxing
• Aesthetical pleasure purist
• She drinks a lot of water for someone with such a small bladder
• She loves the changes of the seasons-but believes some seasons should be spent indoors

• Capable of earning date money by selling empty pop cans, ebaying noni juice, mending his own clothes and cutting his own hair
• He's very fashion forward for a man who spends nothing on clothes
• Knowing the exact number of seconds for optimum cooking in the microwave

• Asks unique questions and listens carefully to answers without considering self-serving responses
• Matching food volumes and available tupperwareHigh volume tongue clicking

• Mustaches
• Customer service
• Tofu hotdogs
• Boz Skaggs
• NPR & The Prarie Home Companion
• Macintosh computers
• Striped ties

• Scarves, hats, and other winters outerwear
• Obscure paintings by well know artists
• Books that have no purpose but to inspire
• Chandeliers at the Utah Symphony's Abravanel Hall
• Books on tape
• Veils

• Mayonnaise
• Pointy-toed shoes
• Halitosis
• Abercrombie
• Network marketing
• Forwarded emails

• Discount warehouses
• Small talk
• Urban commutes
• Sensible shoes

• Rock climbing
• Cooking
• Designing
• Photography
• Sewing
• World Travel

• Art history
• Fictional reading
• Foreign films
• International food sampling
• Astronomy
• Gardening