Buble Duets

#awesomesauce.

A Very Merry Musical Monday

This year, we're leaving it up to the gals at lulu to provide an "uber-festive holiday playlist." And we happen to think they did quite well. [Click here to download these merry melodies from iTunes].

Via the lululemon blog...

Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
This woman knew Christmas – heck, she backcombed her hair in the shape of a wreath for the entirety of her career. That’s what I call commitment!
U2 – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Call me biased but I have this strange notion that spending the holidays in Ireland would be incredibly festive. Perhaps it has something to do with the large number of pubs…
Boney M – Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord
I like to put this track on, throw on my best sequined sweater and eat sausage rolls with friends. This may sound weird…but I dare you to try it and disagree.
The Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick
One of the best holidays I ever had was spent in a Santa-themed bikini in the tropics, hanging ornaments on a palm tree. Enjoy this surf-flavoured holiday song that comes with subliminal Vitamin D.
Burl Ives – A Holly Jolly Christmas
Burl Ives IS Christmas. End of story.
Wham! – Last Christmas
If the sight of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley prancing around a ski lodge doesn’t make you feel happy, I’m afraid I don’t know how to help you get festive.
Nat ‘King’ Cole – The Christmas Song
The classic feel-good song of the holidays. This version is my favourite because Nat ‘King’ Cole’s voice is smoother than double-crème brie. (Are you noticing a pattern here?)
Kanye West – Christmas In Harlem
In the past, I have struggled to enjoy newer Christmas carols because they just don’t seem, well, Christmas-y. This has changed now that I’ve heard Kanye, Alicia Keys and Jim Jones talking about hot chocolate being “dericious.”
Bobby Helms – Jingle Bell Rock
If the thought of the AM radio dial is what helps you get in the mood, then look no further; Bobby Helms is just what the doctor ordered.
Paul McCartney – A Wonderful Christmas Time
You work on the appies and sugar cookies, leave it to Sir Paul to ensure everyone’s simply having a wonderful Christmas time.
The Eagles – Please Come Home For Christmas
The Eagles may be famous as the “Boys Of Summer,” but they prove their multi-season resilience with this modern holiday gem.
Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You
This epic masterpiece never gets old, kind of like crochet tops and daisy dukes.
Dean Martin – I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
If Frank Sinatra is “The Chairman of the Board,” then Dean Martin is “The Chairman of Always Having A Drink In His Hand & Having His Celebrity Roasts Re-Run A Billion Times.” That being said, his brand of swagger really sets the holiday mood.
Elvis Presley – Blue Christmas
The holidays can bring out the highest and lowest of emotions. If you are down in the dumps (as opposed to Down Dog), let Elvis commiserate with you.
Vince Guaraldi – Skating
This is my favourite song from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ the album that accompanies the classic TV special about the beloved animated beagle, Snoopy. Coincidentally, this is also a very tranquil song to pass out to after one-too-many eggnogs.

And click here to check out our holiday playlist from 2010.

Merry! Merry!

The 10 Biggest Fitness Myths

Via Outside Magazine

It's more than a little frustrating when the things we think we "know" are contradicted time and time again. Honestly, I'm well past the point of really knowing what to believe anymore - particularly when it comes to fitness and running and thinking that I know what my body wants and needs. Outside Magazine put together this little list of the 10 biggest fitness myths - and there are quite a few upsetting "truths" in there. Take a look and decide for yourself...

Myth #1: Stretching prevents injuries and improves performance.
Myth #2: Running barefoot is better for the body. (Read the comments after this one. There are quite a few upset barefoot runners who wholeheartedly disagree with the author. Then again, that's a common trend for all of the myths)
Myth #3: You need to focus on your core to become a better athlete.
Myth #4: Guzzling water and electrolytes before a race prevents cramps.
Myth #5: Popping ibuprofen before a hard workout prevents sore muscles afterward.
Myth #6: Dehydration hurts race performance.
Myth #7: Ice baths speed recovery.
Myth #8: Long and slow is the best way to burn calories.
Myth #9: Fructose is a performance killer.
Myth #10: Supplements take performance to the next level.


Up for Debate: Massage boosts recovery after a tough workout.
Up for Debate: Surgery is the best remedy for an ACL tear.
Up for Debate: Cortisone shots speed healing after an injury.

Frankly, all of the "myths" and the subsequent comments leave me feeling more confused than ever, so I appreciated this guy's comment:

Remember, be objective and informed and in tune with your body. Do your homework. This article is just reporting an angle, its not definitive. I don't agree with most of the "myths", but it gives me a reason to go back and affirm exactly why I do not agree.

Because It's the Best (Secular) Christmas Song. Period.

Last night we were at husband's office holiday party when his boss insisted everyone gather round and watch this YouTube video gone viral made by the HMS Ocean of the Royal Navy when they found out they would be home for Christmas.

For everyone separated from their loved ones this Christmas, we're thinking of you and sending thoughts of joy and love. For all of our troops, home and abroad, we can never thank you enough for all that you do.

P.S. - It's super fun in the middle of the Summer, when Christmas is the last thing on anyone's mind, to play this song on a jukebox in a bar or on an iPod at a party. There will be looks of confusion at first, but then without fail everyone will start dancing and singing like magic because it's just. that. awesome.