As promised, here are Miles, Amanda, and Greg rockin’ in the New Year.

Much Love!

We would like to wish you a happy and safe New Year’s Eve. Greg and I are having a pre-party tonight before we hit the town with Miles (pictures to come later, if they’re suitable for the public). I’m a sucker for year end top 10 lists, so here are the top 10 ways to have a “Rockin New Year,” as stated by the Dayton Daily News.

Do you have a favorite end of the year list? Have you compiled a list on how to evade the Order? Or 10 ways to break Daniel’s heart? Post your list in comments or a link to your favorite list. As always, send me your pictures! amanda@lg15.com

“Rockin’ New Year”

Here are 10 simple ways to ring in the new year by making a memorable party for all your loved ones:

1. Choose a style

Is your party going to be formal where everyone has to get all dressed up or is it casual? The first step to creating the perfect party is choosing the atmosphere. From decorations to food to drinks, figuring out the theme of your party early will allow you to plan out all the other key parts to your shindig in a more organized fashion.

2. Decorations

Whether your party is going to be casual or formal, when it comes to decorations two words come to mind — be creative. There are many small tricks that can be done to really jazz up those ho-hum decorations. Put the balloons away and think outside the box.

For a classic look, you can create quite an ambiance through reflections. Simply place some small mirrors, which you can find cheap at any craft store, onto the table with the mirror side facing up. Place a candle on top of each of the mirrors. The reflection of the flame in the mirror will add warmth and class to your party. Also, to add a little more depth, choose a color that goes with your theme and scatter a few glass rocks or some shiny beads in that same color around the mirrored surface. This will tie in with your other decorations, but also will add even more depth and another reflective surface to your candle piece. Side note — the best candles to use for this are those that are either the small tea lights or ones that are in clear glass containers so that the wax does not drip all over your mirror or table.

To create a more casual-themed party doesn’t mean that your party has to look cheap. No, you don’t need those red plastic cups to make it seem less formal — although this is a sure way to make your New Year’s Eve party look more like a frat party. Rather than thinking casual, think comfortable. Create an atmosphere where it is warm and inviting and the minute your guests arrive they feel like they are home. If you have a fireplace, get a fire going before your guests arrive. Burn some seasonal candles or incense, too. If they are strong smells, I recommend burning them the morning of, but blowing them out before the guests arrive. The pungent scents will have time to settle and dull down, but will still be present by the time of your party.

3. Food

When it comes to food, there are many options for a host, but I recommend having more finger foods that your guests can pick at all evening. If you are able, I would going to a large warehouse retail chain such as Sam’s Club to pick up some finger foods. From mini quiche to pigs in a blanket, they have many options and are fairly inexpensive. If you aren’t a member of a wholesale warehouse then I recommend you try and make a majority of the food yourself. There are many easy-to-make items that look like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove. Just be creative. For example, take some regular pretzel rods and turn them into gourmet treats by dipping half of the pretzel into a little melted chocolate. Mix things up by then rolling them in sprinkles or peanuts or maybe by drizzling peanut butter over the chocolate. They are fairly easy to do, but are a big hit and guests can eat them easily.

Also, make sure that you are considerate of the guests you are inviting. Create options for those who may be vegetarian or allergic to common foods such as nuts.

4. Drinks

What sort of party would it be if there weren’t any cocktails? Remember, those college days are behind us. So, rather than getting that keg of beer or having a full bar that would leave your wallet empty, why don’t you create a few signature party drinks that you can make ahead of time and have pre-made and ready for your guests. I have found that martinis are good because you can make them so many different ways and the different types can please a larger group of people. Whether it is a traditional martini, an appletini or even a chocolate martini, give some options to your guests. The Swank Martini Company’s Web site, www.swankmartini.com, is a great resource to explore the many martini combinations available. They have a large list of different martini recipes.

However, don’t forget that for the countdown, champagne is usually the drink of choice. To make the Happy New Year a little different from the rest of the night, have a few bottles of champagne chilled and on hand to raise a glass and ring in 2008. Remember though that not everyone is a drinker. You may want to provide some nonalcoholic beverages for your guests and maybe some sparkling cider as an alternative to the champagne.

5. Music

Music is a great thing to have at any party as background noise. Try to find some music that is easy on the ears. Avoid going for extremes such as hard rock, hip hop, pop or country. Since conversations and interactions between your guests are the main noise at your party, try to go more toward music that just cuts the background silence. Instrumental music with an upbeat tone is something that can easily work. Plus, if you go with instrumental music you can just go buy one CD and have it playing on repeat all night. It will be harder for your guests to pick up that it is the same music when there aren’t any actual words being spoken.

6. Ball drop

Last year, I spent my New Year’s Eve in Yellow Springs to watch the ball drop — no, not the one in Time Square but the town’s very own ball. This idea of a ball drop got me thinking that anyone can add something unique to their party by having their very own ball drop. Nothing is more exciting then crowding around your loved ones and counting down the new year. All you need to do is take one of those generic balls that you can find in at any toy store, and then spray paint it using a silver metallic paint. Before it dries, sprinkle silver glitter all over the ball to add some shimmer. To add some more sparkle, decorate the ball by gluing on some sequence or other flashy, reflective items.

To make the ball actually drop, glue a decorative ribbon around the entire ball — but don’t use hot glue because the ball may burst — and tie all the ends together at the top of your ball. Place a standard hook on your ceiling and then simply place the ribbon into the hook. When the time comes, lower the ball to countdown the year.

Also, to make the ball drop complete, you can make a container for the ball to land in. Simply spray paint a bucket to match your color scheme and maybe even glue on some of those wooden block numbers that you can find at a craft store. Paint and glitter them to match your color scheme and then the whole ball drop experience will be complete. Just make sure and practice the drop before your party. You don’t want to be fixing all the kinks with only five seconds until 2008.

7. Noise makers

Making a little noise to celebrate 2008 is a necessity for any good New Year’s Eve party. If you go to any paper party store you can find a ton of different noisemakers. Just make sure to get enough for everyone (and also a few extra in case a few of them turn out to be duds or in case a few unexpected guests arrive). To ensure that you have a variety to choose from, go shopping early. From my own experience, waiting until the last minute to find noisemakers is a near impossible task. The shelves are usually bare and finding any sort of variety in noisemakers is rare. For the best option, I recommend going shopping at least a week or two before New Year’s Eve.

8. Party favors

When it comes to party favors there are many things you can do for your guests. I recommend simply giving 2008 calendars as party favors. Not only is it appropriate considering what the celebration is all about, but it also is something that your guests can actually use throughout the year and remember the good times from your party. As a reminder, you can even mark your party for next year on each calendar. You can give a variety of calendars, but I think it would be better to give a general calendar that anyone can use. You don’t want your macho body-builder friend to end up with a cute kitty cat calendar do you?

9. Resolutions

Part of every new year is the hopeful goals and aspirations of each of us — yes, that’s right, the New Year’s resolutions. Why not incorporate these goals into your party. Create a Wall of Resolution where your guests can write their resolutions for the year on a wall. Just place some poster board on the wall with a marker attached. If you want it to look even more decorative, find a large, inexpensive picture frame and place the poster board in that. Just remove the glass and your guests will have a fancy way to display their goals. If you want something a little more private, on your computer you can create small papers that allow each person to write down their goals for the year. You can either have them out for the guests to take at the party or you can include them with your party favors by attaching them to the front cover. This way, your guests will be reminded all year long of their goals. Who knows, maybe they will even keep them this year.

10. Be safe

Encourage everyone to drink responsibly. Keep an eye on your guests, monitor how much they drink and provide options if they can’t drive themselves home.

At this time last year, Daniel and Jonas were tracking Bree to the location where she was meeting her father.  Do you remember what happened once they found her?  Get the answer and other facts about the LG15 universe at the LGPedia.  It’s an invaluable resource for everything you need to know about LG15.

LGPedia: www.lg15.com/lgpedia

Happy Birthday Zoey!  Thank you for your committment to lonelygirl15 and katemodern. 

- The LG15 Team

“Friends with the Leaves” (the song featured in “Happy Holidays from lonelygirl15″) was written by three friends that I met on youtube over the past year.  User Ournationalspace and I had collaborated on other songs in the past.  He has such an amazing talent.  It was his idea to write the song and he orchestrated the project.  Users D4shawn and Superfrodies collaborated with Ournationalspace to write this fun, hip tune.  User Peas1my1life sent in her video footage and we were on our way.  Once the song was completed it was sent to me to record.  We had no idea that we were working together on this project until it was finished but all of us played a part in putting together a great song and video.  

Youtube has really become a big part of my life over the past year and I have to say the credit goes to lonelygirl15.  I did not even know what youtube was until I stumbled upon Jessica Rose / Bree last September in the news after her video blogs were found out to be fake.  This intrigued me so I watched every episode to get caught up on the story line and was hooked!  This may sound corny but Bree gave me the courage to make videos of my own, whether it be an occasional fan video or music video.  I am sure many other fans would say the same thing.  I was thrilled when Amanda contacted me about using my song for Inside LG15.  I think “Friends with the Leaves” was the perfect choice, especially after seeing the LG15 holiday video once it was completed.  The music is so happy and the beat had me rocking along as I watched the the cast having such a good time in their Santa hats! I love making videos and working with people to create something wonderful.  I am so happy that my music plays a small part in the Breeniverse!

*To hear more songs from Betz please check out her videos on youtube.  Even we enjoyed “Tired of Pl*tholes (LG15 Spoof).” 

http://www.youtube.com/betz28

Jennie (aka JennieTheBear on the lonelygirl15.com site) has joined and is looking for help! Her first post was a plea for suggestions of what she should do now. Head over to the Jennie Chat section and give her some advice!

An original creation by Kelly aka xPhoenix on the forum. Do you think a “non-Order” Holiday is possible?

Daniel, DJ Mic FranXon, Jenni Powell, Greg Gallows, Immortal1, Kira, Amanda Goodfried, Jerry (Voyboy), Hammy

I recently had the honor of meeting some amazing fans. Jenni Powell (lonelyjew15 herself!) had several of us over to her pad for some food, laughs, and fun. In attendance: Jenni Powell, Daniel and Adam from Lonelyjew15, along with Jerry Wright (voyboy), GregGallows, MicFranXon, Kira, Hammy, and Immortal1.

Highlights:

(1) Seeing GregGallows’ Watcher tattoo in person. Wow! It looks amazing and I am truly awed by Greg’s commitment to MMYB.

(2) MicFranXon putting his DJ skills to the test as we made an impromptu appearance on BreeFM, during which Jenni and Adam showed off their karaoke skills. Betz requested they sing “You Give Love A Bad Name” by Bon Jovi. It was an interesting interpretation of the song.

(3) Yummy food from Chilli’s. Thanks Kira!

(4) Hammy and Immortal1 dancing.

(5) Jenni opening the bottle of champagne I brought. It was a scary moment!

Thanks Jenni. I had a great time meeting everyone!

For more information:

Kitty on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/Kittypotamus

lonelyjew15 on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/lonelyjewfifteen

-Amanda

DJ Mic FranXon and Greg Gallows

Web 2.0 can be a treasure trove and a minefield.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1228/p09s02-coop.html

Have you created your own version of the lonelygirl15 Holiday card?  Did you make Daniel’s face into a mugshot (yes Milo we saw that!)?  We want to see what you’ve been creating.  Please send them to amanda@lg15.com or casey@lg15.com.

Here are some great examples:  

Hammy’s:

Renegade’s:

Maddemp’s:

 http://lg15today.blogspot.com/

Mallory and Taylor this time… and coming soon will be some group shots, sweet action!

Click on each photo/thumbnail to view the higher resolution version on Flickr. If you want to download the original super high res photo, click “all sizes” on Flickr and then “original.” Look for these photos on the LGPedia!

–Casey

Katherine Pawlak and Joe Rubin, aka Virgil

Jackson Davis, Joe Rubin, and Yousef Abu-Taleb

Jackson Davis and Joe Rubin

Yousef Abu-Taleb and Joe Rubin

Marcello Daciano and Joe Rubin

There is really no way to describe the feeling of dawning Ol’ St. Nick’s Scarlett and White. Honestly it was my first time being Santa and it was a tremendous experience. Bringing joy to the LG15 cast and crew is a memory that I will always cherish. I have been blessed to work with great people: Jackson, Kathy, Yousef, Amanda, Marcello, and Kevin, you will always be in my heart.

And now for what everybody is waiting to hear. Jackson’s Christmas wish list: A space heater, an 87 Jose Canseco Donrus Rookie Card, a portable Turkey Deep Fryer, a 5000 piece puzzle of the battle of Hubbardton in 1777, a 2nd eddition autobiography of Grover Cleveland in paperback, “The Perfect 10″ staring Bo Derrek on VHS, a slip and slide, and last but not least one ream (500 count) 10 pound weight, 100% recycled, xerox paper.

Happy Holidays! - Joe

Hi Everyone! I had a great Christmas with my sister, my nieces, my grandmother, my aunt, my cousins…whew! We had a smaller gathering this year so we decided to not do the traditional dinner (Turkey, Ham, Dressing, etc…). Instead, we had BBQ Tri-tip marinated in teriyaki, baked potatoes, home made sourdough-garlic bread and corn on the cob. We drank wine and dined on one long table with a formal table cloth and ate by candle light. It was really beautiful, and I am so grateful.

We had the traditional pumpkin and apple pies for dessert but I decided to try something a bit different and made Cranberry Poached Pears. They were a hit!

Well here is a picture of me showing my Aunt Helen the infamous Christmas Pears:

Unfortunately the ambiance is a bit spoiled by the container of Knudson’s Sour Cream and A-1 Sauce on the table LOL but it really was nice…you just had to be there!

Cranberry Poached Pears

Serves 8

* 8 small pears, such as Seckel or Forelle, peeled, stems intact
* 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
* 1 cinnamon stick
* 1 large strip (4 to 5 inches) orange peel
* 1 large strip (4 to 5 inches) lemon peel
* 5 tablespoons honey
* 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
* 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (I used 1tsp of vanilla extract)
* 2 3/4 cups (10 ounces) fresh cranberries
* 1 tea bag, such as green tea or fruit tea

1. Place pears in a saucepan large enough to hold them snugly. Add enough water to barely cover them (about 4 cups). Add sugar, cinnamon, citrus peels, honey, and lemon juice. Using the tip of a paring knife, scrape vanilla seeds into pan, and toss in pod. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat, and simmer gently until pears are tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Add fresh cranberries, and simmer until cranberries are soft but not mushy, about 3 minutes more.
3. Use a spoon to transfer pears to a dish. Spoon cranberries and syrup around pears. Add tea bag and dried cranberries if using. Let cool for 15 minutes. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
4. Before serving, remove vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, citrus peels, and tea bag. Transfer pears to plates with some of the cranberries, syrup, and a dollop of yogurt, creme fraiche, or cheese (I used whipped cream).

There was so much of the juice/syrup and cranberries left over, so we poured some over vanilla ice ice cream Oh man! It was superb if I do say so myself.

Happy New Year Everyone

xoxo
Jerry

*Thanks Jerry! It looks like a wonderful holiday. I am definitely going to try this recipe. It sounds delicious! - Amanda

As promised, more cast photos! This time it’s Sarah and Emma…

Click on each photo/thumbnail to view the higher resolution version on Flickr. If you want to download the original super high res photo, click “all sizes” on Flickr and then “original.” Look for these photos on the LGPedia!

–Casey

Merry Christmas! We want to hear about your day. Did you cook for your family, try Becki’s recipe below, travel far from home, or stay in for a movie and chinese food? Leave your comments below, or if you have pictures please submit them! amanda@lg15.com

Greg and I are bringing Chrimukkah to my family. Last night, while Youtube was giving us problems, we made matzah ball soup and latkes. Yuuuum.

Have a wonderful and safe day.

- Amanda and Greg

My favorite thing about the holidays has to be the food, and of course, making the food with my family. Every Christmas, my family makes a brunch dish called Eggs Portugal. When I was younger, I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep on Christmas Eve, partly because Santa was coming, but mostly because I couldn’t wait to wake up and eat! The Eggs Portugal really is what brings us together - we have to prepare it the night before and spend hours around the counter reminiscing, slicing bread into cubes, grating cheese and frying up sausage. After we’ve prepped for the next morning, we all sit around the tree and read “The Night Before Christmas” out loud. It’s completely cheesy and wonderful. Without it, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same.

Eggs Portugal Recipe:

10 Slices of bread (crusts removed) cut into cubes
3/4 lb. grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb. skinless sausage links, browned and cut into thirds
4 eggs
3/4 Tbsp. prepared mustard
1 can cream of mushroom soup
5 oz. can of sliced mushrooms
2 1/2 cups of milk
1/4 cup of apple juice

Butter 9×13 casserole dish. Place bread cubes in bottom of dish, then cheese and sausage. Beat eggs: Add milk and mustard to eggs and mix. Pour over top of bread, cheese and sausage. Refrigerate overnight. Before baking, blend soup, apple juice and mushrooms and pour over top of casserole. Bake at 300*F for 1.5-2 hours, uncovered.

*No, Becki didn’t change her hair. It’s a new style she’s trying out.