Nicknames

I have many a nickname. But none of these are one of them.

But then you get one like this, and all is right in the world of counter service.

Goodnight, Minnesota

I must hit the hay early tonight. At dawn, we venture to a quaint, little gathering of Minnesotans.

OK, maybe not so quaint.

Last year was a blast, from A to Z. Check it out:

2013 Minnesota State Fair

It's a doozy of a day (big slides and fried food and beer, oh my!), so a solid night's rest is essential. Perhaps one would wind down with some Goodnight Minnesota.

Good Night Minnesota (Good Night Our World)

The Minnesota-take on Goodnight Moon makes me smile. It's just so...Minnesotan...eh?

Although this would get me all worked up again.

Goodnight, Readers.

Go Go Gadget...

...make a meal!

While I always will invest in and appreciate a good cooking/baking/entertaining basic (butcher block cutting board, the perfect chef's knife, a passed-down cast iron pan), I'm a sucker for a kooky kitchen gadget. They are like toys that involve getting to eat and drink! Playtime! 

I was editing out a kitchen drawer and came across many finds, some of which took a while to recall a purpose. It was almost a game.

Let's call it Guess! That! Gadget!

(I'll include answers at the bottom of this post at a later date)

 #1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

Recognize any of them? Or do they just resemble medieval torture devices?

What is a kitchen tool that you can't live without? Or are you more of a hands-are-the-only-tool-you-need kind of cook?

Speaking of useless gadgets, HERE is one artist's attempt to create the most frustrating products imaginable. I laughed/cringed just seeing the pictures. It makes me very thankful for the fork.





Answers: 1. Citra Sipper 2. Meatball Scooper 3. Cherry or Olive Pitter 4. Cork Extractor
5. Rubber Strap Wrench (jar opener) 6. Pastry Wheel 7. Egg Topper Cutter Clipper Stainless Kitchen Gadget 8.Butter Curler 9. Pineapple Corer/Slicer 10. Crinkle Cutter

Terrifying Times Square

As if Times Square wasn't annoying enough! Some of our favorite figments have been making the news these days. Elmo, Spider Man, and even Strawberry Shortcake have formed a new gang in the theatre district, laying down their cartoon criminal law with tourists.

To anyone who has ventured into the Times Square area within the last decade, this is all too familiar. Somehow, unofficial costumed characters have descended upon the streets, lurking along Broadway, hoping a child will beg for a handshake or picture and then force the parents to fork over some money in exchange. The characters all wear these small, cheap backpacks, where they keep a change of regular clothes and some essentials. I can tell you for a fact that they all congregate in Bryant Park to de-robe. My eyes will never be the same again. You do NOT want to see what is beneath the fur.

The Smurfs were one of my all-time favorites growing up. A few years ago, "Brainy" stared me down as I tried to return to my temp job after lunch. He just stood there, mouth agape, unmoving, but intensely following me with his black-rimmed eyes as I tried to pass. Not cool, Brainy!

Now don't tell me that isn't terrifying.

I'm Not Done With You Yet

Yeah, I'm talking to you, Summer '14!

Yesterday, as I was starting my day, something unusual happened. I felt a breeze come through the window. A crisp breeze! At first, a moment of relief washed over me since I haven't noticed the air moving in NYC since Easter, but at the same time I was silently screaming. The summer is over? But didn't it just start? Then as I left my apartment, my super greeted me by chirping, "Great weather - finally cool out. Hope it stays like this!" 16 days until Labor Day. There is so much I still want to do before there are leaves crunching beneath my knee-high boots and a pumpkin-themed beverage in my mittened hand.

Summer Please Don't Leave Me Tee - Delia's

I want to throw sunscreen and sunnies into this bag and GO.

Coola Suncare

Cherry Ice Sunglasses - Anthropologie

The Weekender Bag - Kate Spade Saturday

I want this towel.

Surf Bandana Towel - Pendleton

And then I want to use it at the ocean.

Robert Moses State Park

Or a good ole' swimming hole.

America's Best Swimming Holes - Travel + Leisure
(shout out to #21!)

I want to never leave the pool.

125 Swimming Pools by Jenny Odell - 20x200

Because I'm hanging out in this.

Big Mouth Toys Gigantic Donut Pool Float

I want to eat ALL the ice cream and popsicles, from People's Pops to Big Gay Ice Cream Shop to Mister Softee. Did you know the Mister Softee tune has LYRICS?

I want to make my own popsicles. In these molds.

Zoku Fish Pop Mold - Sur la Table

I want to drive my car (oops, what car?) with the windows down blasting the summer song. Or maybe all of the summer songs. Ever.

HERE is a list of the songs of summer since 1962.

I want to have my hair twisted up in braids and dress like a hippy.

You Made My Day Printed Maxi Dress - Free People

I want my digits to be painted the color palette of Tropical Skittles.

                    

(clockwise) 
On the Beach - Deborah Lippmann
Wendy - Zoya
Silly Billy - butter London
Mojito Madness - Essie


I want to have picnics and drink sangria and roll out a classic game to play.

Roll-up Games - A Summer Shop

I want to paint my face in golds and teals and sparkly peach and I want it to all to be encased in a sweet travel bag, reminiscent of Nice. It's nice in Nice!

Too Faced Pardon My French Set - Sephora

I want to eat lobster rolls - HERE, HERE, or while cruising around the Hudson.

North River Lobster Company

I want boat drinking.

The Frying Pan

I want beer gardens.

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

I want tiki bars.

Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge

And if I can't get out, I want to drink tropical themed drinks from tropical themed glasses from home.

Tiki Smoke Stacking Glasses - cb2

I want flash tattoos. Or henna.

I want to State Fair it up. Which shouldn't be a problem considering some airlines are advertising fares based on the fair.

The State Fair Fare Sale - Sun Country Airlines

I want to have tons of leisure time to read.
100 Books To Read in a Lifetime

Most importantly, I want to read in a hammock. And I want to get in it without looking like a jerk.

How to Hammock - PureWow

So, no. NO, I say, summer. Don't leave just yet.