The Likes of Lucy: Friday Feels

Showing posts with label Friday Feels. Show all posts

Friday, December 15, 2017

Friday Feels - Volume VIII

I feel like I am zigzagging to and fro for quick getaways or weekend stays quite often during this busy time of year. Wit & Delight's weekender bag fits everything I need for a couple of days away - check out the bottom compartment which is perfect for separating shoes! It's designed with a combo of utility and style. Now off you go!

Wit & Delight Weekender Duffle - Target

2017 has been a gut punch right up until the end. It will definitely be a year to remember, eh? With the #metoo movement gaining momentum and revealing some crushing realities about men that we may have even looked up to, I surveyed my friends to see whose downfall from bad behavior would be the biggest blow. The clear winner? Allen Bauer, himself:

Another Actress Steps Forward Accusing Tom Hanks of Being Nice - Blue Rock Public Radio

I've heard only good things about Lady Bird and now that I've seen that other little art house movie (hint: rhymes with car doors), this will be my next film outing.

Lady Bird

And I've watched enough talk show rounds with the leading lady to finally know how to pronounce Saoirse.

THIS couldn't be a better story (along with the accompanying and always classy Page Six photo).

Service dog causes chaos at ‘Cats’ performance - Page Six

Why are dogs just the best? A statement hoodie that reads my mind.

I Just Want To Hang With My Dog Graphic Hoodie - Target

Thanksgiving may be over, but these super savory and sage-forward salt bombs keep the thanks a flowin'. It's one of those novelty items that actually work.

Trader Joe's Turkey and Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips

Not sure how long this product will be on the shelves after T-Day, but if you missed them this season, you know what to add to your shopping list for next November.

Might not be the perfect pairing for the above, but the release of Beaujolais Nouveau 2017 is upon us. Fruity and affordable, I enjoy this wine year-round, but there is something festive about uncorking the new vintage this time of year.

15 things you need to know about Beaujolais Nouveau - The Local, Photo: AFP

Isn't this just lovely?

Dresden Ornament Wreath - Terrain

I realize you could buy a plane ticket to Cancun for the same price (and I advise you do that and buy one for me while you're at it - Vitamin D is important during the winter months!), but the delicately crafted wreath is just so darling and magical and Christmas-y. I even spot a dachshund! It puts me in the holiday spirit.

Are you full of Christmas cheer yet? If you are struggling to find some merriment, watch this clip from a past Billy on the Street episode featuring Amy Poehler. It's become an annual viewing tradition for me. I promise you a few fa-la-la-la-las and a lot of ha-ha-ha-ha-has.

Billy on the Street - Christmas Carol Ambush with Amy Poehler

Friday, November 17, 2017

Friday Feels - Volume VII

It's FriYAY! I'm sorry, I just canNOT get into that word. I like the sound of Friday just as it is. But here are some things I *am* into:

The controversial and massive $50 million Nicollet Mall overhaul is finally complete, which held an opening celebration last night. And our Mary is back in place!

Mary Tyler Moore statue finally returns to Nicollet Mall - GoMN

She sits near the area of her iconic hat toss from the open credits of the Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Mary Tyler Moore Theme Song

Have you ever noticed the bespectacled, kerchiefed woman at the end of the shot, who is giving some serious side eye to Mary?

Well, her name was Hazel Frederick - read about her story HERE.

Also, since we are on a MTM kick - come visit me in Minneapolis, and we will do a mini Mary tour:

5 MINNEAPOLIS LOCATIONS MADE FAMOUS BY MARY TYLER MOORE - Meet Minneapolis

Were you into high school theater? It was a pretty big deal at my school and some of my happiest teenage memories are from on and off that Eagan High School stage.

You Are The Light of the World: Godspell - Eagan High School

That's why I will definitely be tuning into this upcoming TV show where former class/cast-mates reunite to give one last performance of their favorite musical. Hm...maybe EHS should sign up?

Encore! Sets Premiere Date and Will Feature Into the Woods - Playbill

It's been gloomy and cold around these parts. Last year we had such an extended warm fall that I got spoiled. Plus, with the darkness settling in each night by 5pm, it really can get you down. A suggestion from a family member led me to try SAM-e, a supposed natural mood enhancer. Maybe it is a placebo effect, but my outlook has brightened since taking them.

Nature Made SAM-e Complete - Target

The news has been hard to take this week (or every week, really.) There is so much to unpack and sort through on a lot of really uncomfortable subjects. This week in particular, I've been disappointed in men. But at the same time, I'm honored to know so many wonderful males in my life. I won't go into all of the ongoing mess any further on a silly blog, but I did think this article had many strong points to be said about raising kind and confident boys.

How to Raise a Feminist Son - The New York Times

I'm not a habit-forming kind of person. I tend to switch things up and multitask to the point where I always have a million unfinished projects. I've spent so much time organizing other people's lives, that my own tasks are left to dangle. Lately, I've taken charge of that and one tool that has really helped me is the Habit List app.

There are no bells and whistles, but it is very user friendly and I find the streak-incentive addictive. 8 glasses of water a day, here I come!

Or if not water, maybe beer...?

I admit, I often buy beer much like I buy makeup - based on the name and packaging. Luckily with these design-forward brews, the beer inside is just as impressive as the cool cans.

I fell in love with this colorful and mind-bending can when it was first released late summer, but couldn't score a pack before they sold out. I still was able to taste the hazy and fruit-heavy IPA at Fair State's Oktoberfest shindig and found it super refreshing. I was thrilled that they decided to have one more limited release this week - this time I was on the case - literally!

Spirit Foul - Fair State Brewing Cooperative

Sours are an acquired taste and not necessarily my first choice, but how could I not love a Lucy?

Lucy Session Sour Ale - Indeed Brewing Company

This one totally shocked me. I grabbed a 6-pack after being drawn in by the mystic aurora borealis themed-can. I clearly did not look past the pretty midnight colors swirling about because this broo is a combo of ale and cold brew coffee! It is quite interesting and definitely wakes you up.

Borealis Broo - Keweenaw Brewing Company

What are some of your favorite artfully contained beers?

Friday, November 10, 2017

Friday Feels - Volume VI

You know what feeling I've been craving amongst the bizarre, angsty, depressing, up and down world we've been living in lately?

Peace. It's as simple and as complicated as that.

Not easy to achieve in some senses, so we've been starting symbolically.

Seeking peace in Prior Lake

The above wreath was purchased at a local garden center, Mother Earth Gardens, but this is a similar one:

World Buyers Driftwood Peace Sign - Amazon

Here are some other variations, since we can never have too many options for peace.

Lit Boxwood Peace Wreath - Pottery Barn

Brushed Brass Wire Peace Wreath - CB2

Pinecone Peace Sign Wreath - World Market

Inner Peace Wreath - CB2

Now, just because I am preaching peace, doesn't mean that I'm all kumbaya about what's happening in our country. Not one bit. That's why I cheered when I heard that on his or her last day of work, a Twitter employee deactivated 45's account. Amazing!

Twitter Employee Celebrates Their Last Day By Deleting Trump’s Account - Scary Mommy

I like to fantasize that this is how I would go down, too. I feel a kinship with said former employee.

I also have always felt The Pioneer Woman was a kindred spirit, and now I have evidence.

Ree Drummond on the One Food She Never Eats - The Kitchn

Evil

I may loathe bananas, but I looooooove ice cream cookie sandwiches. True story. In fact, they may be my dessert of choice (I like that technically you are getting two desserts in one). So, I'll have to venture to the new Seventh Street Truck Park in my sister city in order to test out this giant 15 pound ice cream cookie sandwich. It's filled with Sebastian Joe's ice cream, so there is quality along with quantity. Who is willing to help me with this monster task?

You'll need a group of friends to down this 15-pound ice cream sandwich at new St. Paul spot - Star Tribune

Damn you, Polar Springs marketing team! You sure know how to reel me in to spend too much money on creatively packaged, mystery...water. Plus, these are mini-sized, and who can resist tiny things? The limited edition sodas were released in August, but you can still order variety packs HERE.

What's the Mystery Flavor Behind Polar's 'Unicorn Kisses' Seltzer? - Bon Appétit

Can someone please buy this stunning number and wear it to some fabulous holiday shindig? There should be the promise of romance, perhaps a jazz band, and definitely a stiff drink in a vintage glass.

MISA Carolina Dress - Shopbop

Some might be drooling in anticipation of the latest Star Wars film, but the release I'm jonesin' for is this:

I, Tonya Trailer #1 (2017) | Movieclips Trailers - YouTube

The drama! The characters! The scrunchies! I can't wait.

Fun fact: I was with my parents at the 1991 U.S. Championships when Tonya Harding became the first American woman to land a triple Axel in performance, but I was in my crabby pre-teen years and missed it because I was reading a book and refusing to watch. Luckily, there is YouTube and I can finally see the magic (starts around :55 - I keep trying to find myself in the crowd, but it whizzes by too fast).

Tonya Harding - 1991 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Ladies' Free Skate

Most of us have a love/hate relationship with Facebook and UPS, but its only love for both of them when it comes to THIS.

UPS Dogs - Facebook

Dogs are a cure-all, no? You know what else clears the head and opens the heart? Getting to see our home in the greater scheme of things (thanks to NASA's Osiris-Rex spacecraft). Weird to think about what you might have been doing at the moment this picture was taken. Hello down there!

Earth - NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/University of Arizona

I finished a really lovely book called Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

It has been embraced as essential curriculum for middle school aged kids, but it is just as an appropriate read for us older folks. One quote that stood out to me:
“If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind."

Let's all choose kind!

Friday, August 18, 2017

Friday Feels - Volume IV

Oooh boy! It's been QUITE a week, has it not?

Marshmallow = LuRuSo

I think we all know what I am talking about. (insert big SIGH) One of the reasons I backed away from this blog for a spell is I worried about posting unnecessary frivolity while such serious unrest existed in the world. I didn't feel right ignoring the issues, yet I wasn't prepared emotionally to write about them. I still don't. But since it is a Friday Feels, I guess I can admit that I continue to be concerned, dismayed, and anxious about what is happening in our country and I am grasping at the idea of hope. Thank goodness for both the activists and the comedians out there, who give me fuel and a laugh.

Tina Fey is a national treasure. I'll buy the sheetcake if you bring the grilled cheese?

SNL Weekend Update: Tina Fey on Protesting After Charlottesville - YouTube

I think this could really work. Sorry, Florida.

Jimmy Kimmel's Plan to Save Us from Trump - YouTube

This quote felt like a punch in the stomach. So true.

Might need to order a few of these tanks and walk around town passing them out.

Grayson Threads Women's Human Kind Graphic Tank Top Charcoal Gray - Target

But even with such distressful events and an unending political chaos, the world goes round, and the sun rises and sets. And sometimes the moon gets in the way and you have a solar eclipse.

An annular solar eclipse on May 21, 2012, Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Masashi Hara/Getty Images

Some fun solar eclipse facts HERE

More questions answered HERE

What it will look like from your time & location HERE

Fingers crossed for a clear day on Monday!

Do you ever go down the YouTube rabbit hole? You start off innocently watching one clip and then realize there are thousands of more clips on your topic and before you can realize it you've clicked through them all and have a mastery of the subject? I find myself in this position at least once a week. The latest one was instigated by talking about a historic Willie Mays catch.

Greatest Catches in MLB History - YouTube

Being a kid growing up in Minnesota during the 80s/90s, I do believe they had one egregious omission ("He...*caught* it!)

1991 WS Gm6: Puckett's amazing leaping grab at the wall - YouTube

The past few weeks I've been upping my protein with shakes a few times a day. The Ninja has been my best friend. So easy to use and a breeze to clean up. And believe me, I'm super lazy and would usually not make the effort to take out and put away an extra piece of equipment. I especially like this set because it takes care of your blender, food processing, and smoothie needs all in one bundle.

Ninja Mega Kitchen System (Blender, Processor, Nutri Ninja Cups) BL770 - Amazon.com

After my stretch of clean & healthy eating, I'll definitely be primed to enjoy an adult beverage or two this weekend. I'm thinking perhaps a cider? It seems appropriate as we transition from summer to autumn.

Sociable Cider Werks

Another seasonal segue winner has been this eyeshadow palette. It has the rose gold and shimmer for these last August days, as well as siennas and wine-tones to be used as the September leaves start to fall.

Limited-edition Don't Quit Your Day Dream Eyeshadow Palette - tarte

I used it for my self date to see a show at the Guthrie the other night. I am in love with wandering around my new(ish) neighborhood. This might not be the case come winter, but for now, I spend hours exploring new sights and hidden streets. I couldn't believe I never ran across this "urban castle" a few blocks away from my home. Funny to think of how it sat amongst endless parking lots and the Metrodome before its more vibrant and blossoming current surroundings. I am completely obsessed with the rumor that it will soon be turned into a brewery. Downtown Minneapolis is killing it!

Urban castle in downtown Minneapolis might become 'destination brewery' - Star Tribune

That's all the feels for this Friday. OK, I'm lying, I could go on and on this week, but let's leave it with this thought that I heard Senator Cory Booker say on a podcast:
Don't let hate make you hateful. Don't let the darkness make you dark.

Friday, August 4, 2017

Friday Feels - Volume III

Today's Friday Feels is chock full of recommendations that I've been given or recalled as of late.

Three different people sent me information about these pouches constructed from recycled theater backdrops (how do you guys know me so well?!). Now we can all have a little piece of theatrical magic, even when offstage.

Scenery Bags

A true tribute to a true buddy:

My Buddy by Patti Smith - The New Yorker

Locally crafted and beautifully designed:

Solveig Gin - Far North Spirits

The summer Box of Style was filled with treasures that were so fun to unwrap and have been put to stylish use every day since arrival.

If you click through THIS link, you'll get $10 off your first box.

Two of the biggest "likes" in Minnesota are beer & choir. So it is no surprised that combining the two results in popular perfect harmony. Next up - a round at the MN State Fair.

Beer Choir

With the current state of politics, people like this give me hope!

"Told Me" — Amy McGrath for Congress Announcement Video (KY-6) - YouTube

Which helps since I basically feel exactly like Patti:

Patti LuPone on Donald J. Trump - YouTube

A gem of a podcast by author Malcolm Gladwell, who always enables intellectual spark.

Revisionist History

Ah...this store! I like it.

i like you - Handmade Gifts from Minnesota

For some time, this was only legend as the Sandra Lee team worked hard to keep it off of the interwebs. But now it can be viewed in all its non-delicious deliciousness.

Sandra Lee and the famous Kwanzaa Cake (Food Network) - YouTube

Self help gurus usually have me rolling my eyes. But there is something to be said about a positive outlook on your life and reminding yourself of all the good there is to be cherished.