Cyber Monday and Beyond

Cyber Monday is really beyond. Even though I know it is forthcoming every year, I still never manage to save my shekels in order to spend it on the crazy good deals a few days after Thanksgiving. Why? Why, LuRuSo? Stop buying things in August, September, and October and wait until Cyber Monday, you ding dong! 

There are many Cyber Monday steals that are worthy of your attention this year. And quite a few extend into the week.

Here is a full compilation of travel options:

The Best Cyber Monday Travel Deals of 2017 - Condé Nast Traveler
Where to Score the Best Travel Deals This Cyber Monday - Travel + Leisure
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Hotel Deals for 2017 - ThePointsGuy.com

Or beauty/apparel/home deals:
The 2017 Mega List of Cyber Monday Deals - Apartment Therapy
Every Cyber Monday Beauty Sale You Need To Shop This Year - The Zoe Report
The Only Cyber Monday Guide You Need This Year - Among Other Things

Capitalism is alive and well, my friends.

But of all the 30% off serums or 25% off TVs, I think my favorite deals this year are for DNA testing. This can be such a game changer for finding out about your health, sparking interest in your heritage, or even connecting with some relatives that you may or may not want to know (please, let them not be Trump supporters!) The two major testers, 23andMe and Ancestry.com, are both offering their best deals of the year, at $30 and $100 off, and $45 off, respectfully.

AncestryDNA: Genetic Testing - DNA Ancestry Test Kit

23andMe Ancestry and Health + Ancestry Services

Speakings of genes, this lactic acid-based serum is one of the only skin care products that has made a visibly positive difference in my skin. Problem is, it isn't cheap. So grabbing it during a Cyber Monday sale, like Dermatore's 25% off, is ideal.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment - Dermstore.com

Beyond fabricated genes, I've been into taking collagen as of late. I know, I know, I sound loopy. I have no scientific basis for spending money on such kooky claims, but my skin, nails, and hair are supple and strong since dissolving this powder into my hot coffee each morning, so either I'm Benjamin Button or there is something to these peptides. Vital Proteins is having their own Cyber Monday deal where you can gain some free product with purchase.

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Peptides

Before spending a whole day focused on spending, I spent a whole week focused on nature and family. My lil' nuclear family, in particular.

The Sorensens in Shadow

This year, we tooled around L.A. and the Santa Ynez wine country rather than focus on a big Thanksgiving meal for only three people and a short-legged dachshund. Unplugging from the media and plugging into the here and now of nature was a wonderful and grateful experience. It's fairly easy to do when in wine country. Who wants to look at MSNBC or Facebook when you can look at this?

Santa Ynez Valley, CA

I feel in love with the region's Pinot rosé wines. Bone dry, just like my sense of humor. I also was impressed by this gadget which tapped the wine without uncorking the bottle.

Not that I ever have trouble finishing a bottle of wine, but it's a pretty nifty concept. You can score one on sale today at Sur La Table.

Coravin Model 2 Wine System - Sur La Table

We also had a few nights in Solvang (my people!) which reminded me of the movie Sideways and what a solidly great film that is.

Solvang, CA

Sorry, Miles.

 Following wine country, we journeyed up the mountains into the Ojai Valley. There was a special kind of magic during our 24 hours in Ojai. We even witnessed "the pink moment".

Ojai, CA

Not that the trip was without consumerism. After battling major gridlock...


...we ventured to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle

I was warned that Thanksgiving Day might be torture due to the crowds, but we lucked out by purchasing the MaxPass which sent us straight through to the ride each and every time. I know, so lucky! I definitely recommend it for the mere $10 extra per ticket. Also, you get to digitally save any photos captured during the day, like these gems:

Like I said, Happiest Place on Earth! (In all fairness, my dad had gotten surprisingly soaked right before the first pic and feared his iphone was going to launch out of his pocket in the second.) We never really had any awkward family photos growing up, so now we are making up for lost time.

After many years of hearing extolled virtues of the Dole Whip, I finally partook. In all honesty, this was because I thought we were in line for the Tiki Room, and after 20 minutes of waiting and approaching a cash register instead of a crooning parrot, I supposed I might as well go for it.

Disneyland's Dole Whip Float

And now I get it. Oh boy, do I get it! Now, the question is - where do I get it?!

I've been told there are actually a few Minnesota establishments who do the DW, including the State Fair. But can I wait until late August? A Google search led me to this:

Dole Soft Serve Mix, Pineapple - Amazon

Which seems slightly less magical. But, might be worth a try?

After a day at Disney, I turned to a beloved Disney character and his take on Taoism. I'm not sure I totally bought the correlations between the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with the Way and a tubby bear that loves honey, but it did make me want to learn more about this ancient tradition. And eat honey.

The Tao of Pooh - Benjamin Hoff

Another book I've been moved by this month:

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood - Trevor Noah

I really couldn't recommend it more. I haven't been an avid follower of Trevor Noah, previously only knowing him from snippets of The Daily Show. But, after seeing him live in Minneapolis, mark me a fan. He was uplifting, hilarious, and timely. So engaging and truthful with his comedy. If you can't see him live, at least read this intriguing book.

"Love is a creative act. When you love someone you create a new world for them."
-Trevor Noah

As proof, let's turn to a sweet note; this is just darling. It almost makes me believe in romance and true love and commitment and fairy tales again (and I'm the bitterest Betty of Bitterland). But I'm rooting for them!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, BBC News - YouTube

One last random looking-toward-the-future note: do I need an Ugly Christmas Sweater this holiday season? Thus far, I've not been invited to any Ugly Christmas Sweater parties, but I want to be prepared...if so, which jumper should I buy?

Tipsy Elves Women's Santa Unicorn Christmas Sweater - Amazon

or

Women's Oh Snap Long Sleeve Ugly Christmas Sweater - Target

Let's bring good cheer (and ugly sweaters) to the Holiday Season!

I Have A Friend

I've spent this year in awe of my friendships. How did I get so lucky to run across and snag these special and warm kindred spirits? This evening, I've been thinking about a few of them.

• I have a friend who when you say his name, the reaction is, "ohhhh, I LOVE said friend!!". Every. Single. Person. Every. Single. Time. No exceptions. He is loved by everyone for every reason.

• I have a friend who seems so prim, proper, and perfect, but is actually the goofiest, most endearing creature you could imagine. You feel so lucky that you took the leap to get to know her.

• I have a friend who is like a sister, and who I never have to explain myself to. She is whip-smart, creative, beautiful, caring, and always up for a laugh or an adventure.

• I have a friend whose smile can make anyone swoon. He makes you feel so special, so interesting. But really, he is the one who is the most special and most interesting and filled to the brim with all the love. Everyone wishes to be in his circle.

• I have a friend who I can trust beyond belief. She is the best partner in crime, and can always be relied on in coolness, stealth, brains, style, and getting things done. There is nothing she lags behind on.

• I have a friend who is so intuitive and has such a connection to humanity, that the words she strings together will bring any breathing human to tears, belly-laughs, or stunned introspection. She always knows exactly the right thing to say in order for you to feel that all is right with the world.

• I have a friend who is the most Type A person I have ever met, but in the best way. Her black & white instincts are only matched by her huge heart that beats so strongly for those she cares about.

• I have a friend who has no equal when it comes to talents - in humor, in voice, in heart, in mind. Every part of him is enviable and he is willing to share all of it.

• I have a friend who is laughably lovable. Everything she does, she does with passion, and no one can (or wants to) escape the love and wickedly intriguing humor and smarts that she brings to a friendship.

• I have a friend who is sneakily powerful. She can listen and somehow be there for you in any situation, no matter the distance, no matter the drama. She gives everything and yet does not hold a grudge to those who cannot step up to her royal status.

• I have a friend who I've yet to find a fault in. His talent, sense of adventure, fierce loyalty, incredible thoughtfulness, and amazing humor is something that attracts loads upon loads of friends, yet each of us feels like we are his "best". You feel so lucky that he picked you.

• I have a friend who I yearn to be like, but always lets me know that I'm enough as me. She is someone that everyone knew would achieve great things in life, and not only has crossed that finish line, but has signed up for another marathon of greatness.

• I have a friend who is the most creative person I know - and I've known her a long time. There is nothing that she doesn't bring beauty to, and there is nothing that matches her beauty.

Thank you, friends, for accepting my Application For Friendship. xo

You Make Me Smile With My Heart

Whether you are in a relationship, a single pringle, or on the dating scene, it can be difficult to find the fun and flirtation of Valentine's Day anymore. So much pressure, so little originality. No one wants to prove their love on a specific day of the year, along with the rest of the nation. And how much red and pink can one stomach?

Despite the above, I do have a special place in my heart for this overproduced holiday. I think it harkens back to the days of exchanging cheap little Valentine's Day cards that could be purchased at the local drugstore.

I was always very selective of the valentines I chose - they couldn't be too sappy, but they also couldn't be childish. It was important to incorporate the latest trend in cartoon characters or pop culture.

Some of my selections could probably be found among this list:

150 Valentines From Your Childhood - BuzzFeed

I have fond memories of those 80s-themed cards, but have you ever looked at even older vintage valentines? Warning: awkward and confusing images to follow.

Anyone else find these strange and slightly disturbing?

What's even more puzzling is how many of these cards involve food, most noticeably hot dogs.

Truly, there were many cards so very far up on the creepy scale, that I didn't even feel comfortable posting them! Ah, love...

Remember creating homemade boxes that you would tote to school and set on your desk eagerly awaiting to see which admirers would strike?

One February 14th, my teacher held a contest for the best Valentine's Day box. I can't remember what the prize was, but I was determined to be the winner. This would be a box beyond what any other 8 year old had imagined. You have to understand, I'm the girl that made a to-scale replica of King Tut's tomb out of gingerbread complete with brown sugar sand - I didn't mess around when it came to projects and first place. It had to be unique and it had to be show-stopping. My mom helped me devise a box that would play music when you lifted the flap and inserted the card. Then I went crazy with doilies and glitter and cut-outs and color and hearts. Happily, my creation received all of the attention I had hoped for when it was time for the official reveal. I was confident I'd be crowned the winner and practically glowed in anticipation of a champion title. That was until a buzz of giggles and exclamations began on the other side of the classroom. Seconds later, I could make out a "zoom-zoom" sound. That zooming noise belonged to a remote control car which my classmate had topped with a Kleenex box. My ornate musical box was quickly forgotten and my peers squealed with delight as the boy maneuvered the mobile box from desk to desk in order to collect his valentines (and praise).

To be fair, the kid deserved the win and somehow my excitement for Valentine's Day did not sour. 

Other Valentine's Days that did not garner 1st place include:

The year I spent the entire rainy day gift wrapping boxes of chocolates in a theater's lobby as a bonus promotion for patrons that purchased tickets to a certain Broadway show. Super romantic.

Another Valentine's Day, I babysat until late in the evening, only to come home to discover I apparently didn't show up to a singing gig and devastated an entire theater community. Trouble was, I had never been told about this event. Not even a mention. Obviously a longer story. Obviously, super, super romantic.

Last year's Valentine's Day was the most exciting because I viewed the new home my parents were considering buying and ended up helping them to put an offer in on the spot. OK, so, still not at all romantic.

Actually, I don't think I've ever had a romantic Valentine's Day. Hmph! Well, I'm not giving up on the promise of one day being hit by Cupid's arrow, especially now that I know I am in a conveniently opportunistic location:

It's My Park Minute: Dr. Ruth Westheimer on Romance in Fort Tryon Park

Thanks, doc - Sounds like my odds are good! Perhaps one year after meeting my love amongst the flora and fauna of Fort Tryon, we will celebrating Valentine's Day as an old married couple, waxing poetic such as this:

Valentine's Day Poems For Married People - The New Yorker

xoxoxo

Valentine's '14

Check out the Google homepage today. This might be the sweetest one yet!

Cue: Collective "Awwwww"

Erica Has A Sister

I wanted to share a friend's post because I can't stop thinking about it.

No pre-explanation needed. Just read. And try and give out and take in a lot more love in our little world.

I Have A Sister

xoxoxo

The Win in Winsome

I was going to have a fun little post about the Minnesota State Fair today, but it has been a long 17 hours and I hear it is a gazillion degrees with humidity in the old Land O'Lakes. Can you imagine being the poor sap stuck in the root beer barrel or the corn roast station? Oy...

Today I participated in an orientation of sorts. We had to do "improv games" for 90 minutes. Midway through the session, one of the more seasoned employees scampered up to me chuckling that she "stopped listening to the leader and just followed what I was doing, since I seemed to be doing everything right". I wanted to reply, "Well, I hope so - $100k+ investment went into my knowing how to do theatre games". But I just smiled and laughed along with her.

But, it wasn't all "Yes, and..." games...I also was introduced to this TED talk by Sarah Kay. Love it. Have already replayed it a handful of times. I hope it means something to you, too.

With a Deafening Sound

After a resolve to start blogging again, a life change happened and within a breath, all I wanted to do is delete all "likes" of Lucy and never look back. 

But at some point this past week, after talking and crying with many a good egg, I decided not to be so rash, or at least not to make the decision quite yet. So please be patient with me as I try to do the best I can. I suppose there are still a lot of likes (or maybe even loves) to be found in this world.

Sometimes you're happy, sometimes you're sad
But the world goes 'round
Sometimes you lose every nickel you had
But the world goes 'round

Sometimes your dreams get broken in pieces
But that doesn't alter a thing
Take it from me, there's still gonna be
A summer, a winter, a fall and a spring

And sometimes a friend starts treating you bad
But the world goes 'round
And sometimes your heart breaks with a deafening sound

Somebody loses and somebody wins
And one day it's kicks, then it's kicks in the shins
But the planet spins, and the world goes 'round and 'round
But the world goes 'round
But the world goes 'round

Sometimes your dreams get broken in pieces
But that doesn't matter at all
Take it from me, there's still gonna be
A summer, a winter, a spring and a fall

And sometimes a friend starts treating you bad
But the world goes 'round
And sometimes your heart breaks with a deafening sound

Somebody loses and somebody wins
Then one day it's kicks, then it's kicks in the shins
But the planet spins, and the world goes 'round
And 'round and 'round and 'round and 'round
The world goes 'round and 'round and 'round
And 'round!

John Kander/Fred Ebb

14850

Sometimes you need a little Dillingham.

It's the Little Things

There are days, or maybe only hours, when my life is that of a rock star. Traveling, people on TV, parties, champagne, comps...and then there are the other, more realistic hours. Not so glam.

That's when the little luxuries matter. Bitty treats to sneak into an otherwise ordinary day.

Fresh flowers. Just for you. No reason needed.

Open that treasured bottle of wine. Maybe there is a reason this time, but it doesn't have to be a good one.

Mourvedre 2009 - Curtis Winery

Take a walk when you should be doing something more important. Go someplace peaceful.

 The Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park, NYC

And then take a nap when you get home.

Buy that ridiculously expensive candle and don't be shy to use it. It will last.

Linnea's Lights Wildflower Candle - Shop Terrain

After a long day, stop for a treat. Bring an extra one back for someone you like.

Jacques Torres Chocolate

Read the fun book instead of the one translated from 18th century Russian.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) - Mindy Kaling

Use this:

Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - Sephora

Say I love you to those who need to hear it more than you think you should. Wear your heart on your sleeve.

We're Young At Heart Sweater - ModCloth

Sorry, should have given a sap warning on that one.

Little luxuries make a big impact. Treat yourself.

Blooming

My Gran passed away a year ago today. Man, I miss her.

I think about her every single day. Sometimes in a major, weepy, meaning of life kind of way. Sometimes in simple, little ways. Today I had memories of her in the small things.

I bought myself a Christmas Cactus a few years back after noticing one in Gran's dining room window. It has never before bloomed at Christmas. Until this year.

Happy New Year, Gran. Love you.

Change of Heart

A t-shirt says a lot about the wearer.

Out with the old...

...in with the new!