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 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 Feels - Volume V

Another week filled with extremes.

I had a fulfilling (especially in regards to my stomach!) day at the Minnesota State Fair. Lots of highlights, but I have to say that the Giant Egg Roll On-A-Stick lived up to fair food expectations, wasn't that expensive, and probably could have fed a family of four.

Giant Egg Roll On-A-Stick, Que Viet - Minnesota State Fair

For those that are too hard on themselves (which is everyone, no?):

@alasdair_h - Instagram

Speaking of E.T. - it may be one of my most favorite movies ever. Have you seen this clip of Henry Thomas's audition? Spoiler alert: He got the job.

Henry Thomas audition för E.T. "Ok kid, you got the job" - YouTube

At times, I feel like this is my life (on a good day):

This Is The Most Chaotic Pet Show Ever! - YouTube

The recent Whitney Houston documentary was heartbreaking. Such pure and powerful talent bursting then fading like the true star she was.

WHITNEY. "CAN I BE ME" - Showtime

It reminded me of other films documenting the rise and fall of musical geniuses, like AMY (Amy Winehouse) and Little Girl Blue (Janis Joplin). Why does it seem to be fate that those who shine so brightly end up being destroyed?

And of course, Houston.

photo: REUTERS/Richard Carson

I've been seeing a lot of lists of ways to help Hurricane Harvey victims financially. If you are able, please consider aiding one of the organizations listed HERE.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

- Maya Angelou

Friday Feels: Volume II

Feeling enchanted by one of my favorite summer flowers and its ability to produce so many variations of color within one plant.

Hydrangeas

Feeling shocked that Spicey is out.

Exclusive - Goodbye, Sean Spicer: The Daily Show

Feeling like a kid again (but with alcohol) at the MN Zoo's Adult Night.

Bear Talk - Minnesota Zoo

Feeling my abs ache after laughing so hard at this homage:

d3@r ev@n OH NO - YouTube

Feeling like mac & cheese makes everything better

O'Cheeze Food Truck - Minneapolis, MN

Feeling like these remarkable creations are almost too pretty to eat!

Patisserie 46 - Minneapolis, MN

Feeling relieved to have someone give a sensible answer to this ongoing worry (thanks, Pope!)

The Pope on Panhandling: Give Without Worry - NY Times

Feeling remembrance of a wise man with wise words.

Go, Go, Go 2015!

2015. This is how I feel about the future year:

Excited Puppy Spots Its Owner - YouTube

You see, finding comfort and success in 2014 was a bit of a stretch.

It dealt some stability, but along with that came the realization that it wasn't the right security for me. So big, scary changes were had that I'm hoping will blossom and pay off in the new year. The past year also was an immensely sad time for many close friends and acquaintances, and I'm anxious for them to be able to turn the page to happier days and memories.

If anything, I want to go forward being a little less of a self-critic when it comes to achieving goals and having all aspects of my life be perfect on a specific timeline. I have hope that 2015 will be a year I really immerse myself into my passions in life and expose that moxie below the Minnesota Nice.

What are your wishes, goals, and predications for 2015?

It's a brand new year, a brand new day, when anything is possible.

Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Mexico

Good Dog. Bad Dog.

Let's all do one collective sigh, shall we?

WHEW!

Not sure if that was a relief sigh for getting through another round of Thanksgiving leftovers or a deep breath in preparation for the crazy month to come, but I know we could all use it.

This is the time of year when each day goes by in a blink of an eye, while your To Do list grows just as fast. All the while, we have less daylight hours and more events.

During the next few weeks, I find myself becoming somewhat of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One day, I'll have all of the strength, moxie, and hope to accomplish the tasks at hand, and the next - well, since it is the 1st of the month, I'll let our furry friends demonstrate.

Yes! I can DO THIS! There is always a way! Never stop trying! All this natural energy! I'll sleep when I'm dead! Stiff Upper Lip! What a life! That goal is MINE!

Argus vs Tater Tot - YouTube

Or not.

Dogs Who Just Can't Handle Being Awake Today - Sad and Useless

Which hound are you?

Oh, and good luck to us all (have another sigh if you need it)!

When Fall Gives You Lemons

I was all set to post about things that "fall" under the category of cozy. My cupboards are stocked with pumpkin puree, the knee high boots are polished, and I've switch from iced coffees to steaming lattes.

But then it hit 70 degrees. Three days in a row.

This humidity and sweatiness does not mix well with my apple cider and leggings. Is this how you flip flop wearing Los Angelenos feel every seasonal change? I'm so confused!

Anyway, I put the autumnal inspiration on hold for something completely inappropriate for this time of year - LEMONS!

Yep, it's mid October and I've got lemons on my mind.

Is there a fruit more cheery, bright, and zingy? I think not. It adds instant zest to whatever you use it in or on. Lemons are the refresh button of life.

Wear something with a lemon on it. I have a lemon dress and I actually had a construction worker bellow across Madison Avenue that I was "looking quite citrusy today". Is that not the best compliment ever (especially from a construction worker)? All of the collections that were ripe for the picking in May are now sold out, but you can find cute prints from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and Dolce & Gabbana on Ebay.

Banana Republic - Ebay

How sweet (or sour) are these clutches?

Vita Riva Wicker Lemon Purse - Kate Spade

New Look Lemon Fruit Clutch - ASOS

A zest or squeeze of lemon elevates any dish. I love to use it in baking because I feel like the dessert is that much healthier. Vitamin C, anyone? I enjoy fooling myself.

Remember THESE? Perfection.

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes - Martha Stewart

This lemon zucchini bread is a great way to sneak some fruit AND veggies into a treat. Warning: it is extremely sweet - the next time I whip up a batch, I may try and cut back on the sugar.

Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread - Lil Luna 

Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive this lemon-themed baking kit (HINT! HINT!)

Citrus Baking Gift Set - Williams-Sonoma

Throw this mug into the loot, as well.

Single Lemon Mug - Sur la Table

Years ago, I spent time traveling Italy. I distinctly remember the smell of lemon blossoms, whether enjoying my espresso in the square or hiking Cinque Terre. Lemon trees were everywhere and heavenly. Wouldn't it be swell to bring a little Italia into your home?

Meyer Lemon Tree - Logee's

I knew lemons were a natural disinfectant and also remember squeezing juice into my hair to make "highlights" as a tween, but did you know they could also brighten your nails?

25 Cool Uses For Lemons - PopSugar

This is one of my favorite lotions, perfect for extra rough spots like knees, elbows, and hands. I stayed at the W Hotel in San Francisco where they stocked these products, and I didn't want to check-out!

Lemon+Sage Body Butter - Bliss

I can't finish this list without mentioning lemonade. 

Little Lucy's Limonada

Not to diss my classic recipe, but THIS one mentioned on Cup of Jo sounds a bit more refined.

And then you could sneak it into this...

Life Gives You Lemons Flask - Cafe Press

Or to deal with the sourness of life sober, just turn to the sourest of them all, Grumpy Cat.

The Grumpy Guide to Life: Observations from Grumpy Cat

See? I bet you feel sunnier already. That's the magic of lemons.

Next April, I promise to muse about nutmeg and mulled wine.