Showing posts with label arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arts. Show all posts

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!

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

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:

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. 

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?

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

What are some of your favorite artfully contained beers?







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.

A true tribute to a true buddy:

Locally crafted and beautifully designed:

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.

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

Which helps since I basically feel exactly like Patti:

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

Ah...this store! I like it.

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.

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.

Thank you for all of the fascinating recommendations - keep 'em coming!





Thursday, December 4, 2014

Peter Pan Live!

It's Game Day.

No, not football. Theater. Musical Theater. (cue: jazz hands and fan kicks)
Tonight NBC will present it's second go at live musical theater - Peter Pan Live! - and it's basically like the Superbowl for us theater kids. My young self can't imagine having access to all of the musical theater film and television that we have today. When I was a little one, I remember being obsessed with the TV series Rags to Riches (anyone?) because they sang and danced and were orphans (a seemingly essential component to tween musical theater success). It only lasted one season. I am thrilled that musical theater has become more popular in the public arena and will be watching tonight's Peter Pan Live! with a full 8-year-old-LuRuSo heart.
One of the best/worst ways to enjoy tonight's show is viewing while simultaneously updating your Twitter feed.

Last year, even the official DiGiorno Pizza gave it's saucy commentary.

Yes, there will be snark and meanness and judging (even from pizza!), but whether cruel or adoring, all of last year's buzz added to the soaring ratings of 22 million viewers. Which means more product and jobs and exposure. So, let's all clap our hands in belief that PP will attract the same attention. Plus, if you have gone down the performance road, you've learned to have some moxie and thick skin when it comes to reactions to your art form and choices. I think this cast is going to handle it all with aplomb. They can tell you for themselves:

The Sound of Music was my childhood. Nightly, I would doze off with the lights fully on and The Sound of Music soundtrack tape BLARING. Seriously, the only way I would go to sleep. Should explain a lot about me. But, I've Never (Never) seen the musical of Peter Pan. I love Peter Pan-themed things; One of my favorite memories living in London was running to the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, the DisneyWorld ride is magical, and who doesn't love the idea of flying? So tonight will expose me to new music, which is always a good thing.

I certainly never (never) thought about being cast in a production - I don't think there is a single role for me in the Pan. Although if I had tried to audition, it might have gone something like this:

Or this:


I was a little bummed that Laura Benanti was not included in this year's cast. She was a highlight as Baroness Elsa last year, making me sympathize with a character that I used to loathe. And no one gives shade like she does.

If you are like me, and don't know much about the Peter Pan stage musical, HERE is some history 101. Read up and tune into NBC tonight at 8/7c.

Let the games and crowing begin. Break legs, all!

Hopefully it will be a smoother flight than this classic production:


Tuesday, October 7, 2014

In A Moony Mood

Why do I feel like moon phases and lunar eclipses have only begun existing a year or two ago? I don't remember hearing about super moons growing up, and for most part, I thought things like Harvest and Blue Moons were just lyrics to songs of yore. I don't know why, but the older I get, the more in tune with la lune I am.

Tonight is the Blood Moon. (most awesome name ever)
photo: Joe Klamar

You can read more about it HERE.

Who is waking up in the wee hours of the morning to see it? It's fairly overcast here in NYC, not to mention not always possible to see the sky through the skyscrapers, so I'm not sure if I will have any bloody glimpses. Thus I'll have to satisfy my moon cravings in other forms.

This print:
This movie/poster:
This piรฑata:
This sweet children's pillow:
And of course, this for your Moon Shine:
Glass Brooklyn Moonshine Flask - Brooklyn Rehab - Scoutmob

Let me know if you are able to spot a Blood Moon in the sky tonight/this morning. I'll love you to the moon and back!




Monday, September 1, 2014

2014 Minnesota State Fair

It was another fine day spent at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The skies were overcast, which was practically perfect, as I usually pick the most humid/heatstroke-worthy day to attend.

I'd say the State Fair comes closest to providing the same overstimulation as New York City. I was somewhat comforted because I had been lacking social media posting inspiration being among tame and nice midwesterners. The fair was my chance to get back in the status update game! As a friend of mine mused about finding wack-a-doodles at the event, if you don't find inspiration at the Fair, then you are in the wrong cheese curd line.

Minnesota State Fair. 2014. A to Z.

A is for Another Hundred People:

B is for Buddies:






C is for Carved Curds & Whey:

D is for Designated Driver:






E is for Express Yourself:

F is for Four-Wheel Drive:

G is for Giddy-up:

H is for Homage:



I is for Infrastructure:

J is for Jack-O-Lantern Jackpot:

K is for Knitted:

L is for Llama Love:








M is for Minnesota Miss:

N is for Nostalgic:

O is for Options:




P is for Pick Me Up:

Q is for Quack:

R is for Related?:

S is for Sing Out, Louise!:


T is for Transport:

U is for Unfortunate Across the Street Location:


V is for View from Lulu's:

W is for Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?:

X is for Xanthic:

Y is for You Never Know:

Z is for Zero Calories:
Peaches & Cream Scone

Savory Scone

Chicken in the Waffle

 Corndogs



Comet Corn

Hotdish on a Stick

SnoRibbons

Pretzel Curds

Until next time, Minnesota State Fair - I'll bring my stretchy pants!