I've always avoided pastels. I'm more of a bold, gem-hued kinda gal. But when winter trudged on into the months of March and even April, I began to be drawn to the shades of lilac popping up in various products. Perhaps a bit of purple pastel is needed in these grey times?
Here is a sampling of lilac colored accoutrements to give you a spring outlook until the actual blossoms fill your senses:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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:
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.
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!
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?
I continue to have this bizarre phenomenon where my shower product packaging is only green, white, orange, or black. I swear, it's not done on purpose. I must have some sort of subconscious color coordinating thinking when it comes to achieving cleanliness.
*LUSH Big Shampoo - I have a special place for this overpriced tub of salt. Take a small size of the mixture and apply it to very damp hair to work properly. It will give major volume and really clarify any built up gunk on the scalp.
Yes to® Naturals Calming Scalp Relief Conditioner - The packaging is troublesome as you have to work hard to get the conditioner out, but the goods is light enough to be used daily and does give my scalp relief during the change of seasons.
*LUSH Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - I wish this wasn't so spendy because it is a very unique concept. You apply the conditioner to your body at the end of your routine and rinse off. Your skin is left smooth and soft, with the most perfect whiff of sweet rose lingering for hours.
LUSH Ocean Salt - Also spendy (what are you doing to me, LUSH?), but very effective. This lime and salty fine exfoliator makes you feel like you spent the afternoon in the sun, sand, and surf with a margarita. This can be used on the face or body, but I find it best for less sensitive areas.
Ole Henriksen Pore-Balance Facial Sauna Scrub - This facial scrub will throw you for a loop as it warms and cools during a massage. It really is like a mini spa treatment, right in the comfort of your own shower.
Kiehl's Ulta Facial Cleanser - I've been cycling through various facial cleansers. A little goes a long way with this Kiehl's version, but those that tend to dry out might want to opt for something more moisturizing.
*L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil - After a few trial-sized bottles, I splurged for the real deal. The oil foams as you activate it and can be used as a shaving product or just a luxurious finishing step. The almond scent is so yummy and it leaves your skin fully moisturized without feeling too sticky or slippery.
*Korres Basil Lemon Shower Gel - Not too sweet, not too cologne-like, and a great texture to lather up and wash away.
Malin + Goetz Body Wash, Sage - I like having this woodsy & herbal body wash for days that I'm not feeling my usual almond or citrus.
Plant Mini Body Wash, Get Happy - Funny story: I bought this because of the peppy packaging and name and didn't look much further. When it arrived I was shocked to see it was the size for a smurf and would maybe wash my elbow or my ear, but not both. But, it still makes me happy, so I guess the marketing worked!
*Yes to® Shower Cocktail Hydrating Body Wash - The cocktail shaker-shaped bottle matches the fruity, tropical gel wash inside. The Yes to...brand always proves a quality purchase for a reasonable price. And I just might shake this like a bartender before use...
I want to be that person who has a streamlined curated arsenal of shower products, but try as I may, I end up with a menagerie of bottles and potions to mix and match each day. What about you? Do you have a limited number of old standbys or do you fill your tub with the latest releases or hotel samples that you smuggled home after vacation? Or are you one of those magical unicorns that uses one multipurpose soap for all things cleansing?
*potential holy grail product that I would definitely recomment and plan on purchasing again
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Because it is hot, folks. And not *just* hot - icky, sticky, relentlessly, beating down with all its might hot. Facebook's On This Day app reminded me that this is a yearly occurrence as I scanned through past posts about needing a lake to jump in, a better air conditioner, beach access, or an endless supply of popsicles. Sometime in mid-late July, this unbearable weather takes over for a few weeks and we get melted ice cream and kids finding any spraying water source they can.
Washington Heights, NYC
I will say that when the temps soar above 90 degrees with 98% humidity and not a breeze in sight, I'm finding it slightly easier to cool off in Minnesota than New York City. That's one point for MN on the Big to Minne Apple Move scoreboard.
For one thing, you don't have to deal with the subway system, which in the summer becomes the closest thing to hell that any of us will (fingers crossed) ever encounter.
But, despite the higher occurrences of central AC and green space here in the great north, it's still steamy and muggy beyond comprehension. And so I spend many a summer day during this time period trying to figure out how to keep my Irish/Scandinavian body comfortable in the temporary tropics.
Let's turn back to that drink, why don't we? The clean and crisp flavor of a gin & tonic is my go to when it is sweltering. I upped the summer quotient in this cocktail with berries, herbs, & a hint of floral. I promise, it doesn't make it too stuffy. Just prettier.
Combine gin, St. Germain, & syrup and shake with ice vigorously. Strain into two rocks glasses filled with ice and top with tonic.
Garnish with frozen berries, lemon, and thyme.
*For the syrup, I simmered 1 to 1 sugar-water, and a handful of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, added a few stems of tarragon and thyme and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes. Strain when slightly cool and keep in refrigerator.
But if you are going to be indulging in alcohol, make sure and match it with as much water consumption as possible. I find having a chic and reusable water bottle makes it all the easier to get in your needed H2O, especially on the go.
Water is really the key to keeping cool. Even being near or gazing at the water chills me out. But my favorite of all favorites is waterfall swimming. I blame my time in Ithaca - it is gorges, after all.
A waterfall is not always accessible, but waterparks seem to be prevalent around these parts (surprising for a state that has such a short burst of summer), and I've been meaning to check a few out. Some even offer adult hours for exercising, like lap swims and walking the lazy river.
I don't have my own backyard currently, so THESE are out.
But, thanks to Slide the City, I could be slipping and sliding my way down a Minnesota main street this August.
Facial mists and sprays have been my best friend lately. One spritz of this rosewater version will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and it smells divine!
Pajama dressing. It is what I aim for on a daily basis - figuring out how to style pajamas so they look like actual clothes when in society. I'm just that into comfort. Or lazy. Or both? In the winter, it's all about long, all-enveloping cardigans and fuzzy leggings. In the summer? Moo-moos and oversized t-shirts. Light, loose fabric, with no particular shape and nothing that constricts. Something you could easily throw on over a swimsuit.
A few years ago, I took a deep breath and for the first time since childhood, chopped off my long locks. I enjoyed the edgy short-hair look for a couple of seasons, but lately I've been in the mood to grow my hair out past my shoulders again. I guess I'm no longer thoroughly modern and instead back in the bohemian romantic mood. I got giddy when I realized that my mane is finally long enough to put into a crown braid. Huzzah! I'll be utilizing this and other easy updo looks like THESE all summer long.
In the winter months, there is no better comfort food than a piping hot bowl of soup. The summer equivalent for me is a big bowl of cold asian noodles. You do have to boil water for the noodles, but other than that, no time spent hovering over a hot stove.
I went with plain old spaghetti, but you can use any noodle of choice. I forgot I had some of THESE sweet potato spiral noodles in my fridge - they would have been beyond perfect - next time! You can go crazy with the add ins; I went for snow peas, cucumbers, jicama, red pepper, rainbow carrots, and scallions. But simply the noodles as is sprinkled with sesame seeds would also do!
Cold Sesame-Style Noodles:
1 lb noodles (see above comment)
1/4 c nut butter (I used natural almond, but peanut butter, sesame paste, etc. will do)
Juice of 1 lime (2-3 tbsp)
2-3 tbsp honey (adjust sweetness as needed depending on what type of nut butter you used)
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tsp sriracha (plus more for garnishing)
Combine above ingredients, whisking until smooth. Prepare noodles according to package. Toss noodles with sauce. Chill noodles. When ready to eat, mix in any added veggies. Enjoy!
Now that I have my nosh ready to go, it is time to...do nothing. Because doing nothing means not moving and not moving means not perspiring. Perhaps a day of Netflix and Chill? But like, literally chill, not "chill".
There certainly are a host of shows to marathon and keep me on the couch, not moving. Oh, and reminding me that winter is coming. So maybe I should enjoy this heat wave while we have it?
