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!

Shower Shelfie - Fall 2017

I'm always being asked, "Lucy, what products are in your shower? I must know your secrets to getting fresh and clean each day!"

Just kidding, no one asks me that.

Well...two people inquired about such things and I aim to please, so here is what lurks behind my shower curtain. Enjoy, (you two individuals).

Welcome - come on into my shower! But no funny business, people. This blog is rated PG.

Kaiku Shower Curtain - Marimekko

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.

Nature's Gate Revitalizing Shampoo Jojoba + Sacred Lotus - Smells heavenly. Gentle and leaves my usually frizzy hair smooth & full. Plus Jojoba is fun to say. Jojoba!!

*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.

*Amika Intense Conditioning and Repair Nourishing Mask - Another product that I would purchase for the scent alone. But it also gives a non greasy result when you want a more intense conditioning treatment.

*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.

Trader Joe's Moisturizing Cream Shave Honey Mango - A cost-effective and simple cream that gets the job done and I like shaving with something that doesn't smell like Raspberry Dreamland.

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.

Raw Sugar Macha Green Tea, Lemongrass & Ginger Body Scrub - I'm in love with the packaging and the scent, but the scrub does leave a certain thin film behind that I'm not fond of. I'm up for trying other products in the line.

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...

LUSH Happy Hippy Shower Gel - Zesty, grapefruit gel that will leave you squeaky clean.

AHAVA Mineral Botanic Cream Wash, Hibiscus & Fig - Rich and velvety, this locks in the hydration.

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

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:

Moon Phase Poster - Urban Outfitters

This movie/poster:

E.T. Poster

This tote:

Night Moon Screenprinted Tote - Bright Beige - Etsy

This piñata:

Moon Piñata DIY - Oh Happy Day

This necklace and bangle:

Crescent Moon Necklace - Praxis Jewelry - Etsy

Full Moon Bangle Bracelet - Praxis Jewelry - Etsy

This sweet children's pillow:

Mr. Sleepy Full Moon Grey Pillow - Claire on Cloud 9 - Etsy

This recipe:

Homemade Moon Pies - Tidy Mom

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!

Really Rosie

They say that in life you should take time to smell the roses. There's a reason it instructs to sniff roses instead of singling out one of the many other small pleasures in life.

There is nothing more royal, romantic, and classic than the rose. So why save them for Valentine's Day? I'm finding that roses, thorns and all, should be making daily appearances in our lives.

My rose renaissance began when I discovered this LUSH body conditioner. I really took to heart the smelling of the roses. I'm not joking - I could not resist sniffing my arm for a good portion of the day - which made me look like a kook, but I smelled DIVINE. The scent of rose and almond remains with you long after the shower, plus your skin will feel petal soft.

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - LUSH

Being that one tub is on the expensive side, I opted for a gift collection in order to test out the body conditioner in a smaller size, along with other related products.

Rosie Gift Set - LUSH

Due to its timeless scent and soothing qualities, you can find rose as a main ingredient in many beauty brands. I'm hoping to try some of the Korres line using wild rose.

Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Sleeping Facial - Sephora

This is an old standby in my medicine cabinet:

Burt's Bees Rosewater Toner - Drugstore.com

If you are the DIY type, you can spend a post-farmers market run bubbling up your own rose water to use in various beauty potions.

DIY Rose Water - Bldg 25

photo: http://knowwhenitsadream.tumblr.com/

It's not hard to find ways of adorning yourself in flora rosa.

Stick one of those leftover buds in your hair and pop in these posts:

Rose Earrings - Peachtree Lane via Scoutmob

Flower power!

Ring no longer available. Similar found HERE.

Nails = Sally Hansen Salon Effects

How gorgeous are these recycled paper creations from Lille Syster? It makes me want to have a party just to strew garlands, bouquets, and blossoms across my entire apartment.

Lille Syster - Etsy

I'm thinking if I find some untreated roses for my DIY rose water, I might also try my hand at a batch of rose syrup, mainly for cocktail fun!

Vodka Rose Punch - Food & Wine

I should give a shout out to the title post - did anyone else's childhood revolve around this Carole King/Maurice Sendak musical?

Really Rosie - Amazon.com

And then there is my favorite rose of all, Minnesota's own Rose Nylund!

The Best of Rose - YouTube