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 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!

Mary Tyler Moore statue finally returns to Nicollet Mall - GoMN

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

Mary Tyler Moore Theme Song

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:

5 MINNEAPOLIS LOCATIONS MADE FAMOUS BY MARY TYLER MOORE - Meet Minneapolis

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. 

You Are The Light of the World: Godspell - Eagan High School

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?

Encore! Sets Premiere Date and Will Feature Into the Woods - Playbill

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.

Nature Made SAM-e Complete - Target

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.

How to Raise a Feminist Son - The New York Times

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!

Spirit Foul - Fair State Brewing Cooperative

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

Lucy Session Sour Ale - Indeed Brewing Company

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.

Borealis Broo - Keweenaw Brewing Company

What are some of your favorite artfully contained beers?

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

Left Shark Forever

When I remember, I like to have the 1st of the month be dedicated to some cute animal video or meme or story or picture. 

Well, there is only one animal that is worthy of such an honor this past month:

Left Shark, February 2015

I just couldn't get enough.

Apparel:

Redbubble

Valentines:

Patrynize - Etsy

Cookies:

Francesca4me - Etsy

BuzzFeed Articles:

Katy Perry’s Sharks Were The Best Part Of The Super Bowl

The 23 Most Important Moments In Left Shark History

18 Things The Left Shark Is Totally Thinking

The Man Behind the Fin:

Who is Left Shark? - US Magazine

Tweets and Tributes:

The Internet pays tribute to its new hero: Katy Perry's Left Shark - Mashable

Diary:

Diary of the Left Shark - The New Yorker

(above illustration by Victor Kerlow)

Inside Scoop:

After Left Shark: Super Bowl halftime palm tree speaks out about Katy Perry's 'absurd' routine - The Independent

Even Controversy!:

Katy Perry's Lawyers Bite Down on 'Left Shark' Salesman - Billboard

I love it all. I love you the most, Left Shark.

Bubbly Buh-BYE, 2014!

It's time to say farewell to the past twelve months and welcome 2015 to the world. The best way to ring in a New Year is toasting with something bubbly.

OK, surprise, surprise, the above is NOT Minne-snow-ta. It's Mexico, where I recently (and happily) imbibed quite a few champagne con cerezas.

Back to reality...

This is the ONLY way to chill champagne in Minnesota during the months of November-March. Ask any decent Minnesotan. 

But there is more to champagne than chilling it in some snow.

Here is some Champagne 101:

Not Every 'Champagne' Is Champagne: What You Need to Know - Bon Appetît

And second semester:

Nothing But Bubbles - Tasting Table

And for the physical basics:

Brut Strength - Pure Wow

For those more adventurous/dramatic - have you ever sabered your bottle?

The Art of Sabrage - Food52

If any of you try the above, I want to see the video!

Champagne is always a class act by itself, but for an event such as a new year, why not play around with some creative cocktails?

Cocktails That Pop! - MiniBar

10 Champagne Cocktails Worth Celebrating - Real Simple

Champagne Cocktails - Spoon Fork Bacon

Champagne Cocktails for Midnight - Martha Stewart

See anything to your liking?

Those who aren't into Don P can opt for a champagne-like beer, such as Brooklyn Brewery's big bottles that utilize champagne yeast.

BAMBoozle - Brooklyn Brewery

And just because there is an absence of ABV, doesn't mean there needs to be a lack of fun. Try THESE nonalcoholic concoctions to add festivity to sober selections.

Non-Alchoholic (Yet Special!) Sips for the Holidays - the kitchn

A tale told every New Year's Eve in my household involves some champagne flutes that provided quite a laugh (and quite a mess) many holidays ago. After sipping, as you rotated the glass back down, a perfectly formed drop of champagne would BLOP! back out into your face. Usually your eye. They were not much for function, but a hoot, nonetheless. We could never bear to part with them.

While nothing will ever surpass my love for those tricky tumblers, I might have a vintage set of coupe glasses on my wish list for 2015. How Mad Men!

Vintage Coupe Glasses - HillsideHouse - Etsy

Of course, you can just eat your spirits, then no glass needed.

Champagne Macarons - Eats Well With Others

If all else fails, go Spring Break style - with champagne.

Champagne Jello Shots - Erica's Sweet Tooth

Champagne is not just for solo sipping anymore - in fact, champagne pairing has become another skill to add to your culinary and palette know-how.

Champagne Pairings - Food and Wine

Ah...food, fizziness, folly. The last day of the year is so wonderful in its frivolity, when any worry or stress can disappear with the changing digit. Happy Days Are Here Again in 5...4...3...2...1...

See ya next year, friends! HAPPY 2015!

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.

DiGiorno Pizza Live-Tweeted NBC’s “The Sound Of Music” In “Unplanned Event” And It Was Amazing

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 Cast of ‘Peter Pan Live!’ Knows You Hatewatched ‘The Sound of Music’

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:

http://time.com/3616029/jane-krakowski-peter-pan-live-audition-tape/

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.

The 11 Best Laura Benanti Reaction GIFs from 'The Sound of Music Live'

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:

Vogue's 73 Questions

I love this video series by Vogue where Joe Sabia "stops by" a celeb's house, work, or hang out to ask them 73 questions as they go about doing whatever they were doing. 

Even though it is (for the most part) scripted, the vibe is easy going and fascinatingly fresh. The real personality is very apparent and you can easily pick out who you would get along with or not. And for those that interview in their abodes, I'm drooling. Oh, to have an outdoor living room and a pool!

No doubt, my current favorite is Ms. Wintour (if you haven't, watch The September Issue), but I also admired SJP's smooth delivery and responses.

Click HERE to see the first season.

Why 73? Hm, that's a good question.

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