Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018

It's time to say goodbye to 2017.

 Bolinas, California

Each year has its unique hills and valleys, but 2017 seemed to be a particularly crazy rollercoaster ride for many. I think a lot of us also looked past personal issues and widened our circle of involvement and concern to include society and the world. That can be a heavy weight to take on. But we did it, and we got through it together.

And now it's time to say hello to 2018.

 Minneapolis, Minnesota

As always, the 1st of the year gives the illusion of a clean slate, a fresh breath, and a renewed purpose. I love being given that chance and I have such grand hopes for 2018. I was talking with a friend on New Year's Eve about how 8 is a version of the infinity sign. This compelling symbol represents so many powerful and healing qualities that I want to tap into as we journey through another year: balance, connection, and the dynamic flow of energy. So that even when we hit lows in 2018, we are able to have the clarity to find highs filled with infinite joy. 

Happy New Year to each and every one of you.

Meditation Mount - Ojai, California

12 Days of Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Tis the season for holiday shindigs, and it seems that these days they are all Ugly Christmas Sweater themed. Remember when you wouldn't be caught dead in an unflattering, kitchy jumper? But now it is a "thing". No longer do you have to hunt down a Goodwill or beg Aunt Margie to let you raid her closet. Now Target has an entire section dedicated to them. The more pom poms, glitter, embroidery, animals, and puns, the better. Oh, and of course - lights! I remember my mom being ahead of the trend when she purchased a sweater in the late 80s that lit up "Happy Holidays". The battery pack alone weighed a pound. She wore it to a work holiday party and was asked to switch it off. I wonder what those coworkers would think of the options today?

Super Mario Bros. Holiday Sweater - ThinkGeek.com

Men's T. Rex Ugly Christmas Sweater - Kohl's

Oh Snap Long Sleeve Ugly Christmas Sweater - Target

All I Want for Christmas Is Brew Men's Sweater - Modcloth

So It Is Tinsel Reindeer Holiday Sweater - Dillard's

3 Santas Chillin' with My Snowmies Sweater - Amazon.com

ASOS Holidays Sweater With Xmas Design - ASOS

Santa Unicorn Ugly Christmas Sweater - Tipsy Elves

Vintage Christmas Cardigan - Urban Outfitters

Gremlins Gizmo Mogwai Ugly Christmas Sweater Cult Classic - RageOn

Hybrid Hanukkah Sweater - Macy's

Ugly Christmas Sweater Men's Hooded Reindeer Sweater

If you are handy with a glue gun, you could always fashion your own:

Make Your Own Ugly Christmas Sweater Red Sweater Kit - Walmart 

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

Have Your Birthday Cake And Eat It, Too!

Another year, another birthday. How does that happen? With every trip around the sun, I'm pretty sure someone is playing tricks on me, since I still feel somewhere between the ages of 11 and 15. Certainly not 38. Anyway, this is me at 38 (or so they say...)

It's one of my favorite pictures of myself, so maybe 38 won't be so bad.

As you can see, it snowed today. I guess I really live in MinneSNOWta. I think I deserve this hat:

Want one, too? Check them out HERE.

Speaking of the Great North and growing older, since I've mood back, I've been directly asked my age so many times by strangers or people I've just met. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but this surprises me. Why ask? What are you gaining from that confirmed knowledge? I honestly get asked my age almost every week and it always leaves me bummed out. Mostly because after I honestly give the response, the inquirer seems disappointed. Hmm...does anyone have some insight to this?

Anyway, back to my getting older. I'm not really a (self) birthday celebrating kind of gal. It's been like that forever.

The Saint Paulie Gang

Here is a picture of my childhood birthday party. Where am I? Oh, crying on my parents' waterbed because we didn't have enough time to watch the Care Bear movie and had to watch the My Little Pony movie instead. Yeah, birthday parties stress me out. I think it has to do with expectations. But just because I'm not into the birthday party does not mean I'm not majorly into the birthday cake. Oh no, I am definitely all about that cake.
These in particular would fit the bill:

I love a s'mores-themed dessert, but the marshmallow must be toasted. And it helps if you have a log cake stand to display it.

S'mores Cake - Liv For Cake

How beautiful is this cake? Take time to smell (and eat) the roses!

Rose Cake - Gimme Some Oven

It makes sense to move from flowers to the pollinators. Flavor, texture, and cuteness all factor in to why this cake is the bee's knees.

Honeycomb Cake with 10 Layers - Aleksandra's Recipes

When you can't decide how chocolately you want your chocolate cake...this is so classy and I love the kick and spice of Mexican chocolate for the frosting. 

Ombre Chocolate Cake with Mexican Chocolate Frosting - A Cozy Kitchen

They used to serve this cake at my former workplace and I got hooked. All the various forms of chocolate leave even the biggest choco-holic satisfied.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake - NYTimes

Ooh! It's a macaron but...big. I'm in.

Giant Macaron Cake - Aww Sam

This TREND has been around for a few years now, but that full spectrum is still tops in my sky. Once a Rainbow Brite, always a Rainbow Brite.

Rainbow Birthday Cake - The Little Kitchen

Do you enjoy a birthday party? If not, how do you choose to celebrate your special day?
Is there cake?

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

2017 Minnesota State Fair 101

With my day at the Fair in sight, I'm studying up on all there is to eat, drink, and do like it is the night before an AP exam. Just like the days of those cram sessions, I'm happy to share my "notes". See the below links for some handy guides and references.

Food:

• We Ate ALL the New Foods at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair - MspSt.Paul Magazine (Embarrassed to admit that I'm really craving that Pizzarito)
• Fairgoers weigh in on new Minnesota State Fair foods - Pioneer Press (I appreciate Jacob Lorenz's review)
• Andrew Zimmern shares favorite MN State Fair foods - Kare 11
• Food critic tries all the new Minnesota State Fair foods — and tells all - Star Tribune
• The 2017 Minnesota State Fair Food Tour - Heavy Table
• The Essential Minnesota State Fair Foods - Eater Twin Cities

Beer:

• 10 beers we’re looking forward to at the Minnesota State Fair - Pioneer Press
• The Growler’s Complete Guide to Beer at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair (Check out their Instagram stories for more reviews)
• The 16 New Beers You Have to Try at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair - Eater Twin Cities
• Craft beer or stunt? You decide at the Minnesota State Fair - Star Tribune (Either way, bottoms up for me!)
• “Land of 10,000 Beers” - The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild

All Around:

• Visitor Guide - Minnesota State Fair
• Expert tips to make the most of your Minnesota State Fair adventures - Star Tribune
• Minnesota State Fair 2017: Your guide to food, drink, music, and entertainment - City Pages
• Minnesota State Fair 2017: The best music, food, beer & more - GO MN
• What’s New At The State Fair? - WCCO
• How to look fab -- and be comfortable! -- at the Minnesota State Fair - City Pages (Two words: stretchy pants)
• Minnesota State Fair announces new attractions for 2017 - KTTC
• 6 moments you might not know from State Fair history - MPR News (How cool is the Teddy Roosevelt moment?)

Can't get enough? Check out my pictorial guides from 2013 and 2014!

State Fair Season

It's the final countdown, folks. 

To what, you may ask?

(GASP)

Well, then I'm going to wager you are not a Minnesotan.

Let me give you a few LuRuSo clues:

Got it now?

It's Minnesota State Fair Time!

That's right, in the Great North we have five seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring, State Fair, and Summer. It's a Minnesota "thing" - hard to explain. Kind of like Duck, Duck, Grey Duck and hotdish. We take it very seriously. There are even numerous guides, maps, ratings, and write-ups.
Minnesota State Fair 2017: The best music, food, beer & more

I'm not super psyched about any of the new food creations this year. What do you think?
New Foods for 2017

Luckily, I can save those calories and apply them to beer - lots of beer: The Growler’s Complete Guide to Beer at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair. There are so many brews that I am interested in tasting this season, most notably 612's Lingonberry Lager. It's the Swedish meatball in me.

In 2013 and 2014 I broke down my visit from A to Z. The subsequent year all of my fine fair pics were trapped on a failing iPhone, so I had to rely on THIS article to sum up a day at the State Fair. Last year, I also captured my time at the Fairgrounds, but I became distracted when I noticed the phenomenon otherwise known as Sweet Martha's. Can I be honest for a second? Truth be told (and you may want to sit down for this) - I've never had Sweet Martha's Cookies. Not one bite! Not a single chocolate chip! And I wasn't about to wait in the massive line to change that fact in 2016.

But...I was quite a few beers in (see above note about the hundreds of available brews), and in my tipsy state, I grew fascinated with how fairgoers clutched, cradled, and guarded their baked goods.

I mean:

See what I mean? Sweet Martha, you enabler, you!

Let me know what you are most looking forward to at this year's Minnesota State Fair. And I need your opinion:

Is it necessary for me to dip my hand into the Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar this year?