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.

Scenery Bags

A true tribute to a true buddy:

My Buddy by Patti Smith - The New Yorker

Locally crafted and beautifully designed:

Solveig Gin - Far North Spirits

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.

Beer Choir

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

"Told Me" — Amy McGrath for Congress Announcement Video (KY-6) - YouTube

Which helps since I basically feel exactly like Patti:

Patti LuPone on Donald J. Trump - YouTube

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

Revisionist History

Ah...this store! I like it.

i like you - Handmade Gifts from Minnesota

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.

Sandra Lee and the famous Kwanzaa Cake (Food Network) - YouTube

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.

Louise Hay Daily Affirmations

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

When Fall Gives You Lemons

I was all set to post about things that "fall" under the category of cozy. My cupboards are stocked with pumpkin puree, the knee high boots are polished, and I've switch from iced coffees to steaming lattes.

But then it hit 70 degrees. Three days in a row.

This humidity and sweatiness does not mix well with my apple cider and leggings. Is this how you flip flop wearing Los Angelenos feel every seasonal change? I'm so confused!

Anyway, I put the autumnal inspiration on hold for something completely inappropriate for this time of year - LEMONS!

Yep, it's mid October and I've got lemons on my mind.

Is there a fruit more cheery, bright, and zingy? I think not. It adds instant zest to whatever you use it in or on. Lemons are the refresh button of life.

Wear something with a lemon on it. I have a lemon dress and I actually had a construction worker bellow across Madison Avenue that I was "looking quite citrusy today". Is that not the best compliment ever (especially from a construction worker)? All of the collections that were ripe for the picking in May are now sold out, but you can find cute prints from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and Dolce & Gabbana on Ebay.

Banana Republic - Ebay

How sweet (or sour) are these clutches?

Vita Riva Wicker Lemon Purse - Kate Spade

New Look Lemon Fruit Clutch - ASOS

A zest or squeeze of lemon elevates any dish. I love to use it in baking because I feel like the dessert is that much healthier. Vitamin C, anyone? I enjoy fooling myself.

Remember THESE? Perfection.

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes - Martha Stewart

This lemon zucchini bread is a great way to sneak some fruit AND veggies into a treat. Warning: it is extremely sweet - the next time I whip up a batch, I may try and cut back on the sugar.

Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread - Lil Luna 

Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive this lemon-themed baking kit (HINT! HINT!)

Citrus Baking Gift Set - Williams-Sonoma

Throw this mug into the loot, as well.

Single Lemon Mug - Sur la Table

Years ago, I spent time traveling Italy. I distinctly remember the smell of lemon blossoms, whether enjoying my espresso in the square or hiking Cinque Terre. Lemon trees were everywhere and heavenly. Wouldn't it be swell to bring a little Italia into your home?

Meyer Lemon Tree - Logee's

I knew lemons were a natural disinfectant and also remember squeezing juice into my hair to make "highlights" as a tween, but did you know they could also brighten your nails?

25 Cool Uses For Lemons - PopSugar

This is one of my favorite lotions, perfect for extra rough spots like knees, elbows, and hands. I stayed at the W Hotel in San Francisco where they stocked these products, and I didn't want to check-out!

Lemon+Sage Body Butter - Bliss

I can't finish this list without mentioning lemonade. 

Little Lucy's Limonada

Not to diss my classic recipe, but THIS one mentioned on Cup of Jo sounds a bit more refined.

And then you could sneak it into this...

Life Gives You Lemons Flask - Cafe Press

Or to deal with the sourness of life sober, just turn to the sourest of them all, Grumpy Cat.

The Grumpy Guide to Life: Observations from Grumpy Cat

See? I bet you feel sunnier already. That's the magic of lemons.

Next April, I promise to muse about nutmeg and mulled wine.

Sunday Morning in Linden Hills

Opening your mailbox to find mail that isn't a bill, take-out flyer, or a 100 pound Restoration Hardware catalog is the BEST. It makes you feel special, cared for, and young again (when we knew not of the inter-webs). As much as a Facebook birthday is quantifiably fun (look how many "friends" I have!!) - admit it - it means more when you get a real live card sent by post. 

But finding a card that is worthy of a postage stamp is not the easiest task these days. They tend to be insulting, humorless, and filled with cliches. That's why I pretty much bought out the store when I came across Bald Guy Greetings.

Warning: These greetings may not be the best choice for dear Grammy Rose or crazy Uncle Harry. They can be a bit sardonic and low on sentiment - but they are funny - for the right person. 

It was no surprise that we stumbled upon these LOL-cards in a charming store in a charming section of Minneapolis called Linden Hills, a few blocks away from the charming Lake Harriet.
Honeyshine is a shop where curiosity is required. They carry a range of nifty gifty products ranging from to gem-like balancing blocks to...

 ...mugs that give some sass to the start of your day.

Since you are already in the neighborhood, wander next door to Wild Rumpus - a children's bookstore chock-full of imaginative stories and a menagerie of live animals. There is even a pint sized door for the coming and going of pint sized people.

After making sure you give a pet to Mr. Skeeter (followed by a good slathering of Purell), head a few more doors over to Tilia, the fabulous Chef Steven Brown's take on a neighborhood brasserie.

If it happens to be brunch o'clock, don't miss the smattered hash browns, yogurt creme brûlée, and house made iced chai.

But I promise it won't be easy to pick just one dish.

To walk off the decadence, stroll around the always-classic Lake Harriet, perhaps catching a concert at the bandshell or just staring out at the water, selecting which sailboat you would own.

photos: Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board

A little shopping, a little nature, a lot of food. Day complete.

Tote-ally

Some women have too many shoes. Some women have too many lip balms. I have too many totes. I'm a sucker for easily washable canvas with a witty quip on the side. And they are just so darn useful, especially when I need to haul my CSA goodies home.

I love these West Elm offerings. A selection are even currently on sale.

Carry on, and carry all!

Can't Take the Heat?

Oh, sriracha, you are so full of flavor, yet so hard to spell.

Gourmet Sriracha Salt - Srirachaholic, Etsy

Already obsessed with the rooster heat in condiment form, I was happy to discover that it can now be sprinkled, rubbed, and shaken onto various dishes.

Thank you, Randy Clemens and thank you, Etsy.

A Dreamy Promo

Who wants a Kindle? Who wants beautiful skin? Who wants soft hands? Who wants a yummy chocolate scented candle? Who wants all of the above for FREE?

(me! Me! ME!! Pick MEEEEEEE!)

OK...if it can't be me, then I hope it can be you!

Heady Bed is having a Sweet Dreams giveaway: simply visit and "like" their Facebook Page (HERE) and the promo post for an entry. Plus, share the post on your own Facebook wall in order to gain more chances to win.

I will be soooooo jealous of your silky smooth hands, but I promise to still be your friend.

Sneaky

Many of you know that my boyfriend is a Detective Ninja.

(Yep.)

So of course I am drawn to this little guy:

Ninja Flash Drive - The Container Store

Who wouldn't want to find a little ninja in their stocking? Just pass on the pair of nunchucks under the tree.

Movin' Right Along

Remember how I stated that THESE were the perfect road trip food?

Well, this is the perfect road trip tunage:

Muppets: The Green Album - Amazon.com

Are we there yet?

The Man

I went to college as a musical theatre major (yes, that exists) not knowing who Stephen Sondheim was.

I was quickly "schooled" by my more versed (literally) peers.

How foolish I was!

I've been coveting this book since publication:

Finishing the Hat: Stephen Sondheim (Author)Finishing the Hat: Collected Lyrics (1954-1981) with Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes

Now it's all mine. Time to expand my knowledge. Freshman LuRuSo would be so proud. So would Paul Simon: New York Times Book Review

70 Proof Namesake

Maybe it is because I could never find a personalized souvenir or lunch box in my childhood, but I feel a rush of pride and giddiness when I come across an object bearing my name. Remember the beer?

Well, for those who prefer their Lucy a little stronger and a tad bit sweeter, may I present:

Sweet Lucy Bourbon Liqueur

A lovely bourbon-based liqueur that is flavored with spicy orange peel & apricots, perfect for an after dinner treat to warm your soul in the winter, or mixed into a decadent version of a julep come summertime.

It's a unique gift for any Lucy in your life. Of course, it would be most appropriate to one who is sweet, but isn't every Lucy...? :)

Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?

Lobe buttons

Nicole's Threads

Button-like flowers

Zinnias

Cute as a button:

Baby B