Cyber Monday and Beyond

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.

Here is a full compilation of travel options:

The Best Cyber Monday Travel Deals of 2017 - Condé Nast Traveler
Where to Score the Best Travel Deals This Cyber Monday - Travel + Leisure
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Hotel Deals for 2017 - ThePointsGuy.com

Or beauty/apparel/home deals:
The 2017 Mega List of Cyber Monday Deals - Apartment Therapy
Every Cyber Monday Beauty Sale You Need To Shop This Year - The Zoe Report
The Only Cyber Monday Guide You Need This Year - Among Other Things

Capitalism is alive and well, my friends.

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.

AncestryDNA: Genetic Testing - DNA Ancestry Test Kit

23andMe Ancestry and Health + Ancestry Services

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.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment - Dermstore.com

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.

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Peptides

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.

Coravin Model 2 Wine System - Sur La Table

We also had a few nights in Solvang (my people!) which reminded me of the movie Sideways and what a solidly great film that is.

Solvang, CA

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".

Ojai, CA

Not that the trip was without consumerism. After battling major gridlock...


...we ventured to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle

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.

Disneyland's Dole Whip Float

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:

Dole Soft Serve Mix, Pineapple - Amazon

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.

The Tao of Pooh - Benjamin Hoff

Another book I've been moved by this month:

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood - Trevor Noah

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!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, BBC News - YouTube

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?

Tipsy Elves Women's Santa Unicorn Christmas Sweater - Amazon

or

Women's Oh Snap Long Sleeve Ugly Christmas Sweater - Target

Let's bring good cheer (and ugly sweaters) to the Holiday Season!

Blue Plate Special

On a recent vacation to Mexico, I found myself snapping pictures at the all-inclusive's variety of restaurants. But unlike most Instagramable shots, this wasn't for #foodporn, but for the interesting menu choices. Check out some of my favorite selections.

"Yogurt" and "Egg" are two words that I never want to be combined with "Surprise".

 Shine on peas, shine on.

Hot vanilla foam - only served after midnight.

And the last item makes my brain explode.

Good, because I don't care for that new, modern take on beef juice.

Just when I get used to foam being on every description, they throw the xnipec air curveball.

This is the kind of test I'll study for.

This Onion Land is my land, This Onion Land is your land...

I mean, how could you ever decide between freeze lettuce, herbal chlorophyll, and fantasy!?

At least it still is in its natural habitat.

Who cut the edge cheese air?

And my top pick...

What does that combination even result in?

Perhaps these were a bit lost in translation, but reading the Spanish version is just as puzzling.

Does anyone have any guesses as to what these things actually are? I say we all take a vacation together and find out. Bon appétit!

NYC Dos and Don'ts

I think I can call myself a New Yorker now. I've been a resident for over a decade and I've moved 5 times. Yes? Is that how the equation goes?

If it is truly official, then I also am allowed to start complaining about people not being New York-y enough. There is a sixth sense that you acquire after some time residing in Gotham. It may sound a little obnoxious, but it is absolutely true. As a bona fide "New Yorker", you are able to avoid tripping on pot holes without ever glancing down, easily maneuver through thick crowds of white-tennis-shoe-clad families, and have sonar to locate all of the hidden, cleanest public bathrooms. It's like your reward for having to pay broker's fees and smell urine 24-7. Give and take, you see.

But when you live in a city filled with 8 million people, someone is going to rub someone the wrong way (literally). Recently, Nathan W. Pyle published 136 brilliantly illustrated tips on how to navigate NYC while being on your best behavior and blending in with the natives. Por ejemplo...

"The most important thing I learned was to stay out of everyone's way," the 31-year-old told Business Insider last year. "Assume everyone's trying to get somewhere important and have spatial awareness."  -Nathan W. Pyle

Check out some of the back story HERE and buy the book in various forms here:

NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette

A newbie or a tourist does not posess the above skills. Not that I have anything against this grouping. As long as you avoid Times Square pre/post showtimes, the 5th Avenue Apple store during the day, and Madison Square Park's Shake Shack anytime, NYC tourists aren't so bad. But to any of you looking to visit the Big Bad Apple in the near future, there is help and you should be open to receiving it. More specifically for tourists, one can turn to Johnny T, our very own Miss Manners of NYC. Here he is breaking down tourist behavior and subway Ps and Qs.

See more of Johnny T and friends HERE.

Being a classy visitor to a city really is a timeless art. You can turn back the clock almost a century, and the same rules apply. Just take a page from Valentine's City of New York: A Guide Book.

I'll leave you with one last tip from that vade mecum:

"New York is like your own hometown, only bigger and the vast majority of its people are decent, likeable citizens. But there are also others."

Yep, sounds about right. Some things never change. See you soon!

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.