A Year of the Best Words

Today as I made sure to fill in the oval bubble completely with my pen, I was brought back to a year ago, having been so proud to have solidly colored an oval in for her.

And then what happened, happened. UGH.

Some saw it coming, but I was naive and totally shocked. And it hurt. Like, significant other shattering your trust hurt. Which was weird because honestly, I'm not even that into politics. But this wasn't just about legislation or policies. It wasn't even about red or blue. This was something emotional and deeply rooted that had been hidden and stewing and ready to burst. I felt like America was my beloved child who had just gotten a face tattoo and ran off with some scumbag, if only to spite me. 

How did this happen? What did we do? What did I do? I feel so very distant from the citizens who believe in this con man, yet I know that continued divisiveness will only do damage to us all. 

I want to learn. I want to understand. I want to investigate. I want to listen.

I mean, mostly I want to scream and shake my head, but I want to want to do the above.

The best action has been to read. Everything and anything regarding this historical event.

Throughout the year as I read article after article, I found I had to look up or reacquaint myself with a lot of the vocabulary being used. Turns out that when you are describing the man we currently elected to the White House, you need a very particularly themed lexicon.

Here is a sampling:

See what I mean? Not the most positive collection of the English language.

Of course, there are also his own words. Those I wish I could unlearn.

Image from the Making America Misogynistic Again by the artist Saint Hoax

They say actions speak louder than words, but these days I'm doubting that language and intent can't have extreme power, as well. I'm not the only one:

How Important Are Words? - The New Potato

Donald Trump, Poet by Mary Karr - The New Yorker

One way to combat the combative words is The Daily Show's brilliant Chrome extension,

Make Trump Tweets Eight Again. I highly recommend it.

If you don't find yourself on Twitter often, here is some other apropos advice:

How to stay sane if Trump is driving you insane: Advice from a therapist - Robin Chancer

It really has been an anxiety-ridden and stressful ride with this administration. I suppose I should have taken the hint when I saw what was trending in the NYTimes immediately following November 8th, 2016:

My only hope is that the reality of this joke-of-a-human in such a respected and powerful position pushes each of us to learn, understand, investigate, and listen, so that we can better fight for what we know (from heart and also mind) is right for our country.

Bret Stephens, in his New York Times Op-Ed, The Dying Art of Disagreement, wisely notes that "to disagree well you must first understand well. You have to read deeply, listen carefully, watch closely. You need to grant your adversary moral respect; give him the intellectual benefit of doubt; have sympathy for his motives and participate empathically with his line of reasoning. And you need to allow for the possibility that you might yet be persuaded of what he has to say."

So I'm going to keep up my steady routine of absorbing all there is to learn from all sides (within reason-I refuse to believe that there are very good Nazis, thanks but no thanks).

And when I do speak of what I've learned, I'll try and do it thoughtfully.

USE YOUR WORDS Print - Paper Jam Press

Of course, I'll be sneaking some snarky tweets and absurd GIFs into the rotation.

I set the giant list of Trump Lies compiled by the @NYTimes to the Star Wars theme because: what a crawl! https://t.co/9ClzAlwHrT pic.twitter.com/WRWajELsrG

— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) June 23, 2017

After all, I need some laughter to balance out all of those other emotions for the next (hopefully) 3 years or less. 

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?

Skirted Plaid With A Twist

You don't have to go all Mary Katherine Gallagher to sport a plaid skirt. Here are some examples that give the classic school uniform a twist. Try one out this season, you Superstar!

1. Eva Franco Meghan Plaid Skirt - Anthropologie

2. Plaid Wrap-Front Skirt - Gap

3. Swingy Skirt With Bow Waist - ModCloth

4. Checked Button Zip Mini Skirt - Topshop

5. Plaid Patch Pocket Skirt - Tommy Hilfiger

6. Faye Tweed Skirt - Boden

7. Graham Faux Wrap Skirt - BB Dakota

Everything You Could Want

I knew I was officially a grown up when instead of wanting a sad, plain bagel for breakfast, I craved an everything bagel. To be fair, I don't really remember these being an option in my childhood - perhaps the great North of the 80s and 90s wasn't ready for quite so much decadence and flavor - but I doubt my young, boring tastebuds would have gone for it, anyway.

A crispy crust/chewy inside, heavily seasoned everything bagel was my go-to most mornings while living in New York. Accompanied by the New York Times crossword puzzle and black coffee, I was completely nourished and satisfied for the day. 

Since moving to Minneapolis, it's not quite as easy to grab my favorite hole-y carb on a whim, but I will give shout-outs to decent comparisons at Rise Bagel Co. and St. Paul Bagelry. I can't say that I'm transported to the streets of NYC, but I do get my fix.

Everything Bagel - Rise Bagel Co.

In the past year, Trader Joe's made the world a better place with this product:

Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend - Trader Joe's

Yup. Now almost everything can have a hint of everything bagel. Honestly, at first I limited my goods to sprinkling over plain cream cheese in order to magically turn my plain bagel into its fancier cousin. But then, bottle by bottle, I began to experiment: avocado toast...roasted or steamed veggies...hummus...deviled eggs...any eggs...potatoes...popcorn...salads...pastas...the name really says it all, folks.

Here are killer recipes that I've spotted that I definitely want to attempt to everything-ize.

That Bloody Mary alone! Ah!

Everything Wedge Salad - Spoon Fork Bacon

Everything Chicken - Gimme Some Oven

Bloody Mary with Everything Bagel Rim - Foxes Love Lemons

In my Googling, I also went googly-eyed for this everything take on a grilled cheese:

Sadelle's Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese - Tasting Table

There are other spice brands that have jumped on the everything bandwagon if you aren't near a Trader Joe's, or you could easily mix up your own blend:

How To Make Everything Bagel Spice - The Kitchn

Everything's popularity is showing up in other forms, too - I've noticed many new products on the shelf that are Everything Seasoned _______. Everyone wants to be everything, I guess. One that I've tested and can vouch for are these savory, salty rice crackers:

Whole Foods 365 Everything Rice Crackers

And that's not even...(you guessed it)...everything.

So go forth, my friends, and partake in everything your heart desires! Just be sure to have some floss and breath mints handy.

Fall Florals

Miranda has a point. But what about florals for fall?

Flowers are abloom in apparel everywhere this season. So how do you pull off blossoms when the leaves are starting to fall and crunch beneath your feet? Go bold. Pick vibrant, deep hues with exotic flowers. Think mums, poppies, and vines - this isn't the trend for shy violets or delicate daffodils. Choosing textured material such as velvet, knits, and embroidery also add weight and seasonality. Any of these dresses could be layered with a moto jacket and some suede boots to put a spring into your autumn routine.

1. Floral Smocked-Waist Midi Dress - Old Navy
2. Ali & Jay Floral Maxi Dress - Nordstrom
3. Silk Poppy Dress in Cactus Flower - Madewell
4. Plenty By Tracy Reese Aleah Dress - Anthropologie
5. Maeve Printed Maxi Shirtdress - Anthropologie
6. Poppy Crochet Sweater Dress - Kate Spade
7. Free People All I Got Printed Maxi Dress - Macy's
8. Who What Wear Long Sleeve Wrap Dress - Target

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

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