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.
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.
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.
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.
Apparently, today is National IPA Day. I know, I know...these "holidays" are ridiculous. But, when it comes to ice cream, margaritas, puppies, and beer, I'll get behind observing such faux celebrations.
I wasn't always a fan of the bitter, forward punch of an IPA. It was something that grew on me. But now, like with coffee and spice, the stronger the better.
At the start of summer I had a fabulous time at a Twin game. I had a fabulous time at a Twins game in my t-shirt. I had a fabulous time at a Twins game in my t-shirt without any sun block on my skin. I had a fabulous time at a Twins game in my t-shirt without any sun block on my skin on an extremely sunny day.
The Twins had an embarrassing loss, but I had an even more embarrassing sunburn. It went from my mid upper arm, down, as well as a crew cut around my neck, perfectly outlining a t-shirt.
So, the rest of the season I've been trying to find outfits that could either hide or help reverse my markings from that fated day. Lucky for me, the style to help such problems is everywhere this year - off the shoulder.
Who doesn't like to show off a shoulder? And why not? These Bardot-esque designs truly flatter a variety of body types and feel both romantic and care free. There is no way you can carry a chip on your shoulder when you are donning any of these:
For someone who has never had a pool or lived in a place that had more than one season of pool-weather, I sure am obsessed with pool floaties. Is that a word - floatie? Our neighborhood gang used to ride bikes down to Target and stand for hours in the recreation aisle, just staring at the pool toys (usually consisting of a silver rectangular floatie and maybe a noodle or two), pretending we had the money and the reason to buy one. I don't know if 8 year old LuRuSo could have handled the selection of floatie fun that is available today. Animals (Rainbow unicorn? Check!), munchies (Junk food? Fruit? Check! Check!), nature (Clam Shell? Why not!?), and even a diamond ring - all floatable. There are even matching floaties for your beverages. It's like Mommy & Me dresses, but for your beer. So grab an air filled pretzel, duckie, or donut, and get ready for all your cares to float away.
A year ago I made the off-the-cuff decision to move from New York City to Minnesota after 18 years on the east coast.
Since it was done with such haste and without any real distinct catalyst, it has been a wonky transition. I assumed I would be settled into my "new life" by the end of the year, only a couple of months after the actual move. Well, that didn't happen. I'm still trying to figure out what's going on and what I'm doing here after such a laser focus purpose and identity in NYC. And I cry. But wait! I'm not being all doom and gloom. I'm crying for many reasons and sometimes they are tears of relief and sometimes they are quite happy tears and sometimes yes, those tears are sad.
I'm crying because I love being so near and connected to my family; I'm crying because I feel so far away from my NYC theatre community of misfit toys. I'm crying because someone I trusted with all of my heart & soul disappointed me; I'm crying because other people surprised me with their endless kindness and open arms. I'm crying because I miss my dear old friends; I'm crying because I'm scared of developing new relationships. I'm crying because I have the most beautiful, dream-like living space; I'm crying because I miss the adventures I used to have in my haphazard and quirky prewar apartment. I'm crying for the loss of sea salt air and bruising ocean waves; I'm crying for the beauty of 10,000+ lakes at the ready. I'm crying for the lack of a decent bagel and pizza by the slice; I'm crying for the amazing craft beer scene and tater tots on every menu. I'm crying for always being too busy; I'm crying for wasting free time. I'm crying because I feel what defined me is gone; I'm crying because I'm grasping to define my new self. I'm crying because I'm no longer in the center of the everything; I'm crying because I worry I like my solitude too much. I'm crying because of lost promise; I'm crying because I'm worried about pursuing the right new opportunities. I'm crying because I had no idea what I was doing; I'm crying because I still have no idea what I am doing.
It's All Right to Cry - Rosey Grier So I'll focus on letting the tears flow, then wiping them away after the deluge and taking one step and then another down this road of life that I'm lucky to still be upon. Here's to another year of big decisions, embracing change, and new roads that are sure to be filled with a lot of likes of Lucy.
Because it is hot, folks. And not *just* hot - icky, sticky, relentlessly, beating down with all its might hot. Facebook's On This Day app reminded me that this is a yearly occurrence as I scanned through past posts about needing a lake to jump in, a better air conditioner, beach access, or an endless supply of popsicles. Sometime in mid-late July, this unbearable weather takes over for a few weeks and we get melted ice cream and kids finding any spraying water source they can.
Washington Heights, NYC
I will say that when the temps soar above 90 degrees with 98% humidity and not a breeze in sight, I'm finding it slightly easier to cool off in Minnesota than New York City. That's one point for MN on the Big to Minne Apple Move scoreboard.
For one thing, you don't have to deal with the subway system, which in the summer becomes the closest thing to hell that any of us will (fingers crossed) ever encounter.
But, despite the higher occurrences of central AC and green space here in the great north, it's still steamy and muggy beyond comprehension. And so I spend many a summer day during this time period trying to figure out how to keep my Irish/Scandinavian body comfortable in the temporary tropics.
Let's turn back to that drink, why don't we? The clean and crisp flavor of a gin & tonic is my go to when it is sweltering. I upped the summer quotient in this cocktail with berries, herbs, & a hint of floral. I promise, it doesn't make it too stuffy. Just prettier.
Combine gin, St. Germain, & syrup and shake with ice vigorously. Strain into two rocks glasses filled with ice and top with tonic.
Garnish with frozen berries, lemon, and thyme.
*For the syrup, I simmered 1 to 1 sugar-water, and a handful of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, added a few stems of tarragon and thyme and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes. Strain when slightly cool and keep in refrigerator.
But if you are going to be indulging in alcohol, make sure and match it with as much water consumption as possible. I find having a chic and reusable water bottle makes it all the easier to get in your needed H2O, especially on the go.
Water is really the key to keeping cool. Even being near or gazing at the water chills me out. But my favorite of all favorites is waterfall swimming. I blame my time in Ithaca - it is gorges, after all.
A waterfall is not always accessible, but waterparks seem to be prevalent around these parts (surprising for a state that has such a short burst of summer), and I've been meaning to check a few out. Some even offer adult hours for exercising, like lap swims and walking the lazy river.
I don't have my own backyard currently, so THESE are out.
But, thanks to Slide the City, I could be slipping and sliding my way down a Minnesota main street this August.
Facial mists and sprays have been my best friend lately. One spritz of this rosewater version will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and it smells divine!
Pajama dressing. It is what I aim for on a daily basis - figuring out how to style pajamas so they look like actual clothes when in society. I'm just that into comfort. Or lazy. Or both? In the winter, it's all about long, all-enveloping cardigans and fuzzy leggings. In the summer? Moo-moos and oversized t-shirts. Light, loose fabric, with no particular shape and nothing that constricts. Something you could easily throw on over a swimsuit.
A few years ago, I took a deep breath and for the first time since childhood, chopped off my long locks. I enjoyed the edgy short-hair look for a couple of seasons, but lately I've been in the mood to grow my hair out past my shoulders again. I guess I'm no longer thoroughly modern and instead back in the bohemian romantic mood. I got giddy when I realized that my mane is finally long enough to put into a crown braid. Huzzah! I'll be utilizing this and other easy updo looks like THESE all summer long.
In the winter months, there is no better comfort food than a piping hot bowl of soup. The summer equivalent for me is a big bowl of cold asian noodles. You do have to boil water for the noodles, but other than that, no time spent hovering over a hot stove.
I went with plain old spaghetti, but you can use any noodle of choice. I forgot I had some of THESE sweet potato spiral noodles in my fridge - they would have been beyond perfect - next time! You can go crazy with the add ins; I went for snow peas, cucumbers, jicama, red pepper, rainbow carrots, and scallions. But simply the noodles as is sprinkled with sesame seeds would also do!
Cold Sesame-Style Noodles:
1 lb noodles (see above comment)
1/4 c nut butter (I used natural almond, but peanut butter, sesame paste, etc. will do)
Juice of 1 lime (2-3 tbsp)
2-3 tbsp honey (adjust sweetness as needed depending on what type of nut butter you used)
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tsp sriracha (plus more for garnishing)
Combine above ingredients, whisking until smooth. Prepare noodles according to package. Toss noodles with sauce. Chill noodles. When ready to eat, mix in any added veggies. Enjoy!
Now that I have my nosh ready to go, it is time to...do nothing. Because doing nothing means not moving and not moving means not perspiring. Perhaps a day of Netflix and Chill? But like, literally chill, not "chill".
There certainly are a host of shows to marathon and keep me on the couch, not moving. Oh, and reminding me that winter is coming. So maybe I should enjoy this heat wave while we have it?
