Running Errands.

I love errands. Absolutely love them. Specifically, I love running errands by myself. I take my time, most times bring my tumbler of tea, leisurely browse, read food labels, read clothing labels, ponder items, dig through coupons, listen to the end of a radio program before going inside (AM stations are what my good ole Dodge gets these days), take the extra five seconds to check in on Four Square, and all in all, I love being alone, independent, and on a mission with a list.

Tonight was no exception. I didn't leave the house until after 5pm. Much like anywhere you live, you develop a circuit for where you go based on what stores are near you. My Cottage Grove humble-abode, involved Target, Dollar Tree, Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet, BP Gas Station, Rainbow, and Kohl's.

This may seem like a mundane post to many, perhaps all who read this, but to me, this post recognizes common tasks. When I read this post in 50 years, I will enjoy knowing what I did on a weekly-ish basis. I have found that I remember big, exciting things in life, such as sipping wine under a lit up Eiffel Tour, or kayaking the Caribbean Sea, but the little things, the day-to-day things that happen are what I often forget. As I have said before, and will say again, life is really about the little things. So, this post, about running errands, I'm going to embrace it. Now, to continue.

Target's necessity item is always nylons. I swear, I need to own stock in nylons. I go through so many pairs for work. Tonight was no exception, nylons were on my list. As well as a pair of sweater tights to keep me warmer for winter. I love wearing a skirt to work, there is something so feminine about a skirt, but the days when I have goosebumps and shivers from the cold air whipping through the Lindbergh Light Rail Station are the days I ponder wearing warmer uniform pieces. In addition to nylons, I stocked up on tea for myself and my mom. What may I be drinking right now? Organic Hibiscus. Strong and hot. Not bad qualities. I had a coupon for fluoride + a coupon for a $5 gift card with the purchase of fluoride = win/win situation. Five bucks to spend on a future purchase. Awesome. Tortilla wraps for my tuna and Target brand ziplocs made my Target run complete.

The Dollar Tree. This store should be called the 10 dollar store, or even 20 dollar store, because I rarely, if ever, spend just one dollar. I went there to buy matches. Did I remember to buy matches? Nope. But I did find 20 other things to buy. The highlights: a lighthouse calendar which our home desperately needed (December 2012 does none of us any good), THE #perfect gift bag for a friends' birthday coming up (I love a great gift bag, especially to reuse and have on display), a new headband wrap with a blue flower to match not only my jeans but my Vera Bradley bag as well (#happysnails), and Valentines day goodies for friends and family. Despite the look the cashier gave me when I insisted on using my own bag at the check-out, I still love the dollar store.

Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet. This was my first time venturing into this store. I typically run into Petsmart or Petco when in Woodbury and stock up on supplies, but my birdie needs her large cuttle bones which aren't always carried elsewhere. My dad has gotten them in bulk here before, however, tonight, I learned they no longer receive them. They have bulk millet, but not bulk cuttle bones. This was my first, and probably last, venture into this store. Sorry, birdie, the small cuticle bone will have to suffice for now!

Onto Double Daze! Wednesdays and Saturdays at Rainbow are Double Daze. For those couponers out there, you know what this is. For those who don't, you need to. Up to five manufacturer coupons are doubled with a qualifying purchase of $25. A few weeks back was unlimited double daze, my brother and I used some 25ish coupons total. With many being $1 a piece, that's an extra $25 savings. I've gotten most cereal in our household for 99 cents and pudding mix for 25 cents, just to name a couple. Today, I ventured a bit out of budget and splurged on feel-good, eat-good foods for myself. Future posts to come when I bake and cook with these ingredients, but a few of my favorites are: rye flour, quinoa, lentils, and almond butter. Tonight's highlights: a huge bottle of dish spap for just $1, the big tubs of cottage cheese for just $2.24, and Yoplait Yogurt cups for just 38 cents a piece. Seriously, everyone needs to be a coupon clipper AND participate in Double Daze. The savings will amaze you, and food tastes so much better when you know you saved money!

Last stop: Kohl's. I have a love/hate relationship with clothes these days. I buy things, then feel guilty about buying them (see Resolutions post which includes being frugal and saving money) and/or don't like what I bought, and end up returning them. Meaning, I've wasted fuel most times having to drive back to the store, and wasted time twice for something I didn't keep. Meh. I will be out of this rut someday. Perhaps, starting tonight. I returned $80 worth of stuff. Which humors me quite a lot. All had the tags on, never worn. And re-bought $28 of clothing. The best part, the shirts were CHEAP. And I mean, cheap. Found on clearance with an additional 25% off, the cheapest shirt I bought was $2.70 and most expensive was $6.60, those prices are cheaper than Goodwill or Savers. I tried them on at home, and THEY ARE CUTE. Even I am surprised, I have no intentions of returning any of them. Just as food tastes better when it's almost free, clothing feels so great, when it's cheap. I'll throw outfits together and post photos soon.

So. Here ends my mundane task of running errands, and the post that came with it. In 50 years, I will have enjoyed knowing a random Wednesday night went fulfilled. Goodnight, all. 01 02 18

Resolutions.

res·o·lu·tion [rez-uh-loo-shuh n] noun

1. a formal expression of opinion or intention made, usually after voting, by a formal organization, a legislature, a club, or other group. Compare concurrent resolution, joint resolution.

2. a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.

3. the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

4. the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.

5. the act or process of resolving or separating into constituent or elementary parts.

Resolutions. Each year I mentally make them. (Or so I think, I can't completely recall.) And each year I mentally forget them as the days go by. Not because I didn't want to have that firm resolution to do something, more so because I forgot, meaning my resolutions weren't SMART goals. (Side note: SMART goals come from my sorority when I presented a Chapter Development on goals, ever since I have remembered; specific, meaningful, attainable, relevant, timely.) But last year, January 1st 2012, I opted to write down my resolutions. Which helped. And by writing down, I mean typed them on my iPhone. Where, on any given day, I can instantly read what I would like to improve upon, change, alter, or continue doing. Some days (many days) I do love technology.

Last year, I included items to continue doing as well as add, quite like a to-do list. (At one time I tried to give up lists, thinking they weren't necessary, I have since retracted that statement.) Resolutions I did accomplish included giving my prom dresses to Ever After Gowns - as I didn't want to simply give them to Goodwill because I couldn't dare think of someone buying them simply to 'trash' via zombie crawls, Halloween costumes, or specific photo shoots. I had such a feel-good-feeling after this donation, and as a bonus, I completed a resolution. (See, I really do like checking things off a list, I shouldn't ever deny that.) Other successful resolutions included eating healthy, exercising more, breathing deeply, drinking more tea, taking vitamins, and volunteering more. My resolutions aren't anything like, "win the lottery" or "own an island," but more so habits, daily life changes, and a betterment to life. Because we all can change for the better, there will always be something that can be done to improve oneself.

After reviewing 2012's resolutions, I started drafting 2013's resolutions oh, back in October, I would say. Slowly adding to the list of what to continue and what to add. Drum roll, please.

Continue taking vitamins.

Continue running. At least twice a week!

Continue eating healthy.

Add yoga more often. Once per week!

Read classic books. And more in general.

Travel one place every month.

Be very frugal.

Pick up one trip per month.

Always appreciate family.

Volunteer.

Make gifts. Only create.

Save money.  

Waa-lah! My resolutions. Not too small, nor too large. These resolutions are #perfect. Not only are they presently perfect, they define me. They shape me, and I love reading over and over again what I had on my mind for the new year. With nine days into this new year, may you too have happy resolutions that are kept, improve yourself, and define you. Happy New Year!

01 02 18

Blogger Night at The Ordway: "Elf the Musical"

With two tickets to see Elf at The Ordway, I spent my Friday night downtown Saint Paul. After dodging what seemed like billions of children headed to Disney on Ice at The Xcel Center, I swam up stream through the River Centre to Rice Park. The park glittered with lights, snowflakes danced their way to the ground, and searchlights welcomed all who came for opening night.

Enjoy my review, see the musical, and hopefully, if I'm lucky, I'll have more reviews in the future.

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Snow, searchlights, and sparkle lead to success for Elf the Musical

Friday, December 7, 2012
Saint Paul, MN - Opening night for Elf the Musical at The Ordway in downtown Saint Paul proved to be quite the fabulous and fancy gathering. Greeted with the first ground-clinging snowfall of the winter months, the downtown area sparkled. Searchlights picked up the glimmer of snowflakes and beamed as far as the eye could see, creating a Red Carpet atmosphere right here in our own cozy city. Not daring to pass the eager Elves without taking a picture first, our jackets were off and The Ordway awe had struck. A towering Christmas tree, compliments of Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden Centers, climbed each level while garland elves accompanied our steps to the Mezzanine.  

Story time with Santa introduces this bright musical to the nearly sold-out audience. Capturing the audience with a gravelly yet refined Mr. Clause voice creates a childhood Santa’s lap flashback as well as that bowl full of Jell-O deep laugh which accompanies every “ho-ho-ho” we hear. Gordon Gray is outstanding, a role very well suited. Plus, who could ever dislike Santa. One of my favorite performances of the night included the song “Nobody Cares About Santa.” While bonding over Chinese food on Christmas Eve these seven dancing Santas bring added life to Act Two.  

Now to mention Buddy: he enjoys spaghetti with syrup, sings loudly for all to hear, and smiles because well, that is his favorite thing to do. Matt Kopec takes on a large role, filled by shoes of Will Ferrell in Elf the movie (2003), with enthusiasm, frolics, and a noticeable bounce in every step. The clear, concise voice of this tight-clad Elf radiate throughout the entire performance. Being an Elf is not easy in the big city of New York; finding love, making special hugs – added for the adults, eh – and causing the city to believe is a task only Kopec could concur.

Although Kopec is the lead character, do not overlook Kate Hennies. Hennies character, Jovie – a hint of Scrooge in an Elf costume with a fabulous voice, captures the female audience with her charm, hope for love, and down-to-earth attitude. Learning this is her national tour debut holds promising for this young blonde. Keep your eye on Hennies, as she is no more than one step behind a role such as Amy Adams in Enchanted.  

While movie scenes pop in and out of remembrance, the audience is swept away into a further tale of the personalities and stories the performance offers. Adding personalization, modernization – Santa owns an iPad now, folks – and comedy one truly is able to focus on the show right then and there. The warm, fuzzy feelings from Elf the Musical touch all. The holidays really are about being surrounded by friends and family, singing loudly, and those that are lucky will get that special hug. 

Elf the Musical runs now through Sunday, December 30, 2012. Visit www.theordway.org to purchase tickets online or call the box office at 651.224.4222 to purchase tickets over the phone. Tickets start at just $35 plus fees.

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If the review wasn't enough to convince you to get your own tickets (don't forget student friends - there are rush tickets available night of based on availability) here are pictures capturing the ambiance The Ordway offered.

  01 02 18

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread.

Well. Happy December! Despite what my Pinterest creations are telling me to bake this month, I am still using up my cans of pumpkin. And this morning I found the perfect recipe combining pumpkin spices with the sweetness of cream cheese. The best part of all? I did not need to buy any additional ingredients, nor did I run out of anything. I love having a kitchen full of goodies.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Cream Cheese Topping:

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1 egg, room temperature

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract
(side note: I always use real extract, yes it's a bit more expensive, but necessary)

Pumpkin Bread:

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup pumpkin puree

2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola oil)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ginger

1/8 cloves

(I love pumpkin spices so I used a pinch more than what's called for)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one large loaf pan (or use mini loafs and reduce baking time -

I prefer large slices of bread you can enjoy with a cup of tea)

2. Beat all ingredients of the cream cheese topping together until smooth and creamy

3. Mix brown sugar and eggs together then add remaining wet ingredients (pumpkin, oil, vanilla)

4. Whisk dry ingredients together and add gradually to wet ingredients

5. Pour pumpkin bread batter into loaf pan, level with a spatula

6. Pour cream cheese batter on top, level and smooth with a spatula

7. Bake for 35 minutes or until edges are golden brown and cream cheese topping has cracked to perfection! (Bake less if using mini loaves)

8. Enjoy the bread while warm with a cup of tea.

#perfect

01 02 18

The City by the Bay.

Here's the rest of my two day San Francisco trip. Yes, I did go whale watching, which was the highlight (and the center of attention to a previous post), but I also explored by foot, cable car, and trolley. I am already looking forward to my next trip out West.

                                                

I love this building: The Ferry Building. This giant clock tower that greets most individuals to the Bay is modeled after at 12th century bell tower in the Seville Cathedral in Spain. Pretty cool, huh?

I love even more that I was greeted by a Farmer's Market (with fruit!) right outside the Ferry Building. I stocked up on fresh grapes and nectarines for my visit. Popping grapes one by one I wandered further down the piers taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of San Francisco.

First stop: Walking Pier 1. Continuing to munch my grapes, I slowly walked the length of the Pier. I listened to the foreign language of the fishermen, offered to take a picture for a couple, and even saw my first sea lion in the bay area! I was in love with the city, relaxed as ever, and so thankful to be able to hop on a plane and discover this city again.

My whale watching adventure took place on this boat, the Kitty Kat. She was great. I have learned since being at the airlines, vessels are always 'she.' Thus, she was great. The bathroom, less than ideal. But then again who could even use the bathroom when your eyes are focused on the water looking for wildlife.

Pier 39. If I could take this enormous mural home with me I would. This gentle giant would go in my backyard just because. Although I did so much in just two days, there are still countless more places to see and discover which will keep me coming back. For those of you who have not been to San Francisco before, or Northern California in general, GO. As soon as you can. You will fall in love with this part of the States.

Folks who haven't seen many sea gulls in their lifetime. I was captivated by their surprise and excitement over a sea gull. Life is truly filled with little things. But then again, I'd watch birds all day too if I could.

The renowned sea lions.

This is the boardwalk which wraps all along the Bay toward the Golden Gate bridge as well as back toward Pier 1. I sat on the concrete steps to eat my grocery store lunch while writing postcards. I told one of my best friends that I love escaping like this. On little trips. Because I really did escape, my life did not seem 'real' at this moment and I had no cares in the world besides making sure the sea gull next to me wouldn't steal my food. And frankly, most days this holds true (not the sea gull stealing my food part). I have such a flexible schedule and great travel benefits that I am still baffled by all I am capable of experiencing, even a year after beginning this journey.

From a distance I was able to watch part of America's Cup. These boats are the fastest in the world and their sailors (or skippers as they are called) are the best in world. These boats literally fly across the water. The finals take place next year in San Francisco. Viewing areas were under construction while I was here. This only added to the great two days I had. Yes, only two days. Short and so sweet.

I already used the word 'renowned' to describe the sea lions, but the renowned cable cars deserve the word again. I did not take the cable car last time I was here (sophomore year in high school) so this time I was not leaving before catching a ride. Well worth the $8 one way ride.

San Francisco, this isn't the last time I'll be seeing you. I've got my eye on my San Francisco Groupon for this very reason.

01 02 18

Pumpkin, Dark Chocolate, Granola Muffins.

These muffins are delicious. And I like to think nutritious. (Just go with it.) The perfect cloudy, chilly day to bake brought this recipe into my hands. And now this recipe will never, ever be leaving my life. Enjoy!

This is how every kitchen should look when baking. I love setting out all my ingredients first so I don't have to open up the cupboard every five seconds. Plus, I feel like Rachel Ray when she grabs every ingredient needed and balances them all in her arms until she sets them on the counter. What a challenge. I cannot wait to have my own cute kitchen someday, with lots of canisters and ingredients galore! 

The batter in the final stages all whipped up! First whisk the dry ingredients together, followed by adding the wet ingredients (in this case brown sugar is considered a wet ingredient) then the granola and chocolate chips.

All ready to be baked! I chose to use the GIANT muffin pan I have. This way I feel like I just went to a coffee shop and indulged in a huge, yummy looking muffin instead of a tiny regular one that I would eat two of anyway! Plus, this recipe made exactly six giant muffins with lots of granola crumble for the tops!

01 02 18

WHALES.

Okay. This post has been LONG overdue. But so have many other posts that I have been meaning to write. September was a busy month, travel-wise. Work-wise, September brought the least amount of flight hours I have ever worked. Travel-wise, what I really yearn for, September was great. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta was checked off my to-do list on my birthday (this is the World's Largest Aquarium for those who are curious) as a very fun day trip. And then a two day, semi-spontaneous (I am not spontaneous, I need to plan, so I planned for only one day prior to leaving) trip to San Francisco happened!

I debated between Seattle and San Francisco for quite some time. The whales in Washington are mainly on the San Juan Islands, which would take a bit longer for me to journey to then the easily accessible San Francisco and Fisherman's Wharf. With this being said, I absolutely LOVE public transportation. I look for cities that I can get from the airport to whatever attraction via public transportation. So convenient, so easy, and usually quite cheap. In this case, the BART system in San Francisco was phenomenal. For $16.50 round trip, I made it from the airport right down to the Ferry Building. And from there only $2.00 per cable car ride, or $8.00 per trolley ride. Or FREE if you walk. On a perfectly sunny day, I decided to do a majority of walking all over this town. #lovelovelove

With just my little backpack packed as an overnight bag, I set out to explore this city as much as possible. I have been to San Francisco just once before, back in 10th grade. My mom and I went with the Como Zoo-Hoppers, and explored San Francisco, Oakland, Wine Country, Muir Woods, and the surrounding cities for a week. This time, traveling by myself, my priorities were a bit different. Some of the scenery was the same, some of the scenery was different, and some I did not remember at all.

The highlight and my purpose (to continue my now extended birthday month!) was WHALE WATCHING. Let me preface this by saying, I cannot believe this worked out. I booked my ticket the day prior, and the five and a half hour tour was quite worth the price. Check out the tour group I went with if you ever decide to go, they are all marine biologists, adhere to all rules and regulations about sea life/wildlife, and are super nice, plus the boat is named Kitty Kat! Currently, it is Humpback Whale migration time out at the Farallon Islands, approximately 27 miles past the San Francisco Bay out on the ocean. Yes, 27 miles. Which, by boat, is approximately two hours there and two hours back. That is quite the ride! Thank goodness my current job has gotten me quite used to turbulence and motion, because we ran into some rough water with nothing but grey clouds keeping us quite chilled, and salt water drying to a crust all over my face from random mists and sprays the entire ride. But would I change a thing? Of course not.

The whole group met at 8am at Pier 39. We embarked on our voyage at about 8:30am. The sun attempted to shine through, giving us a tease of the warmth we all wish we had the whole day! And that big cruise ship in the back? That's the Disney Cruise Ship. That thing is massive.

Victoria was our guide for the day. She is a Marine Biologist originally from Australia. She was adorable, informative, massively enthusiastic, and all in all just great.

01 02 18