Friday Favorites

Even with the snow day we had on Tuesday, this has seemed like a super long week. I am so ready for the weekend, and particularly the Superbowl (but I'm really, really tired of hearing about this whole "deflate gate" business). As an Eagles fan, I can't root for those Pats, so Seahawks it is! Even though I'm not all that excited about the teams playing, I always watch for the commercials and of course the halftime show. I don't really like Katy Perry, but I hear she's bring a SUPER SPECIAL guest, and I can't wait to see who it is. I heard a rumor that it may be Missy Elliot- which would be redic. I absolutely love her, and she's been off the scene for quite a while. Either way, I'll definitely be watching! But for now I'm just gonna share some weekly Favorites with Amanda...

Favorite Song: Troy Ave - Doo Doo (sorry for the Youtube non-video, but it's not on Grooveshark yet!)

Favorite Purchase:
I mentioned last week that I placed a huge order at Uniqlo because of their end of the season sale. One of the things I purchased were a few of their Heattech long sleeve shirts and OhMyGoodness they are fabulous. They're thin, stretchy, and soft, but made with technology that turns perspiration and water vapor into warmth. Usually I turn to chunky sweaters to keep warm, but they dwarf me. For someone who despises being cold and is also quite petite, this is the perfect solution.

Snag it here for $9.90

Favorite Recipe (to try): 
These Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Logs - perfect for a Superbowl snack!

Favorite Moment: SNOW DAY!
It makes me so sad to know that a lot of adults don't actually get a snow day anymore, because of technology and the ability to telecommute. It's like you're on call 24/7. I understand how this may be great for businesses, but it doesn't seem very good for mental health.

Favorite Delivery: 
Replacement iPhone [FINALLY- only been waiting for a full month]... and my W2! Yay for tax returns! I'll be making my appointment this weekend!

Favorite Upcoming Event: 
My friend Chiquita (yes, like the banana; real name) is coming on Sunday and I'm so excited. I haven't seen her in almost two years. She's been in PA since we graduated, but she just got a great new job in Virginia and will be moving down there in a week. This will be our last hurrah until I can make my way down there.

Favorite Funnies:

Seriously!!

I adore Mindy Kaling. I can't wait to see the full commercial during the Superbowl!

"It's like someone put gluten in your muffin." LOL. 

Are you psyched for the Superbowl? Who are you rooting for?

Late Life Updates

Friday: 

After a seemingly long short week, Friday called for this. A B1G1 free coupon from Uno also helped :)

Saturday: 

Snowed in. More pizza, finished OITNB, and making out. Along with hot chocolate, followed by bourbon and steaks for dinner. Yumms. 

Sunday: 

Cleaned, took down Christmas stuff, ran errands. Womp. 

This is Fudge Stripe the hedgehog. I gave him to my friend who is going through a hard time right now. 

Monday - Wednesday:

We got an early dismissal at work due to Juno on Monday, and our first snow day on Tuesday, which I was extra excited about because I was supposed to have class that night. We got a few inches, but nothing near what was expected. I spend the days snuggled up reading, online shopping, stuffing my face, and catching up on more shows. 

Uniqlo may be my new favorite store

first time cooking without a recipe- I burnt them. Oh well. 

And now we're back to our regularly scheduled programming... work, followed by class. Boo.
Do you still get snow days?

Friday Favorites

+ If you read my Confessions last week, you noticed I had to call several companies out for basically stealing my monies. I'm happy to report that I got my money back from JCP, RAC, Best Buy, AND TD Bank! Oh, and Netflix since I changed my plan from receiving DVDs to not.

+ I registered for two more grad classes this semester, both of which are in Project Management, and I think I'm going to love them both.

+ I [finally] cancelled my cable! (Sorry Amanda, but so far, it's awesome!) #Ilovemyroku

+ I just snagged tickets to see Train/The Fray/Matt Nathanson and I'm SUPER excited!!

Favorite Song: Becky G- Can't Stop Dancing

Favorite New Purchase:
Marked down from $90 to $60 + free shipping. I also may have gotten several cashmere sweaters, a new hoodie with shearing lining, and one or two heavy cable sweaters for just $20 each!

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Hooded Coat

Favorite Fact About Me (via Pinterest):

Favorite Funnies:

Humpday Confessions

+ Last night I really wanted Wendy's but it was late and only the drive through was open. I don't have a car. So I may have approached a young couple in their car, knocked on the window, gave them money and asked them if they wouldn't mind ordering for me. They didn't.

+ I really want to see 50 Shades of Grey. #hangsheadinshame

+ I was late to work on Tuesday because my alarm didn't go off. I'm totally blaming Mercury for that one. And anything else that goes wrong between now and February 11.

+ I honestly don't remember the last time I cooked something. Or did a full grocery shopping trip for that matter.

+ I registered for classes yesterday. And then realized I had a class last night. They are both Project Management classes and I'm pretty damn excited about them.

+ It's the 21st already and I still haven't made goals for the month or purchased a new planner/calendar. Or taken down my Christmas stuff.

+ I need to seriously start budgetting and saving again. I want to go on vacation in March, I have a wedding in April, and I want to pay off at least one student loan.

+ I don't understand how women can wear skirts/dresses in the winter. Are you one of them? How are you not freezing? I'm wearing fleece lined leggings under my pants 3/4 of the time. Tell me your secret!


What are you confessing today? 

How To Do Rochester, NY in 24 Hours (or less)

When most people in the NY/NJ/PA area go on a road trip, they pick somewhere like Atlantic City, Philadelphia, or even New Hope. If they are going to venture interstate, they may choose somewhere like Boston or Washington, DC (unless they're weird like me and go to Salem instead). But here's a new idea-head to Rochester, NY and get yourself a "garbage plate." Yup, you read that correctly-  Blue and I planned a road trip around food, and we did it in literally 24 hours. So I'm giving you a travel guide of sorts- How To Do Rochester, NY in 24 Hours (or less):

1. Leave early. From where we are, it took an estimated 5 hours to get there. Also, get coffee (a given, really). And take care selfies (obvi).

Welcome to Rochester, NY!

2. Go to a distillery or brewery. There are several in the downtown/East End area. We chose Black Button Distilling, which makes bourbon/whiskey, vodka, gin, and moonshine, because we both really like whiskey. I was able to find this Groupon for a tour, tasting, souvenir glass, and $5 off purchases for 2 (still available for 9 days and good through April guys!). the tour was kind of short (about 25/30 min) but highly informative, and was given by the owner's father, which was pretty cool. The owner (who looks to be about my age)  is extremely hands on, and came in while we were on the tour to check on some barrels and even answered some questions from our more inquisitive tourists. The tasting was awesome too, though apparently I don't like straight moonshine. Or straight vodka, or gin, but after the first sip, they do offer to mix it for you, which was must easier on my (apparently quite delicate) palette. The one I loved straight up was the Apple Pie Moonshine- so I bought a bottle. And a bottle of their Bourbon maple syrup, because... well, syrup. I can't wait to try it. And then the special that day was a hot toddy (which I mistakenly called a hottie toddy), which I've never had before, and was AMAZING. I must find their recipe. (PS- they will mail! Check the website!)

mmmmmmm

2. Have a Garbage Plate. The original is Nick Tahou's, but I hear there are several places in Rochester that serve it. I really wasn't kidding when I said we planned the entire trip around this dish. I mean, just LOOK at it! Oh, what is it, you ask? Basically you pick a meat (hots/hot dogs, sausage, fried chicken, fried ham, ham/cheeseburger, fish, or grilled cheese) and a side  (which actually goes on top) of macaroni salad, home fries, French fries, or baked beans, topped with chopped onions, mustard, some chili like ground beef concoction, and a "special sauce." You can customize it however you want, but we went with cheeseburger and French fries "all the way." And I added hot sauce too. I don't really have words for just how magical this was. Yes, it was fatty, carb-loaded, and will go straight to your hips/thighs/ass/whatever body part you don't want it to go to, but it was f***in delicious. warning though- wear your Thanksgiving/ elastic pants, because I didn't, but luckily my shirt was long enough that I could undo the top button without issue. Just a warning. 

Arriving, the dish, and end result- happy yet humble- I was soooo not even read for that 

3. Go to a show. We chose a Pink Floyd Laser Show at the planetarium, because I've never been to a laser show, Blue loves Pink Floyd, and um... I think planetariums are pretty damn cool and I really can't remember the last time I went to one. I can't say I know much Pink Floyd, but it was really, really, really cool. They also had a Beatles (laser show at the planetarium) and a theatrical performance of "Little Shop of Horrors." Also, I saw that Bush will be there next month (eep!). 

4. Buy souvenirs. I take biz cards from restaurants I've been to (that are actually good) most times. I'm a big magnet collector, but I'll also get a penny if it has the name of the zoo on it. Or a silly fake tattoo from one of those coin machines too. Whatever, souvenirs are a great reminder of where you've been, and possibly where you're going. 

5.Check out the nightlife. We stayed in the heart of the downtown East End area, which was great because we were within walking distance to a lot of restaurants and bars. Originally we were just going to head to our hotel bar/restaurant, but it was jam packed so we headed to a nearby Irish pub called Murphy's Law (haha). Even though that was pretty packed too (apparently the Rochester folk really like to drink on a  freezing cold Saturday night), we were able to snag a table and have a few drinks. It was extra awesome because after about 10pm they stopped playing Top 40 hits and started on 90's rock, which Blue and I both love. #cuekaraoke

6. BYOB. Obviously this is a personal preference, but we brought a bottle of wine for the room from home. It was perfect because though the bar was cool, it was also noisy and super crowded. It was great for a just a drink or two, but I think we were both kinda happy to head back to warmth and PJ's knowing we could have some drinks in the room as well.

7. If there is a museum/zoo/aquarium- go see it. Again, personal preference here, but I love all of those. if it's a particularly historical city/site, I'd probably choose a museum, but in this case we headed to the local zoo. Honestly I don't suggest heading to a zoo in upstate NY in January, but it was unusually warm so it wasn't bad at all. And random fact: I really like zoos. I was a little disappointed that the penguin area was empty, but I loved the polar bear and of course the monkeys. #favesforreals

Pictured: Lions and tigers and bears... oh not tiger, leopard... carry on...

8. Roy Rogers. I don't care what anyone says, Roy Rogers was the shit. And what makes them even more the shit now is that it's so very rare to see one, at least in these parts. The only time you even have the possibility of seeing one is at a rest stop. So yeah- if you have the opportunity, go get yourself a beef n' cheese sam'ich. #elfreference #ilovebeefandcheese #treatyoeslf

9. Playlists. Make them, especially on roadtrips. I make playlists all the time, but it is especially important on roadtrips. I mean, do you really want your driver falling asleep? Or... wouldn't you like to share some of your faves with your road trip buddy? Worst case scenario, they will tell you to shut it off, and play their own shit. But if they'r the driver, I kind of think that's a given. I'm just sayin- be kind to drivers, particularly on road trips. 

10. Take lots of pics. Because it's fun!!

What was your favorite roadtrip? 

Humpday Confessions

Thank you Melissa for bringing this back! I've been a bit MIA from the blogging world, but this is one of my favorite linkups and I'ms so grateful that you brought it back! So without further ado, my weekly confessions:

+ I dropped my iPhone 6 within 12 days of having it. It cost me more to replace than it did to buy it. I've been living with my broke ass screen since Dec 12... and still haven't received my new one even though I ordered it on Dec 16.

+ Best Buy is going to get a giant piece of my mind.

+While we're at it, Rent A Center is also going to hear it. My mom ordered me a new washer/dryer for Christmas. First they were supposed to deliver it at 6pm, and came at 3:30pm.... when I obviously wasn't home #workinggirlprobs. Then they came to deliver it, and it was a gas dryer. I don't have a gas line at my apartment. They didn't ask me before we ordered it, and I forgot to ask. So they said they would find me an electric one and deliver 2 days later. I called them on delivery day, and they tell me that they don't have any. #Rage

+ TD Bank is also going to hear from me. They charged me overdraft fees when I wasn't overdrawn. $140. Are you shitting me?

+Even though I'm pissed at TD, I'm going to keep them because they have the pay with card phone app. And I love me some time saving apps.

+I'm throwing JC Penny in here too. I purchased these awesome curtains from them, the insulated kind. They had 3 in stock but I wanted 4. They were supposed to call me when the other panel came in. No call. Now I realized I don't need it, but I already paid for it, so I need to get that money back too. But seriously, no call at all?

+ My (ex) work wife forgot my birthday. At first I was like, whatever, she'll say it in like a week when she remembers, but she didn't. And then I started getting mad, like how do you forget your work wife's bday? So I told her about it last night. Come to find out that her cousin passed away the night before, and that's why she forgot. Who's feeling like the biggest asshole ever?? This girl.

+ I downloaded the Oregon Trail game after Michael tweeted about it. I haven't stopped playing it since.

+ I took off the last two days just because I could. My office grants unlimited sick days... for now. I heard a rumor that that is going to change soon, but for the last month I have been carrying my department (4 people). I felt that even though I may not have been sick, I deserved a break, so I took it.

+ In the month of December, I put on 10 lbs. I know in normal girl world this would be a travesty, however, I'm super excited about this. I've always been underweight, and it only gets worse when I'm depressed. Some people overeat when depressed; I am the opposite. I lose my appetite completely when I'm upset. As I may (or may not) have mentioned, I broke up with my ex in late September/early October. I wasn't really upset about this, but around the same time my grandfather passed away, and some other shit was going on, and I was not taking care of myself. So I'm really happy that I have been able to get back to my normal self.

What are you confessing today? 

Show Us Your Books:: December Edition

MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend: Rachel Bertsche

Le sigh. I'm not too sure what to say about this book. I think I was looking forward to it for the wrong reasons, like maybe it would help me find friends after college, but no. It was seriously a let down. First of all, there was way too much "research" she put into fin a new best friend. I mean, shouldn't that be somewhat organic? She went about finding friends as if it was a scientific experiment, and then seemed surprised that her methods weren't working. Um, how about just being yourself and talking to people instead of acting like your in some reality show with your own script? It just seemed so fake- I couldn't get into it. 2 stars out of 5.

Still Missing: Chevy Stevens

Holy shit. This was a very close second to my favorite book out of this group. It grabbed my attention from the beginning, and held it. It's a seriously fucked up book though. I was a little disappointed that some of the questions I had were left unanswered, but overall it was absolutely amazing. And I loved that Annie was stronger than she originally thought she was. 4 out of stars.

Point of Retreat (Slammed #2): Colleen Hoover

Basically if you liked Slammed, you will like this one as well. It continues the story between Layken and Will, through even more, more complex, struggles. And there's more poetry, which I loved. 3 out of 5 stars.

This Girl (Slammed #3): Colleen Hoover

This was disappointing. I was really looking forward to it too, since it was the ending of the trilogy, but it fell short. It was basically the original book (Slammed), told from the male perspective. And it was pretty lame, being that we already knew the story. 3 out of 5 stars.

Arranged: Catherine McKenzie

I thought this would be a lot fluffier than it actually was. What was even more surprising however, was that I actually felt for the characters, which was unexpected. Basically, a woman signs up for a marriage service which she originally thought was a dating service. She meets someone (obvi) who is not what he seems (again, obvi), but can they make it work? As much as I wanted to mark it down, it earned...4 out of 5 stars!

Big, Little Lies: Liane Moriarty

This was my favorite book out of all of these. I can honestly say I had no idea what the outcome would be. Though it was a little slow in the beginning, I was overall very very happy with the ending. Mystery? Check! Romance? Check! 4 stars-- definitely check it out if your into a good mystery!

I'm about to start Fly Away, the sequel to Firefly Lane, and Dark Places by Gillian Flynn, and am very excited about both! What are you reading lately?