Weekend Updates: Post- Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Monday all! Things have been a bit quiet in these parts because of the Thanksgiving holiday, and I apologize for not responding to your lovely comments sooner, but I think I'm back in the swing of things again! 

Last week there was a major water main break in the town where I work, so we got released at noon on Monday for the rest of the week! Best news ever! Which also means I have a lot of updates today!

The rest of Monday I did absolutely nothing except do some minimal planning on what to do on Tuesday/Wednesday with all my new found free time and it was wonderful. On Tuesday, I got my butt up and headed to NYC. I got my brows done (which warrants mentioning, because I had let them go FAR too long), and went to Michael's armed with a shopping list, a coupon, and no adult supervision. I was surprised to find that the store was practically empty, and I perused the aisles leisurely for almost two hours. Bliss. Then I headed to Home Depot for couch legs, since my couch is basically on the floor, but I hadn't measured, it and there were so many options that I was starting to get overwhelmed, so I left. I met my mom for drinks and then headed home. 

Wednesday was a day I planned to stay in. I did some crafts, and cleaned closets and junk drawers and other areas that usually get neglected. Then Blue came over and we went to my favorite Italian restaurant, Casa Guiseppe. It's not fancy, but it's great food at a great price, BYOB and they make the best chicken parmesan I've ever had. It's also around the corner from my apartment. 

best damn chicken parm ever and wine

Thanksgiving was Thanksgiving-y and quiet. I had saved this bottle of Cranberry wine from our NJ Blate to Cream Ridge Winery, and it was sweet and delicious. Below are some of the apps from the dinner I was supposed to go to at Blue's aunt's house, but didn't because I was curled up in a crampy ball of pain. Womp. 

ravioli, stuffed artichoke, spinach quiche, and caprese salad

By Friday I was feeling better, but pretty lazy. Blue and I started re-watching all of the Star Wars in preparation for the new one coming out December 18th. We got through the first two, and then headed out to a friend's birthday dinner at a Cuban restaurant. The food was good, but there was singer who was horrible... it was as if he was just screaming Spanish lyrics into the mic. There wasn't enough sangria in the world to help the assault on my poor eardrums, and after a quick attempt to teach Blue how to salsa on the dance floor, we headed out. Saturday was spent watching the other 4 Star Wars, and stuffing our faces some more. I also saw Rocky (the first one) for the first time ever. Oh, and cat cuddles with Keebler. 

the birthday girl and her niece, and Blue playing with her food

Star Wars viewing is a family affair

On Sunday, we decided to rejoin the world, at least for a little while. We went grocery shopping, and Blue made two huge pans of baked ziti and a vat of turkey chili. Below is what typical Sundays look like: the iPad gets set up in the kitchen so we can watch football while cooking and drinking wine. Or rather, Blue cooks and listens to the game, and I refill our wine glasses and sometimes pay attention. This Sunday though, I brought out some of the Christmas stuff and helped to decorate. 

We brought one of the pans of baked ziti over to our friend's house, who missed a step and shattered her ankle last Monday, and has been laid up since. She had sent out a text asking if someone would be willing to walk her dog while her bf was at work, so we took the first shift and kept her company for a bit, and then headed back in time for The Walking Dead mid-season finale. 

Chef Blue and typical Sunday scene

Keebler already snagged his spot under the tree

How was your weekend? Did you cash in on any of the super sales? 

Linking up with the lovely Biana for Weekending!

Friday Favorites: Post-Thanksgiving Edition

How's everyone doing this fine Friday? I've been off since noon on Monday since there was a water main break in the town where I work, and we had no safe water. Had I known earlier, I would be on some Caribbean island right now, but alas, I did not. It was pretty fantastic not having to go to work though. I've been working on some projects that I had been putting aside and can't wait to share them with you next week! This weekend I'll be watching all of the Star Wars movies in preparation for The Force Awakens since I'll be away right before it comes out (don't worry- I already pre-ordered tickets for opening day!). But first, let's kick off this shopping-free Black Friday with Amanda! 

Favorite Song: Diplo and Sleepy Tom- Be Right There

Favorite Recipe: Got leftovers? Why not turn them in a turkey and mash potato empanada? 

[via]

Favorite Video: I saw this yesterday and couldn't help but laugh- wait for the rap part!

Favorite Shirt: Wish I had seen this shirt before Thanksgiving- I love it! 

Favorite Purchase: Thanks to Pinky, I heard about the REI sale last week and promptly ordered these beauties. After reading all the reviews and talking to people, I'm almost looking forward to the cold- almost. (I'm also glad I got them early since REI is closed today- they closed all 143 of their stores to #optoutside, which is pretty damn cool.) 

Sorel Tivoli High boots

Favorite Funnies:

Enjoy the long weekend!

Things I Wouldn't Say I'm Thankful For

Do you have a family tradition at Thanksgiving where you go around the table and say one or two things you're grateful for each year? You always hear the same things, like family, friends, health, etc. While I agree that I'm also grateful for these things, there are certain things that I'm grateful for that I wouldn't exactly announce at the family dinner table.

1. *Those* jeans, that make my butt look great, and my rattiest, most comfortable sweats.

2. Having my own apt where I can do whatever I want uninterrupted and don't have to share the remote, snacks, my blanket/bed, and I can set the temperature at whatever I please.

3. Strong wifi signal, and stronger coffee.
4. Modern technology,  particularly Uber.

5. Modern medicine, especially Midol. 

6. Cancelled plans when I'm really tired, or it's really cold outside.

7. Any day I don't have to set an alarm clock to wake up.

8. Paid sick time regardless of whether I'm sick or not.

9. Any time I go out drinking and don't wake up with a hangover. 

10. Great sex.

What are some things you're grateful for that you wouldn't want to share with your whole family?

Have a happy Thanksgiving! 

Star Wars, Cuban Food, and a Concert- Oh My!

This weekend was pretty freakin fantastic. Saturday was a big day- an NYC date day trifecta, if you will. We started it out with a trip to Discovery Times Square to see the Star Wars Costume Exhibit. It was really cool to see the original costumes from the movies, learn about where George Lucas got his inspiration, how he listened to the actors' ideas and alterations, and just how the costumes came to fruition.

there was a large section just for Princess Leia, which I loved

themed T shirts in the gift shop- the red one may be my favorite

Afterwards, we headed to Latitude bar for some drinks because we were way too early for dinner, and it was on our way. $5 Stellas in the city is pretty damn good; yay for Happy Hour specials. And then we went to my favorite Cuban restaurant, Guantanamera. It was crowded, but the food (as per usual) did not disappoint. I got the Ropa Vieja (shredded skirt steak) and Blue got the Churrasco (grilled skirt steak with chimichuri sauce), and we split a side of maduros (sweet plantains). Nom.

"The Force made us hungry."

We ended the night at Town Hall, where Ani DiFranco was performing. I liked this venue because it seemed smaller and more intimate. I have never seen her perform live before, and was never a huge fan, though I'm not sure why. She was absolutely excellent, and a great storyteller. I especially enjoyed the part where she, the drummer and the bassist stepped away from all the mics and electronic stuff and did a few songs without all that. You could hear their raw talent.

obligatory date night pic, the acoustic section of songs, and MacGyver'ing a way to keep our glasses clean while taking a quick trip to the restroom before refills 

she didn't wear any shoes. I also really liked her rugs. 

Sunday was a day of rest. Caught up on sleep, watched some football, had some crockpot chipotle chicken over rice for dins, accidentally tuned in to the AMA Red Carpet Special and live-tweeted the hell out of it (sorry...kinda) and Blue hosted the Walking Dead viewing night (did anyone see it?! OMG!!!). 

How was your weekend? Linking up with the lovely Biana for Weekending! 

Friday Favorites

Oh hey Friday! I'm so excited for this weekend. Possibly more than the upcoming long weekend, if you can believe that. Because this weekend, I'm going to stuff my face at my favorite Cuban restaurant, which I actually found a Groupon for (I may have purchased 2- I really love this restaurant), check out Star Wars costumes from the first six movies at this exhibit in NYC #nerdalert, and then rock out at an Ani DiFranco concert. A fun-filled weekend for sure. But first, let's get through today with some favorites!

Favorite Song: The title is pretty dumb, but I do like both of their voices...
I Know What You Did Last Summer- Shawn Mendes/ Camila Cabello (from Fifth Harmony)

Favorite Recipe: Thanksgiving is next week, and while there will always be wine (duh), I think I may try to make this cocktail for a little something different (there's a non-alcoholic version too!).

{via}

Favorite Reads:
This is so on point - Not Every Moment is Social Media Worthy.

Obviously bloggers have a hobby, but this article suggest that most millenials don't. What do you think?

ICYMI, and only because I received this pic, check out some funny conversations I've had lately #shamelessplug

Update: she ate them all. Dammit. 

Favorite Purchase: My new Hunter boots came. I was super excited to wear them when it was pouring rain yesterday, but then I tried them on. The left is from my old pair. See how different they look?! I didn't realize that the new ones were "tall" vs. original height. Also, for some reason my old ones are size 6- I'm normally a size 8, so that's what I ordered. But they kinda fit the same- though CLEARLY they look much bigger. I don't know what to make of this. Did they update their sizing in the last couple of years or something? I think I'm going to have to try on some smaller ones in store even though these fit pretty comfortably- like I could wear heavy socks with them too.

Favorite Funnies:

Happy Friday!

Shit Blue Said

Once upon a time, there was a link-up by Amanda aka MeeMee called "Shit Men Say." I loved it because all the posts were absolutely hysterical. Then it died, and I was sad. And then I dated a few un-funny people and that also made me sad, but also not because I couldn't participate anyway. All the while, Steph kept going strong (seriously check it out- their conversations are hilarious), so I asked her if she minded if I borrowed the idea again, and she didn't so I present to you "Shit Blue Said."

While watching SNL...
Blue: Weeknd is only one person? Why can't he just be Saturday or Sunday, why does he have to take the whole weekend?

While driving through Long Island...
Blue: A game farm? What are they growing, checkers or something?

Further down the road...
Blue: Oooh, check out that fancypants school.
Me: Yeah. Hey look, they won bronze for best school in the nation according to U.S. News.
Blue: Can't be beat.
Me: Actually, they can.

Watching The Mindy Project, and she spots the chip bag...
Blue: Man, that makes me want Funions.
Me: When was the last time you had Funions?
Blue: In the last 6 months. At work.
Me: Have you been sneaking Funions?
Blue: Fun onions. Fun onions. I don't know why I have to explain this to you. Freeze dried onions. That's basically what's going on there.

Returning from a date night in NYC...
Me: We didn't take any pics together!
Blue: Just tag the picture of the churros- You be the caramel, I'll be the jam.

Looking through the pics I DID take, trying to select one to post to IG...
Blue: Oh that's a good picture! I wanna tap that. Double tap.

When trying to pick a restaurant for dinner with our vegan friends...
Blue: What about Spice Market?
Me: They aren't vegan.
Blue: They have a lot of vegetarian, surely some of it must be vegan.
Me: No, it doesn't work like that.
Blue: Let's just go to a bar and bring them trail mix and bark or do grapes have souls? Does it "live" when it's still on the vine?

Randomly, via G-chat...
Me: Hey. Is there still Brownie Brittle? I didn't see it on the dresser over the weekend.

Blue: Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha. That's like me asking you for directions
Me: Le sigh. Touche.

via text...
Blue: Keebs is getting smart. I just asked him what Adele's new song was called and he said "Heewwwoooo."
Me: Haha. That's a cat video waiting to happen.
Blue: I already tried.

Via G-chat, after drafting this post, and awaiting her approval...
Blue: So when does SBS go live? Should I put out a press release?
Me: Iono. Tomorrow? Wednesday? *sends draft*
Blue: I'm LMAO at this post
Me: I'd hope so, it's your words!
Blue: I'm a tool.
Me: Oh, you got to the vegan part, huh?
Blue: Yes I forgot about that.


Linking up with these ladies because it's Wednesday and these conversations are kinda like confessions right?