Friday Favorites- Last of February

Happy Friday! I'm so happy to say Peace Out to this week. It dragged. But today started off great because I found a $5 on my way to work, just laying on the sidewalk. I looked around, but the street wa deserted, so YAY to found money! This weekend I'm hoping to knock out a few more of my February goals, run a bunch of errands, and go see How To be Single. Let's kick off this weekend right with Amanda and some of this week's favorites. 

Favorite Song: Is anyone watching American Idol? Kelly Clarkson's performance last night was so emotional- there was not a dry eye in the audience, and I almost never tear up at songs! Piece by Piece- Kelly Clarkson



Favorite Video(s):
I don't know what's funnier, The Ellen DeGeneres/Adele prank on Jamba Juice, the fact that overnight, Jamba Juice created a "Swishy Chug" website, complete with a $2 off smoothie coupon, or the video regarding their new "Rolling in the Beets" smoothie.





I would absolutely love to see Deadpool host SNL! Even though it probably won't happen, I loved Ryan Reynold's Deadpool's Kanye West-esque rant regarding the petition!

This Trump/Game of Thrones mashup is perfection.



Favorite Lust Item:
Marie shared this last week, but I am in LOVE with these Golden Girls FUNKO dolls. My bff may seen one of these as an extra wedding day gift!

Favorite Reads:

• I love when the universe works in my favor and gives me a guide to match two of my favorite things: Girl Scout cookies and wine.
• You can be sure I'll be using Morgan Freeman's voice to guide me to Virginia in a few weeks.
• This is not an uplifting post, but I appreciate this woman's candor, her courage to admit this to herself and post it, and her strength in seeking help. I've never sufferred from an eating disorder, and this woman explains the mental and emotional stress of living with addiction in a way that is relatable, if not heartbreaking. Confessions of a Food Addict. 
• In a similar vein, I stumbled across this post on another woman's road to recovery. I think it's important to bring awareness to some of the issues women face.
• Beth shared this on Wednesday, but it hit a nerve so I'm sharing it again. THIS is why I dislike being labelled as part of the Millennial Generation. If I must be labelled, I'd prefer to (correctly) be thrown in the Oregon Trail Generation. 

Favorite Funnies:

Happy weekend friends!

A Day In The Life: Night Edition

My normal weekdays aren't very interesting. I get up, go to my 9-5, and come home. Do you really want to see/read about what I do at work? I didn't think so. But night time is free time. And in the last two years, I've developed a sort of weekly routine that works for me. So that's what you're getting today.

Some things to note:

• I live alone. 
• I don't have cable, and though I have an antennae, Hulu, Netflix, and a Roku, I normally don't watch TV on weekdays besides when I'm eating (which is why I cut cable). 
• I get home around 6:30, and go to sleep around 10:30/11. I don't do anything for the first 1/2 hr after getting home except decompress. The last 1/2 hour is spent picking clothes for the next day, prepping my bag and setting my coffeemaker, and getting ready for bed. So if these seem short, it's because I really only have about 3 hours of free time.

Mondays: I mentioned recently that I've picked up a habit of doing 3 Things each (week) night- 3 Things that need to/should get done. Not on Mondays though. Once I let go of the idea of doing these on Mondays, my happiness levels went way up. To be honest, I don't want to do anything on Mondays, so I don't. Usually Blue makes a big Sunday dinner, and I eat the leftovers on Monday night. I take out something from the freezer to eat the next night, and spend the rest of the night on my couch reading a book, occasionally with a glass of wine in hand. It's the perfect cure for a case of the Mondays.

Tuesdays: Grocery Day. Before I go, I check out the circular for sales and check my coupon stash for ones expiring soon to prepare my list. (I also keep my list on the fridge and add things as I use them up during the week.) Sometimes Blue drives me to the store, but usually I just walk with my coupons, grocery list, and reusable bags in hand. This takes at least an hour, including walking time. I never feel like cooking afterwards, so I grab whatever I took out the night before for dinner. Then it's time attack 2 other "things," shower and get ready for bed.

Wednesdays/Thursdays: Wednesdays and Thursdays are interchangeable. Blue comes over once a week- on either Wednesday or Thursday. But usually, this is designated as Hair Night. I usually straighten my wavy/curly hair once a week. This takes TIME... about 2 hours, including the shower, because my hair is thick and fairly long now. This is usually the night I do laundry and cook too. But I'm really bad at folding said laundry, so it may sit for a few days before I get around to that part.

Thursdays/Wednesdays: This week she's coming on Thursday because she can work from home on Friday, which means she can stay overnight and I can sleep in (she goes in to work earlier than I do). Usually when she comes over I cook and we watch a few of our shows. If I didn't do laundry the night before, I'll do that today, along with two other none time-consuming "things." I also pack for the weekend so she can take my bag home with her, since I spend weekends at her place because of Keebs (the cat).

Fridays: Bye Felicia. If she doesn't come over on Thursday, I pack my bag quickly when I get home, she picks me up, and we either go out to eat or go to her place. Otherwise I take the train to a station closer to her where she picks me up and we do the same, unless we have plans that night.

I'm curious... how do you spend your free time? 

Shit Blue Said: Vol 3

coming into the bedroom to me watching Married at First Sight...
Blue: What is this?
Me: Married at First Sight. You weren't home.
*sits down to watch* 45 min later...
Blue: Ugh, why did you get me invested in this show? I have to pee but I need to see what happens now! 
*10 minutes later*
Blue: Seriously? We have to wait for NEXT Tuesday to see the weddings?! What a waste.

On weight loss apps and things... 
Blue: Lark is harping on me about the importance of lean protein to stave off hunger and its funny, I'm starting to listen lol.
Oooh Restaurant Week starts the 18th. 38 bucks. Anywhere you really want to go for a date night?
Me: I love how you went directly from Lark to Restaurant Week
Blue: I caught the hipoc-Chrissie too (IRL name is Christine)

on coworkers...
Blue: The dept that is in my immediate area is so bizarre.
Me: Other than Farts McGee?
Blue: The manager sits in his office and never interacts with them except for a meeting. And if anyone goes into his office, hes fine with anything. "Andy, I need to step out, I'll be back in an hour. " Ok. "Andy sorry I missed you note, I was napping." And yes he's the fartbox. Then, the musicologist that works for him is ALWAYS having an argument with the copy machine. He literally speaks to it and soft-curses it out. (he wont swear). And the others are bizarre too. One always looks like she's angry and freezing. Then there's the token gay guy that has the most annoying laugh ever. It's like a normal pitched chipmunk.

me: I ordered a clean out kit from Thredup.
Blue: Ahh, what's in it?
me: Nothing, that's the point.
Blue: Must be a Buddhist thang.

on Chinese horoscopes...

Me: Haha, I'm a Pig.
Blue: What am I? Probably an Ass (finds hers and reads)
Blue: Northwest is my unlucky direction. So much for Keeping up with the Kardashians.

drafting a post...
Me: Could you "rock out" to Tori Amos? Does that sound right?
Blue: Her older stuff you can. Who is rocking out to Tori Amos?
Me: We are. Duh.
Blue: We are seeing Ani DiFranco, not Tori Amos. Wrong bisexual.
Me: Well shit. Can we rock out to Ani?

me: *sends link: 6 signs Your Cat Runs Your Home*
Blue: Lol. we should set up a Facebook account. The World According to Keebs.
Me: No no no don't do that. I hate it when pets have an FB account. I'm friends with like 2 dogs and a turtle.

Watching the Restaurant Wars episode of Top Chef...
Blue: If I had a seafood restaurant I'd call it "Just For The Halibut."

Going outside...
Me: Do I need a jacket?
Blue: No you have your Carol cardigan on, you'll be fine. (Carol from TWD. If you don't watch, sorry.) 

One Liner of the month: "If I have to do that work, I may as well take a pregnancy test, because I’m really fucked."

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You can find other Shit Blue Said here and here.  
Linking up with Christina from Simple and Delish!

Weekend Updates: Concert and Chill

My weekend kicked off with a Hall and Oates concert at Madison Square Garden with tickets I had purchased in December through Groupon. Honestly I wanted to go to see the openers, Mayer Hawthorne and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. I didn't realize just how many Hall and Oates songs I knew, but they were really good! Of course they closed with my favorite, "You Make My Dreams." 

With this Groupon deal, we couldn't pick out seats, but we were seated in the "Chase Bridges" which is a fairly new addition (2013?) to MSG. Blue thought it would be the nosebleed section or barstools, but we got the first row of the section, which meant actual seats and no one's big ass head obstructing my view! We were right up next to the glass, and each seat or "station" had a monitor set in the table and outlets. (The monitors were added because for basketball/hockey games, apparently you can't see the scoreboard from these seats. They were turned off for the concert.) 

pre-concert cocktails

{via}

the crowd viewed from my seat

blurry ass pics of Sharon Jones, Hall and Oates, and this cool app
that lets you pre-order and pick up your drinks

more blur of Daryl Hall and band

On Saturday, we lazed around and then our friend came over for pizza and beers and catching up. Not pictured: pizza, mussels marinara, and garlic knots because I'm a bad blogger. I ate almost all of the mussels by myself. Oops. We picked up this Southern Tier Creme Brulee beer to try as well. If you like dark beers, this is an excellent choice. (You can see other brews I'm trying on Untappd!) We were binge-watching on Married at First Sight since finding the earlier seasons on the A&E app, and got her addicted to it as well. 

Sunday was spent doing some chores, napping, and cooking. Every week, I make a special request for a big Sunday dinner, which works at well since Blue loves to cook. Win-win. This week was spaghetti and meatballs. We finished off the night with a couple friends, spiked hot chocolate, and The Walking Dead. 

Linking up with Biana for Weekending. 

How was your weekend? 

Friday Favorites- Halfway Through February

Why is it that shorter weeks always feel longer than regular weeks? I feel like there were 3 Wednesdays this week. I thought work life would be easier now that my coworker is back, but she still can't see (she's been having eye troubles for over month- which is why she was out), so she's pretty much useless in terms of getting stuff done. Hopefully things will be better next week. Tonight Blue and I are headed to see Hall and Oates and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, which was my Vday present to her (thanks Groupon!). I had honestly forgot that I had purchased these tickets back in December, but I'm excited! Let's kick off this weekend right with Amanda and some of this week's favorites. 

Favorite Song: Cheap Thrills- Sia

Favorite Quote:

self-affirmations are good for the soul

Favorite Pic: My Valentine's Day flowers finally bloomed! Lillies are my favorite :) 

Favorite Video: Apparently I'm all about Sia today. This carpool karaoke with James Corden was on point! 

Favorite Reads: 

National Drink Wine Day was yesterday. Ha. Where do they come up with these ridiculous days? Drink Wine Day is whenever I have wine in my apartment, silly pants. Which will be more often now that I've subscribed to Club W. They deliver 3 (or more- you can decide) personally picked wines to your door monthly. You just fill out a quick (6 questions) survey regarding your tastes, and they recommend some wines for you to try, or you can peruse their entire selection. You can skip a month or cancel anytime. And you can get $20 off your first order using this link. (Thanks Lindsay for letting me know about this service!) 

Not sure if I shared this before or not, but Steph wrote about doing 3 things each day. Just commit to the doing the top 3 things that need to be done that day. I've been doing this and have found that often when I commit to 3, I usually get about 5 things done because I'm already moving and doing and motivated to do just one more thing. It's working well and I love it. 

You know how you have all these bills and they're due on different dates? For instance, rent is usually due the 1st, but you car payment may be due the 15th, and Netflix on the 7th or some other arbitrary date? If you're like many people, you get paid every two weeks, and not on the same dates. So you may get paid Friday, but that bill is due on Thursday- now what? Well if you're an hourly worker, there's an app to help with that. Activehours allows you to take the money you've already earned in advance, without any extra fees/surcharges. How awesome is that?! 

Favorite Funnies: 

What are you up to this weekend?

I Got It From My Mama

Today is my mom's birthday! When I was little, I thought she was a superhero. And then I got older and realized that though she didn't exactly have super powers, she did know some things, but not ALLthethings. Here are some life lessons she's taught me that have actually stuck: 

-Accept others regardless of race, ethnicity, financial background, religion, etc. and show kindness and respect to everyone, from the janitor to the CEO. 

-Accept yourself, and be proud of who you are and your accomplishments, regardless of other people.

-Be financially independent.
Do not share your financial situation with anyone, always have cash in the house somewhere, and never depend on anyone to support you. 

- When receiving poor service, always ask for the manager.
I learned this well at a young age. I don't remember the story exactly, but I was probably about 12 and my mom sent me into the Chinese restaurant to pick up our order. The man behind the counter told me it wasn't ready yet, so I waited a little and asked again, getting the same response. That's when I asked to speak to a manager. I had taken a bit longer than expected, so my mom came in to find me, and I told her what was happening. I think it was one of her proudest moments. (Sidenote: our food was ready; the guy was just being a dick.) 

-Take pictures of yourself. By yourself. 
I thought this was dumb/silly when she first told me this, but one I wish I had listened to more, especially as a young adult, because now most of my pictures from that time period have exes in them. Lesson learned. 

- Practice good manners.
ALWAYS say please/thank you. Know what silverware to use. Chew with your mouth closed (including gum). The basics. 

-Choose your friends wisely.
I had a bad habit of being too trusting too soon when I was younger. I'd pick a best friend or 3, tell them my whole life story without second thought, and then be surprised when they used that information to stab me in the back. I've finally learned this lesson and am definitely not as trusting until I know someone for quite some time. 

-It's okay to not be perfect. No one expects perfection. Do your best, and learn from your mistakes.
I've always been one of those overachiever/perfectionist types. I think the best example of this was the first time I got a B+ instead of an A or even A-. (I think I was in 5th or 6th grade.) I was CRUSHED. I literally cried.  I demanded to know why I got the grade. I think I kind of scared the teacher. 

- Go in early (or at least on time). Stay late. Work hard.
My mom was never on time anywhere, but she always worked her ass off. 

- Treat yo'self.
Sometimes my mom just wanted to get away, so we would stay in a nearby-ish hotel overnight. We went a few times a year. I loved it because there was an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, game room, room service and cable (I didn't always have cable growing up). She loved it because of the same things I guess. I just remember that we'd always have fun there. 

-And of course...

What are some things your parents taught you that stuck with you? 

A Cold But "Love"-ly Three Day Weekend

My weekend actually kicked off on Thursday night. My old neighbor and friend Sunshine came over with her dog and baby and joined Blue and I for some Mexican from one of my favorite local joints. The food and company were great, but the best part was getting rid of some stuff. She took a brand new laptop bag (that I had ordered as a back-up for Blue for Christmas, which was past it's return date), the Easy Bake Oven that Blue had bought for me for Christmas because I had mentioned that it was one of the things I had always wanted as a kid but never received, and a TV that she had given me when I first moved in (but later upgraded to a flat screen). It felt SO AMAZING to get those items out, and now I'm really even more invested in getting rid of some more things laying around.

eggs and corned beef hash, and Keebler enjoying his VDay treats

Friday night Blue and I laid low eating pizza (a new Friday night staple) and catching up on our shows. Saturday was the only day we ventured outside. There was a Cold Advisory in effect, so we bundled up and headed out to see Deadpool at a dine-in movie theater that we've never been to before. $16 for a basket of crappy chicken fingers and fries was a bit much, and we probably won't be doing that again, but it was a fun experience nonetheless. And they had assigned seating and drinks! Blue is a comic book geek and had been eagerly awaiting the release, and I loved Ryan Reynolds' snarky attitude and his anti-superhero persona. We had to stop at the grocery store afterwards and Blue surprised me with a bouquet of flowers :)

first time at the dine-in

Sunday was kicked off with eggs and corned beef hash, which was a treat since we almost never have it. Then we exchanged presents (which I forgot to take a pic of) and lazed around the majority of the day. Blue made my absolutely favorite meal, chicken parm and pasta, and we shared a bottle of our favorite wine. Of course we closed the night with the return of The Walking Dead. It was stellar from the opening scene, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds!

chicken parm, flowers, watching TV

On Monday, the snow started. We stayed warm as a bug in a rug inside, reading and puzzling. We also watched The Martian and Blue made an amazing beef stew, which hit the spot for a cold and wintry day. You guys... I'm out on The Martian. I feel pretty ambivalent about the movie (really? It's up for an Oscar?), which means that for sure I'm out on reading the book. I just can't get into it, and I'm done trying to force myself to read it.

stinkin rodent

We closed out the long weekend with The Grammy's, which I live-tweeted (at least until Alice Cooper, and then I got tired). In short (kind of): Adele was AMAZEBALLS in spite of her terrible sound guy who dropped the mic inside the damn piano, Kendrick Lamar's performance gave me a slight seizure and I'm not sure if he was trying to make a political statement a la Beyonce at the Superbowl, Lady Gaga delivered a great tribute to David Bowie, and the James Bay/Tori Kelly duet was on fire. The Beibs was underwhelming even with the help of Diplo and Skrillex and his lil man 'stache looked ridiculous, and Alice Cooper kind of scared me, but I think it was great that The Grammy people included all types of genres instead of just radio pop/R&B. Hamilton won best acceptance speech with the guy's rap, but Taylor Swift came in close second by reminding people/aspiring artists that no matter who tries to shut you down (looking at you, Yeezy), if you work hard and surround yourself with supporters, that's "the greatest moment." Well said, Ms. Swift.

Oh, and I heard some hater-ade this morning about Stevie Wonder not actually being blind. Are you effing kidding me?? He wouldn't have allowed himself to be dressed in camo if he could actually see. Just sayin. One thing I didn't do this weekend was open my email/laptop at all. Please excuse the tardiness of my replies to comments/blog posts- I'm catch up today! But first I want to know...

TWD, reading hour(s), beef stewin

How was your weekend? 

Friday Favorites- Valentine's Day Edition

I'm so happy it's Friday, and a 3 day weekend, AND my coworker is finally coming back on Tuesday! Woooot! Valentine's Day is on Sunday, which means I get my favorite meal too. And The Walking Dead Returns! How romantical. We're also going to see Deadpool, because I may have kind of dragged Blue to see 50 Shades last year. But I've been hearing great reviews on it, and that it's kind of the anti-superhero movie, so I'm actually excited to see it. It's supposed to be stupid cold outside too, so I'm more than happy to stay in as much as possible. Time to kick it off with Amanda and some favorites from the week!

Favorite Song: Work This Body- Walk the Moon

Favorite Recipe: How cute are these Hostess-esque heart shaped cupcakes? And if you're like me and don't have a heart-shaped baking sheet, I saw an article that suggests putting cupcake liners in your baking pan with a marble to create a heart shape.

Favorite Reads: 

• This list of instructions on how to adult is on point! And Jana contributed, among many others!
• I kind of love Barbie's latest make-over. Inclusion for all! 
• I prefer Micah's list of alternative Valentine's Day presents to some of the more traditional ones. 
• Do you know your Love Language? Knowing yours (and your lover's if you have one) and acting accordingly could make a positive difference in your relationship. Find out yours here! 

Favorite Lust Item: If only this was a real thing, I would totally want it because it makes me LOL.

Favorite E-Card Funnies: 

What are you up to this weekend?