One Thousand

I've had this blog since summer 2008 and now I've hit another milestone.  This is my 1,000th post!  Apparently I've had a lot to share during that time, averaging about 18 posts a month.  I hope you've enjoyed my stories, my photos, my candidness and my life in general.  I appreciate those that are still here reading after all these years.  I know there's a handful of you that have been here since the beginning!  

Backyard Beauty

Last Sunday, around 5 pm, I had to take a walk out in the backyard.  It was snowing and it was beautiful.  I enjoyed walking all the way back to the pond, listening to the sizzle of the snow hit the power lines above, reminding me I'm still in the suburbs.  Not much to report here other than some photos that don't do my backyard excursion much justice, but I love how nature can rejuvenate you.

Today, January 30th, would have been my parent's 37th wedding anniversary.  You may not be together in this life anymore but I know you're still together and always will be, in spirit.  

A New Place

M and I went to a new bar/restaurant on Friday night called Ward 6.  It opened in early December and is located on Payne Avenue in St. Paul.  We went around 6:30 pm and the place was packed with a waiting list.  Granted, it is pretty small. (very similar in size to The Nook)  We were able to grab a couple of spots at the bar and avoid the wait for a table.

We chatted it up with the owner a bit and he told us Hamm's put in the bar in 1903, the same one in the picture below.  More recently, it was housing.  I'm not sure how that would work with that bar being in someone's living room or kitchen.  It's in incredibly good shape considering it's 100 years old!

We each ordered a beer, M having Pour Decisions Maroon and Bold and I had Summit's Winter Ale, despite the Lucid glass below. 

For dinner, M ordered a few appetizers including bread and olive oil, poutine and pork belly.  I had the Dijon pasta, which was great, but I didn't taste any Dijon.  

We finished with beignets.  I had never had a beignet before so I don't have anything to compare it to but I wasn't the most fond of it and M wasn't either.  I'm definitely willing to try one again somewhere else though, like New Orleans. 

Overall, the experience was great and I thought the food to be excellent and of quality.  I would love to go back for dinner as well as breakfast.  

Whole Living Thoughts - January/February

I renewed my subscription to Whole Living magazine but I apparently didn't do it in enough time to have continuous delivery.  The subscription skipped December and January and February is one issue.

1. You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."- Mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn
2. We'll always love confident talkers, but we're appreciating confident listeners more and more.
3. Animals bring a lot of joy to the world.  It's high time we gave them a better deal in return.
4. Out: Perfumes that smell like eau de chemicals.  In: Fragrances redolent of real ingredients.
5. Cool, Misty, Calm, Peaceful: Sometimes being in the fog isn't such a bad thing.
6. Dogs, with their perpetual today-is-the-best-day-ever-attitude, could teach us a thing or two.
7. Resolved: To remember how great we feel every time we exercise--the next time we're piling up excuses for why we can't work out.
8. The foods that are good for us actually leave us feeling good.  Love how nature does that!
9. "The time is always right to do right."--Thank you Martin Luther King Jr., for being as relevant as you've always been.
10. When life hands you lemons, roast them with chickens and potatoes.

Birthday Activities

I shared my birthday with the observation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday on Monday.  That happens to me every so often.

This year's birthday was low-key, all around.  Being that my birthday was a Monday, you'd think I would have celebrated this past weekend.  Nope, not really.  I did have a plan as to what I wanted to do on Saturday and that was to go to the Science Museum to see Tornado Alley at the Omni Theater and then go to Cossetta's for lunch.  It would have been my mom, sister and BIL, M and me but because sister and BIL couldn't get a babysitter, that plan was out.  

I know that if my dad was alive, we would have gotten together for a family game night as I loved doing with my family each year for my birthday.  

Instead, M and I went out to Good Day Cafe again for my birthday meal.  I had the same thing as a couple of weeks ago.  

I then picked my mom.  She gave me a card and few pairs of earrings and a bracelet she bought at Macy's earlier.  We went to IKEA to browse around and pick up a couple of frames and plants.  Afterwards we went to Macy's after my mom telling me about their clearance jewelry.  I had a Macy's gift card that I cashed out from points on my credit card so we split and bought some jewelry for ourselves and then some for Jamie too.  Most things ran up for $1 or $2.  

My mom did also give me a present a couple of weeks ago.  It's a Vera Bradley hipster purse and wallet from the new Spring collection.  I think you either like Vera Bradley or you don't.  Some patterns are obnoxious and some are ugly and then some are fun and cheery but there's probably a pattern that suites everyone.  I'm excited to start using it but it's not really for winter, even though I'm still tempted.

And then I may have purchased this for myself for my birthday; a Metropolitan bag.

On Sunday, my sister and nephew came over to visit briefly and drop off some birthday goodies for me.  The rest of the day was dedicated to football.

On Monday, I woke up to some warm weather.  It was officially -10 at the airport.  It didn't even get to zero that day.  I think -4 was the high. 

I went to work as usual but because it was a bank holiday, some of my job duties were lightened. Before getting to work, I stopped at Caribou Coffee for my free birthday drink.  I should have gotten something warm but I got a smoothie instead.

M and I went out to dinner to Jake's City Grill by our house.  I didn't give M much to go on for my birthday so when I got home, he asked if I wanted to go out to Oceanaire for dinner.  I really wanted to go but not on a Monday and it was just so cold to venture far.  Jake's proved to be a horrible replacement.  The server sucked, the food was ok and we won't be back. 

We came back home and it was a regular Monday from there on.  M did get me a card and something I've been wanting for a little while.  So far I love it. 

I'm 36 now.  It didn't pain me to turn this age or to know that I'm now closer to 40 than 30.  I'm just happy that I'm alive and healthy.  

Charity Challenge - January

This isn't one of my new year resolutions but I thought of something I wanted to do each month for at least this entire year.  I plan on posting it each month in hopes of inspiring you to do something similar.

Each month, I am going to donate to a different charity. I have no charities lined up yet but instead I will just pick and choose a charity based on personal feeling and some research.  I plan on donating only $10 a month to these charities.  It's small and how impactful are my dollars, I'm not sure, but it's a start and it's something.  A great random act of kindness.

This month, I have donated to one of my friend's fundraiser page for the Polar Plunge, which benefits Special Olympics Minnesota. While thinking of what charity to donate to, I thought of him and since he didn't have any donations yet, I thought what a great place to start.

Maybe you'll consider donating to him as well?  Check out Andrew's fundraising page if you're interested.  

(Early) Birthday Sushi

My sister and I went out for an early birthday dinner last Wednesday the 16th.  We originally had it planned for tonight but with our schedules we decided to move it up.  This was my 3rd time eating out in two days as I went out with my sister and mom the night before and went out to lunch with friends Sara and Tanner at People's Organic this same day.

I met my sister at her work and then we headed over to our favorite all-you-can-eat sushi place, Akita in Woodbury. 

We then headed over to Kohl's where it was clearance city.  My sister went nuts and bought up lots of work clothes and I bought a few items.  You know how at Kohl's they tell you and show you on the receipt how much you saved (according to the original price)?  My sister saved $546.20.  It's exaggerated because you would never pay that in the first place but it's fun to spend $87 and save that much.  

The First One

My sister, mom and I decided that we are going to go out to dinner once a month.  We're hoping with everyone's schedule that we can at least accomplish this.  We succeeded for our first time last Tuesday the 15th.

Jamie picked the place this time and she chose Los Ocampo.  It's an authentic Mexican restaurant in St. Paul and was voted Best Mexican Restaurant in the City Pages for 2012.  This is their only restaurant and bar location but they have four other taqueria's around St. Paul and Minneapolis.    

Both Jamie and I had the same thing.  I meant to order something different but instead ordered what she did. We both had the Enchiladas Rancheras.  My mom had the Chimichanga Burrito.  Everyone liked their food but being that I meant to order Enchiladas Mexicanas, I was kind of disappointed but that was no fault but my own.  

We had a good time together, just us girls.  We had serious talks and talked about my dad and we laughed and had fun too.  I'm looking forward to being able to establish a different life and experience with them both.

A Piece of History

Thirty six years ago today, my Gramma (at some point over time, she would change the spelling from Grandma to Gramma) gave my parents a newspaper from that day, marking the day I was born.  They gave this to me while I was in my 20's and it was today (I'm writing this on 1/20), that I opened it for my first time.

The papers are a little yellowed but have remained mostly intact.  I thought it was a good day to pull it out since President Obama was sworn into office today for his second term.  On the day this post will be published, President Obama will re-enact the swearing in for the public on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my birthday. If you look at the picture below, President Carter was sworn in 36 years ago today (1/20).

After opening up the next newspaper, I realized it was from January 20, 1981, exactly 32 years ago.  The Iran hostage crisis ended that day after 444 days.  

What a great piece of personal history, huh?

Conscious Box - January

I can't say it enough.  I SO look forward to receiving this box in the mail, which mostly consists of food, beauty and products for the home.  I do not get compensated from Conscious Box and in my opinion this box is the best subscription out there. 

Ok, let's see what I got this month.

Here's this month's packing list:

34 Degrees
Bite into the more natural, thinner, crispier cracker. Perfect with your favorite cheeses or just on their own, 34 Degrees crackers are delectable treats suited for any culinary creation. Made with unbleached wheat flour, a hint of natural cheese flavor, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Yum!

Chia Shots
The Chia Co is proud to pumping out chia seeds all day long. Why’s that? Because Chia seeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3, dietary fiber, protein, and antioxidants. The Chia Co also works with nature to ensure sustainable agriculture; this means strategically timing crops, using the best soil, and enacting smart methods of growing, like gravity fed irrigation and chemical-free mechanical harvesting.

LARABAR 
We’re excited to be trying out the Uber. What’s different? This bar has got big texture (along with big taste!). This gluten-free, non-GMO, all natural, and Kosher scrumptiously succulent bar is packed with a flavor profile that’ll stick to your memory without sticking to your teeth. No refined sugar and made with dry-roasted nuts (no oil added).

Pamela’s Products 
We fell in love with Pamela’s Products within the first bite. These wheat-free, gluten-free brownies are not only delicious, but they’re also super quick and easy to make. Pamela’s also regularly supports autism and celiac organizations, and is a member of the American Celiac Disease Alliance. Go Pamela’s!

Q.Bel 
Don’t say we didn’t warn you. These crispy mint wafers are incredibly delicious and deserving of a savory taste bud addition. Non-GMO, whole grain, dairy-free, and made with 70% cacao makes this a healthy alternative to any cookie that might be stocking the pantry.

Teeccino 
Looking for a seriously superfood cereal? Check out Teechia, the high performance super seeds that pack a serious punch of fiber and protein. A bowl of Teechia will provides lasting energy with lasting satisfaction. Whip up a bowl and take your first spoonful of chia, quinoa, amaranth, ramon, and pumpkin seeds!

Sahale Snacks 
All natural ingredients + culinary magic = a great tasting, healthy snack that is deserving of serious celebration. Sahale Snacks blends scrumptious whole almonds with orange blossom honey, dried cranberries, toasty sesame seeds, and sea salt. Made in a 100% wind-powered facility makes sure Mother Earth is just as happy as your taste buds!

Tea Forte 
Refresh yourself with this invigorating mint from Tea Forte. With a taste that will make your taste buds tingle, Tea Forte is the perfect follow up to lunch, the morning coffee, or anything else that might make your coworkers’ olfactory wonder what’s up. Fortified with antioxidants makes this a mint that helps support your body’s defenses too.

Waxalene 
Drop the old petroleum jelly and go with something more natural. Organic Soy oil, Beeswax, natural vitamin E, and organic rosemary oil makes this a healthy, nourishing moisturizer and base for everything from dry skin to make up. No petroleum, not greasy, completely biodegradable and free of animal testing.

Nordic Naturals 
Fish oils are great for supporting brain function, memory, and mood. The benefit comes from omega-3 and omega-9 oils, which have anti-inflammatory alongside anti-clotting benefits. Nordic Natural only uses the finest fish oils, third party tested for environmental toxins like heavy metals and dioxins. As a result, they produce fish oils that far surpass international standards.

Dale’s Raw Protein Bar 
Dale has been whipping up some of the best raw food around for quite some time, and boy are we excited to be loading you up with one of his incredible bars. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with protein, Dale knows what it takes to make an awesome treat. No artificial preservatives or sweeteners. Simple ingredients for a simply awesome snack. (PS. Don’t sweat the refrigeration suggestion. Dale suggests refrigerating to prevent falling apart in warmer climates.)

MAAKOA 
Koopuwa. Just say it a few times. It’s fun! Koopuwa! What is it? It’s a super food, super antioxidant, super-stimulating blend of phytonutrients with deliciously distinctive flavors coming right from fruits. Drink right from the pouch or mix with the morning smoothie to get all the Cupuaçu, Acai, red grape, pomegranate, and berry berry goodness inside!

Nutiva Hemp Seed 
Hemp Seed is one of nature’s wonders, just now becoming re-celebrated by so many in the health community. These seeds are an incredible 33% protein and are filled with omegas perfect for building a better brain and body. Eat plain, add as a condiment, or mix in a shake. 

I've had chia seeds before and I do like them but don't use them very often.  I still have a big bag of them so I probably won't open this for a while. 

I've had different Larabar's before but this one looks pretty good. I always love a good granola/nut bar.

A handful of months back, I received a package of Pamela's pancake mix and they were fantastic.  All her products are wheat-free and gluten-free (which my diet is not) but I am looking forward to trying the brownies.  I might just make them today as an early birthday treat.

I've had Tea Forte mints before in the flavor of lemongrass yuzu but these mints are lime mojito flavored.

Finally, the hemp seeds that I received are the same ones I have here at home.  I have been using them quite often recently.  The best way I can describe the taste of hemp seeds is as an "earthy" sunflower seed.  I love them and it's a great way to get some protein, especially if you don't meat very often like me. 

I can't wait until February.  I'll be getting two boxes.  One will be my regular one and the other is a limited edition for Valentine's Day.  

Last Weekend

Last Saturday, M and I went to a wedding for one of his friends.  It was in the Washington County Library/YMCA/Central Park building in Woodbury.  The wedding was on the lower level and above was the normal hustle and bustle of the library people coming and going.  It was...different.  We didn't participate in the reception at Carmine's afterwards.  Congratulations to Bob and Jennifer.  The rest of the day was reserved for football.  In case you missed it, the 49ers beat the Packers. :)

I got up Sunday and went shopping with my mom.  I'm surprised how late things open on Sunday.  Most things seem to open at 10, 11 or even noon!  We started at Kohl's and bought up tons of clearance stuff.  We both did pretty well there.  Next stop was Rosedale Mall and Sephora.  I had to cash in my perfume  voucher and pick up my complimentary birthday gift.

Then on to JC Penney.  We had $15 reward certificates that M and I both received for our birthday but he gave it to my mom so we bought some jewelry, each only spending $2-5 out of pocket.  I bought a marcasite necklace and crystal earrings.

Next stop was Kirkland's, where my mom got a bunch for a little thanks to a gift card., then lunch, Home Goods and finally Marshall's.  I bought a tray at Home Goods.  It's my favorite color orange and I love it.  I'm not sure what I'll use it for but I'll find a use soon.  

I got home with enough time to catch most of the NE/Houston game (boring) and then watch a bit of the Golden Globes before tuning into Downton Abbey and then off to bed to start another work week.