Friday, August 19, 2011

Suri's Burn Book

Yesterday, my friend Doro changed my life by sending me the link to Suri's Burn Book.  Many of you are aware of my long-standing obsession with celebritot Suri Cruise . . . and now it's reached a whole new level.

Suri's Burn Book is a tumblr account in which Suri posts pictures of celebs & their kids and comments on them.  And makes fun of her parents, Tom and Katie.  And OMFG is she hilarious.  Exempli gratia:

August 18, 2011




While we’re on the subject of famous Swedes, here is a photo of Elin Nordegren and her two children, Sam and Charlie. This family has become kind of reclusive post-Tiger, but they were recently seen out and about in Miami.
I am disappointed that Sam and I missed each other on our Miami vacations, because I completely approve of her fashion choices—from that fun headband to that slimming belt!—and would have loved to have her over for tea. We also would have a lot to talk about, like having embarrassing fathers and the challenges of having moms who wear denim.



HAHA!  Embarrassing fathers and the challenges of having moms who wear denim!!!  Suffice to say I spent quite a bit of time yesterday browsing Suri's files, and will continue to do so via her tumblr and twitter.  I suggest you do the same.

Happy Friday!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Birthday Pictures!

First of all, thanks for all the love!  All the well wishes via facebook, twitter, email, my phone, the mail, blogs, etc. made me feel way less nauseous over turning 30.  And it turns out 30's not so bad, anyway.  ;)

My dear friends came out to celebrate with me at the Lake Chalet last night, and we had lots of fun!  I highly recommend Taco Tuesday.  You get to sit on the water, drink 1/2 price margaritas, and enjoy plentiful $2.50 tacos.  Sweet!

the venue

me and Diana: one of my favorite people in the world

Meagan and Amanda on the lake

me and Doro: almost birthday twins! (she's 8/13, I'm 8/16)

table on the water + tacos + margaritas!

Timmy and Trav: a stand up pair

thank goodness for Cari--no idea what I'd do without her.
(p.s. she is mama to Milo and Jude, regulars on this here blog)

a contemplative Raul surrounded by margaritas

neighbors and friends: Diana and Adam (plus Crouching Claire)

Mani and her handsome lil Mateo


flanked by twins: PJ on the left, AJ on the right

We had a blast, although I wish my faraway friends could have been there as well.  Yay for celebrations and drinks and friends and flowers!

Two more things:

1. Please keep my dad's horrendous beagle, Ignatius, in your thoughts/prayers.  He has a suspicious lump and I am sick with worry.

2. Speaking of pleases, please check out my friend Annie's new blog, Tough Little Cookies.  She's finally started a blog about raising her three hilarious and adorable daughters in San Francisco.  Please remember how it was when you first started blogging and go show her some love!! :)

Cheap George Thorogood & The Destroyers MN Zoo Amphitheatre Tickets

If you've ever heard the hit song "Bad to the Bone," you should know its George Thorogood & his band the destroyers that made that song so popular in the early 80s. Since their debut in 1974, George Thorogood & the Destroyers have released a total of 16 studio albums, including two that were certified Platinum and six that were certified Gold. The band has sold over 15 million albums worldwide. Tonight you have the opportunity to see them perform LIVE at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre at 7pm!  Ticket King has amazing deals right now on George Thorogood and the Destroyers tickets, with prices currently starting at just $59 in the fourth row of the left section. We also have some seats in the front row of the center section. Check them out and get yours now before it's too late!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

NFL Preseason: Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys

Hey Minnesota Vikings fans!! The wait is FINALLY almost over. I'm sure some of you were getting a bit worried and anxious waiting to hear if there would even be a 2011-2012 football season. Fortunately, they came to an agreement & football season is officially right around the corner. The first home preseason game of the year will be held at the Metrodome on Saturday, August 27th at 7PM. If you would like to attend this game, Ticket King is carrying an awesome supply of Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys tickets currently starting as low as $8 each in the upper level or $38 in the lower. We still have a huge selection to choose from at REALLY LOW prices so check them out and get yours today! Don't forget you can easily stop by our Minneapolis office to pick them up right before the game! GO VIKINGS!!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sunday Brunch & some Stalktalk!

In a valiant effort to postpone the end of summer, I spent pretty much the whole weekend eating and drinking with friends.  From a dive bar with my teacher friends on Friday night, to a biker breakfast on Saturday morning (you heard that right!), to an impromptu Japanese dinner in Berkeley on Saturday night with my friend Helen, to today's brunch with my college friend, Tara, at what I think might be my new very favorite place:

Chop Bar, Oakland, Jack London Square

my friend Tara with her bloody mary
she's from the northeast, she can't help her snark ;)

ask me what I'm drinking and I'll tell you:
BEN F'S EVOLVE WINE

see?

Not only was Sauvignon Hottie delicious, but so was the food!  Tara and I shared chilaquiles & eggs ala cazuela with a grilled veggie mojo sauce . . . YUM.  I confessed to the waitress that I ordered the Evolve as part of a Ben F. stalking mission, and she said, "That's so funny, he was just in here a couple weeks ago!"  I'll catch up to him someday.  It'll happen.  And if you're curious as to whether I tweeted that picture of me drinking Evolve wine to Ben F . . . the answer is immediately.  

isn't it cute in there?

Hope all of you had as decadent a weekend as I did.  Lord knows I'm making up for it now, since it's the  last day of my 20s and the first day of school.  Wish me luck with my '11-'12 monsters!  Can't wait to meet them. :)

Friday, August 12, 2011

The Back to School Spirit?

Teachers had to report back Wednesday (seriously?  August 10th? Earlier and earlier my dear . . . ), and my summery-rested body has been in a state of shock!  This whole waking up at the crack of dawn thing is for the birds.  And not only waking up early, but plunging into academic discourse about the achievement gap and special education test scores and improving our practice . . . just give me Jersey Shore!!


I'm sorta kidding; it's been great to see all my co-workers and get ready for school, but not gonna lie, I'm missing waking up at 9:30 and being in my bathing suit and watching Jax's sexiest scenes on repeat.

This is what we did after the first day back to school:

(same plan for today)

Other things I'm excited about:

*My stalking plans: Heading up to Napa/Sonoma Sunday . . . but I've learned that Ben F's Evolve Wines doesn't have a tasting room/public "winery."  So that leaves me no choice but to attend this next Friday.

*My latest nail polish find:

*I ordered this to celebrate the arrival of football season!


*My BFF is coming to visit me Labor Day weekend and I cannot wait!!!

us in . . . 2006? 2005?

Oh and speaking of Jersey Shore (several paragraphs ago), my friend Matt and I tweet each other every Jerzday with funny #s about our favorite guidos and guidettes.  Examples:

#getcrazy
#letsspreadsomemono
#whatbeardVinny?
#juiceheadsonvespas
#fistpumpinpope
#guidosatthevatican

Got any to contribute?  Happy Friday!

Adele Xcel Energy Center Tickets Still Available!

If you're a fan of Adele and would like to see her perform LIVE in a couple weeks, Ticket King would like you to know it's not too late to buy Xcel Energy Center Adele tickets! Adele had to reschedule a show that was previously scheduled at First Avenue but the venue has changed. We still have a very nice selection of seats to choose from in the upper, lower and club levels. Prices currently start at just $67 in the upper level, $112 in the lower or $117 in the club level. But don't wait too long - we've only got a few sets left and they've been going fast! Don't be left outside without a ticket. Also, don't forget you can easily stop by our St. Paul office just a half block away to pick up your tickets before the show!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Rock The Bells: Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill, Raekwon, Ghostface & Mobb Deep Tickets

This year's Rock The Bells music festival features a killer lineup with some of the most high-profile names in the hip hop world today. Next Saturday, August 20th, you can expect to see Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill, Erykah Badu, Black Star, Common, Raekwon + Ghostface, Mobb Deep, GZA, Black Moon and MANY MORE artists rock the stage at San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. The show will begin at noon and will go all day long. If you're a big fan of hip hop like myself, you should realize this is one show you DO NOT want to miss!! If I could be there I mos def would (no PUN intended- okay maybe a little).  If you still need Rock The Bells tickets, Ticket King wants you to know we have them available for just $124 a piece for general admission pit tickets. But don't expect them to last much longer - get yours today!!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Lynyrd Skynyrd Missouri State Fairground - CANCELLED!

I regret to inform you that Lynyrd Skynyrd's singer was admitted to Hennepin County Medical Center over the weekend, forcing the group to cancel or postpone several shows in Michigan, South Dakota and Missouri. Johnny Van Zant was hospitalized on Saturday to seek treatment for complications from a previous surgery. He will be just fine but unfortunately his doctors ordered him to stage off the stage until he makes a full recovery. If you purchased tickets from Ticket King to the Lynyrd Skynyrd show at the Missouri State Fairgrounds tomorrow, we are offering the option of a full in-store credit (minus shipping) OR you could get the face value of the ticket back onto your credit card. We would need you to send the tickets back to our office before we can issue any type of refunds. If you have any questions about our policy, feel free to call us at 612-341-4131.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Very Last Week of my 20s.

A week from today, I will be 30, and I'm sorta petrified.

I know better than to let the "norms" get to me, but lately, they've started creeping in.  Aren't I supposed to have gotten married by now?  Had a kid?  Bought a house?  Saved some money?  Maybe that last one would have been possible had I not decided to move to the second most expensive city in the country.


The scariest part is that the other day, I remembered a conversation I had with a co-worker at Balboa several years ago, and it felt like yesterday.  We were talking in my office, and I said, "Sometimes I just feel like I want to up and move to Argentina or something!"  He laughed and said, "How old are you?"  I said, "25."  And he said, "Yeah.  You're so young.  That's why you feel that way."

1. OMG how was I just 25 what feels like yesterday?  How on earth have 5 years passed by in the blink of an eye?
2. I still feel that way, sucka.

Here's how I've spent my summer, for the most part:


With some travel, visitors, good exercise, lots of time with Milo and Jude, and puzzling out a relationship thrown in.  Oh, and wasting a decent amount of time playing Tiny Tower.


I'm not a "bucket list" kind of person in the least.  I kinda feel like all of life is an adventure, and I have continuous goals/dreams/etc. that will span out my whole life . . . and they can't be diminished to a checklist of things I want to have accomplished by a certain age.  And yet, somehow, this coming week is shouldering a lot of pressure!  Last week of my 20's!  Anyone want to go to Vegas?

Target Center Sade & John Legend Tickets Still Available!

At 7pm tonight, two immensely powerful and soulful singers will be united under one roof at the Target Center in Minneapolis. If you're looking for something to do tonight, John Legend & Sade tickets are still available from Ticket King! We have upper level seats currently priced at just $44; lower level seats at $139, or floor seats for $179. Check them out and buy them now before it's too late! We've only got a few left and this has been one of the hottest concerts of the summer and it's happening tonight! Also, don't forget you can easily stop by our Minneapolis office to pick up your tickets on your way to the show.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Man Candy Monday: Stalker Edition

So Ashley picked JP, which I think is fitting, given both of their propensities for whining and effusive displays of insecurity, but my heart belongs to the fiiiiiiiiine Ben F:



He's dark, he's shaggy, he makes wine, and he allegedly lives in my vicinity.  And so, of course, I've put my stalking skills to use, and found out that this is his winery.  Who's up for a Sonoma trip?  I'm not kidding. ;)

link up with Leeann!

Friday, August 5, 2011

True Life: I'm a General Life Blogger!

Do you have types of blogs that you prefer to read?  Is it awful that I mostly like to read blogs that are similar to my own?  I guess that's sorta to be expected: Mommy Bloggers like to hear what other Mommy Bloggers have to say, etc.  And I like to hear about travel, food, funny things, pretty shoes, and hottie celebs!

Which is why I'm linking up with Fabulous but Evil and Mrs. Monologues in their True Life series . . . so I can meet more bloggers to entertain me on the regular. ;)


There really is nothing like discovering a new blog that you love & connect with.  Throughout the past year and a half, I've met (in person) six spectacular blogger ladies, learned lots of new recipes, gotten great book recommendations, participated in some fun swaps, and laughed my ass off at some of the funniest people in the blog world.

So for those of you visiting from the link-up, hello!  Here are things I like to discuss:

*Tim Riggins and Jax Teller (tell me: which is your fave??)


who's it gonna be, ladies???

*Food & Recipes

check out the link to tomato recipes that drollgirl emailed me today!

*Books

what I'm reading now, for instance

*San Francisco (and how awesome it is to live here)

Baker Beach: one of my favorite places on earth

*My hilarious high school students


* . . . And all about ridiculous people & things, for example:

found on Tosh.0 with the caption "Permanently Proud"

Plus how much I love the Saints (come on, football season!) and impressive footwear.  If you're here from the True Life linkup, let me know so that I can come check out your blog, as well!  Happy Friday, and thanks to Fabulous but Evil and Mrs. Monologues for hosting!

p.s. Please go wish my darling friend Leeann a happy birthday!!  I fellow Leos.  Rawr.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Inexpensive Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox Tickets Still Available!

Hey Minnesota Twins & Chicago White Sox fans! Tomorrow will be the first game in a series of three at Target Field with the Twins hosting the White Sox at 7:10PM. On Saturday evening at 6:10PM they will do it again, followed by the last game of the series on Sunday afternoon at 1:10PM.  The weather this weekend looks like it should be just right for baseball- not too hot, not too cool. If you're interested in attending any of the games this weekend, check out our remaining supply of inexpensive Twins vs. White Sox tickets! We currently have seats starting as low as $48 on Friday, $28 on Saturday or $30 on Sunday. Check them out and get yours now before it's too late! GO TWINS!!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

All You Need . . .

to make the most delicious summer pasta (sauce) is this:


well and this:


Credit goes to my friend Anna for the development of this delicious sauce!

Steps:
*Get thyself to the farmers market.  Buy the sweetest, smallest, thinnest-skinned cherry "sunburst" tomatoes you can find (doesn't work with thick-skinned or unsweet tomatoes).

*Wash them and remove the pesky little stems (I used one pint for this sauce).

*Chop up a good bit of fresh garlic (your discretion--I use a lot!).

*Saute minced garlic in olive oil on low for a few mins.  Then add the darlin' little tomatoes.

*Patiently stir/watch 'em cook until the wee tomatoes start to burst.  Stir stir stir.  Sauce begins to develop (orangey in color with garlic flecks and some whole/partially whole tomatoes).

*Add salt & pepper to the pan.

*When done (takes at least 20 minutes, sometimes longer), pour over angel hair pasta, or in my case, fresh, handmade garlic-parsley pasta from the farmers market (though honestly, angel hair might be better).

*Top with parmesan.

Voila, your new favorite dinner:

Janet Jackson Orpheum Theatre Tickets

Janet Jackson is the youngest child of the Jackson family and has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years. She has sold over 100 million records throughout her career, ranking her as one of the best-selling artists in the history of contemporary music. Now YOU have the opportunity to see Janet Jackson perform LIVE right here in Minneapolis at the Orpheum Theater on Friday, August 19th at 8pm. Ticket King has a nice supply of Janet Jackson Orpheum Theatre tickets to choose from currently starting at just $82 for balcony seating or $146 and up for main floor seating. Don't forget any of our seats can be easily picked up from our Minneapolis office right before the show!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

American Idols LIVE Target Center Tickets

Tomorrow evening, Minneapolis will welcome the cast from American Idol's 10th season to the Target Center at 7pm. American Idol has been on fire this year with new judges and a lowered age requirement. So it's no wonder why these finalists are selling out arenas nationwide. Luckily for you, Ticket King still has a few American Idols LIVE Target Center tickets left currently starting as low as $39 each in the upper level. Check them out and buy yours today before it's too late! Then you can easily stop by our Minneapolis office on your way to pick them up before the show!

Monday, August 1, 2011

I Left My Heart in Cabo San Lucas: Beach Pics

I'm sitting at Peet's (coffee shop, for those non-Californians among you) working on lesson plans today, daydreaming about being back at Capella.  Here are some pictures of our time in Cabo from Cari and JJ's camera.  Feast your eyes on the beauty & preciousness (of Jude).  


*you may have to enlarge these since I can't figure out how to make pics bigger on my blog.  


Jude and me upon our arrival in Cabo

Cari and Milo in the Capella lobby.  Check out his scrunchy face.

JJ and Milo having dinner at "The Office."  So sweet.

Judebug with our butler, Victor (aka guacamole master)

plunge pool on our patio, overlooking the resort & the Pacific

I got the boys shirts to match their eyes :)

me & my piggies getting some sun

view from my elliptical in the fitness center
(totally untouched iphone photo)
who wouldn't work out every day if this was the view???


me, Cari, and the boys

infinity pool numero dos: on the beach


terribly grainy picture of me and JJ
before a debauched night out starting at Cabo Wabo
(you don't wanna know where it ended)


just a pirate ship, no big thang


Cari and JJ: on our patio pre-date night
(side note: I fell in love with that dress but it didn't fit me so I got it for Cari!)


oh Capella, how I long for thee
(another unedited iPhone pic taken from patio)


If you're even thinking of going to Cabo, I can't recommend Capella highly enough.  Just click on that link and you'll start salivating.  I'm sure you can imagine how hard it is being back home after 8 blissed out days there!  Only regret: not getting pictures of the cute waiters/resort staff.

Here's to being able to return in 2012!