Cheap Date

Happy Sunday Friends!

This weekend man-go-r0und and I celebrated our 6th anniversary. Since we’re both sort of budget conscious these days, we decided to hit some fun summer festivals and soak in the lovely weather by spending it outdoors.

First up, we hit the Seward Co-op’s 40th birthday party, down at East River Flats park. With a lineup of eclectic bands, drool-worthy food trucks, and the delicious bevvies from Flat Earth Brewery, we were content.

Next up we went to that holy grail of twin cities boozeries (this is not a word, but it should be)- Surdyks. We picked up some Lucky Bucket lager, fresh out of Nebraska (who knew?) and we were on our way again…

 Finally, we were onto our last stop: Kraftskiva! Mark Dayton’s sons started a restaurant one year ago called The Bachelor Farmer, specializing in Nordic food. The restaurant, a historic building in the warehouse district with a garden on its roof where much of the restaurant’s produce is grown, was the perfect setting for its birthday party. Kraftskiva is the traditional celebration of crayfish season, and they were filling the cobblestoned blocked off street party with the sounds of local bands. More food, more beer, more music? Check! This former vegetarian tried her first crayfish, which I have to admit after seeing it in the flesh  shell… got a little too “real” for me and I didn’t really do my “share” on it. But at least I tried, it, right?

When we were full, partied out, and our ears were ringing from the music, we took the scenic route past the river and headed home for our weekly installment of Bond.. James Bond (we were onto Thunderball this week… not my fave so far…) and a quiet night in. All in all, it was another great anniversary and another great year together!

Have you ever tried crayfish? Are there foods that freak you out when you eat them? Are you a James Bond fan? What did you all do this weekend?

Meri

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Just Todoist!

Today I felt like I got a lot of things checked off my list. And when I say list, you should know that is a loaded statement.

I am a lover of lists. I make lists OF my lists (this is not a joke, I rarely joke about my lists). So I was very intrigued when I heard about the website todoist.com .

What is it? Well, you can add “projects” which are lists of things to do. Each project then can have “tasks” assigned to it. I should note, here, that I have not yet decided to upgrade to the premium version. The basic version is free.  Here are some of the lists I’ve made:

  • weekly tasks (each of us have our own, plus one joint activity one)
  • restaurants we want to visit
  • places to practice photography
  • cities to visit in MN
  • other US places to visit
  • wish list for me
  • wish list for man-go-round
  • christmas/ gift ideas for others
  • movies to watch
  • TV shows to download
  • birthdays
  • things to google
  • blog ideas
  • column ideas for the magazine I write for
  • ideas for our Project 2012 (social, cultural, spiritual, etc)
  • household chores
  • wordpress projects
  • yearly festivals and fun
  • things I need to talk to him about after work
  • which James Bond movie we’re on (we’re watching them all in order)

It seems like almost every day I think of a new list or use for this site, and its all in one place and I’ve gotten man-go-round to use the same account as me and we can use it on our mobiles…

What’s not to like? I don’t know. You can add dates things are “due,” check things off but still have them saved in the lower gray area, and more.

I love it.

Have you tried Todoist yet? How do you organize your life? Do you love lists as I do?

Meri

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Remember This? episode 8

Yes, friends- Remember This? turns out to be the feature that keeps on giving here at Meri-Goes-Round. I can’t seem to get enough nostalgia lately, and it seems the more of these posts that I do, the more and more I want to do.

Thus, here is Remember This? episode 8:

1. Blossom hats- Okay, so I have to admit that I never actually watched the show, “Blossom,” but somehow I managed to cull the necessary pop  culture info from it anyway; they had weird names (Blossom, Six?), Joey Lawrence liked to say, “Whoa,” and Blossom had a really cool floppy hat adorned with flowers. I proceeded to buy one of these hats and cover my 9 year old head for the entirety of a trip to the Caymans and then most of third grade afterwards. I’m not ashamed- I looked good, man… actually, come to think of it, my haircut was quite similar to this as well.

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2. “As if!”- Surey I’ve already extolled the virtues of Cher Horowitz in some part of the Remember This? catalog, but I don’t think I’ve discussed her slang yet. “As if!” gave my seventh grade self all the sass I needed and more to dis the boys I wasn’t yet even actually really dating or even talking to…

3. Fruitopia- Forget Snapple, I was crazy about Fruitopia. I can’t remember anything about it except that I thought it was super cool and that this beverage would deliver me to the ultimate sugar high while possibly deceiving my mother into thinking, for a second, that it was fruit/ juice and not sugar water.

I think Lisa Simpson said it best, “And to cool off, nothing beats Fruitopia! The iced tea brewed by hippies but distributed by a heartless, multi-national corporation!”

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4. Devon Sawa- Okay, so he’s still around, probably, somewhere, but he sure isn’t the hot commodity he was back in the 90s. Think Now and Then. Me and every chick I knew (and probably some of the dudes too) were crushin’ on this guy.

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5. Fruit Stripe gum- Forget that this gum had flavor for less than 3 seconds, it rocked because a) it had crappy tattoos in the wrappers that didn’t work b) it had a cool name c) it was really colorful. I’d probably still buy it even though now I know there is Stride gum which lasts almost too long…

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Which of the latest “Remember This?” items do you remember? Did you waste your money on Fruit Stripe and Fruitopia too?

Meri

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Right now I’m loving…

…this:

Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s in a plastic bottle. Yes, I could theoretically make this beverage myself much cheaper and more eco-consciously.

But damn, do I love this water. My favorite blend is the goodberrymint.

Are there any indulgent, overpriced beverages that you just can’t get enough of? How do you offset the cost of these little vices?

Meri

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Remember This? episode 7

Hello Friends. Happy Monday, welcome back to your work week; to the blogosphere, and to the latest edition of my favorite trip down memory lane. Here it is:

Remember This? episode 7

1. Hypercolor- Don’t pretend for one second that you somehow missed this bizarre chemistry-experiment-on-a-shirt trend. You know you bought that tacky oversized t-shirt, and then regretted it when the “creepy” kid at school came up and blew onto your abdomen to make your shirt change colors. Or told you he had to leave his hand on your back for 5 minutes so that the body heat would have its’ effect. I am proud to say that my only hypercolor shirt was in fact a hand-me-down given to me by one of my sisters (after she probably realized its creepiness) and by that time the “effect” had lessened so it barely changed colors. This tendency for the shirts to lose their power was the icing on the cake of why this trend was lame. I will admit, however, that for a very brief time I was indeed hyper for hypercolor.

even the ads are creepy…

2. Cool Tools- Misnomer. Are there indeed, “tools” involved (for you from outside the states, that’s a common slang for d-bag/moron)? Why, yes there are! But is there any part of this cheesy product that is, in fact, in any way cool? negative. Alas, we’re left with simply tools. Or as the commercial (yes, I looked it up on youtube) says, “cool, cool, cool, cool tools.” Sure… if you call them cool several times, maybe the kids will buy it…

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3. Oregon Trail- Okay, hold up the wagon train a minute while I gush. For every iota of disdain I might hold for the abovementioned “cool tools,” I have a several times stronger love for this elementary school computer game. From naming your characters inappropriate things to  naming a character after the girl at school you’re mad at and then seeing to it that she gets dysentery right quick… this game was not about survival, it was about pure entertainment. Sure, it was educational, too- I learned about cholera, typhoid, and the location of some Colorado River, after all… but it was more about shooting game in the woods, holding your breath to see if you’d drown as you tried to ford the river, and trying to outlive everyone else. After all, only a greenhorn would look out for anyone but themselves on the Oregon Trail!

yes kids, this is what computer screens used to look like.

4. O-Town- This band didn’t last long, but they were really something for a week or two. Along with the influx of other squeaky clean Floridian pop tarts (Mandy  Moore, Britney Spears, Aaron Carter?), O-Town came out of nowhere with some song I can’t remember. All I can, in fact, remember, is that for about 3 days I had a crush on one of the groups’ members, named: wait for it… “Ashley Angel.” Oh barf, I need a teenage lobotomy…

Representing Orlando… for better or for worse… O-town!

 5. Capri Sun commercials- Okay, we all probably remember Capri Sun. Last year a friend of mine created an “adult” beverage out of them at her 80s party, and so I’m pretty sure they are still even in production. But do you all remember the bizarre commercials where the silver tide of juice took over the town and turned everyone into extreme sports athletes? I still maintain either they stole this concept from the Nickolodeon hit “Alex Mack,” or vice versa, but I probably can’t ever prove it, and would it matter if I could? All I know is that I didn’t want to be immortalized as Capri Sun if I was going to be going through genetic changes, for crying out loud! I’d take King Midas’ golden touch any day! Weak, Capri Sun. Bonus points for your collapsible pouches, though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM7YBrqA160

I’m not sure that will work, I’m not tech savvy, but you can try it. Haven’t I already given you people enough??!?!?! Kidding…

What were your names on the Oregon Trail? Do you remember the flash-in-the-pan O-town? Did you own some regrettable Hypercolor (or adore it)?

Meri

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Road Trippin’

Hi All,

It was a pretty fun weekend on our end. We took a little day trip to a few special Minnesota sites, and I thought I’d share some photo montages…

First up- Taylor’s Falls on the MN/WI border. We parked along the “main”street (free parking… score one already!) called Bench Street and had a quick picnic lunch (available picnic table… score two). From there, we went down to the St. Croix River and took the glacial pothole tour (walked behind the girl scouts so we could glean the information, that is). We climbed down into one of the potholes and looked over at kayakers in the rapids under the covered bridge. Later, we found a fuzzy wuzzy caterpillar that looked like a pipe cleaner. When I ran out of steam we headed back up to town for another quick picnic on a park bench, people watching. After observing a tiny chickadee and some pretty wildflowers, we headed on our way.

Next up- Franconia Sculpture Park (a few miles down the road). This place is so right up my alley. Between the tower made of stereo systems, the hut made out of bottles and rope/ twine, the Dr. Seussian colorful childrens’ playground, the giant ant (not pictured) and more, I could have spent all day here. This free (donation based) space is perfect for a picnic, a party, or other gatherings. Kids were busy hammering and welding at a program in the background. Even the bathroom was decorated with arts (like the bumper sticker saying, “Arts: Keeping Minnesota Cool so you can Stand the Cold!”)

Right on!

What kind of outings do you have planned for this summer? Do you like wacky modern art?

Meri

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Iron Woman

In the past month or two, I’ve undergone a rather obnoxious amount of medical testing, poking, prodding, etc.

In the end, much is inconclusive save the fact that I seem to be low in iron. My doctor prescribed me iron supplements. I have very mixed feelings about this. While I do take a multivitamin and a B vitamin already, I’m not crazy about getting too many minerals from supplement form. I’ve heard nasty side effects (constipation, toxicity) about iron supplements, and thought first I’d perhaps check my diet and see if I could do some tweaks on my end without having to resort to supplements.

I’ve led a vegetarian lifestyle since I was a wee toddler. Some years have been heavier on the animal products, but never the red meat or shellfish which seem to be so high in that elusive iron. After some research, though, I’ve found some good sources of edible iron.

Veggie/Fruit sources:

  • spinach (36% DV in one cup, cooked)
  • palm hearts (one of my favorite veggies!) (25% DV in one cup)
  • dried apricots, raisins, currants (20-40% DV in one cup)
  • swiss chard (22% DV in one cup, chopped)
  • asparagus (2% DV in ONE SPEAR)
  • also: dandelion greens, leeks, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes…

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from this alone, it seems I could be doing pretty well after one big chopped salad, or a side of veggies with some lentils (see below). But don’t worry, I’m not done yet… what about:

Other vegetarian sources:

  • edamame (49% DV per cup)
  • lentils (37% DV per cup)
  • various types of beans (20-30% DV per cup)
  • pumpkin/squash seeds (roasted)- 115% DV per cup
  • sesame seeds (23% DV per oz)
  • sunflower seeds (41% DV per cup)
  • whole grain bread or oatmeal

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Next up, a little less natural…

Dietary supplements

  • Iron Girl bars (40% DV per bar)
  • Luna bars (30% DV per bar) and luna minis (10%)
  • Pria 110 bars (20% DV per snack bar)
  • fortified cereals (varying, but Cheerios- a personal favorite- have 45% DV per cup)

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Other…

  • Dried herbs (this was a major surprise for me!) Below is per tablespoon of dried herb: dried thyme (21% DV), dried parsley (11% DV), dried spearmint (10%), dried: black pepper, marjoram, cumin, dill, oregano, bay leaf, coriander, basil, turmeric, anise seed, fenugreek seed, terragon, chervil, rosemary (all 5% DV per tbsp of dried herb)
  • chocolate/ cocoa powder (10% DV in one tbsp of cocoa powder)
  • molasses (5% per tbsp)

Of course, there are the obvious meat and fish sources: liver, clams, oysters, mussels, beef, turkey, caviar), but I’m not really  “there” yet. I might even go supplement before I start eating meat or fish to get my iron. Never say never, though! I have once tried mussels, and they were okay.

The moral of today’s story: I’m not ready for supplements quite yet. I’m still in research phase/ cynicism about iron supplements. I’m feeling optimistic that in no time at all, I’ll look and feel like this:

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Do you take vitamin/ mineral supplements? When it comes to deficiencies, do you go the food or supplement route? How do you pack iron into your diet?

Meri

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Remember This? episode 6

There are many things that can cheer me up after a long Monday at work, (and over 96 degrees of heat), but the one that comes to mind for the blog is…

Remember this! Episode 6, that is. Without further ado:

  • Step by Step: Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy making creepy parental innuendos; Cody the weird cousin (or something) who lived in his van in the garage… and of course stupid older sister Karen, genius brother Mark, tomboy Al, and sarcastic Dana. There was also creepy JT and some younger brother who wasn’t in enough story lines to warrant me remembering his name… Of course, the best part was the amusement park opening theme and credits.

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  • Rainbow Drinks: These foil topped, disgustingly artificially flavored and colored sugar waters were sold in bulk at the grocery store. My mom was smart enough to pretty much never buy them for us, which meant that the only time I got them was at school. These days I’m very grateful that it was an occasional thing, as I cringe at the chemicals probably involved…

  • Y-necklaces: Sometime in between baby doll dresses, flannel shirts tied around the waist, and little daisy barrettes and clips, this style of necklace came into fashion. I have to say I still think they are pretty cool, but harder to find these days. Perhaps a DIY is in order?
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  • Duck Hunt: Okay, I think we’ve all spent too many hours with the orange an gray gun pointed at the TV, trying to shoot the ducks both in the sky and illegally. I can still hear the sound effects and smell the cheetoh dust in the air, down in my parents basement, age 8…  
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  • The Macarena: I’d have to be in serious denial to think there is a single person in the western world (and beyond) unaware of the song and dance sensation, “The Macarena.” Right hand, left hand, turn it over, turn it over, behind the head, across the legs, on the butt… “heeey, macarena.” And weddings haven’t been the same since then. 
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So tell me… do you proudly dance the macarena at weddings and bar mitzvahs? Do you still rock a Y-necklace like Karen on Step by Step? Do you stay awake at night playing Duck Hunt, fueled by a rainbow drink sugar high?

Meri

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How to “Bastille” a Million

Today is Bastille Day, (otherwise known as French National Day or “La Fete Nationale,” and while I won’t be celebrating until tomorrow (an excuse to eat baguette with brie and proclaim, “mais oui” and “oh la la”), I thought that today I’d pay homage to some of my favorite french things:

Madeline, cafe au lait, berets, Champagne, quiche macarons…

but wait, it might be more fun to pay tribute to some famous french people! Here’s a short list:

  • Coco Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Christian Dior (fashion designers)
  • Brigitte Bardot, Marion Cotillard, Juliette Binoche, Catherine Deneuve, Olivier Martinez, Audrey Tautou , Michael Vartan (actors)
  • Gustave Eiffel (architect)
  • Gustave Flaubert, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola (writers)
  • Degas, Manet, Monet, Matisse, Pisarro, Gericault, Delacroix, Corot, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cezanne, Rodin, Gauguin, Seurat, Braque, Duchamp (artists)
  • Auguste Escoffier (chef)
  • Debussy, Bizet (composers)
  • Air, Manu Chao, Barbara, Edith Piaf, Daft Punk
  • Marie Curie (physicist)

Do you have any French heritage? What are your favorite French things or people?

Meri

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Remember when…

No no, I didn’t change the name of my other nostalgic feature, “Remember this?”… rather, tonight I wanted to reflect on current TV stars who used to be memorable in totally different TV or movie glory. This came about when I saw a promo for a show called, “LA Complex” on the CW, and thought one of the actresses looked familiar:

now

turns out, she used to be Becca on Flash Forward, a cheesy tween Disney dramedy. Behold:

then

I was so satisfied that I figured out what she was from, that I started to think of other actors, and “remembered when” they were on something way back when. Here’s more:

Remember when…

  • Rachel Bilson (now Zoe on Hart of Dixie) was Summer on the O.C?
  • Mark Paul Gosselaar (now on Franklin and Bash) was “Preppy” (aka Zack Morris) on Saved by the Bell?
  • Ryan Gosling (major international film heartthrob) was a meganerd on Breaker High, the show about a high school on a cruise boat?
  • Jennifer Love Hewitt (now on the Client List on Lifetime) was perky Sarah on Party of Five?
  • Zooey Deschenal (New Girl) was the older sister on Almost Famous?
  • Holly Marie Combs (Aria’s mom on Pretty Little Liars) was Piper on Charmed?
  • Keenan Thompson (SNL) was on Nickelodeon’s All That?

Who else can you remember from something way back when, before they were adults or famous?

Meri

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