Happy Hours!

You know my father raised me to love great food and great deals. I especially love when restaurants have amazing Happy Hour food deals, especially with the economy as is.

One of my friends told me awhile ago about the unbeatable deals at McCormick and Schmick's. What I love about this deal is that it's technically a chain restaurant, so you can find them anywhere. But it's also upscale enough that most people don't notice it's a chain.

Below is a sampling of their 'Happy Hour' menu - not all items are offered every day but they are offered. I was blown away by it!

$1.95
Hummus, Cucumbers and Grilled Pita
Shrimp Ceviche In Citrus Marinade
Blackened Chicken Sandwich Cheddar Cheese and French Fries
Tomato Bruschetta Balsamic Glaze and Basil

$2.95
Classic Cheeseburger with Fries

$3.95
Fried Cod Sandwich Cheddar, Cole Slaw and Fries
Ahi Tuna Roll Shoyu Dipping Sauce
Salmon Cakes Lemon Butter, Apples and Leeks
Calamari Trio of Dipping Sauces
Potato Skins Cheddar, Sour Cream and Crispy Bacon

$4.95
Jambalaya Cajun Red Hot Sausage and Rice
Fish Tacos Salsa Fresca and Sour Cream
Kobe Beef Sliders Cheddar and Caramelized Onions
Fried Shrimp Cocktail Sauce and French Fries
Chicken & Sausage Etouffe Simmered in Nut Brown Sauce with Rice
Peel 'n Eat Shrimp Butter & Old Bay

Basilica Block Party

One of my favorite events has just gotten even sweeter for University of St. Thomas alumnae. Purchase your tickets before June 30th and get $5 off per night! Check out the line up for the concert here! Enter the code stthomas during checkout at Ticketmaster.

The Great Debate

There are a great many things that I have 'great debates' about, usually with myself. Errr...yeah. But the topic of interest that I would like to discuss right now is the whole theory of this LOVE bs.

I say love bs because there seems to be so many rules for finding it, keeping it, etc. I'll start with a recent example of something that has made me think. An old friend of mine whom I do not keep in touch with other than on occasion I see his facebook status update. A few weeks ago he posted "Men give love for sex and women give sex for love." This very thought made me think, using his logic sex is a bargaining chip. Wondering about this very thought I 'tweeted' "Men give love for sex and women give sex for love so if you give the sex before the love will you ever get it?" A friend replied back that they believed that you can have sex with someone before being in love and still end up in love. I feel like this is a valid thought, but ultimately just made me wonder about love and sex in general.

There are people out there having one night stands knowing sex is the only thing going to happen, no emotion, no feelings, they both know it. Then there are people who are in complicated situations not knowing if it will ever turn into more, sex or love. It seems there are a lot of people who are in love and not having sex and even more people who are having sex without being in love. My question is this, are sex and love completely separate entities?

We used to believe you couldn't have one without the other, that one makes the other better, etc. But it is possible to love someone and not have sex with them, and it is possible for sex to occur with no inkling of love anywhere. I highly doubt those going around having promiscuous sex would say that it's any less amazing than those who are in love. And I am sure there are people who are in love and wouldn't say their sex life is any more amazing than when they were single and screwing around.

And for all of you who are having sex, regardless of whether you've been married 10 years or are just having a one night hook up, make sure to get tested. HIV cases are higher in Minnesota than most places right now. No reason to get an STD. Be safe, or as my friend puts it, "Don't be silly wrap your willy" - Brittany E.

The LEAD Project & The YMCA

The YMCA of Greater Minneapolis is seeking a group of young professionals to join the YMCA Ops Board as it grows into its second year. The mission of the Ops Board is to support the YMCA mission of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. In the first year, the Ops Board tackled five (5) challenging projects with remarkable results. The YMCA is thrilled!

The Ops Board is essentially a volunteer consulting service for theYMCA of Greater Minneapolis. The Ops Board is made up of young professionals who want to impact a great organization, work and network with peers and go beyond the traditional model of volunteering. This is an opportunity to engage in skills-based volunteering to support a great Minnesota institution.

The LEAD Project has been tapped by the YMCA to attract new members to add to the Ops Board members who have chosen to stay on for a second year. LEAD is currently taking applications to fill sixteen (16)positions (four positions per project). Each Ops Board initiative for the YMCA will be executed as a volunteer consulting engagement and is expected to require approximately 8 hours per month for 6-12 months. You and your fellow team members will work independently to achieve the desired goals. You will also be asked to join quarterly Ops Board meetings (and the occasional happy hour) and the Ops Board annual meeting.

To learn more and to begin your application, please complete the short web based application (see link below) and send your resume to YMCA@theleadproject.org by Friday, May 8th. A select number ofapplicants will be invited to interview with the YMCA Ops Board managers. Final decisions will be made by May 22nd, 2009.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RPuw1P8xggBL41MdEXe9xQ_3d_3d

Favorite New Websites

Everyone who thought the FML website was funny, here's something that is even better. The Texts From Last Night website. Real conversations that took place. Some of them are just wow. I'll admit it, my life lacks that certain level of drunken debauchery. So I live vicariously through other people. It's better for me, my wallet, and more importantly, my liver. Hope you enjoy both sites! And for a fun blog to check out, read this one!

1950's Pizza

Well not the style, but definitely the price! The guys over at Punch Pizza have been stimulating our wallets and our stomachs. With free upgrades on cheese, buy one get one frees, free pizzas given to peole with student ids, because of the bad weather, holidays and just because. This just makes my favorite pizza place even better! $12+ pizzas for $3.00! Offer lasts until THIS Thursday! You better believe I'll be going tonight for dinner!!!

Swine Flu

I recently traveled to San Antonio. Apparently those in San Antonio have come into contact with the Swine Flu. I have little knowledge of what this disease is, however, I do know I have had flu like symptoms and have enjoyed spending time with the elderly and the young, often coughing and sneezing on them while we hang out. I have even prepared large amounts of food for sleep deprived college students everywhere.

In all seriousness, I did travel to San Antonio. I heard about this swine flu today, and noticed San Diego was on the list of possible contaminated cities. I have to state the obvious, Shamu is obviously a carrier of said disease. Next thing you know Orlando is going to have cases of the swine flu as well. The common factor? Sea World. I know that others are going to believe that Mexico is the common link, but get serious people. All those dolphins giving rides to tourists in Mexico are Shamu's cousins. It's a world wide Shamu & Flipper conspiracy.

I just hope that the hype over the Swine Flu is not too big and not too little. I don't want to hear about Swine Flu if it's just going to be like the bird flu and disappoint. But I also don't want a sneak attack from the Swine Flu and end up dead because I didn't know enough about it.

Swine Influenza A (H1N1)
On April 17, 2009 the CDC and the California Department of Health identified two human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus in San Diego county California. Since then four new cases have been identified in San Diego and Imperial counties and an additional two cases in San Antonio Texas, for a total of eight cases of swine influenza in the US. None of the cases have recent contact with swine and there has been no link established between the cases except for one father and daughter. In addition, the same strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) has been identified by CDC from patients who are part of an ongoing outbreak of acute respiratory illness in central Mexico. A number of deaths have been reported from this outbreak.
Genetic characterization of these viruses shows that this is a novel virus not previously seen in swine or humans in the United States. A large proportion of the population might be susceptible to infection with these viruses, and the seasonal influenza vaccine H1N1 strain is thought to be unlikely to provide protection.
Reporting and Testing Guidelines
Testing for swine infuenza A (H1N1) is recommended for a patient who:

hhas febrile respiratory illness AND
htraveled in the 7 days preceding their illness to:
· San Diego area, OR
· San Antonio area, Texas, OR
· Mexico, OR
hwere in contact with persons with febrile respiratory illness who were in these locations
When suspected cases of swine influenza A H1N1 are identified, the following actions should be taken:
Patients should be placed in single room (if available) and wear a mask if moved to another part of the facility.
Patients should promptly be reported to the state (303-692-2700 / after-hours: 303-370-9395) or local health department.
Specimens should be collected for influenza PCR testing at the state laboratory (regardless of influenza test results obtained by the hospital or clinical facility).
Guidance on Specimen Collection:
obtain a nasopharyngeal swab or nasal wash from the patient
place the swab in a viral transport medium; place the nasal wash in a sterile container
refrigerate the specimen until transport to the state laboratory
Infection Control (for hospitalized patients with suspected swine influenza)
Standard, Droplet and Contact precautions for 7 days after illness onset (or symptoms resolved)
Wear N95 respirators when entering the patient room
Use an airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure, if available, otherwise use a single patient room with the door kept closed
For suctioning, bronchoscopy, or intubation, use a procedure room with negative pressure air handling
Recommended PPE for personnel providing direct patient care include: disposable gown, gloves, goggles, N95 respirator

Antivral Treatment
Antiviral treatment for confirmed or suspected ill cases of swine influenza virus infection may include either oseltamivir or zanamivir. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after onset of symptoms.

More Information About Swine Influenza
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm

NOTE: this information will be updated as more guidance becomes available from CDC.

When Will It Stop?

Friday I woke up and could not have been in a better mood. The sun was shining, I slept well, and it was Friday. I got to work and started my daily ritual of checking the news to see where the market was at and happened to notice this article on CNN.

What I read was not just the failure of this school district, but the American people as well. We live in a divided country, and anyone who tries to deny it just lying to themselves. Alive and well are many people who believe in racism, hate homosexuals, don't believe women deserve equal rights. And the less extreme version is half of Americans identify themselves as Republicans and the other half as Democrats (or at least vote that way). The problem with the last part? There are many people who are spewing hatred at each other. And our children are seeing this hateful behavior and viewing it as perfectly acceptable.

There are a good many people, both liberal and conservative who are spewing some sort of racism. Whether it's anti-black, anti-white, anti-Arabic, anti-Asian, or anti-Latino, there is always some sort of mean spirited thing being said. We live in a world where people who know me feel it is perfectly acceptable to spit out every single Asian joke at me. They hurl their jokes, insults, statements, and even propaganda at me. And then if I don't respond in a jolly way they act like I have an attitude problem. And these people are supposed to be my friends? If this kind of hatred and hurtful behavior is happening between groups of people that actually like each other, how much worse is it from people who don't care about each other? How much more harmful is it to an individual who has no friends, or the hateful words are coming from people who truly do hate them?

I think it's funny that a nation so proud of its melting pot and its "Christian" values lets so many get bullied, tortured, and attacked, verbally, emotionally, and physically. Before you say a negative thing about someone else's lifestyle remember this "Let he without sin cast the first stone." Are you completely without sin? Then worry about yourself and stop spewing hatred towards anyone else.

I often worry about my nephew growing up in this time of despair, of tolerated hatred, and wonder what he will be like when he grows up. Even if his parents (and I'm sure they will) do everything in their power to be positive influences on him, it's not as if he's living in a bubble. He interacts with people, meets people, and not all of these people will be good people. I hope that I get to live to see the day where children are not committing suicide because they feel like they are in a hopeless state of existence. Because to me, America is a place where there can be troubled times, and there can be hard times, but there should never be a time when children do not feel safe and able to be themselves. It is not as eloquent as Dr. King, but that's my dream.

Home Spa

It's almost Spring time and that most definitely means it's time to bring out the flip flops and bermuda shorts. If you're anything like me, spending money on a tanning package A) was not in your budget, B) is bad for your skin, C) required you to leave the house in the dark, cold months of Minnesota winter or D) All of the above.

So I am going to plug the only sunless tanner I use because it has helped me get my legs in summer shape without ever seeing the light of day. It's called Made in the Shade and it's by Arbon. I have had mine for quite some time and had used it only on my face once in awhile (don't use more than once every three days to avoid the orange fator.)

And now for the very cheap beauty section of this blog - homemade pedicures, facials, body scrubs, etc. If you can't bring yourself to spend $30 every two weeks on a pedicure (although a nice splurge once in awhile always feels amazing) there are many at home, cheap, fast and easy ways to give yourself a mini-spa day.

Pedicure:

Trick # 1 - Dead skin remover. Use a lime or lemon to get rid of dead skin cells. Tried and true, I used this for the first time last week and was amazed at the result. I literally squeezed the juice onto my feet and the skin peels right off. Sounds gross but your feet are left feeling really soft.

Trick # 2 - Sugar scrub. There are four similar versions of this - sugar and lotion, sugar and baby oil, sugar and vitamin e oil, and sugar and olive oil. Use whichever you prefer, I usually use what is just laying around the house, sugar and lotion. I also use as a body scrub and on my hands.

Trick # 3 - Foot bath. Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, baby oil or vitamin e oil with one cup of milk, and two cups of water. Heat on stove until warm. Once warmed put into a big container to fit both feet and let feet soak. Your feet will come out feeling softer than a baby's bottom!

Trick # 4 - Relaxing skin smoothie. Take one cup of milk and put in blender with a full cucumber (it's recommended to chop the cucumber up into smaller pieces before blending) Once blended smoothe the mixture over your feet and legs. The milk will make your legs look dewey and the cucumber reduces puffiness, swelling, etc.

Trick # 5 - Lock in the moisturizer. Step one, bring water to an almost boil. Step two, pour water into a container and put wash rags in the container. Step three, slather on a TON of lotion. Step four, wrap feet in saran wrap, very tightly. Step five, put hot, wet wash rags all over the saran wrap to steam lock the moisturizer in. After about fifteen minutes (switch out wash rags for a hot one when needed) remove the rags, throw away the saran wrap and rub in the lotion.

Homemade facial: Take honey and brown sugar and mix together. Put mixture onto face. When it starts to harden, take a warm wash cloth and in circular motions rub the mixture off of your face.

Make sure to use SPF on skin this summer, that beauty tip will help you today, tomorrow and fifty years from now when you don't look like a leather bag!

Where'd You Grow Up? A Barn?

Manners are a funny thing aren't they? When I was growing up my favorite phrase my mother would say was "Don't do that, what if you accidentally do it on a date?" It was just so much easier to do it my way instead of the 'proper' way. Now that I'm out in the 'real world' I find that not everyone's mothers told them to behave, and I'm wishing they would have.

Pet Peeve # 1 - "No offense" at the end doesn't make it less offensive. If you have to say this, chances are you know that what you are saying is offensive, rude, and lacks class. The reason you say 'no offense' at the end is because you're saying something b*&$%y and you don't want to take responsibility for what you are saying. If you have the nerve to say what you are going to say, say it. Often times it's not even offensive until you add 'no offense' at the end, trying to negate all responsibility for the statement just made.

Pet Peeve # 2 - People who cut you off mid-sentence. We've all been super excited and wanted to say something, or have been talking to someone who won't let you get a word in edgewise However, there is no excuse for not waiting your turn. I know I hate when people interrupt me mid sentence, so sometimes I make an exception to this rule and interrupt them just for fun. Then I remember I don't want to be a hypocrite, so I stop.

Amendment to # 2 - If you are a constant conversation hog, then you deserved to get cut off mid sentence. It is just as rude to dominate an entire conversation as it is to cut people off. No one wants to hear your soliloquy. But thanks.

Pet Peeve # 3 - Super hardcore Republicans and super hardcore Democrats. For whatever reason people who are way to the right or way to the left think that they are the only ones with an opinion that matters. So in fact, the way left and way right share something in common, they're both out of touch, out of reality, and believe themselves to be correct. Wow, there finally may be a common ground for politics.

Pet Peeve # 4 - Hardcore but very judgmental Christians. I have nothing against people who decide Christ is their thing. I am spiritual but not religious. What I do have a problem with is people saying that "you're going to hell" when in fact their very own bible tells them (repeatedly mind you) not to judge others, and that they have no authority in this matter. What makes it okay for you to be judgmental when the very religion you're preaching is all about tolerance and love and forgiveness? Sound a little ironic and/or hypocritical to you? Me too, and I think hypocrisy is quite possibly the rudest thing out there.

And to end my rant about manners, the least polite thing to do? Tell someone they have no manners. If you've noticed so has everyone else, there is no need to ridicule or hurt their feelings. They'll get it eventually. Plus, everyone has a mother already and no one wants you to be theirs. Especially if you're not older than them (it's more insulting I think at least.)

Yay For Earth Day

What is it about Earth Day that gets some people's blood boiling? For my part, I know many democrats and moderates who fully appreciate Earth Day. I also know many, many Republicans who are anti-Earth Day. What is making this happen? As far as I know the same Republicans who are hating on Earth Day are also recycling, cutting energy costs, etc. What is it about the title that makes so many people so hostile?

Exhibit 1: The debate over "Greenhouse Gas Effect". Here's the thing, unless you're a scientist studying the effects you probably don't know exactly if there are or are not Greenhouse Gas Effects that are causing the polar caps to melt, etc. etc. And even if you are a scientist working on this case, you probably know the competing argument that this has happened before. However, as we all (should) know our history, those around at the time are now extinct. So lesson to be learned? We are still up in the air about GGE (I'm lazy and my argument is I'm using the computer less if I abbreviated therefore using less energy, see?) but emitting pollution, littering, etc. are not good for the Earth, we just aren't sure how awful it is yet. So recycle, turn off the lights when you leave, and try carpooling every once in awhile. Most of these things don't cost money (some even save you some cash) and even if 50 years later we find out we were not creating GGE, cutting your energy usage down probably didn't hurt you that much. So turn the water off while you brush your teeth, turn off that light, unplug that toaster while at work, and recycle all those plastic bottles. Chances are, you'll end up saving yourself money, and that's a Green effect we all can enjoy.

Exhibit 2: Being energy & money conscience is not Republican nor is it Democrat, it's just plain intelligent. And if you refuse to do something that will ultimately save you money with little effort you are the only one losing out. Politics aside, there is no reason for you not to care for your home, and the Earth is your home. Now if there is a financial incentive to get you to care for your home (lower electric and water bills) then what's stopping you other than politics?

This has been my rant on how silly people can be. I hope everyone remembers we only have one Earth, one planet, and once it's done, we're done. Now go save some dollars and turn off your computer!

Google Does It Again

Just when I think Google can't get any cooler, they invent 1.800.GOOG.411 (1.800.466.4411) a free 411 service via phone or text. And if you're just prefer to text, text whatever question you have (names of restaurants, driving directions, sporting events results, etc.) to 466453 (aka GOOGLE). Service is free from Google but your phone company may charge you....

San Antonio Bar Crawl Parts 1 & 2 2009

I'm no expert when it comes to bars in San Antonio, however, if you're going to visit there anytime soon, I'd love to give you some advice on where to go and where to avoid. Where there is cover, and how to avoid it.

San Antonio Bar Crawl 2009

The first stop on the list was Pat O'Brien's. He apparently invented the hurricane, and we paid the $5 (cash only) cover to get in. If you want to avoid that get there early as it is also a restaurant. We went on Wednesday night, so it was a $3 you call it. Patron? $3. Hurricane (HUGE) $4. The best part about this bar is that it's versatile. There was a piano lounge inside, a regular bar as well, a club type thing upstairs, and the coolest patio you've seen. The patio had a water fountain that had huge flames coming out of it. It kept you warm, but not too warm. And there was music playing, don't remember if it was life, but there was a microphone out there so I'm gonna assume it was.

The next stop was right next door at The Basement. The Basement was an interesting bar to say the least. Half of the bar was regular, typical bar. Darts, billards (or pool as the rest of us call it), just chill. Step into the other room and there is another bar, black lights everywhere, a dj mixing music and people dancing everywhere. It's great if half of your group wants to chill and the other half wants to dance like they're at a rage. They also have $3 you call it Wednesday nights.

Leapin' Lizards was our last stop on our pint sized bar crawl (hey be fair, we only had an hour and a half!) And it was a sight to be seen. There is an upstairs, but I'm pretty sure it's only a bathroom (which were interesting to say the least) and if that's not enough the people we met there were quite entertaining. There were 5 cop cars and a bunch of bicycle cops standing outside, so my guess is it's a place where the rowdy come to get even more rowdy.

Every place we went to in San Antonio we heard about 'Howl At The Moon'. The bus driver told us, the rowdy parent aged group behind us dinner were talking about how they got kicked out, and Lizzy's godmother told us we HAD to go there. We got free cover from Darryl at Rio Rio Cantina on the River Walk. However, Lizzy was going to get free cover for wearing her ridiculously big, fun colored sombrero. Once we were in there, it was a Shout House w/a nice big patio. The windows were opened, they had contests as to who could find the cheesiest song from the 80's for free shots for their group of friends. A mother did the hokey pokey with a kid my age and kind of molested him w/his clothes on. It was awkward, but in that really great sense of awkward, where you shake your head in embarrassment but can't look away. I'd definitely go back to this place above all others. Cover was also $5 but you can get $2 off if you are in the military.

San Antonio Food Tour 2009

I have been neglecting my blog, my dog, my household cleaning responsibilities, my packing, etc. I come back from vacation to find that I found a way around the loophole of work blocking me from blogging at work!

So first things first, I still have yet to discuss with you the Smiley Face Killers, and plan on doing so over the weekend, it requires a lot of depth, insight, and referencing. Unfortunately I am doing projects at work, on hold on the phone, and typing all at the same time!

I decided to visit San Antonio to partake in a friend's wedding weekend. For those of you who have not visited San Antonio, TX before, I would highly recommend it. Not only was it green, gorgeous, and touristy, it also had some great places to eat at! I was in heaven with all the TexMex. Growing up in Colorado & having amazing Mexican food to grow up on made me very happy. Then I uprooted and moved to Minnesota for college. While I love it here, I have yet to find Mexican food as good as it is in Colorado.

Texas proved the closer to the border you are, the better the Mexican food (so would Minnesota have really good Canadian cuisine? And even more important, what is Mexican cuisine?!?) There were probably three meals I had that did not consist of some sort of TexMex. I tried different places and compared the salsa, guacamole, flautas, etc. For the best flautas go to Mi Tierra. Best salsa? I'd say go to Zuni's Grill. Want the tastiest guac in San Antonio? Try Bordeau's, they make it table side. It was unique, tasty, and a show in itself.

Just for good measure I've included the recipe so you can have a bit of San Antonio no matter where you are.

1 Avocado - if ripe you should be able to take the pit out with the knife.

1/4 of a Orange - squeeze in the juice

1/2 of a Lime - squeeze in the juice

1 Tablespoon of chopped red onions (orange 'juice' lessens its sourness)

1 Teaspoon Kosher Sea Salt

2 Tablespoons of stewed tomatos (theirs had been marinated a certain way)

Let me know what you think!

Some People...

Don't know if you read my post on the Countess in need of $53,000 a week, but if you didn't, and you'd like to see her 'expense list' here you go. Turns out the judge awarded her ridiculous claim and gave her the $200,000 plus a month. That's more than people's homes she is getting a month. Can anybody say selfish?

LEAD Project

For those of you who are not familiar with the LEAD Project, it is a group of young leaders who are cultivating leadership skills in other young, urban professionals.

LEAD News and Updates

Thank you to those who attended the sold-out Board Boot Camp event in February. LEAD will be hosting 7 more Boot Camp events over the coming year - including two in April. These unique training events sell out fast, so be sure to mark your calendar and purchase tickets as soon as they are available.

Tickets are currently on sale for events on April 15th and April 22nd. Tickets for all other events will be available two weeks prior to the event.

2009 Board Boot Camp Schedule
All Board Boot Camp events begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Club.

• Wed. April 15th - Board Member Connect (This session is designed for young professionals who sit or have sat on nonprofit boards. MAP for Nonprofits will facilitate a discussion regarding the benefits and challenges of sitting on a board as a young professional. This is a great opportunity to network with peers and share your own experiences.)
Purchase tickets today!

• Wed. Apr. 22nd - Board Boot Camp: The Basics and Beyond Purchase Tickets Today!

• Wed. May 27th - Board Member Connect

• Wed. Aug. 26th - Board Boot Camp: The Basics and Beyond

• Wed. Sept. 23rd – Board Member Connect

• Wed. Oct. 28th - Board Boot Camp: The Basics and Beyond

• Wed. Nov 18th - Board Member Connect

Stayed Tuned

LEAD will be announcing a unique spring volunteer and fundraising event - stay tuned for details!

For more information please email info@theleadproject.org

311

No, I'm not talking about the band. In Minneapolis if you have any complaints, concerns, to apply for permits, or need to report something there's a great resource called 311. Check out their website to see if they can help you out in any way.

I know I'm excited to move to Minneapolis knowing I have this great resource at hand. Does that make me a dork? I don't even care I'm so excited.....

Google To End Microsoft Monopoly?

For some reason when I was purchasing a computer I decided to NOT get the Microsoft package. I have Microsoft word but was previously unable to use Excel Spreadsheets or Powerpoint. Enter my friend Lindsey. She tells me that with my gmail account, I am actually able to access a calendar, Excel, and Powerpoint. What's even better? Well I am able to share these documents with whomever I want, without using space to send the documents.

Create a slideshow and can't burn the project onto a dvd or cd? No problem, just share it with your friends via gmail and google. Have a spreadsheet and need your sister to look over it, improve it, etc but she doesn't have Excel? She doesn't need it with Google docs.

It's quite possibly the coolest thing ever. Ever forget what your friends are doing or your family is doing? Well with google calendar they can share specific events with you. Let you know if they will be out of town, if your mom's birthday is coming up, or if your cousin has a huge baseball game they're playing in.

With technology, more specifically with Google streamlining our technology, life can sometimes be a little easier. And if you don't have a gmail account, get on it by checking them out here.

Colorado: Least Obese

For the second year in a row Colorado is the state with the fewest percentage of obese people. Oklahoma is the state with the highest percentage of obese people for the third year in a row.

Maybe I can blame my weight gain on leaving Colorado....I mean, with the weather so nice ALL the time it is always easier to stay active.

And the possibility to wear shorts, t-shirts and other summery clothing all year long does encourage one to stay in shape. However, the second I utter the words, the reason I gained weight was because I left Colorado, I will hear my mother say "Well then you should move back, live at home, and find a husband." With my mother, you win none, you lose all.....

Want to check out how your state fared? Check it out!!

Prayers For Dan Zamlen

University of St. Thomas Freshman Dan Zamlen went missing early Sunday morning when walking home drunk from a party.

The search started Monday and is still continuing at present moment. Dan was last seen at Fairview and Mississippi River Boulevard in Saint Paul, MN.

Dan is a type one diabetic and hails from the Iron Range or Great Northern area of Minnesota. Detectives and dogs found Dan's scent near the bluffs, no word on his recovery yet.

Check back later for my look into the mysterious 'drownings' of Midwestern, athletic, intelligent college men. Let's hope and pray for Dan and his family's sake that he is not a victim of the Smiley Face killings.

PSA For SPF

My friend's Dad is a facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon. Last year he was President for the Board of Facial Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery. I've often asked him how I can get rid of x or improve y and he is surprisingly a no short cuts kind of guy.

Wanna cure puffy eyes? Sleep more. Lose weight? Eat healthier and exercise more. How about avoid looking old without plastic surgery? Simple. Stop damaging your skin.

Whether you are fair skinned like my mother, have olive skin like myself, or are dark you are potentially damaging your skin. The point of whether or not you burn when out in the sun is not the only skin damage you can do. While it's important for my mother to wear sun screen (in her everyday moisturizers as well as specific SPF products for prolonged exposure outdoors), it's just as important for me to do so.

My favorite thing about old ladies with plastic surgery are their necks. Their face looks AmAzInG. Their neck, not so much. That's because there are no seems, no hair lines, no where to hide a neck lift. You neck, chest, are often neglected when it comes to sun protection. And they are the areas that show your age the most.

So this is me giving you a cheap piece of advice. Avoid pricey lotions and plastic surgery later by protecting your skin today. And remember, no matter the skin tone, skin damage can occur causing wrinkles and premature old age.

*One should also avoid smoking, alcohol, and lack of sleep, water or nutrients.

MN Spring Fashion Week

Join the fashion-forward ladies of l'etoile magazine and Secrets of the City for an evening of networking and cocktailing at the Eitel Building's gorgeous Sky Park and Sky Club. Meet and mingle with style-minded locals and fashion professionals from the Fashion Group International and the local scene while enjoying complimentary apps from Joe's Garage and sips from Sacre Bleu wine and Crispin on Ice. Enter to win fabulous prizes and compare notes on the Twin Cities fashion scene with those in the know!

Wednesday April 22, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. / Free

Eitel Building City Apartments
1367 Willow Street
Minneapolis 55403

Sponsored by: l'etoile magazine, Secrets of the City, Village Green, Joe's Garage, Sacre Bleu Wine, & Crispin on Ice.

Manicure & A Martini

What's better than a Happy Hour and a manicure? Hmmm, maybe a pedicure, but that requires too much equipment......

The ladies in marketing and promotions at the Hotel Minneapolis agree, drinks and manicures are the perfect fit. With most manicures costing $18 these days anyways, might as well get a drink to take the edge off the day AND some tasy food to absorb it.

Just think - gossip, girls, drinking and spa treatment all available at the Hotel Minneapolis every second Thursday of the month from 5 pm - 8 pm in the LB.

Stay the night for $99 with the Spring special. Extended Happy Hour, drink specials and hors d'oeuvres.

Make sure to reserve your spot at kao.yongvang@hilton.com.

We're going to try it in May, will you be joining us?

Shelter Dogs

Today my friend came over with ice cream, salsa and People. It may see like a weird combination at first, but we were having enchiladas and chips. We needed salsa and dessert.

She brought the People on her own accord and reading a story inside of it broke my heart. It seems with job loss on the rise more and more families are having to let go of their pets. These families have cut back on cable, internet and phone service, but the lack of funds have prevented them from being able to keep a member of their family.

Reading the story broke my heart, I could never imagine giving up my pooch. I would eat less just to keep her, and at times when I was trying to figure out my budget and struggling each week to make myself become more responsible, I often did have smaller portions or eat things I didn't like to be able to afford her organic food. Why organic you might say? Well at 17lbs every ounce counts, and Chanel isn't able to keep her weight on with non-organic food. She literally loses up to 3 lbs, and when you are that small, it's very unhealthy and very scary.

The point of this blog is to encourage you to do something. If you are someone looking to add a member to your family, please look at the local shelter first. There are many well-trained loving pets who are dying for a home. And if you aren't in the position to take on a new member of your family but have some extra time on your hands, please look into donating that time to volunteering. Pets need to be played with, loved, and walked.

It's been said that only 5 minutes of petting a dog can lower your blood pressure. Isn't it almost unhealthy not to spend time with an animal?? Check out your local animal shelter for more details on volunteering your time.

Must Find Motivation

I'm training for a 10k in Milwaukee in July. I am finding it difficult to find motivation to want to run for 6+ miles in one sitting. Yesterday was my first day running this year (and second time running since last year's 5k in Milwaukee.) If you are anything like me, you too are probably searching for good workout music to keep you going.

Here's what's on my iPod for working out:
SOS - Rihanna
Boyfriend - Ashlee Simpson
The Way I Are - Timbaland
Hella Good - No Doubt
I'm Shipping Up To Boston - Dropkick Murphys
Everything Is Alright - Motion City Soundtrack
Hot 'N Cold - Katy Perry
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
Toxic - Britney Spears
Poker Face - Lady Gaga
Swing Swing - All American Rejects
Stronger - Kanye West
Mother We Just Can't Get Enough - New Radicals

Got any suggestions for me to run to? Let me know!

The Asian Flush

I catch a lot of flak for not wanting to go out that much anymore but there are two reasons why. Reason number one - I am allergic to alcohol (see article below.) And reason number two, people who are drunk and carefree are super obnoxious to the person who cannot join them. So I am more likely to go out if it does not involved drinking, I just can't handle being around all the drunks without a drink or two, and if drinking increases my odds of cancer, no thank you.

"Immediately after taking a few sips of an alcoholic drink, I have an almost cartoonish reaction. I burn up and turn scarlet - my whole face, forearms and neck.

My response to alcohol is so strong that a martini is enough to make me vomit, and half a bottle of beer makes me ill. Don’t even get me started about wine.

The facial flush, also known as “the Asian glow,” is a fairly common reaction to alcohol amongst East Asians. They turn red, feel nauseated, get swollen and their heartbeats race. I liken the experience to turning into a bright red disco ball. Some people get so embarrassed about this reaction to alcohol, they pop in Pepcid AC, which many people say helps mask the red face.

Researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and Japan’s Kurihama Alcohol Center found that individuals who get the redness after drinking alcohol are at greater risk for developing esophageal cancer.

About eight percent of the world’s population has this genetic condition (Thanks, Mom and Dad), where the body lacks an enzyme that properly breaks down alcohol.

This missing enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 metabolizes alcohol into acetate, which is non-toxic — so the remaining 92 percent of the world can drink with normal facial color.

But when I drink, the alcohol turns into acetaldehyde, which is a chemical that causes DNA damage and has cancer-promoting effects. That causes the facial flush, according to scientists from NIAAA.

Researchers whose work was published this week in PLoS Medicine say that people who have the facial flush and continue to drink are six to 10 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer, compared with someone without the genetic condition who is drinking the same amount.

And esophageal cancer carries a five-year survival rate of 12 to 31 percent.

For Lent, I gave up alcohol and I don’t miss the headaches, redness, or vomiting. So this might become permanent, because I think my body is trying to tell me something." - Madison Park for CNN.

Going Green

With Spring here (finally) thought I would share a few salad recipes with you to get back to being healthy without it being painful. Bathing suit season is just around the corner and every little bit counts.

Light, Crisp Salad

Hearts of Romaine lettuce

Salt & Pepper to taste

Either 6 drops of lemon juice or a slice of lemon squeezed

Olive oil to taste

Add favorite vegetables

Origin – Nadine E.

Italian Style Salad

Italian style lettuce

Cherry tomatoes cut in halves

Semi-crushed walnuts

Croutons

Pepper to taste

Olive oil and Balsamic Vinaigrette to taste

Origin – Jon E.

Summer Salad

Spinach leaves

Sliced Strawberries

Feta Cheese

Semi-crushed Pralines (or sugared walnuts)

Raspberry Vinaigrette

Put each ingredient in separate bowl and allow guests to mix together.

Lunds Byerly’s has the best Raspberry Vinaigrette ($5+) but 2 tablespoons = 45 calories and you won’t use 2 tablespoons, maybe one.

Origin – Ellen B.

Oriental Salad

Spinach Leaves & Romaine Lettuce mix

Mandarin Orange slices

Sliced Almonds

Warmed Sesame Dressing from Macy’s

Origin – Elizabeth F.

Or for the simple folks:

Caprese Salad

1 toothpick

1 Cherry Tomato

1 Basil leaf

1 Mozzarella ball

Repeat.

Not Money Saving But....

I love online shopping for items with free shipping, and I'm willing to bet that you do too. It's not a reduced price, but if you are a Northwest Airlines World Perks member you can get miles for every purchase you make.

Just check out these companies which offer miles for shopping at their site. To access simply go to www.nwa.com and sign in with your world perks frequent flyer number and then go to the skymall.

Need pet supplies like Chanel? Petco and PetSmart are both on there, and I believe Petco lets you use your PALS card to gain points.

Gotta get that song from iTunes? Might as well do it through the Apple Store at NWA to get miles while you get tunes.

Wanna try NetFlix and get an extra 1,000 miles for enrolling? Heck yes!

Even better deal? If you have the NWA World Perks credit card and use it while shopping at these sites I'm pretty sure you can get a mile for every dollar you spend in addition to the site's miles they give you.

Travel & Accessories MarketPlace		10 miles per $1 spent
Home Living MarketPlace		6 miles per $1 spent
Electronics MarketPlace		5 miles per $1 spent
Sports & Recreation MarketPlace		5 miles per $1 spent
1-800 FLOWERS.COM		10 miles per $1 spent + 350 Bonus Miles
800wine.com		10 miles per $1 spent
FTD		10 miles per $1 spent + 400 Bonus Miles
Rosetta Stone		10 miles per $1 spent
Teleflora's Flower Club		10 miles per $1 spent + 100 Bonus Miles
The Wall Street Journal		10 miles per $1 spent
Vinesse Wine Clubs		8 miles per $1 spent
Bagsbuy		7 miles per $1 spent
Shoebuy		6 miles per $1 spent
VistaPrint		6 miles per $1 spent
Zazzle.com		6 miles per $1 spent
Café Press		5 miles per $1 spent
Famous Footwear		5 miles per $1 spent
Fossil		5 miles per $1 spent
Gaiam		5 miles per $1 spent
GNC		5 miles per $1 spent
Hickory Farms		5 miles per $1 spent
Michigan Bulb Co.		5 miles per $1 spent
National Geographic		5 miles per $1 spent
SkyMall		5 miles per $1 spent
Snapfish		5 miles per $1 spent
Symantec		5 miles per $1 spent
Things Remembered		5 miles per $1 spent
Time Life		5 miles per $1 spent
TurboTax		5 miles per $1 spent
1-800-PetMeds		4 miles per $1 spent
AVON		4 miles per $1 spent
Big Dogs		4 miles per $1 spent
BuyCostumes		4 miles per $1 spent
Cross		4 miles per $1 spent
Dale & Thomas		4 miles per $1 spent
Dick Blick		4 miles per $1 spent
Endless.com		4 miles per $1 spent
figleaves.com		4 miles per $1 spent
GiftBaskets.com		4 miles per $1 spent
Hammacher Schlemmer		4 miles per $1 spent
Harry & David		4 miles per $1 spent
ICE.com		4 miles per $1 spent
Jos. A. Bank		4 miles per $1 spent
Kiehl's Since 1851		4 miles per $1 spent
Legal Sea Foods		4 miles per $1 spent
Magazines.com		4 miles per $1 spent
Musician's Friend		4 miles per $1 spent
Naturalizer		4 miles per $1 spent
RedEnvelope		4 miles per $1 spent
Ross Simons		4 miles per $1 spent
shoes.com		4 miles per $1 spent
Starbucks Store		4 miles per $1 spent
Stonewall Kitchen		4 miles per $1 spent
Sur La Table		4 miles per $1 spent
The Knot Wedding Shop		4 miles per $1 spent
The Walking Company		4 miles per $1 spent
Unbeatable Sale		4 miles per $1 spent
1-800 CONTACTS		3 miles per $1 spent
adidas		3 miles per $1 spent
Babies R Us		3 miles per $1 spent
Black Forest		3 miles per $1 spent
Blair		3 miles per $1 spent
Blue Fly		3 miles per $1 spent
Boden		3 miles per $1 spent
Bowflex		3 miles per $1 spent
Brookstone		3 miles per $1 spent
Charles Tyrwhitt		3 miles per $1 spent
Cheryl & Co		3 miles per $1 spent
Coldwater Creek		3 miles per $1 spent
Cooking.com		3 miles per $1 spent
Danskin.com		3 miles per $1 spent
Discovery Store		3 miles per $1 spent
Drs. Foster & Smith		3 miles per $1 spent
drugstore.com		3 miles per $1 spent
eBags		3 miles per $1 spent
Eddie Bauer		3 miles per $1 spent
ESPNShop.com		3 miles per $1 spent
Finish Line		3 miles per $1 spent
FranklinCovey		3 miles per $1 spent
Gardeners Supply		3 miles per $1 spent
Gevalia		3 miles per $1 spent
Godiva		3 miles per $1 spent
Golf Galaxy		3 miles per $1 spent
Golfsmith		3 miles per $1 spent
Gourmet GiftBaskets.com		3 miles per $1 spent
H2O Plus		3 miles per $1 spent
Home Decorators Collection		3 miles per $1 spent
JC Whitney		3 miles per $1 spent
Jo-Ann		3 miles per $1 spent
Kodak Gallery		3 miles per $1 spent
Lobster Gram		3 miles per $1 spent
Magellan's		3 miles per $1 spent
Mrs. Beasley's Bakery		3 miles per $1 spent
Nike		3 miles per $1 spent
Oakley		3 miles per $1 spent
OfficeMax.com		3 miles per $1 spent
Omaha Steaks		3 miles per $1 spent
Orvis		3 miles per $1 spent
Paul Fredrick Menstyle		3 miles per $1 spent
Payless		3 miles per $1 spent
Perfumania		3 miles per $1 spent
PETCO.com		3 miles per $1 spent
PETsMART		3 miles per $1 spent
Plow & Hearth		3 miles per $1 spent
REI		3 miles per $1 spent
Shopbop.com		3 miles per $1 spent
Sierra Trading Post		3 miles per $1 spent
Spa Finder		3 miles per $1 spent
Timberland		3 miles per $1 spent
TravelSmith		3 miles per $1 spent
Tumi		3 miles per $1 spent
Under Armour		3 miles per $1 spent
Vision Direct		3 miles per $1 spent
World of Watches		3 miles per $1 spent
AbeBooks		2 miles per $1 spent
Adobe		2 miles per $1 spent
American Eagle Outfitters		2 miles per $1 spent
Ann Taylor		2 miles per $1 spent
Ann Taylor Loft		2 miles per $1 spent
Aéropostale		2 miles per $1 spent
Baby Gap		2 miles per $1 spent
Back country.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Banana Republic		2 miles per $1 spent
Barnes & Noble.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Bass Pro Shops		2 miles per $1 spent
Beauty.com		2 miles per $1 spent
bebe		2 miles per $1 spent
Best Buy		2 miles per $1 spent
Bliss		2 miles per $1 spent
Borders		2 miles per $1 spent
Bose		2 miles per $1 spent
Boston Proper		2 miles per $1 spent
Cabela's		2 miles per $1 spent
Callaway Golf.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Chadwicks		2 miles per $1 spent
Charlotte Russe		2 miles per $1 spent
CHEFS		2 miles per $1 spent
Clinique		2 miles per $1 spent
Converse		2 miles per $1 spent
Diamond.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Dick's Sporting Goods		2 miles per $1 spent
Disney Shopping		2 miles per $1 spent
FAO Schwarz		2 miles per $1 spent
Footlocker		2 miles per $1 spent
Gap Maternity		2 miles per $1 spent
gap.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Gift Certificates.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Home Decorators Outlet		2 miles per $1 spent
Home Shopping Network		2 miles per $1 spent
HP Home and Home Office		2 miles per $1 spent
iRobot		2 miles per $1 spent
iTunes		2 miles per $1 spent
J&R Electronics		2 miles per $1 spent
Johnston & Murphy		2 miles per $1 spent
Kohl's		2 miles per $1 spent
Lab Series		2 miles per $1 spent
Lancome		2 miles per $1 spent
Land of Nod		2 miles per $1 spent
Lands' End		2 miles per $1 spent
Lane Bryant		2 miles per $1 spent
Leaps & Bounds		2 miles per $1 spent
Lego		2 miles per $1 spent
Lord & Taylor		2 miles per $1 spent
MacMall		2 miles per $1 spent
macys.com		2 miles per $1 spent
MetroStyle		2 miles per $1 spent
Microsoft Store		2 miles per $1 spent
Mrs. Fields		2 miles per $1 spent
Nautica		2 miles per $1 spent
New York & Co.		2 miles per $1 spent
Newport News		2 miles per $1 spent
Nordstrom.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Northern Tool & Equipment		2 miles per $1 spent
Office Depot		2 miles per $1 spent
oldnavy.com		2 miles per $1 spent
One Step Ahead		2 miles per $1 spent
Origins		2 miles per $1 spent
Overstock.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Pacific Sunwear		2 miles per $1 spent
Patagonia		2 miles per $1 spent
pcRUSH		2 miles per $1 spent
Piperlime		2 miles per $1 spent
Pottery Barn		2 miles per $1 spent
Pottery Barn Kids		2 miles per $1 spent
Pottery Barn Teen		2 miles per $1 spent
QuickBooks		2 miles per $1 spent
QVC		2 miles per $1 spent
RadioShack		2 miles per $1 spent
RalphLauren.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Roaman's		2 miles per $1 spent
Saks Fifth Avenue		2 miles per $1 spent
Sephora		2 miles per $1 spent
ShoeSteal.com		2 miles per $1 spent
ShopNBC		2 miles per $1 spent
Shutterfly		2 miles per $1 spent
Skechers		2 miles per $1 spent
Smart Bargains		2 miles per $1 spent
Smith & Hawken		2 miles per $1 spent
Smith + Noble		2 miles per $1 spent
Sony		2 miles per $1 spent
Spiegel		2 miles per $1 spent
StubHub		2 miles per $1 spent
Target.com		2 miles per $1 spent
Textbooks.com		2 miles per $1 spent
The A & E Shop		2 miles per $1 spent
The Body Shop		2 miles per $1 spent
The Container Store		2 miles per $1 spent
The House		2 miles per $1 spent
TicketsNow		2 miles per $1 spent
TigerDirect		2 miles per $1 spent
Urban Outfitters		2 miles per $1 spent
Vera Bradley Designs		2 miles per $1 spent
Williams-Sonoma		2 miles per $1 spent
Williams-Sonoma Home		2 miles per $1 spent
Apple Store		1 mile per $1 spent
Bloomingdales		1 mile per $1 spent
Brooks Brothers		1 mile per $1 spent
Buy.com		1 mile per $1 spent
Calumet Photographic		1 mile per $1 spent
Chico's		1 mile per $1 spent
dELIA's		1 mile per $1 spent
Dell Home		1 mile per $1 spent
Diapers.com		1 mile per $1 spent
Epson Store		1 mile per $1 spent
f.y.e.		1 mile per $1 spent
Guitar Center		1 mile per $1 spent
Home Depot		1 mile per $1 spent
JC Penney		1 mile per $1 spent
Kmart		1 mile per $1 spent
Kodak.com		1 mile per $1 spent
Lighting Universe		1 mile per $1 spent
PC Connection		1 mile per $1 spent
Sealy		miles with all purchases
Sears		1 mile per $1 spent
Staples.com		1 mile per $1 spent
The Children's Place		1 mile per $1 spent
The North Face		1 mile per $1 spent
Vans		1 mile per $1 spent
Victoria's Secret		1 mile per $1 spent
west elm		1 mile per $1 spent
Blockbuster		65 miles per enrollment
Gamefly		1,000 miles for new enrollment
Netflix		1,000 miles per enrollment