by Amy | Sep 28, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of Fitness
Happy Friday everyone. Today is Friday, I hope you have all been taking advantage of the awesome fall weather. I hope you are ready to get out and be active.
Last night’s Trim and Tone class used steps…so the circuits were not equipment free. So instead, I thought I’d share a bit about my recent experience at an Urban Adventure Race. It definitely got us out and running. It’s fitness, exploration, and adventure in a creative way.
We participated in the Great Urban Race in Minneapolis, put on by Red Frog Events.
At the start of the race each team {of 2-4 participants} gets an envelope with 12 clues inside. On “Go” everyone opens the clues and starts racing. Clues can be in the form or riddles, puzzles, etc. Each riddle leads you to a location in the city…usually a cool small business, art gallery or other local treasure. One clue was required a sudoku’s solution to discover an address. Another was deciphered by solving a cryptogram.
Once you know where you need to go, get there as fast as possible. No cars, taxis or bikes. Go on foot or bus. Locations are spread across the city and can be miles apart. Upon arrival, your team needs to complete another puzzle or activity. Then snap a photo to prove completion.
1. After arriving at indie art gallery we were lead to the basement. Then we had a choice…tarantella or cockroach? Well, you see what we chose. Then lay down, put it on your face and snap a photo.
2. Once arriving at Hell’s kitchen Derek needed to paint a mustache on me with chocolate frosting, then I dipped my face in dry cake mix. And…photo.
3. One challenge required taking a photo with a bald stranger. That was an awkward request to make…
It was crazy fun. We jogged/walked about 8 miles…in addition to performing other feats of strength. Like scaling a boulder wall, jumping off scaffolding onto an air bag, biking an obstacle course, and talking to lots of strangers.
1. At a local sporting goods shop we scaled a bouldering wall.
2. At a local artisan showcase we had to make a craft for each other.
You can find a race near you here. But there are lots of event organizers that put these kind of events on. Like Urban Dare, Gulf Coast Adventure, and Merrell Oyster Races. Any way you cut it…now’s the perfect time to find a creative way to get out and get fit…before the winter traps us inside.
Amy
by Amy | Sep 28, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure
I thought it would be super appropriate to share some insider photos from my visit to the set of Parks & Rec.
I know…how lucky am I to have a super talented, awesome friend that works in production at one of my favorite shows? Pretty darn lucky.
Let’s review. Tyler and I met in college while studying abroad. We soon discovered that besides owning the exact same camcorder to document our adventures we had a lot in common…like, we’d rather be hiking through the wilderness than drinking at a pub. And we’d rather go to church {which we did twice a week} than dancing at the clubs. To this day, I still consider him family.
So you can imagine how proud I am that he has struck out on his own and made it in LA. He now works as a production assistant on Parks and Rec. And I was lucky enough to get to go to work with him for a few hours.
Ty said I wasn’t allowed to show these photos from the set. Copy right stuff and what not. But I couldn’t resist. So, check this out. It’s me behind Ron Swanson’s desk. I know…it’s a little blurry. That’s Krissy’s fault.
I had to block out a little bit of the shot…So Ty wouldn’t get fired.
I can however show you these photos. From the office upstairs, where the magic happens. It’s where the writer’s come up with the hilarious scripts that make up the show.
1. In the offices there is tons of P&R memorabilia from the show. Posters, maps, props…but best of all Lil’ Sebastian.
2. Welcome to Pawnee! The bottom says {First in friendship, fourth in obesity.} I am in love with this show, because they do such a good job at poking fun at Indiana.
3. Pawnee city map. Fun fact. Pawnee is a map of Muncie, IN inverted.
4. Tyler an me by his desk. It’s so legit.
Here are a few things I learned about making TV. First of all…it is so much work. They do each shot about 10 times. Just to garauntee that the funniest stuff makes it into your living room.
Everyone works so hard. Ty pulls 12 hour days all week. Some of the cast shows up for work at 5 a.m. The hair and make up folks are constantly on call. It takes about a week of super long days to make one episode.
The set is so awesome. City hall is more than partial rooms build to look like a government building. It’s halls and rooms and offices. The detail is insane. Photos, vitamins, random objects all in perfect place to make the set look incredibly realistic. All the paper is headed with the Pawnee logo, all the photos say Pawnee City Hall.
Everyone’s hair looks extra big in person. Especially the men.
Amy Pohler is so cute and she has the silliest laugh. Rashida Jones is even more beautiful that you can imagine. Aubrey Plaza is super pretty and I heard her say some really awesome-random things.
Did I talk to any of the celebs. No. Absolutely not. I was blessed enough to be there. They were working. I was a random spectator at their place of employment. So I let them do their thing. And I just stood there…and tried not to make eye contact or get in anyone’s way.
1. Funny stuff from the office.
2. Celeb trailers on the lot…literally, trailers.
Happy Thursday Comedy Night Done Right {NBC}.
Amy
by Amy | Sep 26, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Projects, the house
I like progress. I love to be able to see results. That’s probably why I’m so obsessed with B&A photos.
The dining room/living room paint job is still a ways from being totally finished, but it’s coming along quite nicely. The white is all up {save for one window casing and a door frame I haven’t made my mind up about} and tomorrow I’ll start in on the color. Ideally, this whole thing will be done by Sunday. I’d really like my table back.
Here’s how it looks now.
Just to refresh your memory…here’s where we started.
Yes, I realize that that’s a sloppy job and that I’ve splattered white all over. But here’s the beauty..the wall color will cover all that. The downside? Tomorrow I pull out the big roll of blue tape and start quarantining that pristine white from being tainted by a color called “Filmy Green.”
It’s prettier than the name implies.
Amy
by Amy | Sep 25, 2012 | Blog
I have about a jillion things I could write and tell you about. But my photos are not loaded off my camera…and it’s now late in the day…and I really just want to write to you.
Today I had one of “those” days. I guess it’s fitting, because it’s been a while since “that” kind of day tormented me. I’ve been off gallivanting around Cali with besties. The days I spent there were anything but “those” days. They were quite the opposite.
Then I came home.
Back to Practically Canada where things need to get done and I can just feel winter breathing down my back, about ready to pounce. Part of the home routine, as I’m sure you can imagine, is grocery shopping.
Have I ever told you that this is my all time least favorite chore in the world. I’d wash dishes for hours, I’d fold laundry for an eternity, I’d vacuum for days…just don’t make me go to the super market. I think this deep hatred is genetic. It’s very deep rooted. As a child my mom used to make me and Sis go the store with her, because she hated going alone. And what better use for children, than to coerce into participating in the pain of activities you loathe? I look forward to a day when I have kids…then I’ll make them be my misery-loves-company companions.
Then, when they get old enough I’ll do what Mom did to use: Send them to the store for me. Bahaha! Evil genius plan hatching now.
Why do I hate it? Ughh. Seriously? You have to ask? What is to like? First of all, it’s always colder than a witch’s tit in there. Even if it’s 10 degrees outside, they will still run the AC. I can never find everything. Every store in the world is organized differently, just to confuse the poor people trying to keep their cupboards stocked. Lemon juice? Oh no…it’s not with the fruit, or the juice. It’s down in aisle 17 by the salsa.
Come again?!
This literally happened to me today. “Body wash? Hmmm. That’s actually not over here.” {We were standing in the hygiene/beauty/lotion/toothpaste/razor/shampoo aisle}. “It’s over in aisle 7 between insecticides and dish soap.”
Okay. Come on out Ashton. This has got to be super-market-punked.
And here’s another reason why the grocery store is the worst. Math. You better not go while you’re brain is lagging because you need to be a mathlete to shop here. I don’t like throwing my money away, so it becomes a big game of “What’s the Best Deal.” Finding the best deal is easy…just look at the price. Divide by the number of ounces to get price per ounce. Compare that around. But don’t forget to take coupons in to account. Oh yeah, and remember that the cheapest might also taste like cardboard, so spending a little more on something more quality is worth it. Then look at the ingredients. If it’s healthier for you, it’s going to cost more…so remember this variable too. Just account for all these variables, then redivide to come up with the best deal for you. Then move on to the next item you need and repeat the process.
They really should call it a math store. I hate math.
There are so many, many reasons I hate the grocery store. Another one is awkward moments. Like my moment today with the clerk who showed me where to find the body wash. Or how about this one. Have you ever ran into someone you know at the store? Probably. It’s all good and pleasant until you realize that you are going to cross each other in every aisle as you weave your way from apples to Wheat Thins. Then it’s just awkward…at least for me because I’m an awkward person.
Do you say “Hi” again? Or just keep walking? Smile an awkward nervous smile, or bring up the blinders for the task at hand?
At the end of it all, I wish I could do all my shopping on Super Market Sweep. I would run through the aisle, willie nillie…not giving two poops about math and cost and running in to acquaintances. Then at the end of it all, instead of paying way too much and wishing I was one of those super couponers, I’d get prizes.
Yeah. I’d like it to be more like that.
Amy
PS…what is your least favorite mundane, must-do activity? I’d love to hear about it…even if it’s just to make myself feel better about hating the market so much.
by Amy | Sep 20, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure
Okay. Admittedly I’ve been more miss than hit this week. But, there hasn’t been a lot of time for borrowing a computer to post on lately. I’ve been more busy experiencing life as a local {kind of}, being a tourist and catching up with two of my besties.
But here’s a quick over view of what’s been eating up my time.
We ate this fancy ice cream made in front of our eyes with liquid nitrogen. {Like gourmet Rocket Science…}
Visited a classy hotel that looks like a mission. Then we snuck upstairs to “guest only” quarters to see the views.
We ate a golden velvet cupcake from Casey’s Cupcakes…winner of Cupcake Wars. It is literally dusted with 24k gold. Yeah, not making that up.
We saw the Griffith Observatory…but it was closed.
Went to a mall with a legit puppy store. Pure bred puppies living the high life. The cutest thing I’ve ever seen. What? you want to touch one? That’s fine…just ask them at the counter, tell them which one. Then cuddle. It was amazing.
We ate blue velvet cake from Aroma Cafe in LA. It’s a local treasure frequented by celebs. No big deal.
Saw the hand prints outside that Chinese Theatre. I learned that John Wayne’s feet were the same size as mine.
Learned where TV is made. This is the CBS lot where Tyler works on Parks and Rec.
I saw where Parks & Rec is made. This is Ty’s desk. The writers are down the hall. We saw the whole cast. Working. Up close. Standing about 3 feet away. Was I starstruck? Most definitely. I just tried not to make eye contact. No photos there though…that’s not allowed.
I practically met Li’l Sebastian.
All in all it’s a good trip. Today we are going to Sea World…among other awesome things. I miss you, and I promise I’ll tell you more interesting things in the coming days.
Have a good one. Make today an adventure…even if you aren’t on vacation.
Amy
by Amy | Sep 18, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Design, The Art of Projects
You remember the garage sale, right? Well, after it was all said and done we still had a few goodies left that we didn’t want to haul off to the thrift shop. A few things we thought just might sell on Craigslist.
So after giving myself plenty of time to procrastinate, I finally listed. them. I thought you might like my ads. First the ad for my sweet poker table.
I wish craigslist had a category in ‘for sale’ titled “Awesome.” Because this table is awesome. It was my grandfather’s. He played a lot of poker in his basement in the 1960’s. I inherited it. Then I moved to Minot…where housing is hard to find and very expensive once you do find it. And alas, there is no space in my humble abode for this sweet piece of man-cave-must-have.
The table comes with four chairs. There are eight place settings, each with a tray and cupholder. And who cares if you don’t play poker. Use it for game night. Any way you cut it this is a good deal. There is a small crack near one of the cupholders. I’m not shady…I’ll tell you how it is.
The legs collapse and the chairs fold up so you can store it easily. Email me or text me if you’re interested.
Now, let me tell you the best part. I listed this bad boy for $30. Now even 24 hours after I slapped it up, I got an offer. Then about 10 seconds later I got another offer. We ended up selling it for $40. Amazing, right? I’m so sad I had to sell it, but the couple who bought it was young and cute, so I know it’s in good hands. Well…better hands than just living in my basement.
Here’s my second ad. It’s for my winter coat. Which I love, but would really like a new one.
This is a wool Hollister coat. Women’s size small. It’s super cute. It’s been worn, but is still in great shape. I’m a clean person. I don’t smoke. And I don’t have unruly BO or anything like that. This coat is clean and darling, but I’m ready for change. I would love for you to have it. It’s not just for looks. It’ll keep you legit warm.
Email me if you’d like to make an offer.
And finally, the ad I made for a set of retro casserole dishes.
I have two lovely casserole dishes for sale. We’ve all seen these. They are classics. And they don’t call them classics for nothing. There’s a reason your grandma always used them. These babies rock. Safe for oven use. Safe in the dishwasher. Convenient for fridge leftover storage.
Now, I know what you’re thinking…if they are so awesome, why aren’t you keeping them. Well, I’ll be honest with you. I’m a glassware hoarder. I’ve got casserole dishes and cake stands coming out my ears. So the hard decision had to be made. And I had to let go of a few. I hope you’ll give them a good home. They won’t let you down.
Email me if you have questions or would like to have them for your own.
Now, will the coat and casserole sell? Honestly, I don’t know. But it was worth a shot, right?
At any rate, I hope you got a good chuckle out of my lame antics. As you can see…Minot, ND is not a very happening place. {Making these ads was the highlight event of my Friday night.}
Amy
by Amy | Sep 16, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Projects, the house, Uncategorized
You know I’m a bit of a color-phobe. The one color I’m not afraid of?
White.
It’s fresh. It’s clean. It’s timeless.
When something is dated beyond repair, the first thing I want to do is paint it white. I like color on my walls, but I adore a room framed in pretty white. It’s so crisp and neat looking. Like a well ironed tablecloth.
So, we’ve started sloshing white around the living/dining room. Starting with the dark, sloppily stained built in hutches in the dining room. I know, it’s a rough preview…but it’ll have to do. And as Der-Bear and I like to say…”There’s no going back now.” The white is officially on and we are only going up from here. Our next victim? That wood paneling!
This project will be on hold in DIY purgatory until next Monday. Why, you ask? Well, friends…let me tell you. I’m lucky enough to have two wonderful friends who live in California and let me come visit. I leave today. I’ll be home in a week. I can’t wait for all the adventures in store. With this girl.
And this guy.
I’ll be posting on and off, but forgive me if I’m hit and miss this week. I really will miss you dearly.
Amy
by Amy | Sep 14, 2012 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Projects
I have about a million of those re-useable grocery bags. My problem? I get to the store and realize they are still in my basement at home. Then I’m asked the question. The big question:
Paper or plastic?
Kill a tree. Or get my groceries in a bag that will never really decompose. It’s a lose-lose.
About a year ago I first showed you this project over at Aprons & Ambitions. It’s a super easy wreath you can make using just a paper grocery sack, an old box and some hot glue. I’m revisiting this tutorial today. It’s a bit updated, but still as easy and thrifty as ever.
Here’s what you do:
Draw a leaf shape on your bag. Mine is about 3″ long and 2″ wide. I cut one out then trace it over and over so they are all the same size. Then cut then all out. One bag full of leaves is enough for one wreath.
Once your leaves are all cut out crease them in half. Like so:
Next…make your wreath form. You can cut it out of an old box…or use up some more paper bags. For the one I made yesterday I used bags and a cereal box. The point is to make a form that is fairly stiff to glue your leaves to.
To make your form from bags do like this:
Use a big mixing/salad bowl to trace half a circle on your bag. If you are making a bigger wreath you may only be able to fit half on one bag. Use a smaller bowl to make an arc about 2″ wide. Cut them out of four bags. Trace your arc twice on a cereal box and cut those out too. Sandwich all your arcs together to make a full circle and hot glue them all together.
Then it’s time to glue on your leaves. Please don’t be too repulsed by my hideous carpet. You know how much I hate it. It’s days are numbered.
Glue them on in small clusters until you’ve gone all the way around. Finish it off with a dusting of gold spray paint. I usually get mine out in the fall…but it’s a super versatile wreath for all year.
And…I know Christmas is still a long ways off, but while you are at it, you can easily whip one up for Christmas. Follow the same instructions, but spray paint it green and add some paper bag poinsettias. The tutorial for those is on the old blog. See it here.
Happy Crafting!
Amy
PS…This post is partying at Sew Can Do…and these other great linky get-togethers.
