In a drought.

Dear 28,
My creativity has been bottled up and left unwritten about over the last few weeks. How people blog daily is beyond me. I'm going to (yet again) apologize (mostly to myself, and Jen) for the blog drought and get back in the habit of writing. I mean there's all this to do in February:
- Craft a tip for Danny's awesome project.
- Get these RecycleMe Iowa postcards out the door.
- Celebrate Valentines day.
- Make my 22nd grocery list. (I'm obsessed with cooking lately. obsessed.)
- And then there's that big list.
- A bunch of movies still need to be seen (Although not 10, still need to cross off #3)
Still can't believe we're already into month two of twenty-twelve. February is full of plans.
Like my plan to not buy coffee unless I have a meeting there, or my plan to send mail everyday, or my plan to wear my glasses more, or my plan to host a dinner party. So many plans worth blogging about.
Next post coming sooner than later.
xo-LP

Living under the per diem (day two).

Dear 28,

Day 2: $9+$13+$4 ($26)

Day two was destined to fail. I had a coffee visit, which never is enough for breakfast, so I went to the nearest café. Damn breakfast isn’t cheap. And damn breakfast wasn’t good. So $13.84 later, I’m still hungry (picking through an unseasoned frittata – a frittata with peas in it - for an hour works up an appetite). Marmalade Café did offer free wi-fi, an interesting conversation between an Australian on a diet and his work buddy who took all the waitress’ advice, and a cute baby at the table next to me. Reminded me of my cousin Carrie's perfect twin daughters. (see below. oh-so-cute.)

Those darling Burch girls.

I must say I'm getting pretty great at my SoCal directions. I know my 405 from the 5 from the 55 and now know which way to turn on MacArthur to get to John Wayne. So scooting from Tustin Legacy to Irvine seemed like a breeze. (And I learned a little about these weird giant concrete structures: the Tustin Hangars. Read about them. Apparently they have their own weather. However that works.) Prior to hitting the road, like just one day prior, I had a hankering for pho (not hangaring) and so I overtook the table with a bunch of plates at Fawn's. I barely at half of it. But oh it was delicious. (this is seemingly unrelated, but read on to find a lunch with even more plates.)

You'd think after a lunch that size (just yesterday) I'd be ready for something petite, and more salad like. Or at least trainer approved. But business took me elsewhere and for lunch I hit a DU alum’s spot- Mizuki- and feasted on a salmon plate lunch that took up the whole table. A well spent $13.31 (including tip). Not only was Sarah the server super friendly, the food was tasty.

And I’m ALREADY OVER the allotted $26. Looks like no night cap for this kid.

Dinner at the Red Table (yum) and a successful night.

xo-LP

Living under the per diem (day one).

Dear 28,

Day 1 ($28. That's weird. writing to 28 about $28)

I’m sitting in the Des Moines airport, wearing my glasses (that pepper to eye incident was a doozy. And some single-cell-membrane in my eye, one of the ONLY places in the body that there is a membrane that is a mere cell thick, is having a serious issue) looking out onto a clouding-as-I-type this skyline. It’s too early for it to be getting dark (we passed the solstice) so I guess Jeriann was right and a storm is a-brewing. Finally snow. It’s January 11^th and yesterday I didn’t wear a coat from one office building to the next. But now, well now it looks like this.

Now that the mixtape buddies have all been sent out (using a very sophisticated system) I’m focused completely on the trip ahead, the big event I’ll be working and the gifts that (fingers crossed) I’ll be coming home with.  Each time I hit the road, I whisper complaints about per diem and how much darn money I spend on my trips, especially when traveling alone and especially in California and most especially on hotel bourbon. So this trip, thanks to an idea of Chelsea’s and my plan to spend less in January, I’ll be (gasp) living within the per diem on this jaunt to CA.

So. Here we are. Day one. For today, J’s 30^th bday, I’ll be spending $28. (That’ll get me through Houston and into Orange County late this Wednesday night—we’re talking like post-11pm).

I had plenty of time to pick up pretzel crisps (these are terrifically delicious. Like seriously good. Now- Caeli, how good are they for me?), a water and a postcard for a love letter: $6.73. That managed to get me through the 2.5 hours to Houston, and through the lengthy conversation happening behind me. More on that later. With illustration.

I’ve only been to HOU once before (with Sarah and she somehow managed to get her whole glass of wine free) and hastily devoured nachos. This time I landed on a fancy wine bar place, which is so cool to do in airports now, Le Grand Comptoir. I was able to stretch my leftover $21.27 (ok I went over by 47¢): a tasty roasted beet and goat cheese salad with a glass of tempranillo.

And finally. Arriving at the Double Tree, I find this unfortunate vehicle with its lights on. To it's owner: you're welcome. (and next time, lock your car. if i were a thirsty thief instead of a kind late check-in-er, I would have stolen your orange juice.)

Until tomorrow.

xo-LP

LAST CHANCE TO MIXTAPE!

Dear 28,
LAST DAY to sign up for the exchange (yep. I've extended the deadline. Because on Monday's at 6:37am after a serious poblano pepper/eye incident and a cardio-strength training workout I feel generous.) Because I've extended the deadline-- mixtape buddies will be sent out on Wednesday.

Here are the rules (in list form of course):

1- Email me at xo.lp.blog@gmail.com your name + mailing address by January 9th if you'd like to participate.

2- You will receive an email with the name + mailing address of your mixtape buddy by January 11th.

3- Pull together your favorite tracks of 2011 and make your playlist.

    3a- One song per artist please (Yes. I listened to Watch the Throne for about three weeks, but one track from the gods of hip hop is plenty.)

    3b- Try to compile a list that's about 60 minutes long. (Check out here, here and here for inspiration)

    3c- All songs should be from 2011. (I know you just discovered the power of Bieber's smash single, Baby, but it wasn't put out in 2011, so keep it off the list.)

4- Burn your mixtape on a CD. 

5- Send out your carefully packaged best-of-2011 mixtape to your buddy by January 30th. (I know last year some folks didn't receive their hotly anticipated mix. So be sure to send it this year. It makes people happy.) 

NOW SIGN UP. BY TOMORROW.

xo-LP

This month ahead.

Dear 28,
Oh January. Like everyone else using the Gregorian calendar, I have big plans for you. A new year is rejuvenating. (That word sounds like it's only used in Neutrogena commercials) There'll be many meals, budgeting, hot pink calendar making, love letter writing and lots of time at the office.

After about twelve days off from 8-5 life, I'm getting back on track (and even got my lazy bones outta bed by 5:13am to get back to the glaza studio two days in a row.) I've been in the kitchen a bunch lately, cooking for my good-lookin people. Cooked up some mole (talk about lots of ingredients, layers of flavor, and use of the mini-magic-bullet-knockoff-blender), roasted my first chicken, my very own chicken stock that went into this simple and tasty creamy carrot soup (I am crazy about my new immersion blender, just crazy about it) the go-to eggplant recipe and made the easiest delicious ricotta dumplings. Big plans to keep cookin in January. (It'll make my Mint emails be easier to look at when the bar/restaurant budget is manageable and less gasp-worthy and hopefully impress those good-lookin people)

(Thanks DMSC + Joe Crimmings for the 2012 party photo)

Bring on the metaphorical snow days. (this phrase has a three post maximum)
xo-LP

Packed to the gunwalls with surprises.

Dear 28,
2011 ended. 68 blogposts later, it's over.
This year was certainly full of surprises: full of unexpected thrills, unanticipated successes, shocking pain and unpredicted blessings. (Thank you thesaurus) I've been reflecting on my 2011, trying to come up with  my favorite bits, and while there were many, here's a few highlights. (Surprising ones of course)

It surprised me how much I love to wear yellow. I was surprised by how much talking in front of a crowd makes my knees shake. I was surprised by how quickly life can change, how much I miss her, how kind strangers could be and how senseless the world can seem. I was surprised by how thrilling a night of glitter and hairspray and lights and art can be. It surprised me that in a mere nine minutes I can give blood and life to someone. And then surprised by how quickly that can make me pass out.

I was surprised by the Paluchs and Rob Sheffield. I was surprised how the pillowy beds at the Double Tree in Springfield helped me actually rest on my vacation, how finding the kindest of people has made everyday better and that John Mellencamp completes all roadtrips. I was surprised by my songwriting skills when fueled by a day of Barilla and a pizza beret. It surprised me to see how these new digs have brought me so much joy. 

I was surprised by the most delicious cake of all time: buttercake. It surprised me just how awesome I was at wiffle ball during batting practice and just how terrible I was during the games. I was surprised by September, by every little bit of it, and delighted by it. I was surprised by a sushi dinner and the Alpine and the days and weeks and splendid months that continue to follow. (I will forever be in love with September) It surprised me that I have accidentally amazing aim when no-look throwing a bean bag. And I was surprised I still know how to win at euchre.

It surprised me how patient I can be while cooking french chicken in Tom's fancy kitchen. I was surprised by a fever at the end of Iowa's boring loss to Nebraska but still had a memorable day. It surprised me (and still does) that people buy and send my postcards and that they showed up in full supportive force at the Stoop for the party. It surprised me that I'd never been in the Hancock building and that I got to go, with my cool sister Jen. I was surprised by how many of us were able to come out for the BeThereBeStupid crawl and how much my whole family danced.

(thanks DMSC and Joe Crimmings for the pic)

I feel so excited for 2012. Like when you went to bed as a kid when the sky was pink and the weather lady was telling to you hunker down and be ready for a big snow and that snow-day excitement kept you up too late. That's how I feel. Like there might just be a whole bunch of metaphorical snow days. (and I know just who will send me an email laughing at this phrase.) Regardless, I can't wait.

Wishing you the very best in 2012.

xo-LP

Mixtape Exchange 2011 (the sequel)

Dear 28,
Time to get mixtaping! See full details HERE and read more below.

Here are the rules (in list form of course):

1- Email me at xo.lp.blog@gmail.com your name + mailing address by January 6th if you'd like to participate.

2- You will receive an email with the name + mailing address of your mixtape buddy byJanuary 10th.

3- Pull together your favorite tracks of 2011 and make your playlist.

    3a- One song per artist please (Yes. I listened to Watch the Throne for about three weeks, but one track from the gods of hip hop is plenty.)

    3b- Try to compile a list that's about 60 minutes long. (Check out here, here and herefor inspiration)

    3c- All songs should be from 2011. (I know you just discovered the power of Bieber'ssmash single, Baby, but it wasn't put out in 2011, so keep it off the list.)

4- Burn your mixtape on a CD. 

5- Send out your carefully packaged best-of-2011 mixtape to your buddy by January 30th. (I know last year some folks didn't receive their hotly anticipated mix. So be sure to send it this year. It makes people happy.) 

GO.

xo-LP

2011 Mixtape Exchange!

Dear 28,

(and the rest of you)

I'm bringing it back: THE MIXTAPE EXCHANGE

Last year over 90 people from all over the world signed up to share their favorite music of 2010 with each other. It was even written about on real blogs! This year I'm hosting again, so assemble your playlist, burn that disc and send me your information. (Details below)

Here are the rules (in list form of course):

1- Email me at xo.lp.blog@gmail.com your name + mailing address by January 6th if you'd like to participate.

2- You will receive an email with the name + mailing address of your mixtape buddy by January 10th.

3- Pull together your favorite tracks of 2011 and make your playlist.

    3a- One song per artist please (Yes. I listened to Watch the Throne for about three weeks, but one track from the gods of hip hop is plenty.)

    3b- Try to compile a list that's about 60 minutes long. (Check out here, here and here for inspiration)

    3c- All songs should be from 2011. (I know you just discovered the power of Bieber's smash single, Baby, but it wasn't put out in 2011, so keep it off the list.)

4- Burn your mixtape on a CD. 

5- Send out your carefully packaged best-of-2011 mixtape to your buddy by January 30th. (I know last year some folks didn't receive their hotly anticipated mix. So be sure to send it this year. It makes people happy.) 

Finally- Send me a list of the tracks you put on your mix and I'll be sharing some Spotify playlists for us all to enjoy! (Find me on Spotify, share that playlist: palmerlaura)

Happy Mixing!

xo-LP

May your days be merry.

Dear 28,
Wishing you the happiest of holidays.

xo-LP

Is there a trick to putting your car in reverse?

Dear 28,
It happened. Likely the most adult experience of my 28 years of life (or something like that).

It really was time. I mean the Focus (RIP) sat at Drake Garage more in the last three weeks than it did behind the stoop. We picked up my darling car (hindsight makes everything seem sweeter. I'm choosing to only remember the good times in that gold Ford), and drove off to Smart Honda, where she'd be laid to rest.

You see, the Focus decided that once parked, she would just refuse to go in reverse. One final malfunction, but she carried me safely to the next ride in my life.

Finally crossed off #21. 

xo-LP

I want to be a shining czar.

Dear 28,

I'm running for Social Czar* of Des Moines. How bizarre.

The Des Moines Social Club [DMSC] is holding their first "Faux Caucus" and they've asked me to join the race. In addition to achieving my lifelong dream of being cool, (True. See photo below. While those glasses may now be considered hipster, in '89- uncool) I'll have the chance to make a donation to my favorite place in all of Des Moines, The Des Moines Art Center [DMAC]. In order to give the big gift, I need some big votes-- here's where you can help!

Want to support the DMAC and the DMSC?

(Very similar acronyms. Both are awesome art-promoting organizations that make DSM a super place)

Oh and make me cool (see photo again. think Sally Jessy Raphael)

Check out this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DHMJQ5H

Vote. There's 13 nominees. Again, only the final five will have the chance to campaign for their charity. Many of my competitors have campaign videos and cool slogans or sell tshirts. (I've even been called a candyass.)

See you at the BASH. (Buy tickets for that HERE. The final five also speak at the event. So that should be interesting.)

If you're an out-of-towner, Vote anyway. I need you.

Thanks for your help!

xo-

LP

*Social Czar | social zär; (t)sär | (noun):
1. a title for a fancy person who wins the Des Moines Social Club's Faux Caucus. 
2. a person with great authority or power, or at least someone who gets a bathroom named for them.
3. most importantly a way to get a bunch of donations for the Des Moines Art Center.

Mixtape Exchange 2011

Dear 28,
Remember this?

It's coming back. And soon. The xo-LP mixtape exchange returns. More details coming right after the holidays. Start preppin your playlist.
xo-LP

#21

Dear 28,
It's time. #21. It's time.

 xo-LP

A real live rock show.

Dear 28,
No vacation is complete without a rock show. After feasting on Nick's famous "tacos*" and sharing a moment of tequila, we took a cab through the ghettos of Uptown to the Aragon.

(Thank you for all the photos Tim.)

So the tickets said 7pm. And they meant it. It was about 7:38pm when we made it to the ballroom, which looked an awful lot like a Dario Robleto piece, and the Local Natives were already ON STAGE. (gasp. noooo. gasp. watch checking. twitter search. gasp.) We missed the opening opener, Wye Oak, which was an unfortunate surprise, especially after reading what the AV Club has to say about their album. They must have played a short little set but heard that they "rocked quite hard." 

I have a thing for the Local Natives. We've bonded on many Muscatine road trips. So seeing them was the highlight of the evening for me. Especially hearing this one. We witnessed about 8 songs (I think we may have missed one or two) and then waited for The National to emerge.

Pointing at something and accidentally making a mustache.

A man was crazy body dancing next to us. So that was awesome. It was a little like a sauna in the star-covered Aragon.

(my blackberry took this picture. which is not good.)

I wasn't completely sold on the National pre-show (Like I said- I came to see the Local Natives) but damn they put on a real live rock show. The stage video stuff was pretty awesome. The lead singer carried himself like a bigtimer. I was enjoying the light show, the vests, the inaudible banter.

And then-- oh then there came the encore. I should first admit I don't really care for encores. It's become so standard that there's no "ok-we'll-play-just-one-more-song-because-you-love-us-that-much" magic. But then the National encored. and WHOA.

Overall- impressive. And I added another outta state concert to the list. Thanks JEN for coming with me. And the Paluchs, my new vacation buddies, that book run from the bus was so exciting.
xo-LP

Marine Drive Getaway.

Dear 28,
These digs are unbuster. So are Jen and Nick.

yes. we are all wearing the same outfit.

Megabus-ed to Chicago for an extended stay. Kicked the celebration of a vacation off with what Jen calls the "best pizza ever" and although a near fistfight broke out over delivery time, Pizza Rustica was quite tasty.

Hitting the lanes at the Diversey River Bowl with some Muskies. Then there was the Dose Market and meeting the Buckshot Sonny boys. A visit to giant Marilyn. (Seriously dudes. Why stand under her skirt? It's not that funny. Stop it. This article agrees.)

Then we went all-in holiday: Christkindlmarket. Mulled wine. Lots of glass ornaments. And German accents. And the commemorative boot mug.

Then there was brunch at Orange, shopping on Michigan Avenue, accidentally free whiskey and KATIE TIME (jenga. jenga. jenga.)

Then the tour de fancy places. Hancock. Trump. Hub 51. Great views of the chilly city. A ginger drink with flowers. An amazing (and recreate-able) brussels sprout salad.

Then there was the National+Local Natives show (more on that later). And breakfast with Jake. Whew. What a perfect trip to the Windy City. Thanks Jen and Nick-- you're terrific hosts.

xo-LP

Yesvember recap.

Dear 28,

Yesvember has come to a close, and as expected, the month dazzled me. A couple bits to note- there are indeed only 30 days in November. Good thing I picked up on that in the original November post "28 challenges. 31 days. One month of Yes (and a wee bit of stress) because I can't keep saying no to the blog."

Mid-27 I wrote what might have been my favorite post of the year about what I've learned in the process of writing my little love letter. And a little over a year later, I'm writing admittedly less. (Currently I’m writing on a moving bus. With Tim and Gretchen and Garrett's popcorn. And it’s two weeks after I should have posted this. Because a mid-year post should actually be posted mid year.)

The thing about this year: I’ve still been doing really cool things. And I’m not just writing that so I sound really cool.

There was that great show in Omaha (where we slept at the classiest casino this side of the Missouri), and the time I hosted scotch club (and purchased $250+ worth of scotch with my 15% discount), and when we watched zombies takeover the East Village (and ate burgers named for them), oh and I printed my postcards (but we all know that by now), and once I was in a band for a night (this is worth repeating. a true riot of rhythm), I saw three couples wed (aw), I skipped out on a camping trip (for a good reason. I promise), there was that front row dance party with Mayer Hawthorne ($6 tickets and sweet soul beats), and for about six weeks I was workin out at 5:15am (the most shocking fact of them all.)

All that cool stuff was never really written about. Maybe I’m too busy enjoying the year to thank her. Or maybe I’m just lazy. Or maybe having the internet at home really doesn’t encourage me to write more. But the truth is I'm having a super cool 28th year. 

1. Try a new bourbon.
2. Make a pie for Thanksgiving.
3. See the Hawkeyes play live. (It's #13.)
4. Stir up something out of the "Cook with Jamie" book you couldn't live without.
5. Peek inside the Basilica of St. John.
6. Renew my passport.
7. Create a line of XO-LP Holiday cards.
8. Eat at Cafe di Scala.
9. Decorate the Stoop for Christmas.
10. Build a human pyramid.
11. Read a book. (This just can't seem to happen)
12. Go to the Des Moines Symphony.
13. Master the art of winter layers. And fearlessly wear tights.
14. Cheer on the Bulldogs at a basketball game.
15. See a play.
16. See Des Moines' Bass Pro Shop. (If it's cool in Springfield...)
17. Walk across that Center Street Bridge.
18. Take more photobooth photos.
19. Celebrate the onset of the holidays (and sell a bunch of cards) at the East Village Holiday Promenade.
20. Walk through that Woodland Cemetery.
21. Coq au Vin.
22. Go to a movie.
23. Take a yoga class. Maybe more than once.
24. Go see the ArtVend machine up in Ames.
25. Play cards.
26. Perform with Our Kelly.
27. Light the sparklers. Even thought they are out of season.
28. Retry baking a cake.


Yesvember.
xo-LP

Game face.

Dear 28,
Thursday. 2:36pm.
From Muskie. To Des Moines. To Marysville. 12:14am. ish.
(Jessica you're a terrific driver and big thank you to the Searcey family*.)
Friday. 6:08am.
Bus must leave by 7:00am- right. 

Friday. 7:26am.
Onto Lincoln.

Friday. 11:00am.
Game time. (After walking a maze of sidewalks and bridges and through throngs of fans that matched the crowds at the WalMarts we passed. Game time.)
Friday. 9:21pm.
Leave Lincoln.
Saturday. 1:34am.
Back to DSM. Lots of sleeping.
xo-LP

*Thank you again Searceys! So hospitable.

Just so damn thankful.

Dear 28,

What a year. It has been oh-so-spectacular. And the last two months have been the very best. I can't wait to celebrate the final act of 2011 all December long. 

Thank you so much for reading. For being awesome. Never have I felt more grateful.
Gobble. Gobble.
xo-LP

CoqAuVinture.

Dear 28,
I don't know how to say "Coq Au Vin" out loud. I bet you are trying to right now. Qu'il est difficile de dire. And even though Tom has repeated it about 16 times to me, I still sound ridiculous. Co uh wha? Coke oh van? Really? 4 years of high school French class paid off big time. I can sing a song about strawberries (J'aime les fraises) and understand a little bit of French movies without reading the subtitles. Thank you Miss Sorden.

Photo credit goes to Fawn + Sara.

Tom tells me French food takes time, the finest ingredients, and patience. Ina Garten tells me it's just like Beef something or another, but with chicken. Local foodie, and cookbook author, and friend of Tom's, Miss Moranville writes a whole book about French cooking and gave us her blessing on the shortened Coq recipe. But Sarah tells me I'm cheating by both using le poulet (instead of coq) and cooking up the impossible-to-pronounce-naturally recipe in one night rather than the French Master Julia's way-- over two frickin days, deux jours. I decided to use the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for several reasons. 1. This recipe is doable in one night. 2. Barefoot Contessa's book has really pretty pictures. 3. Tom said it was a good idea.

CoqAuVinture night was a lot of work (and there was beaucoup de vin). Les carottes, les oignons, beaucoup de vin, lard de fantaisie. That's basically coq au vin in French. There's a lot of browning of chicken (like a lot of it). And the bacon-- don't be all skimpy on that. Tom says to go for REALLY fancy bacon. And the wonderful Abbe picked out a special bottle of vin for the recipe. (While you're looking at the Gateway site, click on the "meat/seafood" tab. You'll recognize a meat buyer.) You don't really want to skimp on that either. She picked out one that had a stamp on it-- HOW APPROPRIATE!

After the bacon cooking, the chicken browning (go for the golden+tan-ish color), and being super patient (obviously this was the hardest part of the whole recipe for me), you add the veggies and wine and herbs and chicken stock and probably other ingredients I forgot about. Then there's the time you get to light the pot of delicious food on fire. That was fun.

oh. that smells delicious. especially after adding booze and lighting it on fire. Overall the dish turned out to be flavorful, oh-so French and far simpler than I thought, but it does take a while. The final meal earned a highfive. (as pictured below)  Someday I'll try it Sarah's way (only if she does the first day of cooking. read that Sarah. And let's make that happen. coq au vin- off can still occur) And I would definitely make the Contessa's recipe again. Thanks Tom and Sara and Fawn for sharing the French feast with me (and putting it all together). Vous êtes la plus grande compagnie. Also. This post taught me how to type accents. SO much learning in French cooking! What a CoqAuVinture. xo-LP

Now. Usually we don't do this but...

Dear 28,

It happened.

xo-LP