Girl Friday

The next Generation of Sartorial Blogging

Girl Friday posting has been weak at best lately. Not entirely my fault; I can't log into my account more than 50% of the time. I've been hella busy lately, too, so when I have something to say here and I can't say it, I get really frustrated because then who the hell knows when I'll be able to sit down at my desk again.

Anyway, who is this Ulla? She's adorable.

What the F**k are YOU Wearing? State Fair Edition from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.

Pepsi and Pakora

I've been a little off the grid lately, my apologies for that. Sometimes life just presents you with so many more fun things to do than sit down at your laptop for more than a few hours a week. Perhaps there's something going on in my life that may be of interest to you? Let's see:

What I'm wearing:

MAC Opulash mascara is awesome. In addition to adding more volume and length than Diorshow and being clump-free, it also comes off sooo easily. It almost slides off your lashes in pieces; no raccoon eyes when using remover, not even in the morning if you forget to take it off before bed.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil. Holy crap, you cannot bust this stuff. It has way more staying power than MAC pencils, not to mention any drug store brands, even on the waterline. Somehow it still magically comes off easily with remover towelettes.

I've gotten so many compliments on the green Red by Ecko handbag I bought at Macy's this winter that I decided to explore the line a little bit more. Who knew this company made such cute and affordable bags, and that they're all leather-free? I bought this black handbag this week at DSW with my latest Rewards certificate. I don't think the photos do them much justice; they are super adorable.

What I'm eating:

The sweet and spicy burger at Mac's Industrial (with a veggie patty, of course). I can't get enough of this thing. It's the ultimate indulgence, with melted cheddar, barbecue sauce, pickles (key to anything covered in barbecue sauce) and a pile of spicy onion straws. Served with your choice of Mac's 19 different sides. I'm currently stuck on the cucumber salad, which is fat chunks of cucumber and tomato tossed in a tangy and sweet vinegar-based dressing. If you've never thought to stop in and grab a bite to eat here, do it. Not only is the full menu available 'til 2:00am every night, but there are a ton of options and everything is good. Well, nearly everything. They put the shredded lettuce inside the quesadilla before they grill it, which results in warm, soggy strings of lettuce, which kind of grosses me out.

Gandhi Mahal continues to make sweet love to my mouth and belly every delicious time I visit. I don't know what they do as far as meat but, for vegetarians, this is the best Indian restaurant in the Twin Cities. If you don't agree with me, I challenge you to a sitar-off. Also, for those who complain that local ethnic restaurants tone down the spice for the Midwestern American palate, try Gandhi Mahal. Start with "medium" and don't say I didn't warn you. I was there with my friend Ben earlier this week and had my favorite, aloo begun, as well as the mushroom paneer on the seasonal menu (I've been trying to replicate the aloo begun for a while now with little success and it's really starting to frustrate me). Both were spicy, fragrant, slightly creamy perfection.

Throwback is back! Pepsi, Mountain Dew and my beloved Dr. Pepper. Last week, all three were $2.98 per 12-pack at Cub Foods. Hopefully that throwback price sticks for a while.

What I'm doing:

Still bartending 1-2 shifts a week at Burger Moe's over in Shelbyville. If you haven't checked it out yet, come on down. There have been no major paper reviews of the food yet, but it's been getting high marks on Chowhound. Tom Horgen also gave props to the big and beautiful patio at Moe's in his recent article on the best patios in the TC.

You already know I'm co-hosting R-rated Trivia every Monday night at Nomad World Pub. As of this week, I've also started hosting BINGO every Tuesday at Lyndale Tap House. Winners get a free tee shirt that brags a bingo win, plus a round of shots for your table. Tuesday is also service industry night, so shots of Grand Marnier, Rumpleminze and Patron are just $4 from 9:00pm to midnight. Party!

Speaking of the service industry, my latest cover story for Vita.mn came out yesterday. Check it out for tips on how to get the best possible service at a restaurant or bar. Yes, it's pathetic that people actually need to be taught such simple lessons but, believe me, there are a lot of clueless and inconsiderate a**holes out there.

This My 'Hood

New York Times Travel: 13th Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis, Revived

The May opening of Northeast Social (No. 359; 612-877-8111; northeastsocial.com) marked the neighborhood’s move upmarket. The chef-owned bistro specializes in farm-fresh comfort food, like potato gnocchi stroganoff ($15). Here, too, neighborhood artists get their due: The row of lurid, long-necked portraits — think goth Modiglianis — comes from the painter Nicholas Harper, who runs the Rogue Buddha Gallery next door (No. 357; 612-331-3889; roguebuddha.com).

Indeed, neighborly collaboration seems to be the rule. When the writer and performer Stephanie Wilbur Ash stages her radio variety show, “PowderKeg Live!” at the Ritz Theater (No. 345; 612-623-7660; ritzdolls.com), “the restaurant next door will put out free brats before the show,” she said, referring to the Modern Café (No. 337; 612-378-9882; moderncafeminneapolis.com), the granddaddy of the street, where weekend brunch continues to be a local affair.

Full Article

Also, check out Vita.mn's 2009 Art-A-Whirl cover story, to which I contributed, about 13th Avenue NE.

Thank you, Taylor.

For forwarding this.

New Boots, Designer Clearance, Vita.mn Hotness

Ask and you shall receive.

Props to Girl Friday reader Scott for the tip on the black and purple Sorel Torinos at Rosedale Herberger's. They were even on sale, so I'm now a proud owner and a happy customer. If you've seen me in the last two weeks, there's a 95% chance I was wearing them.

Then, lo and behold, a gift in the form of a pair of Sorel Tivolis on brown and blue show up at my doorstep not even a week later.

Hot.

I am so set for the rest of this winter, and however many more winters these boots last. I'm loving their waterproof feature, especially after last week's warm-up and subsequent slush-fest. Both pairs are incredibly comfortable and warm, with a fairly skid-proof sole. The brown Tivolis have one small design flaw: they bunch a little when you put your foot in so you have to tug on them a bit before you head out the door. A small problem, but they're still cute as hell.

A useful thread over at Livejournal: Where to send your old clothes that aren't in good enough shape for resale or thrift store donation but can be salvaged for their fabric.

This Friday and Saturday only, Northeast consignment boutique gh2 is having a 50% off sale. gh2 stocks top designer clothing, shoes and accessories, so it goes without saying that I rarely see fewer than 10 things I want every time I stop in.

Next door to gh2, Parc Boutique continues their winter clearance, with 30-80% off. That sale started the first week of January, so the best of the best is probably gone, but it's still worth a look if you swing by gh2.

Vita.mn's third annual Hotness party is Wednesday, February 10th, so suit up sexy! We're at the Graves 601 this year, and there will be free hors d'oeuvres, drink specials, giveaways, live performances and DJs. As always, this event is free. 

Girl Friday's 2009 in Review

My babies. I know I slacked off a little towards the end of the year. I know Girl Friday hasn't been jammin' like it has in the past. But I've been busy; I've been busy trying to wrap up a cookbook for publication by spring 2010. I've been busy finding the right investor for my business partner and me in our next venture, which will be food-related. Details to come on that, but for now it's tucked pretty tightly under our hats.

Since it was a sorta quiet year for blogging for me -- unless you follow me on Twitter, then I'm sure there were days when you wish I'd just shut the f**k up -- and since I've run out of time to compile a lengthy end-of-year post encompassing the works and highlights of all my fellow bloggers, writers and otherwise creative artists, I'll just post some pivotal Girl Friday moments from 2009.

January: I lost two pets. Coco and Steve, the most awesome goldfish in the world, may you rest in peace.

February: I finally hit the big time. In North Branch. I was profiled on the front page (above the fold!) of my hometown paper.

March: Fugaise, the best restaurant in Minneapolis, closed, but at least I got in for one last meal. (And someone else picked up the tab.)

April: Johnny Michaels and I threw a fundraiser for the animals and raised $1,178.00 for Home for Life. We've since had trouble securing a liquor sponsor for future events, but we definitely still want to turn this into a regular, roving event.

May: Star. Trek. 

June: Gabby's Saloon and Eatery fought the law... and Gabby's won! Score one for the businesses of Northeast Minneapolis.

July: I became a Nintendo brand enthusiast -- yes, we all hate the term and, no, I've never once been under obligation to blog, Tweet or Facebook about it -- and I'm glad I did. They send me free stuff all the time, including over $50.00 worth of LORAC makeup.

August: I joined forces with two other lovers of Tego Calderón to create the crusade to bring Tego to Minneapolis. He will come, because we will bring him here.

September: I got a new tattoo! It's a kitty.

October: October sucked. Let's talk about something else.

November: I participated in Erik Janzen's "Stories from Exile" short film series, and it was a hit. Erik's just been invited to screen the series at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he will speak on a GLBT panel, and Erik is also planning to take the films on a Midwest tour.

December: I was reminded just how much fun being a freelance writer can be.

Have a great night tonight, everyone! And a wonderful new year! 2009 sucked for a lot of us for a million different reasons, but 2010 looks pretty promising already.

Holiday Drinks

This is one of my personal favorites. Check out this week's issue of Vita.mn for Holiday Drinks: Making Spirits Bright. I rounded up 5 specialty cocktails of the season from local establishments and charmed the bartenders into sharing their recipes so we can make them all at home.

Would you use wifi at McDonald's? Something about the ambiance, the smell and the fact that it's the genocide-committing, Earth-destroying McDonald's would really deter me from plopping down with my laptop.

Gridskipper's Foodie's Guide to Minneapolis. I'm the second "guest" commenter because of course I couldn't resist setting them straight.

Alie's cat needs our help. Agent has a necessary surgery coming up and Alie is looking for any donation you can spare to help offset the vet expenses, which will wipe out her savings. 

Sorry for the fly-by blog post but I'm having quite a week over here, and not in a good way. I'm on day 3 of no heat or hot water due to a boiler replacement gone horribly wrong. The gas company is here right now repairing a broken line, so hopefully these radiators will be back in business by the end of the night. Thanks to my friends who have offered up their showers, laundry facilities and beds. And have tolerated my increasing crabbiness.

You are All Getting This for Christmas

Hot Guys and Baby Animals 2010 Calendar

Many animals in the calendar are rescues and most are still looking for homes. A portion of the proceeds go to Bunny World Foundation, PAL Rescue, Karma Rescue and Adopt-A-Chow.

Local shelters, why can't we do something like this here? I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'd happily strip down for a pumas and big cats calendar.

Friday Night Rollerdisco!

Whoops, I guess it was a little quiet this week at GF HQ. Here's a quick reminder about the vita.mn event tomorrow (Friday) night at the Roller Garden in St. Louis Park:

Snowball: An Old School Funk and Rollerdisco!

Vita.mn and Ragstock present the second annual Snowball: An Old School Funk and Rollerdisco. It’s hosted by Alexis on the Sexes and the North Star Roller Girls, starting at 9 p.m. and running through midnight at the Roller Garden in St. Louis Park.

Ragstock will be on-site for all to purchase holiday gear. $7 to get in and on skates, and includes dessert treats courtesy of Red Stag Supper Club. The first 70 in the door will receive the brand new Alexis t-shirt from Vita.mn. Oh, and best dressed will win a prize package from Roller Garden including brand new roller skates.

The Roller Garden is a dry venue, so plan accordingly.

The free tee shirt is hot. It doesn't look like this, though. It's much cuter.

Happy 32

It's my birthday! I'd like to thank all the readers of Girl Friday over the last nearly five years for checking out this blog and making it a regular stop (and let's not forget those of you who were following me on LiveJournal before I moved the blog to Typepad).

Here are the last 4 posts from October 23rd on Girl Friday:

2008

2007

2006

2005

And here's a song that Pandora re-introduced to me today. I can't believe I'd forgotten all about it, since it's totally one of the best songs from my adult formative years. Download it, put it on your iPod, play it for some hottie and get lucky this weekend.

In honor of my birthday.