Upstairs Circus

A year ago,  I started getting together with other Moms from school.  Moms that I already knew and Moms that I wanted to know better.  We had a few fun outings together and then things kind of fell apart.  My best friend was diagnosed with cancer and someone I thought was my friend, left me hanging.  I started getting moms together again for breakfast on the first day of school and it was the best thing for me.  I love connecting with my fellow Moms and sharing stories and getting to know each other better.

Several of these Moms have become my closest friends.  It's a total bonus that some of their kids are my kids besties!   I invited a handful of friends to join me in Downtown Denver for some crafting fun with mimosas.  Three lovely ladies took me up on it and we had the best time!

Welcome to Upstairs Circus!

On the weekends, you can make a craft and have bottomless mimosas for the low price of $35.  They have so many great choices of crafts, even for people that claim they aren't crafty.  The really interesting thing is that you get better at your craft and closer to your friends with each refill of your glass.  

I went with the Hex Nut Bracelet so that I could learn a new skill and open an Etsy store so my husband will get off my back about getting a job to support my family.  I LOVE my new bracelet and can't wait to go back and learn another skill. 

The very best thing about Upstairs Circus is that they are practically across the street from the new Union Station and you can take the light rail from all over the city and have a great time with your friends.  There are a number of restaurants at the Union Station and in the neighborhood to have lunch when you are done.  Be advised that people will be fawning all over you about how awesome you and your project are wherever you go.

Caution: Brewing Company

Last weekend, Keith and I went out on a date.  Our main objective was to see American Sniper and to have a nice chat over a martini.  My little secret was that we would be stopping at Caution: Brewing Co on the way home for a night cap.

As you recall, one of my goals for the new year is to visit some craft beer pubs with my darling husband.  This is the first stop in the #weissbeerbucketlist.

One of the first things I liked about Caution is that they are close to my house.  Within 5 minutes, I can have my butt on a stool.  This was also good because the night we went it started to snow as we arrived and it was blizzarding by the time we left.

I was intrigued by the Wild Blonde Ale because it is made with Minnesota Lake Rice.  It was really good and more light than some craft beers I've had before.

After trying several beers, Keith decided on the Hippity Hops IPA.  He thought it was great because he doesn't like hoppy beers.  He could definitely taste the slight chrysanthemum and thought it really enhanced the beer.

We laughed over the name of this beer and then went home.

It's funny to us because Keith's mom uses a walker. 

Caution: West is located in Lakewood Colorado on Wadsworth next to Wing Stop.  They don't serve food but you can grab anything you want and bring it in.  They also have some fun games host trivia and game nights.

Caution: West

1057 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Unit 60

Lakewood, CO 80226

Boyhood

Boyhood is nominated for Best Picture, Actor in a supporting role (Ethan Hawke), Actress in a supporting role (Patricia Arquette), Directing and Writing (Richard Linklater), Film Editing (Sandra Adair).

What an interesting movie.  I really enjoyed watching this young boy navigate life from the age of 6 to 18.  The story telling is really good with a few slow parts but that could be because the movie is so long that I needed a break in the middle.  At 2 hours and 45 minutes, I do advise treating yourself to an intermission otherwise you might give up on the film half way through.

I find it really interesting that this film was filmed over a 12 year period.  I loved seeing how Mason and Samantha grew with each new time period and felt so bad for the string of bad relationships that Patricia Arquette's character found herself in.

I like the ending message of the film; that moments seize us.  I like to think Mason has a great future ahead of him and will be happy someday.

Boyhood won a Golden Globe for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress.

Selma

I'm starting to notice a reoccurring theme in my life.

My education in Greeley Colorado was....lacking.  I'm sad to say I did not learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in school and I'd really like to know why since I had his birthday off starting in 1986. My Vietnam Veteran Father took great offense to this because I was required to attend school on Veteran's Day.  Granted, my Dad was nearly killed in D.C. while serving in the Army because he was assigned to the riots that erupted in the late 60's.   My knowledge of King was tainted by my Dad's experience.

I would liked to have learned in school, what I learned during the movie Selma and what my kids learned this week in 2nd grade.  

Selma was eye opening for me, as you can imagine.  I did not know Dr. King won a Nobel Peace Prize and that he wished for non-violent protests.  I did not know politicians and law enforcement in the south were not following the law and were instead taking people's rights away.  It is heartbreaking to see.

I highly recommend Selma to anyone who doesn't think they know what was happening in American in the 60's.  I'd also advise you to bring tissues and a best friend.  This film should not be viewed alone.

I'd also advise you to take some of what you see with a grain of salt because as is often the case with films made about actual events, I believe some of the facts are embellished for entertainment value.  Did LBJ really say, 'Don't shit me George Wallace?'

I'd like to know more about what happened between LBJ and MLK and if the President really did drag his feet on the Voting Rights Act. It seems like so much turmoil and deaths could have been avoided.  My husband (who received better schooling than me) tells me LBJ didn't have the authority to do anything and it was in the states hands.  In that case, all I can say is, 'Are you shitting me George Wallace?'

Selma is nominated for Best Picture and for Original Song.

The Song, Glory by John Stephens and Lonnie Lynn and sung by John Legend and Common won a Golden Globe for Best Song.

What Do You Know About THAT?

Did you listen to the Serial Podcast a few months ago?  I was late to the party. (story of my life) and started listening to it when there were only 2 weeks left.

For those of you that don't know what Serial is, click here.

I was hooked and when it was over and I realized Dateline was all repeats, I started reading Finding Chandra by Scott Higham and Sari Horwitz.  It's about the disappearance and murder of Chandra Levy back in 2001.  It's pretty good.

Anyway, I've been reading it and I started to notice the person that read the book before me hated the word THAT.  They crossed them out.

So I posted the picture on Instagram and soon learned we are all overusing the word THAT and it can be completely unnecessary.  And now I'm worried that I'm using the word too much and I now have to go through all of my old blog posts and strike out THAT.  Now I'm wondering what else I didn't learn in high school.  Damnit Greeley Colorado!

RIP Elly May

When I was a kid, I watched The Beverly Hillbillies all the time!  It was a great show and so funny!  I loved Elly May and thought she was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen.  She was also so oblivious to what was going on.  She also had a way with raccoons just like me!

In the mid 80's, Donna Douglas sang and spoke at my church and I was able to meet her.  She was so lovely in person and I had never met a celebrity before.  She even signed my bible.

Donna Douglas passed away yesterday at the age of 82.

Into The Woods

Keith's parents and brother left early on Christmas Day.  We had our fancy meal the night before and had lots of leftovers from the 4 days they were here so we decided to have popcorn for lunch and see Into The Woods.

I was completely unfamiliar with this movie that started as a play.  My husband had seen the play a long time ago and owned the soundtrack.   Needless to say, he was very excited to see it made into a movie.

The trailer for Into The Woods has not really let on that this is a musical.  If you aren't expecting practically every single word to be sung, then you might be in for a shock.  Do not see this film if you hate musicals or have a migraine.  All of the singing might be too much for you.

My family happens to LOVE musicals and we were thrilled that even some of the talking scenes were sung by the actors.  The set design and music is just wonderful.  You really feel like YOU are in the woods and it isn't even 3D.

I have to tell you that I was very uncomfortable with the scenes between Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf (played really well by Johnny Depp).  If you are taking small children to this film, you might find it inappropriate.  Luckily, my kids only read into it that he wanted to EAT her.  There is also lots of scary parts at the end but my kids took it in stride.

I absolutely loved Anna Kendrick in this film and Chris Pine is fun to look at.  His hair is puffy and the song he performs with is brother is funny and clever.  I cried during the scene in the tower with Rapunzel. 'Stay with Me' is one of my favorite songs from the film.

Into The Woods is nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture.  Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep are also nominated for best actress and supporting actress.  They should all win!

PTA Christmas Gifts

By now all of the Dennison PTA Chairs have received their Christmas gifts.  This is my second (and likely last) year as the PTA President so I wanted to give out something that was special.  I'm proud of the PTA logo that my husband made for me last year so I had an idea!

I made Christmas ornaments with our logo!  In my fantasy, these 27 people will put this ornament on their tree every year and have warm fuzzy feelings about how they have made a difference and done amazing things for Dennison.  Well...that's how I feel when I look at MY ornament.

I'm proud of what the parents at my school do for all of the kids.  Every single thing is done by a parent.  A parent that cares and gives their time.  The kids at Dennison are better because of our PTA. 

 Thank you to anyone and everyone that volunteers in any PTA.  Your commitment and time is appreciated.  

Peanut Butter Truffles

I have a food blog that I can't remember the log in for because I haven't posted on it in over a year.  How lame is that?  The good news is that I've decided to post a yummy Christmas treat recipe here!

You have to make these.  They are so good and super easy.  Meghan did most of it herself and she is only 7.

NOTE: My dear husband says that a truffle isn't a truffle without booze in it.  I disagree.  I think he just likes those better.

Peanut Butter Truffles

1 cup confectioners sugar
3 tbsp butter, softened
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 bag of white chocolate disks (purchase at craft store)

Mix together the sugar, butter and peanut butter.  Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and put on baking sheet covered in wax paper.  Chill the pan in your fridge for 30 minutes.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate disks.  Microwave for 1 minutes, stir and then go for 30 seconds more until the chocolate is melted and shiny.

Roll each ball in the chocolate and put back on the baking sheet.  Chill again for 20 minutes and then enjoy!

* You can use the entire bag of chocolate disks.  It will only make them more better.  We were trying to cut back the sugar/calories just a smidge.

My Last Text to my Brother

On July 7th last year, we were winding down the holiday weekend and Keith grilled ribs.  We were sitting on the patio, enjoying the beautiful weather and a bottle of wine.  I was admiring my basil plants and swatting bugs away from my wine.

I came up with a genius solution to my bug problem without having to go into the house for a stopper.

I knew that my brother would appreciate my ingenuity so I texted him a picture.

I titled it Ghetto Wine Cork.

I didn't get a response.  

I didn't think much of it because he had recently moved to a beautiful new townhome and I was sure he was very busy setting up his place.

What I didn't know is that he was dead. 

It's been a year today and my brain still can't accept it.  I don't think I ever will.

I miss you Rob.

Booze Corner

Yesterday I was watching Channel 4 local news because Entertainment Tonight was being replaced by a special about The Broncos.  Don't get me wrong, I love football and The Broncos but I'm trying to pace myself before the big game.

This story came on about car seat safety.  They had a Mom with a little one and they told me that she has twins on the way.  They showed her buckling her kid into a car seat and then they showed her in what I'm assuming is her kitchen.  Well...here, I took a picture of my TV for you.

Photo taken with iPad from recliner

Was this the best place to interview this pregnant Mom about car seat safety?  Who the hell set this shot up?  Whoever did it....should be fired or sent to work for MSNBC.

This is why I will never let Channel 4 News in Denver interview me for a story. 

GLEEprov on Date Night

Thank you Sarah for reminding me that I never told you where I took Keith on our date!

It was so nice to get out for an evening by ourselves and Keith loved that we did it on a Friday night because it reminded him of the old days when he'd go out after work.  The old days....before we had two kids and the PTA to deal with.  We talked about all kinds of things but not about the kids.

And we held hands.

Keith was channeling his inner Don Draper.

Finally, we got to our destination!  The Bovine Metropolis Theatre to see GLEEprov!

It was so fun!  A cast of ten who take a suggestion from the audience about something that happened to them when they were in high school.  In this case, a girl that was a high school mascot.  They made up a story and songs on the fly about that topic and it was hilarious!

GLEEprov is running for four more weeks, every Friday night at 10:15pm.  

side note:  Our waitress at The Rialto told us that she knows one of the instructors at The Bovine and that we should look for him and say hi from her.  She said, you can't miss him...he's bald.  Well...there were about 15 bald men at this show!  They just kept walking in and we laughed and laughed!  

Snow Covered Patio Furniture

The only reason I got out of bed the other morning was because I couldn't find any snow covered patio furniture pictures on Instagram.

 

Day Out With Jessica

My best friend Jessica was coming to town and I needed to find some stuff for us to do.  I went to Denver.org and put in the day that we'd be spending together.  That's when I discovered that the Great American Beer Fest was going to be that weekend.

This also means that it's Denver Beer Week!  Yeah Baby!

I immediately found the perfect thing for us to do.....a Beer Paring Breakfast!

I asked Jessica if she has convictions about drinking before noon.  She didn't, in fact, she said she encourages it!  I called up Pub 17 on Welton to make a reservation and the nice man that took my information said that my name sounded familiar.  I asked him if he was a member of the PTA and he said no.  He made a big deal about telling me the menu and kept calling me Mrs. Weiss.

Jessica and I arrived a little early for our breakfast and the man I spoke with on the phone greeted us warmly.  I explained to Jess that he thinks I am somebody.  We sat at the bar and ordered Dirty Martinis and he told the bartender that they were on him.  Who does he think I am?

I suppose he could have googled me while we were on the phone.

What do you know!  Google thinks I am somebody!

Jessica and I had the best time and our Beer Pairing Breakfast with Fort Collins Brewery was so great! You can read all about it later this week on The Rookie Foodie.

The Olson Cabin

We haven't been on a trip since March.  We traveled all over the country for two years and now we're taking a break because we have a big trip coming up in July.

For the first time ever, we'll be taking the kids to my favorite place on earth!  The Olson Cabin.

It's cabin that has been in my family for a very long time and is the place I think of when someone tells me to go to my happy place.  It's in Northern Minnesota on a lake and it's the most peaceful place you could ever imagine.

My Great Grandparents bought the land when they first came to Minnesota and it started as two rooms.  Over the years, they added a bedroom and bathroom with indoor plumbing and a long screened porch.  My Dad just spent 3 weeks at the cabin having it remodeled and our old guest room furniture that belonged to my Mother in Law is now in the bedroom.

I can't wait to take my kids there!

And neither can my Dad.  He sent the kids these shirts last week!  We're so excited.

There's No Place Like The Olson Cabin

As you can see....my little photo shoot didn't go so well.  Maybe this should be my new header!

On a side note, we'll also be headed to Canada to spread Robert's ashes at his favorite fishing spot. It will be nice to finally fulfill his wishes.

Working From Home

Keith and I were joking about all of the reasons that people come up with to work from home.  Everything from being sick to their dog is sick waiting for the cable guy.  I decided to come up with a list for the over 50 crowd.  These are all acceptable reasons to work from home.

#WFH Excuses if you're over 50 years old

• I forgot to take my pills
• I have the sh*ts
• I have a hemorrhoid
• I have a doctor's appointment
• I can't remember where I work
• I've fallen and I can't get up
• I have a woody and my wife is home
• It's snowing
• It's not snowing
• I can't remember where I put my car keys
• I accidentally took viagra instead of blood pressure pills
• I'm working on a puzzle
• I have to drive my wife to her mammogram
• I think Publisher's Clearing House is going to stop by

Disclaimer: It is not my intention to enrage the elderly community. I think Obama is doing a great job of that all by himself. I'm also not poking fun at my husband, he helped me make this list.

Oktoberfest Party

I had selfish reasons for throwing my husband a 50th Birthday Party. Yes, I thought it would be fun and I wanted to honor him but I also wanted to make sure that he throws one for me in 25 7 years.

iKeith and I love going to Oktoberfest every year (when we can) and we're both German (him more than me) so it was the perfect theme!  We were also celebrating Keith's parents 50th wedding anniversary....thank goodness those too had a fling in the backseat of that car!

We had a white tent that served as the Bier Tent and it also held the food.  Brats, Sauerkraut, chips and dip and Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. We went through 13 pounds of ice.  THIRTEEN!  We offered two kinds of German beer and Coors and Bud and Sam Adams Oktoberfest which is my personal favorite.  That great sign was purchased from Party City, online....they don't carry it in the store.

Also from Party City, the cute bibs!  I had fully intended to purchase authentic lederhosen and a beer wench outfit but Keith said no.  These worked great and I was able to force convince my Mom, Sister and Mother in Law to wear them too. My friend Helle helped me make the Pretzel Necklaces for all of our guests.  It was a nice little snack while chatting with friends and drinking a cold bier.

See our friends there?  Everyone was required to take a picture with them before they could leave.  They also came from Party City.  Everyone had fun moving their arms and legs into fun positions for the pictures!

A good time was had by all and the weather was perfect for that short time. It was great to see our dearest friends and family again for a happy reason and Keith's Birthday wish is that he lives long enough to see my 50th birthday. Well! He had better because he has a party to throw!

God Bless Texas

My sister came to visit recently.  We always look forward to her coming to town because when she is here every day is a party!

We get to have donuts and ice cream and Keith doesn't mind because he can't say No to Aunt Bobbi.

My whole family and Keith's whole family came to town for Keith's 50th Birthday and Bobbi and my Mom were so very helpful and I remembered that I can double dog dare Bobbi to do just about anything.

Like this.

I texted this picture to Keith and his response was:  A little Texas in Colorado can be too much of a good thing!

We miss you Bobbi....come back soon!

If any of you are in the Plano Area....Bobbi just opened a brand new Massage Therapy Office and she'd love some new customers! Free riding lessons with every massage.

TOTES! Journal and Planner Storage

Flashback Friday!  This was published just two months ago....but I think Google would like to see it again.

A while back, my dear friend and partner in organizing all things showed me her Thirty One Tote that she uses for storing greeting cards.  Jessica is just brillant when it comes to finding clever way  keep her things tidy so I always try to steal borrow her ideas when I can.

Several months ago, I was walking around Home Depot.  I think I was looking for the bathroom because I constantly have to pee, when I found a bunch of handheld tool totes.  I looked that them for a long time and thought I should get one of these so I can copy Jessica.  I found the bathroom and forgot about the tote.

This week I was walking around WalMart.

Disclaimer: I drove 20 miles to the nice part of town so that I could have a pleasant WalMart experience.

I found myself in the tool section explaining what all the tools are for my kids and I saw it.  My Tote!!

TOTES!  It's perfect and purple and doesn't scream CRAFTSMAN on the front!  It's exactly what I was looking for and it was only $12.98. I snatched it up and took it home and hugged it for a long time before I put all of my stuff in it.

Here is what is in the my Journal Tote:

• Smash My Year Smashbook and Thirty One bag that Jessica gave me to hold all of my stickers and what not. 
• My kids journals that I write in every week
• My journals that I write in every week
• Sharpie Markers
• Papermate Markers
• Scissors
• Stuff that needs to go into journals (pictures, movie stubs, invites)
• HAPPINESS

It looks so great sitting on the corner of my desk and since I don't have a dedicated space for crafting/journaling and I ofter lug all of my stuff to the bedroom or in front of the TV, it's just perfect!

Blue Jasmine

I went to a movie by myself yesterday.

That large coke cost almost as much as my matinee ticket! 

I love movies but I hardly ever get out to see them.  I realized that this is the perfect opportunity for me to check out great movies and enrich my life!  I am a cultured chick so I picked Woody Allen's new film first.  

Blue Jasmine is about a high society gal (played by the amazing Cate Blanchett) who has to start her life over in San Francisco after her husband's ponzi scheme falls apart and she's left with nothing.  Well....if you count a beautiful wardrobe, a Hermes bag and Louis Vuitton luggage as nothing!

Jasmine moves in with her sister and tries to get her life back on track.  The poor thing has a little zanax and vodka problem and might be crazy.  We learn about her old life in a series of flashbacks.  For a little while, things are going great because Jasmine meets a substantial guy, he falls in love with her but it doesn't last.  

And that's all I'm going to say about that!

Cate Blanchett did an amazing job with this character and I wouldn't be surprised if she gets nominated for an award.  I have to say, I really enjoyed the movie even thought the old guy behind me said it was the worst movie he's ever seen.  I suspect that is the reason I liked it!  

I give Blue Jasmine 4 out of 5 Vodka Martinis with a Lemon Twist!