Podcast Recommendations *and* What I'm Listening To

My husband is a master of podcast listening.  And I've always wanted my own little jam to listen to as well.  I wrote a while back about how awesome Radiolab is.  But as I said, I've listened so much, I'm years back.  And I wanted something a little bit lighter.  More girl focused.  Since I'm so feminine...not.   But GOOD NEWS!

I have found two podcasts recently that I LOVE.  They are female focused, light, funny, and easy to listen to at any time.  I've been listening to them on my new 5 minute commute and also while at work.  One of them I found randomly in the podcast app, and one is a blogger I've been following who recently started her own podcast.   So here they are, ladies!! Call Your Girlfriend - "A podcast for long distance besties everywhere".  I don't even know how I came across this, but it's great.  Now that one of my best friends is down in Texas, this light-hearted podcast makes me feel great.  They talk about current events, lady problems, friends, trends, and anything else that pops up in conversation.  Just like if you're chatting with your girl. A recent description for an episode was "We discuss diversity and National Parks, Ariana Grande licking donuts, the best of summer (drinks/bodies/dresses/swimsuits/songs), a sponge update, sexual peer pressure, the power of women athletes, and the joys of Magic Mike XXL."   Great, right?  They usually have a loose agenda and will talk about anything else that comes up.  I love the casual feel and that it's not so scientific that I have to follow along.  It's just two girls chatting.  

Two Twenty One Talk - This podcast is by Chelsea, the blogger behind Two Twenty One in Indiana.  I've been reading her blog for a little over a year, and she recently started her podcast.  It is so funny to hear people's voices after you've seen so many pictures of them, hehe!  She interviews bloggers that she has relationships with about their lives, blogs, trends, mommy advice, and tons more.  You can listen to her podcast online, and she can also be found on your lovely smartphone.  I will put on an episode while I'm out for a walk or just hanging out.  Again, just two girls chatting.

I also usually have 89.3 The Current streaming.  This is the awesome member supported public radio station out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  They are by far the best radio station I've ever listened to. Not only do I love the DJ's, but the music, events, and stories are fantastic.  You can download the app, stream online, or listen at 89.3 FM if you're local.   Lastly, I have two audio books on the docket that I got for FREE on Audible.  I got The Girl on the Train and What Alice Forgot.  I'm only a bit in to the first one and have not started the second.  I do like audio books, but you really have to settle in and concentrate, so sometimes it's hard for me to commit! What have you been listening to lately?  I am always up for recommendations in any of the categories I mentioned.  You have to have some way to pass the time.  Share, share!!

Homemade Rootbeer Schnapps

My family, like E.X.T.E.N.D.E.D. family has a gigantic family reunion every five years.  It is my paternal grandmother's family ancestors.  It has been going on since the 80's and is always something we all look forward to.  For years.  
It was supposed to be this weekend.  In the Brainerd Lakes area.  Yeah...the area that just got pommeled by storms a few nights ago.  Our resort is now closed, and the tough decision was made to CANCEL the reunion. For the first time since its inception.  Yikes!
TEARS.  {Not from me.}  But a few of my younger cousins were devastated.  And of course, everyone is bummed out.  With no time to re-book a large group and a dinner party, my cousin has kindly offered her husband's family cabin as a backup plan.  
Although we won't get to see everyone we would have, it is still a great time to get together and enjoy the outdoors. We'll devour some good food, imbibe a few too many beverages, and I'm sure take some embarrassing photos.  Make sure to like my Facebook page for updates!
For the occasion, my aunt and I have put together a surprise.  Apparently the "adults these days" are in to root beer barrel shots...out of an ashtray.  Don't ask me!  I don't take shots, but I guess it's the thing to do!  So I set out to make my own Root Beer Schnapps for the occasion, and I'm going to share the recipe with you!  

I quadrupled this recipe to have plenty to go around.  You can do this in MINUTES and be ready to go!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup very hot water 3⁄4 cup white sugar 1 cup vodka 1 teaspoon root beer concentrate 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
DIRECTIONS:
Dissolve sugar in hot water. Add vodka and root beer concentrate and vanilla stir well. Store in air tight container.
YIELDS: 2 1/2 cups
EASY-PEASY, right?!  So yeah, I have ten cups of this stuff if you're interested, hah!

We also ordered some ashtrays from Amazon.  You can find them HERE if you're wanting to share in this excitement.  

Make sure you get an ashtray that completely separates each side.  Fill one side with your schnapps, the other side with beer, and SHOOT IT!  Like I said, I have not tried this, but I surely will be this weekend.  Let me know that you think!!

Anniversary Party ~ 35 Years!

At the end of May, my parents celebrated 35 years of marriage.  They met in high school, got married young, and have lived in the same house for over 30 years as well.  My brothers and I have always been "long-term relationship" people.  My parents have obviously done something right...  

So we had to celebrate!

I planned a bonfire and potluck and invited family, friends, and good weather.  The Saturday kicked off when my aunt brought over the picture board she had made with wedding and other fun photos of my parents.  It was so fun to see the old pictures , clothes (hehe), and hear some great stories!

I luckily had time to do a little bit of DIY for decorations.   The color palette ended up being a bit primary, but it ended up looking great!  I made custom cake toppers by using a paper cutter, stamps, and toothpicks.  Anyone could make these cute little toppers in any color or shape!  They looked great on my homemade chocolate cupcakes with green frosting.  A win!

I made a few tissue flowers  to hang over the windows to add a bit of flare.  These are super easy!  Accordian fold a bunch of tissue together, tie a string around the center, cut the edges and POOF it.  Hang from the ceiling or keep one side flat and set on a table or in a bowl, etc.  CHEAP and EASY!

I also made a paper bunting to hang over the food table.  With so much light coming in the porch, it was really hard to get a picture.  I simply cut paper triangles, taped them on a thin red jute cord, and wrote "HAPPY 35th!" in cork letters.  It looked so cute hanging off of a set of antlers!

As I said, the weather was fabulous and we enjoyed a bonfire in the back yard. Our dog loves when people are around and usually ends up spending the night by the fire. 

I got to spend some time playing with all of the kids that were around.  I got lots of hugs from my future nieces and enjoyed having some time to act like a kid again.  

I want to again say THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by and shared love and memories with my parents.  I *hope* they had an amazing time and will want to celebrate for their 50th!  THAT will be a bigger party :) 

I'd love to see your DIY decor and hear your party ideas!