Thursday, December 22, 2011
René of the Day // 11.8.11 // You're Gonna Miss This
In regard to my last post, I want to be sure I'm drinking in these moments and appreciating them before they fly by... Trace Adkins says it well.
René of the Day // 11.7.11 // NashVegas
Yet another wonderful weekend in the south. I will truly miss it when MR moves back up this way, either to Louisville or Cincinnati in the next year (fingers and toes crossed). Friday we had a nice dinner at Mauricio's, perhaps the nicest restaurant we've found in Cookeville. The restaurant is in a beautiful old home and the service was great. The food was alright - not bad Italian but again, we're in Cookeville. It's just really enjoyable to have dinner together - sadly, this may only happen once or twice a month for us. The fabulous thing about CookeVegas is the quite alone time. We have a blast at home seeing all of our friends and family, and I'm sure you've read this before but we're always drunk, stuffed or tired lol It's never just "normal" - running from friends to family to this event or that party. In Cookeville we can relax and turn our phones off without feeling guilty or like we're missing out on anything. Then Saturday, we usually go to Knoxville (football games at UT) or to see friends in Nashville... which we did!
Saturday morning we drove to Cool Springs to meet Missy and Baby Ellie Rose for lunch at the Cool Springs Brewery for lunch. We had so much fun playing with the little cutie, having a few beers and watching football. She had a grand ole time with MR and his BlackBerry "toy" (see below). After a long lunch, we went to Kenny's to relax and watch the big LSU/Alabama game and ordered pizza. It was a hell of game... but I needed a nap so I missed the end, dammit.
Then we went honky tonkin'. I hadn't been out downtown in months so it was a blast. We went to the Trailer Park and then Legends. The Bengals game was this weekend so I bumped into a ton of friends from Cincy on the streets and in the bar so that was a fun surprise. I was not impressed that MR gave his tickets to the game away to a customer but I understood he didn't want me to have to drive home so late after the game... Next year! :)
Sunday morning MR kept his promise to take me to the famous Pancake Pantry. I always wanted to go when he lived in Nash but we never woke up early enough to brave the hour-long line around the corner... It was SO worth it! We met a really nice couple who actually went to Vanderbilt right near MR's old apartment and actually now live right near his parents in Cincinnati! They were visiting for the game - the husband is a pilot and was doing the fly-over at the game. The restaurant looked like a Cracker Barrel inside and the service wasn't great but the food certainly was! I had the Village Smitty Santa Fe Cornmeal Cakes - with bacon, cheddar, and roasted green chiles inside, maple syrup, hot picante salsa and sour cream on the side - wow!! MR had classic chocolate chip, of course.
Then as we sat down he asked if I saw who drove by in the black Bentley as we were waiting outside... NO?! He replied, "Well, since you're not really into celebrities I didn't want to say anything, but Keith Urban rolled right past us." WHAT! Ugh. I said to tell me next time, for sure. So many celebrities live in Nashville because of the country music scene and he's seen tons of them but I never have. I asked if Nicole was with him and he said she wasn't.
After breakfast I decided to go to Green Hills Mall - I'm not a big fan of shopping BUT they have Z Gallerie (which closed in Cincy), a Kate Spade store, Tory Burch and Kiehl's. He was driving back to Cookeville and once we got on the street I was stopped at the light behind him texting Kenny to say thanks for letting us stay at his place. MR called and asks why I didn't see him waving his arms out of the window of his car like a fool to get my attention -??? Evidently Keith rolled by AGAIN and this time Nicole Kidman was in Bentley, too! AHH! Are you kidding me? Totally missed them... #fail
But it was a really fun weekend... I know I'll miss these when we're finally in the same place.
Saturday morning we drove to Cool Springs to meet Missy and Baby Ellie Rose for lunch at the Cool Springs Brewery for lunch. We had so much fun playing with the little cutie, having a few beers and watching football. She had a grand ole time with MR and his BlackBerry "toy" (see below). After a long lunch, we went to Kenny's to relax and watch the big LSU/Alabama game and ordered pizza. It was a hell of game... but I needed a nap so I missed the end, dammit.
Then we went honky tonkin'. I hadn't been out downtown in months so it was a blast. We went to the Trailer Park and then Legends. The Bengals game was this weekend so I bumped into a ton of friends from Cincy on the streets and in the bar so that was a fun surprise. I was not impressed that MR gave his tickets to the game away to a customer but I understood he didn't want me to have to drive home so late after the game... Next year! :)
Sunday morning MR kept his promise to take me to the famous Pancake Pantry. I always wanted to go when he lived in Nash but we never woke up early enough to brave the hour-long line around the corner... It was SO worth it! We met a really nice couple who actually went to Vanderbilt right near MR's old apartment and actually now live right near his parents in Cincinnati! They were visiting for the game - the husband is a pilot and was doing the fly-over at the game. The restaurant looked like a Cracker Barrel inside and the service wasn't great but the food certainly was! I had the Village Smitty Santa Fe Cornmeal Cakes - with bacon, cheddar, and roasted green chiles inside, maple syrup, hot picante salsa and sour cream on the side - wow!! MR had classic chocolate chip, of course.
Then as we sat down he asked if I saw who drove by in the black Bentley as we were waiting outside... NO?! He replied, "Well, since you're not really into celebrities I didn't want to say anything, but Keith Urban rolled right past us." WHAT! Ugh. I said to tell me next time, for sure. So many celebrities live in Nashville because of the country music scene and he's seen tons of them but I never have. I asked if Nicole was with him and he said she wasn't.
After breakfast I decided to go to Green Hills Mall - I'm not a big fan of shopping BUT they have Z Gallerie (which closed in Cincy), a Kate Spade store, Tory Burch and Kiehl's. He was driving back to Cookeville and once we got on the street I was stopped at the light behind him texting Kenny to say thanks for letting us stay at his place. MR called and asks why I didn't see him waving his arms out of the window of his car like a fool to get my attention -??? Evidently Keith rolled by AGAIN and this time Nicole Kidman was in Bentley, too! AHH! Are you kidding me? Totally missed them... #fail
But it was a really fun weekend... I know I'll miss these when we're finally in the same place.
René of the Day // 11.6.11 // A Scottish Wedding
Congratulations to my Scottish lassie, Pinzi Lou, who was married yesterday!!! What a beautiful bride she made. So sad to not have been in attendance but it just seems like yesterday we were giggling as we went to bed at Andi's house in England in August, discussing the potential of when her engagement would come. It all happened so fast! (Lyndsey "Pinzi" and I met the summer of 2007 when we were camp counselors in the woods of Connecticut. She rode all the way home to Cincinnati in my Civic at the end of our adventurous summer and was a wonderful friends as I arrived home to hear my grandmother had passed away the night before... And she came back to visit two years later with her lovely friend Jenna. Then she flew from Scotland to surprise me in England this summer!)
Cannot wait until I get to meet Mr. James Carter when they visit Cincinnati on their trip around the world next year, before moving to the oil town of Perth, Australia to settle. Now MR and I have one more reason to go down under (visit the east coast and the west with our friends in Byron Bay.) Ever so happy for this couple - very few people can make me laugh the way Pinzi can. James is a lucky lad - congrats!
Cannot wait until I get to meet Mr. James Carter when they visit Cincinnati on their trip around the world next year, before moving to the oil town of Perth, Australia to settle. Now MR and I have one more reason to go down under (visit the east coast and the west with our friends in Byron Bay.) Ever so happy for this couple - very few people can make me laugh the way Pinzi can. James is a lucky lad - congrats!
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| How beautiful and traditional :) |
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
René of the Day // 11.5.11 // What's in season?
Not talking fashion here, folks. We're talking produce. I absolutely love grocery shopping. Once you get past the people who are abusing the usage of the motorized carts and the screaming children, it is my zen. So many fun products and choices.... as someone who loves to cook, it's like a painter picking out colors for a masterpiece.
It can be argued that cooking "seasonally" makes the most wholesome, healthy and wise meals. By buying produce in season, it reduces the cost of goods purchased and many times make it easier to buy local. I won't dive deeply into those ideas, I'm sure you can find much more detailed information regarding it on other blogs. But I digress, I thought it would be helpful to share a list of items to keep on your grocery list and recipe searches for the next few months as we go through winter.
It can be argued that cooking "seasonally" makes the most wholesome, healthy and wise meals. By buying produce in season, it reduces the cost of goods purchased and many times make it easier to buy local. I won't dive deeply into those ideas, I'm sure you can find much more detailed information regarding it on other blogs. But I digress, I thought it would be helpful to share a list of items to keep on your grocery list and recipe searches for the next few months as we go through winter.
In Season Fruits and Vegetables: Winter
René of the Day // 11.4.11 // Kiehl's
I'm not a beauty junkie - a girl who collects make-up and lotions and potions and half empty pots of gunk that clutter my drawers. I like to keep it simple - one bottle of everything, discard and replace as needed. (Living in a studio apartment has really trained me to be this way.) But, I do have a few things by which I swear. Kiehl's products are among them.
The desire began from some beauty magazine when I was in high school. I don't read them anymore (every year, every month is the same issue - summer - diet, skin and nail tips! Nothing new to be said) but it was either advertised or listed in one of their must-have product pages or a celebrity claimed it to be their favorite. At any rate, I was in South Beach Miami, FL for spring break my freshman year of college and approached my first Kiehl's store experience. I bought their classic lip balm #1 and never bought a tube of Carmex or a stick of Soflips again. To this day, I have some by my bed, in my bathroom and in my handbag. It's odor-free, smooth, not oily. It lasts quite a while and does such a phenomenal job (it will transform dry skin or lips overnight), it's worth the few extra dollars.
So when I discovered they sold Kiehl's products at Saks in downtown Cincinnati, I splurged on shampoo and conditioner. Mind you, with my out-of-control curly hair, I've received recommendations for more special product lines than you can shake your straightener at. I've been disappointed by many. Kiehl's doesn't carry a curly line so I tried the formula for dry hair - Olive Oil Fruit Nourishing shampoo and conditioner. WOW!!! It makes my hair soft, easy to comb through when it's wet and beautiful when it's dry. It's moisturized and easy to work with and looks nice for days (you know I can't wash this rats nest every day, fools. Let's be real.)
I don't buy this stuff every month - it's usually a treat. I'd bought Aussie because it was cheap and smelled great and it made my hair as dry as the sand on the beaches in Sydney - not okay. So when I was at Green Hills Mall (fabulous!) in Nashville in October, I popped into the store and had to buy it to save my head - and it has. Seeing as I don't dye my hair or pay to have it cut or style (I trim the ends on my own), I can justify the expense (~$18/bottle).
If you order online, they send you wonderful samples of their other product! Give it a shot - it's natural and luxurious without being froofy. And I adore the nostalgic, clean, apothecary branding. Try something and see if you're able to resist addiction.
The desire began from some beauty magazine when I was in high school. I don't read them anymore (every year, every month is the same issue - summer - diet, skin and nail tips! Nothing new to be said) but it was either advertised or listed in one of their must-have product pages or a celebrity claimed it to be their favorite. At any rate, I was in South Beach Miami, FL for spring break my freshman year of college and approached my first Kiehl's store experience. I bought their classic lip balm #1 and never bought a tube of Carmex or a stick of Soflips again. To this day, I have some by my bed, in my bathroom and in my handbag. It's odor-free, smooth, not oily. It lasts quite a while and does such a phenomenal job (it will transform dry skin or lips overnight), it's worth the few extra dollars.
So when I discovered they sold Kiehl's products at Saks in downtown Cincinnati, I splurged on shampoo and conditioner. Mind you, with my out-of-control curly hair, I've received recommendations for more special product lines than you can shake your straightener at. I've been disappointed by many. Kiehl's doesn't carry a curly line so I tried the formula for dry hair - Olive Oil Fruit Nourishing shampoo and conditioner. WOW!!! It makes my hair soft, easy to comb through when it's wet and beautiful when it's dry. It's moisturized and easy to work with and looks nice for days (you know I can't wash this rats nest every day, fools. Let's be real.)
I don't buy this stuff every month - it's usually a treat. I'd bought Aussie because it was cheap and smelled great and it made my hair as dry as the sand on the beaches in Sydney - not okay. So when I was at Green Hills Mall (fabulous!) in Nashville in October, I popped into the store and had to buy it to save my head - and it has. Seeing as I don't dye my hair or pay to have it cut or style (I trim the ends on my own), I can justify the expense (~$18/bottle).
If you order online, they send you wonderful samples of their other product! Give it a shot - it's natural and luxurious without being froofy. And I adore the nostalgic, clean, apothecary branding. Try something and see if you're able to resist addiction.
René of the Day // 11.3.11 // Cozi
In an effort to streamline communication and calendars, I was really excited when my boss told me about an app called Cozi. Although we don't have a family or a household to run (yet), MR and I have crazy schedules and we usually plan our weekends together well in advance. After a few repetitious conversations, "Wait, why can't you come here next weekend?" "Hey! - Oh, hi. - What's wrong? - Well, I thought you knew I was an event starting in 10 minutes. Oh - my bad, I forgot." and so on... We decided this would be a great solution to sync our schedules and stay up to date and not have to play the, "I can't remember EVERYTHING you do" card. I will admit I wish he could just access my Google calendar, but this will suffice.
The free app and website do much more than we utilize it for but I highly recommend it for sharing and organizing with others. It's made it much easier to plan our trips and budget our time. Download it in the app store or check out the website here.
Monday, December 19, 2011
René of the Day // 11.2.11 // FYI
One of the sweetest blogs I've read is To My Wife - little thoughts to his future wife, introduced with "Things I'll do, things I won't. Either way, you'll be mine and I'll be yours." They're all cute, witty and some sound like things MR may or may not have said. Click the linked text above - you could easily spend an hour reading all of the entries - your heart will go "le sigh." Here's a fav:
FYI
I’m making this up as we go along,
along this crazy road they call life. I hear it’s a highway and that
I would like to ride it all night long.
along this crazy road they call life. I hear it’s a highway and that
I would like to ride it all night long.
René of the Day // 11.1.11 // Thanks Nordstrom
Halloween has passed.
At least one store in the retail realm gets it.
René of the Day // 10.31.11 // LOVE J.A.
For reals, I have a severe obsession with Jonathan Adler - okay, not him - his "stuff." I may be more excited to buy a home and decorate than plan a wedding - it just gets me all giddy! I could browse his website for hours (um, I have) and swoon over his style. Adore all of the "Nixon-abilia." Some of the curiosities are within budget - others, well, a girl can make a wish list, can't she? Below are some of my current favorites.
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| Lampert loveseat |
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| Personalized acrylic tray |
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| Nixon rug |
René of the Day // 10.30.11 // Café de Wheels @ Dutch's
Could it be - one the best bars + the best burgers @ brunch = hell yeah! I'm not sure if this secret has been circulated so I had to share. Café de Wheels AKA The Burger Truck is now serving at Dutch's Bar & Bottle Shop in East Hyde Park on weekends for brunch! Order on the curb and take it out back - they have a great patio with bocce ball courts (my fav!)
I love the Wheels burger (ooh, balsamic onion marmalade) with sweet potato fries. Does this not sound like the dream savior for the worst G&T hangover ever? Yes. Yes, it is. Add a Pellegrino Limonata, spend a few hours in the sun and you're ready for a nap. Perfecto.
I love the Wheels burger (ooh, balsamic onion marmalade) with sweet potato fries. Does this not sound like the dream savior for the worst G&T hangover ever? Yes. Yes, it is. Add a Pellegrino Limonata, spend a few hours in the sun and you're ready for a nap. Perfecto.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
René of the Day // 10.29.11 // Halloweeen Party!
BOO! Just kidding. We didn't dress as anything scary - just as awesome stuff. Like a Freudian Slip, an orange barrel, a Pinky Lady, the Black Swan... and MR. A pair of Depends should've been in order for the laughs we had that night. We tried to fit Maura in the back of the Yaris and the barrel pushed up and covered all but the top of her head with the headband fitted with the flashing orange light LOL Caution!
And Sanker dressed up as MR. He had texted me earlier in the day as I was taking a nap and I thought, "What the hell ever that means, I'll just see later - I'm not going to try to figure it out" and I rolled over. He showed up to Vale's house (note: Vale and MR were at a UT game in Knoxville) and we died... He was wearing khakis, boat shoes, a camo jacket, a Black n Mild, a Miller Lite in a coozie, and UT shirt and hat. Then he told me he needed me to "do his eyebrows." Bless it. I painted on thick bushy brows with Lindsey's eyeliner pencil - and he insisted on making them bigger. He posed for us downstairs and we cracked up... but something was missing. Sanker is a slim dude... MR has a big barrel chest. I made him stuff a pillow under the shirt. The girls thought it may be offensive but as soon as he did it, it became the best costume EVER! I was laughing so hard I was crying with tears rolling down my cheeks!!! When we got to Dave's party, the guys yelled, "ROBERS IS IN TOWN!!!" as they always do when MR visits - hilarious. And everyone who saw it on Facebook debated whether or not it was really him - HAHA! Twas a good night.
And Sanker dressed up as MR. He had texted me earlier in the day as I was taking a nap and I thought, "What the hell ever that means, I'll just see later - I'm not going to try to figure it out" and I rolled over. He showed up to Vale's house (note: Vale and MR were at a UT game in Knoxville) and we died... He was wearing khakis, boat shoes, a camo jacket, a Black n Mild, a Miller Lite in a coozie, and UT shirt and hat. Then he told me he needed me to "do his eyebrows." Bless it. I painted on thick bushy brows with Lindsey's eyeliner pencil - and he insisted on making them bigger. He posed for us downstairs and we cracked up... but something was missing. Sanker is a slim dude... MR has a big barrel chest. I made him stuff a pillow under the shirt. The girls thought it may be offensive but as soon as he did it, it became the best costume EVER! I was laughing so hard I was crying with tears rolling down my cheeks!!! When we got to Dave's party, the guys yelled, "ROBERS IS IN TOWN!!!" as they always do when MR visits - hilarious. And everyone who saw it on Facebook debated whether or not it was really him - HAHA! Twas a good night.
René of the Day // 10.28.11 // 52 Weeks of Mail
I can't recall how I came across this brilliant idea but I absolutely adore it. 52 Weeks of Mail encourages people to send a letter, card or piece of mail every week for 52 weeks. Staying in touch this way helps us to become more intentional about our relationships, and as I've mentioned before, everyone loves to receive something thoughtful in the mail. (Bills, move aside.) The project initially began on October 9 but I encourage y'all to begin with your Christmas cards - that's easy enough. Maybe split the bulk into groups for a few days to get into the habit of visiting the post box and go from there. Your next week could be thank you cards for holiday parties and/or gifts you received.
I've blogged about it before but I've fallen into the nearly 52-week plan by sending MR a card after every weekend we spend together to say thank you and capture the memories as our relationship grows 300 miles apart. I also love sending notes to say thank you for dinner parties and as a little hello to friends out of state (or the country, for that matter.) It's an easy and inexpensive way to make one's day and gives your own heart a little squeeze! (squeee)
An idea from 52 Weeks is to include a brand new card and envelope with a stamp to encourage the recipient to write back. You could foster a new pen pal relationship - my late grandmother and I did this and I really treasure those letters now. It enhanced our bond in a way I hadn't realized was possible.
So good luck! Send a photo, a long love letter or make a list of birthdays to send cards for. You'll be pleased with the response to your correspondence.
Learn more about 52 Weeks of Mail here.
I've blogged about it before but I've fallen into the nearly 52-week plan by sending MR a card after every weekend we spend together to say thank you and capture the memories as our relationship grows 300 miles apart. I also love sending notes to say thank you for dinner parties and as a little hello to friends out of state (or the country, for that matter.) It's an easy and inexpensive way to make one's day and gives your own heart a little squeeze! (squeee)
An idea from 52 Weeks is to include a brand new card and envelope with a stamp to encourage the recipient to write back. You could foster a new pen pal relationship - my late grandmother and I did this and I really treasure those letters now. It enhanced our bond in a way I hadn't realized was possible.
So good luck! Send a photo, a long love letter or make a list of birthdays to send cards for. You'll be pleased with the response to your correspondence.
Learn more about 52 Weeks of Mail here.
René of the Day // 10.26.11 // Chicken Avocado Soup
A few months ago, the gals at work introduced me to SkinnyTaste.com. This divine little mecca of good taste and low calories has become a go-to for delicious, guilt-free recipes. In my attempt to conquer a lot of soup recipes in the chilly seasons this year, I had to make this healthy, brothy soup. I die for avocado and most of the ingredients are items I keep on hand in my kitchen. A big batch of this was easy to whip up in my beloved red Le Creuset stock pot and it lasted for at least a week for lunches and dinners.
Read the full recipe here.
[Photo to follow.]
Read the full recipe here.
[Photo to follow.]
René of the Day // 10.24.11 // ALIVE
Sometimes you just need some good beats to bop to... like this - "Alive" by Kid Cudi.
René of the Day // 10.23.11 // Cincinnati Chocolate Festival
This event was a delicious success! The Isaac M. Wise Temple Sisterhood raised $60,000 for this one-day event at the Cintas Center. For only the second year, they've continued to grow and expand tremendously. The first year (2010) was held at the JCC. This year, there was a wait at the door in the first hour because the Cintas Center was at capacity! Next year they're looking toward the Duke Energy Convention Center to house Cincinnati's overflowing chocaholic population.
It was an honor and privelege to donate my time and skills to this cause. What began as volunteering to manage social media and PR efforts blossomed into project management for the website, ads for Cincinnati Magazine, brochure, poster, pamphlet and beyond. The Sisterhood donates all proceeds to local charities that benefit women and children, such as the YMCA Battered Women's Shelter, Children's Hospital, the Freestore Foodbank and more. Makes ya feel all warm and fuzzy inside! :)
It was fun to volunteer in the Kidz Zone the first few hours of the day and then I met up with my parents and niece and Matt's parents and his sister and brother-in-law to enjoy the festivities. My favorite items were the cheese and chocolate from Murray's at Kroger and the mint chocolate chip bread pudding from Bella Luna. I'm not a huge chocolate fan but mint and peanut butter really get me! Despite the crowds, it was great to see friends (thanks Becca & Kristin!) and family there supporting my efforts and the cause.
(Wish I'd taken a photo inside the festival but it was absolutely chaos!)
It was an honor and privelege to donate my time and skills to this cause. What began as volunteering to manage social media and PR efforts blossomed into project management for the website, ads for Cincinnati Magazine, brochure, poster, pamphlet and beyond. The Sisterhood donates all proceeds to local charities that benefit women and children, such as the YMCA Battered Women's Shelter, Children's Hospital, the Freestore Foodbank and more. Makes ya feel all warm and fuzzy inside! :)
It was fun to volunteer in the Kidz Zone the first few hours of the day and then I met up with my parents and niece and Matt's parents and his sister and brother-in-law to enjoy the festivities. My favorite items were the cheese and chocolate from Murray's at Kroger and the mint chocolate chip bread pudding from Bella Luna. I'm not a huge chocolate fan but mint and peanut butter really get me! Despite the crowds, it was great to see friends (thanks Becca & Kristin!) and family there supporting my efforts and the cause.
(Wish I'd taken a photo inside the festival but it was absolutely chaos!)
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| Kylie and me, before stuffing our faces with chocolate! ;) |
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
René of the Day // 10.27.11 // Ritz Pix Deal
This is an incredible deal so I had to share it! Ritz Camera has a special on digital photograph prints for only 6 cents each (for 3.5x5") on Tuesdays and Wednesday - can you beat that?!
Create a free account on their website and upload your photos and order them to be printed mid-week. It was so easy and the prints turned out great. Pick up was quick and simple and they were really nice (I went to the location in Kenwood on Montgomery Road - there's also one in Rookwood). I ordered over 70 prints for an album I created for MR and it cost less than $5.00. Keep this in mind for holiday gifting because it's a total steal. You're welcome! :)
Other print sizes range from 22-57 cents - still a bargain.
Learn more here.
Create a free account on their website and upload your photos and order them to be printed mid-week. It was so easy and the prints turned out great. Pick up was quick and simple and they were really nice (I went to the location in Kenwood on Montgomery Road - there's also one in Rookwood). I ordered over 70 prints for an album I created for MR and it cost less than $5.00. Keep this in mind for holiday gifting because it's a total steal. You're welcome! :)
Other print sizes range from 22-57 cents - still a bargain.
Learn more here.
René of the Day // 10.21.11 // Quit the QR codes!
For reals - it's unbelievable the way the American society picks up on fads. It's a joke at the advertising agency where I work to just "slap a QR code on it." Of course, we do not do this - it's just disappointing to see how many marketing campaigns have included Quick Read codes on their products and in their marketing collateral in recent months. WHY???
I will vouch that they can, in fact, be a great tool for a well-planned campaign. But I'll get to that later. Beyond recent conversations with colleagues, this post was sparked from an experience I had this morning. I was brushing my teeth and saw a tiny square on the back of the tube of toothpaste. Are you kidding me? This is asinine for so many reasons:
1. I don't bring my smart phone into the bathroom - who does that? Toothpaste is a home-based consumer product. Full-size tube, not travel size. No need for mobile marketing there.
2. Again, I'm using this at home, so I have access to my computer. I don't use my phone to access the Internet at home. So just give me a damn URL and I'll look it up if I'm interested. Crest.com - thanks!
3. Unless you have a compelling campaign or contest, I'm not going out of my way to visit your site.
4. If the site is not optimized for mobile usage, DO NOT use a QR code! It leads to a horrible user experience - you see 1/8 of the top left corner of the site, you have to zoom in to click on anything and it's just a hassle. If brands decide to include these, they need to have the budget to execute properly.
Other instances where QR codes are not well played include billboards - if I'm driving 65 mph (let's be honest - 74 mph) on the highway, I do not - nor do my passengers - have time to pull up a QR code app and focus to snap the code. You go by WAY too fast to capture that! Not to mention, isn't texting and driving illegal and highly unsafe even if it isn't against the law? I'm sure QRs on billboards have led to accidents - and even due to the confusion because many people still wonder, "WTF is that?" Which is also funny -- the messaging marketers include to inform users. I've seen simple messages like "Learn more here" which assumes the consumer is familiar with the technology. To convoluted text that practically insults intelligence: "Download the QuickMark app and use it to scan this barcode to visit our website with more details on this lame promotion." Really? There is no industry standard yet on the language.
I don't think QR codes are a terrible idea - they can be very useful tools when used for the right concept. For example, they're great for events, concerts or even in signage AT the grocery store, when your mobile device is all you have. Again, the site it points to needs to be optimized for mobile and have a clear call to action - why should I go there? Is there a coupon, a recipe or directions or a map for the event? Another great use is for tourism - for example, scan a QR code at Fountain Square for a listing of all the local restaurants and shops - that would be awesome! But it's silly to use one just take people to your general website - just post the URL (simplified vanity URL if needed) or let them Google it. I understand that it increases sites visits and CTR but, if people aren't getting anything out of it, they won't become return visitors or share it with others.
If marketers keep posting them all over, QR codes will indefinitely become advertising trash. People will be annoyed rather than compelled to pull out their phones and see what prize they lead to - because they know they won't. Maybe I will scan the code on the toothpaste just to see if the juice is worth the squeeze.
I will vouch that they can, in fact, be a great tool for a well-planned campaign. But I'll get to that later. Beyond recent conversations with colleagues, this post was sparked from an experience I had this morning. I was brushing my teeth and saw a tiny square on the back of the tube of toothpaste. Are you kidding me? This is asinine for so many reasons:
1. I don't bring my smart phone into the bathroom - who does that? Toothpaste is a home-based consumer product. Full-size tube, not travel size. No need for mobile marketing there.
2. Again, I'm using this at home, so I have access to my computer. I don't use my phone to access the Internet at home. So just give me a damn URL and I'll look it up if I'm interested. Crest.com - thanks!
3. Unless you have a compelling campaign or contest, I'm not going out of my way to visit your site.
4. If the site is not optimized for mobile usage, DO NOT use a QR code! It leads to a horrible user experience - you see 1/8 of the top left corner of the site, you have to zoom in to click on anything and it's just a hassle. If brands decide to include these, they need to have the budget to execute properly.
Other instances where QR codes are not well played include billboards - if I'm driving 65 mph (let's be honest - 74 mph) on the highway, I do not - nor do my passengers - have time to pull up a QR code app and focus to snap the code. You go by WAY too fast to capture that! Not to mention, isn't texting and driving illegal and highly unsafe even if it isn't against the law? I'm sure QRs on billboards have led to accidents - and even due to the confusion because many people still wonder, "WTF is that?" Which is also funny -- the messaging marketers include to inform users. I've seen simple messages like "Learn more here" which assumes the consumer is familiar with the technology. To convoluted text that practically insults intelligence: "Download the QuickMark app and use it to scan this barcode to visit our website with more details on this lame promotion." Really? There is no industry standard yet on the language.
I don't think QR codes are a terrible idea - they can be very useful tools when used for the right concept. For example, they're great for events, concerts or even in signage AT the grocery store, when your mobile device is all you have. Again, the site it points to needs to be optimized for mobile and have a clear call to action - why should I go there? Is there a coupon, a recipe or directions or a map for the event? Another great use is for tourism - for example, scan a QR code at Fountain Square for a listing of all the local restaurants and shops - that would be awesome! But it's silly to use one just take people to your general website - just post the URL (simplified vanity URL if needed) or let them Google it. I understand that it increases sites visits and CTR but, if people aren't getting anything out of it, they won't become return visitors or share it with others.
If marketers keep posting them all over, QR codes will indefinitely become advertising trash. People will be annoyed rather than compelled to pull out their phones and see what prize they lead to - because they know they won't. Maybe I will scan the code on the toothpaste just to see if the juice is worth the squeeze.
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| To provide context, here is one I generated quickly that links to René of the Day. Try it out if you want to get an idea of how they work. |
René of the Day // 10.20.11 // Premiere Party: Cincinnati Chocolate Festival
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! As a volunteer (turned part-time pro bono employee) for the second annual Cincinnati Chocolate Festival, I had the pleasure of being a guest at the Premiere Party at the Midwest Culinary Institute. It was an absolutely delicious evening, with a chocolate-themed dinner including prosecco from A Bottle or Two, beer from Christian Moerlein, cheeses, wonderful prime rib, risotto and more. Of course, the dessert table was death by chocolate - not kidding, you could've been trampled. My mom purchased a ticket to join me and my aunt and uncle (he's a total chocoholic!) were given tickets so we had a great time together. Enjoy the photos, wipe the drool from your keyboard.
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| My favorites - chocolate whoopie pies with passion fruit sauce by Megan Ketover. |
René of the Day // 10.19.11 // STRONG Challenge
Now I'm stronger than yesterday... Now it's nothin' but my way....
Kidding. I'm sure that is not what Crossroads had in mind for this year's journey. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the services but if you'd like to learn more, click here to watch or listen (the website with all of the cool cards I'll tell you about is no longer up.)
The experience encouraged members in Community to meet with a group of others to discuss their faith, growth, lives and ideas over a course of 6-weeks. (I truly enjoyed the Freedom journey in early 2010 which had the same premise.) I met with one of my best friends from college, Becca, two good girlfriends from high school, Beth and Elizabeth and a new friend that Beth invited to join us, Holly. It was a wonderful group of women - all strong, smart and on different paths which made it really interesting to share each other's perspectives. Two teachers, two mommies of two, two single career women, one who just bought a home on her own and one who's preparing for her wedding next fall.
Each week we were tasked with 5 "cards" that were action items to challenge and build our strength. The "homework" was certainly a challenge - I struggle to find 20 minutes for myself many evenings when I get home from post-work obligations or social engagements, let alone to focus. Mind you, I do pray every evening but taking the time to think through these was a fantastic idea but I admit I wasn't always obedient with completing them each night - this is certainly one reason why I feel I didn't get as much from this journey as the last.
Each week had a theme: Play, Pray, Study, Train, Serve and Live. To provide an example, here are the five Strong Challenge I chose for the first week, Play:
1. Fill 'er up - Make a list of activities that energize and refresh you
2. Be grateful - Write down 10 things to thank God for
3. Plan a Sabbath Day
4. Share something you love
5. Rest from worry
I truly enjoyed taking on these challenges. Thinking of things you love to do really fills your heart with joy and it's always a great thing to remind ourselves what we're thankful for.
The Sabbath Day was accidental and amazing - MR surprised me and moved his Monday morning meeting so that we could have a quiet night together (something we rarely experience since our time together is always jam-packed weekends.) We had brunch with my extended family, went to the pumpkin patch with them, visited his sister and brother-in-law, had a dinner date at Dewey's, took an evening walk with the dog, he read a book for work as I watched DH and we went to bed early and got ready for work in the morning together before we drove home. I was so thankful for this day because it showed me how strong our relationship truly is and that this long distance thing is so worth it because we will have many, many days like this in our future when it all pans out.
Enough insight on my experience with the challenges. I was really disappointed that they didn't host the Prayer Experience like last time - I'm sure it was cost-related but it was an amazing opportunity with numerous rooms designed with activities for listening, praying and reflecting on the Freedom series. The Strong experience was just audio and I wasn't excited so I skipped out on it - perhaps I should've just given it a shot.
The best part of this experience was the sense of community I received from the girls in the group. They are amazing with their spirituality and I learned so much from the way the pray, think and act. I'm looking forward to re-grouping with them this spring for a bible study every other week, to continue growing together.
Kidding. I'm sure that is not what Crossroads had in mind for this year's journey. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the services but if you'd like to learn more, click here to watch or listen (the website with all of the cool cards I'll tell you about is no longer up.)
The experience encouraged members in Community to meet with a group of others to discuss their faith, growth, lives and ideas over a course of 6-weeks. (I truly enjoyed the Freedom journey in early 2010 which had the same premise.) I met with one of my best friends from college, Becca, two good girlfriends from high school, Beth and Elizabeth and a new friend that Beth invited to join us, Holly. It was a wonderful group of women - all strong, smart and on different paths which made it really interesting to share each other's perspectives. Two teachers, two mommies of two, two single career women, one who just bought a home on her own and one who's preparing for her wedding next fall.
Each week we were tasked with 5 "cards" that were action items to challenge and build our strength. The "homework" was certainly a challenge - I struggle to find 20 minutes for myself many evenings when I get home from post-work obligations or social engagements, let alone to focus. Mind you, I do pray every evening but taking the time to think through these was a fantastic idea but I admit I wasn't always obedient with completing them each night - this is certainly one reason why I feel I didn't get as much from this journey as the last.
Each week had a theme: Play, Pray, Study, Train, Serve and Live. To provide an example, here are the five Strong Challenge I chose for the first week, Play:
1. Fill 'er up - Make a list of activities that energize and refresh you
2. Be grateful - Write down 10 things to thank God for
3. Plan a Sabbath Day
4. Share something you love
5. Rest from worry
I truly enjoyed taking on these challenges. Thinking of things you love to do really fills your heart with joy and it's always a great thing to remind ourselves what we're thankful for.
The Sabbath Day was accidental and amazing - MR surprised me and moved his Monday morning meeting so that we could have a quiet night together (something we rarely experience since our time together is always jam-packed weekends.) We had brunch with my extended family, went to the pumpkin patch with them, visited his sister and brother-in-law, had a dinner date at Dewey's, took an evening walk with the dog, he read a book for work as I watched DH and we went to bed early and got ready for work in the morning together before we drove home. I was so thankful for this day because it showed me how strong our relationship truly is and that this long distance thing is so worth it because we will have many, many days like this in our future when it all pans out.
Enough insight on my experience with the challenges. I was really disappointed that they didn't host the Prayer Experience like last time - I'm sure it was cost-related but it was an amazing opportunity with numerous rooms designed with activities for listening, praying and reflecting on the Freedom series. The Strong experience was just audio and I wasn't excited so I skipped out on it - perhaps I should've just given it a shot.
The best part of this experience was the sense of community I received from the girls in the group. They are amazing with their spirituality and I learned so much from the way the pray, think and act. I'm looking forward to re-grouping with them this spring for a bible study every other week, to continue growing together.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
René of the Day // 10.17.11 // Yuengling Fling!
My friend Melissa called me at 3:30 on a Monday afternoon when I was at work - it worried me. She'd recently experience a family tragedy and I hadn't heard much from her since then... And I was damn glad I answered my phone! She's the food and beverage director at a country club in Cincinnati and she had two free tickets to the "Yuengling Fling" at the Hyatt downtown that evening. w00t!
What an event! To introduce the beer to local industry professionals, they filled a ballroom with unlimited availability of Yuengling - light, original and dark - The Rusty Griswolds played on stage and there was a delicious spread of favorite foods from Cincinnati and Pennsylvania (Yueng's homeland.) We grabbed a beer and loaded our plates with cheese coneys, soft pretzels with cheese and mini Philly cheesesteaks. NOM. The ice sculptures were pretty neat too - a bottle when you arrived off the escalator (see photo below) and they also served from a bar made of ice with bottles tucked inside.
We had a hell of a good time catching up and letting the beers flow... It's funny how everyone was freaking out about Yuengling coming to Cincinnati. So many of us have been rum running it here the past few years. My mom and I brought back 24-bottle boxes from Pittsburgh two autumns ago when we went to visit Falling Water and the Andy Warhol Museum. They don't sell beer in the grocery store so we went to this beer shack on top of a hill - seriously. And MR always brings some when he visits from Tennessee. It's been such a treat and now its here! Cheers!
What an event! To introduce the beer to local industry professionals, they filled a ballroom with unlimited availability of Yuengling - light, original and dark - The Rusty Griswolds played on stage and there was a delicious spread of favorite foods from Cincinnati and Pennsylvania (Yueng's homeland.) We grabbed a beer and loaded our plates with cheese coneys, soft pretzels with cheese and mini Philly cheesesteaks. NOM. The ice sculptures were pretty neat too - a bottle when you arrived off the escalator (see photo below) and they also served from a bar made of ice with bottles tucked inside.
We had a hell of a good time catching up and letting the beers flow... It's funny how everyone was freaking out about Yuengling coming to Cincinnati. So many of us have been rum running it here the past few years. My mom and I brought back 24-bottle boxes from Pittsburgh two autumns ago when we went to visit Falling Water and the Andy Warhol Museum. They don't sell beer in the grocery store so we went to this beer shack on top of a hill - seriously. And MR always brings some when he visits from Tennessee. It's been such a treat and now its here! Cheers!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
René of the Day // 10.21.11 // US of Hey!
Saw this and LOVED it! Had to share. Enjoy!
P.S. There are not that many horses in Ohio... But there is a lot of etc. ;)
Source: Koalogist
René of the Day // 10.18.11 // New York Times Visual DNA
Take the quiz: http://nytimes.visualdna.com
My results:
CULTURE CURIOUS
My results:
CULTURE CURIOUS
You are culturally adventurous in all walks of life and love to explore different avenues of tastes and trends. Because your body is also important to you, you look for flavors that are unusual but still healthy and delicious, and you are constantly on the lookout for the next food trend. When all is said and done, you are a bit of an intellect with a tendency to do a spot of soul searching from time to time.
You're sophisticated and inquisitive with a real passion for art and culture. You pride yourself on being an early adopter of the latest music and films and always like to have a good book on the go. Your ability to bring together very diverse and even dissenting opinions is rooted in your appreciation for all points of view. You believe in immersing yourself in interesting experiences that make you look at people, places and opportunities from new angles. Being sensitive and creative you want to feel connected to the world around you and actively seek out opportunities to explore it. It's all about broadening your horizons and living life to the full. Anything else would not fulfill your curious nature. You'll love the list of The Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made, the Critics' Picks and Arts Beat.
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| Collage computed from my choices |
René of the Day // 10.16.11 // Blooms + Berries
Blooms and Berries in Loveland hosts Fall of the Farm and is a wonderful experience for kids of any age... They have a massive corn maze (Kylie called it a "corn puzzle" a few years ago) that we get lost in. There's a hayride, a gorgeous field of sunflowers and tons of free as well as inexpensive activities and games for children. This year MR joined us and we had a so much fun... He didn't think my pumpkin was pretty - he called it "weird" - but I think it's very "Martha Stewart," and he bought it for me anyway :) I've suggested B&B to numerous friends, co-workers and others, especially people who Cincinnati transplants, and everyone seems to love it!
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| My jack-o-lantern and the "Martha" pumpkin |
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| Kylie hiding in the corn maze. |
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| The best photo of the day! |
René of the Day // 10.13-15.11 // RT+KP=RKT
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| I love the hot Tomalia's! |
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| The girls |
--
Since many of the wedding guests were visiting from out of town, we held Kristin's bachelorette party the Thursday night before the wedding weekend. We reserved the private dining room upstairs at Via Vite and stocked the girl's place setting with little candies that said "Mint to Be," tissues with a monogrammed "T" and penis straws that Miss Kristin (yes MOH has same name as bride, do we sense a trend?) and I trekked around town to 4 stores to find, including The Party Source, Hustler Hollywood, Party City and the gold mine - Spencer's Gifts. Had a great time planning the party with her (hello, Sundays at Coffee Emporium and Cafe De Wheels burger truck with bloody marys at Dutch's.) After a deliciously stuffing dinner of authentic Italian pizzas and great wine, we went to Scene Ultra Lounge for a free bottle of bubbles and played a hilarious card game that's similar to Never Have I Ever. We followed with another complimentary bottle of champagne at the new(ish) Luxe and then to Bartini for dancing with British men on a business trip - successful weeknight bachelorette party in Cincy!
The rehearsal and subsequent dinner the following night were wonderful. The Peaks are phenomenal entertainers - Kris' mom specifically designed the house for entertaining with the architect when the moved to Cincinnati from Miami, Florida in the early 90s. We enjoyed the food, company and beverages, including the fabulous apple cinnamon-infused vodka Mr. René homemade and adapted from the Bee Knees martini recipe from Bonefish Grill.
The wedding day was absolutely beautiful - an early October Saturday with bright skies and a slight breeze. We had a fantastic time getting ready with the girls and I took a video opening her lovely gifts from Mr. René. We watched "Father of the Bride" (her fav) as we waited at the church and took photos in the gorgeous garden courtyard at the church. The ceremony was lovely - Bruce was a fantastic priest and he made it fun and engaging.
The reception was an absolutely ball - wonderful food, an open bar and a great DJ - evidently MR asked them how much cash it would take to keep them going until midnight - $600 was a little high for his bid. And I loved how they had the cake toppers from both of their parents weddings on the table with their cake. It was a nice I'd love to live over again!
Congrats to you, Mr. & Mrs T - on your marriage, your new place and new jobs in Indy - can't wait to visit! Thank you for including me in your special day - it truly was perfect. I love you! xoxo
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| Bridal party |
Saturday, October 29, 2011
René of the Day // 10.12.11 // Cheers!
With celebration on my mind as Kristin's wedding approaches this weekend, I've been referencing my handy stack of books tucked into my built-in desk. Thick ones like "Words of Wisdom" and "Emily Post's Etiquette" are go-tos but I also pulled out "Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things" - a book of 500 fascinating stories that was my grandmother's, full of interesting nuggets that you can live forever without knowledge of but acquiring it can enrich your life at most random of times. I flipped through the wedding chapter and learned that the diamond engagement ring dates back to the 15th century in Venice and that wedding cake was originally tossed at brides, instead of eaten, as a symbol of fertility.
But I especially intrigued when I came across the origin on the toast. I've posted before about Toastmasters, but this is not about public speaking - it's about intimate celebration and acknowledgement of those who are important to us. I toast or 'cheers' whenever I go out to dinner or share a man with special people - MR and my niece Kylie know to expect this from me. And so the story goes...
"Anyone who has ever drunk a toast to a friend's health or good fortune may have wondered how the word 'toast' came to designate a ceremony that involves no roasted slice of bread. The custom of a host drinking to a friend's health originated with the Greeks, as early as the sixth century, BC, and for a highly practical reason: to assure guests that the wine they were about to consume was not poisoned.
Spiking wine with poison had long been a preferred way to dispose of a political rival or suspended enemy, or to circumvent divorce. Thus, a host sipped the first wine poured from a decanter, and satisfied of its safety, the guests raised their glasses and drank. This drinking in sequences - guests following host - came to symbolize a sort of fledge of friendship and amity.
The Romans adopted the Greek penchant for poisoning (the ambitious Livia Drusilla, empress of Rome in the first century B.C. made something of a science of the practice) and the custom of drinking as a pledge of friendship. The Roman custom of dropping a burnt piece of toast into a cup of wine is the origin of the verbal usage. The practice continued into a Shakespeare's time. In Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor, Falstaff orders a jug of wine and requests "put toast in't."
For many years, it was assumed that the Roman slice of toast was a piece of spiced or sugared bread, added to wine for sweetening. More recently, it was scientifically shown that charcoal can reduce a liquid's acidity, and that a blackened piece of bread added to an inferior, slightly vinegary wine can render it more mellow and palatable - something the Romans may have discovered for themselves. Our word 'toast' comes from the Latin tostus, meaning 'parched' or 'roasted.'
In summary: The Greeks drank to a friend's health; the Romans flavored the drink with toast; and in time, the drink itself became a 'toast.' In the early eighteenth century, the custom of drinking a toast took a new twist. Instead of drinking to a friend present at dinner, the toast was drunk to the health of a celebrated person, particularly a beautiful woman - whom the diners might have never met. In The Tatler of June 4, 1709, Sir Richard Steele mentions that British men were so accustomed to toasting a beautiful woman that 'the lady mentioned in our liquor has been called a toast.' In Steele's lifetime, a celebrated or fashionable Briton became known as the 'toast of the town.'
In the next century, drinking toasts acquired such popularity in England that no dinner was complete without them. A British duke wrote in 1803 that 'every glass during dinner had to be dedicated to someone,' and that to refrain from toasting was considered 'sottish and rude, as if no one present was worth drinking to.' One way to effectively insult a dinner guest was to omit toasting to him or her; it was, as the duke wrote, 'a piece of direct contempt."
So there you have it... consider this at your next dinner party or event and raise your glass.
But I especially intrigued when I came across the origin on the toast. I've posted before about Toastmasters, but this is not about public speaking - it's about intimate celebration and acknowledgement of those who are important to us. I toast or 'cheers' whenever I go out to dinner or share a man with special people - MR and my niece Kylie know to expect this from me. And so the story goes...
"Anyone who has ever drunk a toast to a friend's health or good fortune may have wondered how the word 'toast' came to designate a ceremony that involves no roasted slice of bread. The custom of a host drinking to a friend's health originated with the Greeks, as early as the sixth century, BC, and for a highly practical reason: to assure guests that the wine they were about to consume was not poisoned.
Spiking wine with poison had long been a preferred way to dispose of a political rival or suspended enemy, or to circumvent divorce. Thus, a host sipped the first wine poured from a decanter, and satisfied of its safety, the guests raised their glasses and drank. This drinking in sequences - guests following host - came to symbolize a sort of fledge of friendship and amity.
The Romans adopted the Greek penchant for poisoning (the ambitious Livia Drusilla, empress of Rome in the first century B.C. made something of a science of the practice) and the custom of drinking as a pledge of friendship. The Roman custom of dropping a burnt piece of toast into a cup of wine is the origin of the verbal usage. The practice continued into a Shakespeare's time. In Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor, Falstaff orders a jug of wine and requests "put toast in't."
For many years, it was assumed that the Roman slice of toast was a piece of spiced or sugared bread, added to wine for sweetening. More recently, it was scientifically shown that charcoal can reduce a liquid's acidity, and that a blackened piece of bread added to an inferior, slightly vinegary wine can render it more mellow and palatable - something the Romans may have discovered for themselves. Our word 'toast' comes from the Latin tostus, meaning 'parched' or 'roasted.'
In summary: The Greeks drank to a friend's health; the Romans flavored the drink with toast; and in time, the drink itself became a 'toast.' In the early eighteenth century, the custom of drinking a toast took a new twist. Instead of drinking to a friend present at dinner, the toast was drunk to the health of a celebrated person, particularly a beautiful woman - whom the diners might have never met. In The Tatler of June 4, 1709, Sir Richard Steele mentions that British men were so accustomed to toasting a beautiful woman that 'the lady mentioned in our liquor has been called a toast.' In Steele's lifetime, a celebrated or fashionable Briton became known as the 'toast of the town.'
In the next century, drinking toasts acquired such popularity in England that no dinner was complete without them. A British duke wrote in 1803 that 'every glass during dinner had to be dedicated to someone,' and that to refrain from toasting was considered 'sottish and rude, as if no one present was worth drinking to.' One way to effectively insult a dinner guest was to omit toasting to him or her; it was, as the duke wrote, 'a piece of direct contempt."
So there you have it... consider this at your next dinner party or event and raise your glass.
René of the Day // 10.11.11 // To grow...
"To grow, a lobster must shed it's old shell numerous times. Each shedding renders the creature totally defenseless until the new shell forms... When risk becomes frightening, think of the lobster: vulnerability is often the price of growth. 'Be fearless then, be confident, for go where you will, the Lord your God is with you.'" (Joshua 1:9) - Richard Armstrong
Friday, October 28, 2011
René of the Day // 10.10.11 // Hot Head
I'm not one of the many people I know who must get their Chipotle (say it right "chi-POt-lay") fix every week. But I do love a burrito every now and again. And when Hot Head Burritos opened in Oakley this past year, I planned to check it out... eventually. And then coupons arrived in the janky JB Dollar Stretcher Magazine - it was hard to pass up a "lil burrito" for $2.99. I don't go regularly but I don't just toss those glossy direct mail garbo catalogs anymore - I clip out the Hot Heads coupons and use them for what they're worth!
I've had the lil burrito and the lil bowls (options that I wish Chipotle would consider.) Although the rice isn't quite as great, I like that they let you choose to steam or grill the tortilla (numerous flavors) and they have spicy chicken. They offer more vegetables - plus pineapple - and a ton of sauces... it's hard to choose. I love their sweet habanero sauce. I wouldn't go often if it weren't for the coupons but it's hard to beat a filling dinner for $3 that isn't a gorging portion. This week it looks like the ad has jumped up to $3.99 for the lil guys - which I think is only a savings of 20 cents. But the people who work there are always super nice - I'll go alone and sit on the patio when the weather's nice and have a quiet dinner by myself when I'm not in the mood to cook.
I'm thrilled to have found something worth clipping from the mega magazine and a quick spot to grab dinner when I'm not sure what sounds good - the coupons on the fridge catch my eye and the decision is made. Try it out - it's not Chipotle but it has it's own unique qualities. Oh and they have stamp cards that earn free food and they give two stamps on Tuesdays, along with other deals throughout the week involving cookies and other items. Ole!
[As always, I'm not a restaurant critic. Just sharing my experiences.]
I've had the lil burrito and the lil bowls (options that I wish Chipotle would consider.) Although the rice isn't quite as great, I like that they let you choose to steam or grill the tortilla (numerous flavors) and they have spicy chicken. They offer more vegetables - plus pineapple - and a ton of sauces... it's hard to choose. I love their sweet habanero sauce. I wouldn't go often if it weren't for the coupons but it's hard to beat a filling dinner for $3 that isn't a gorging portion. This week it looks like the ad has jumped up to $3.99 for the lil guys - which I think is only a savings of 20 cents. But the people who work there are always super nice - I'll go alone and sit on the patio when the weather's nice and have a quiet dinner by myself when I'm not in the mood to cook.
I'm thrilled to have found something worth clipping from the mega magazine and a quick spot to grab dinner when I'm not sure what sounds good - the coupons on the fridge catch my eye and the decision is made. Try it out - it's not Chipotle but it has it's own unique qualities. Oh and they have stamp cards that earn free food and they give two stamps on Tuesdays, along with other deals throughout the week involving cookies and other items. Ole!
[As always, I'm not a restaurant critic. Just sharing my experiences.]
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