Author:bluelollipoproad
March 27, 2009
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Maybe Emeril Can Help Me With This One
When I find something that is ridiculously DE-LISH, I often say that it is “Smack yo mamma good.”
I realize that I might start sounding like a broken record soon. I have been using that line for quite a while now. I’m thinking it might be offensive to some too, because really no one should be smacking their Mamma.
So it’s time for new material.
I had the most (enter new BAM! line here) mocha shake yesterday at Port City Java I almost couldn’t contain myself. Real ice cream, fresh pulled espresso shots all mixed up into a perfect cup of insane deliciousness. I have never had a shake that good in my life. (Yes, I was surprised too because I am no stranger to milkshakes and certainly don’t take “the best ever” lightly when it comes to treats.) I had to immediately rush back up to the counter to thank the friendly cute young gals who made it. They have some serious talent.
All opinions for the next saying I will likely overuse within 2 months are welcome.
Boy do I love that something like a milkshake can make me that happy.
March 27, 2009
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Unity
An overseas trip was Matthew and Jessica Flannery’s inspiration to create Kiva, an organization that pairs people like you and me (who don’t have bazillions of dollars to lend) in addition to big companies and philanthropists with entrepreneurs in the developing world. These entrepreneurs sometimes need as little as $100 to jump start their businesses which in turn improve the lives of their families and communities. As a lender you can actually choose who you lend to and follow their progress. How awesome is that?
These guys started this all by asking their family and friends to lend a few bucks. Look what they have turned it into.
Read some interesting information about Microfinance on the site. Proof once more that a little can turn into a lot and any effort towards helping someone else is never too small.
Hat’s off to you Kiva. Companies and people like you keep me- and I am sure so many others writing, believing, and thankful for everything that we have and that is possible.
March 27, 2009
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Have You Ever Noticed?
Have you ever noticed that the most genuinely happy people are the ones who are helping other people? With work, in life, in general?
Let that sit in for while, during the time you might be thinking about what’s beyond main street for you.
More soon…
March 25, 2009
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What’s Beyond Main Street?
I’d like your help on a project that I’m absolutely THRILLED to be working on.
What’s beyond Main Street…to you?
What do you think of when I ask?
“Main Street” could mean a frame of mind, a way of life, your next personal or professional goal, an image or an actual physical place. Not even the sky is the limit on this question- you can go wherever you want. Just run with it.
Please post a comment here to share, or email diane@bluelollipoproad.com. I cannot tell you what a huge help your comments and thoughts will be and make this project.
Thank you thank you thank you!
March 24, 2009
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“Whatever It Is I Think I See…”
The New York Times today says the recession seems to have a sweet tooth. Candy sales are soaring and adults in particular have been consuming growing volumes of Necco Wafers, Mary Janes, Gummy Bears and the like. This means either people are feeling nostalgic and want some yummy treats, or they are curled up in bed depressed about life and the doom and gloom of everything having to do with the economy that’s in the media every millisecond. (I hope the second option above is not the case.)
Media; Can you just back it down for a second? I’m trying to enjoy my Tootsie Pop!
It’s not just candy that we are loving. We can’t seem to get enough of all things that remind us of the good old days and childhood. Check out this gourmet peanut butter cafe’ called PB Loco. Absolutely brilliant and what fun. Can you imagine the smiles you’d get if your job was to serve peanut butter everything to people all day? Really. Peanutbutterlicious?! If this can’t start some good ideas brewing in your head, I’m not sure what will. PBJ’s for a living? These guys are genius!
Clearly we learned everything we ever needed to know in kindergarten.
I’m off to meet with my 5 year old neighbor to see if he can give me some business tips…
March 24, 2009
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Not Just Great Movies…
…fantastico quotes too.
Perhaps the below from Fellini will work to help those recently thrown out on their keisters to find their next fork in the road:
“Put yourself into life and never lose your openness, your childish enthusiasm throughout the journey that is life, and things will come your way.”
I couldn’t agree more Frederico!
March 23, 2009
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A Portrait Of Caring
CVS is another company out there helping people share stories of all the ways they care. It is a thrill and so humbling that I’m able to continually find companies and people that are so generous. The fact that there are so many out there just giving and giving, expecting nothing in return is incredible.
I want to be these people.
You know those days when your work, love life, health, job and all else just feel like they totally suck? Yeah, they might at times. Sometimes mine feel like that too. But really? So many have it so much worse. And more? We live in America people! Land of opportunity and possibility and this is not a Bank Of America commercial. It’s just the truth.
Maybe we could all make a promise to each other to spend just a few minutes this week following the example of the people in these stories. Lets go out of our way to do something nice for a stranger. Lets also try to open our eyes a little wider to things we should be thankful for. (Yes, I am guilty too of being a spoiled brat at times. Not fun to admit, but now I am calling myself out. Join me.) Lets take advantage of all the opportunity that we have available to us and get some perspective.
Practice makes perfect right? You’d practice at running to become a good runner. Why not practice on getting perspective? Make yourself stop in the rat race for 2 minutes everyday and just look around with no distraction. You’ll be amazed at what you “see” and what it will make you want to do.
March 22, 2009
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Hippie Feet
I have never really thought twice about driving barefoot. But when I got in my car tonight and immediately kicked off my shoes as usual, I let out a big sigh and just thought:
Bare Feet.
How great.
All year round.
Yay.
If you’re coming from a hard- days work, a black-tie event or a soccer game, kick off your flip-flops, dress shoes, heels, boots, clogs- whatever as soon as you get in your car to drive home. It’s such a treat and one of those little things that just makes you smile and feel all happy about your day.
Here’s to hippie feet.
March 21, 2009
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Named After A Stove
A friend of mine was raving about Potbelly Sandwich Works this week. After poking around to get some info. about this company, I am wondering how I’ve been to Chicago so many times and not eaten here.
Potbelly is the kind of place anyone would love to nosh. The locations are all chucked full of antique and kitschy decor that’s authentic. They have yummy fresh food for super-affordable prices, are known for great service and being family friendly, they have live local music and do a ton of charitable work. How fab is that for a company who’s keeping it real even they have grown to 200 stores and counting?
Kind of makes you think it’d be fun to moonlight as a sandwich maker just so you could hang out with these peeps for a while.
My next visit to Chi-town? Yeah, I’ll be visiting the original Lincoln Ave. spot for sure!