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Accidental conversation with strangers

Places like Panera and whatever local coffee joint (Like Lift, Common Groundz or Crossroads) that have free WiFi are a riot. These spots like being at the zoo-only better.

There are the people who are in sweats studying their way through med-school on random afternoons, ones that are loud and think no one can hear them, ones who pick their noses and think no one can see them, ones who have serious looking “business meetings” and finally, the ones who have camp. As in, it takes them 12 minutes to “set up” whatever they need to actually get to the part where their butt hits the seat to start “work”
I had an hour conversation with a bizarre and strange gentleman a few weeks ago at the Starbucks in Carytown. It started because our knees we practically knocking into each other as we both tried to steal a cushiony chair. (Free WiFi Bakers Crust has next door you can log on to by the way.) 
Order yourself up a coffee, snuggle in for an afternoon, watch and let the games begin. Sure beats working out of some boring office!
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Please tip me

Somehow I have made myself into the go-to gal for all things question. As in:

“Hey!”-

“Where should I go to dinner with my parents when they come to town this weekend?”
” Where can I get a good haircut?
” My co-worker asked me to help her rearrange her office this weekend. How much should I charge her? 
“Do you know someone who can print t-shirts?”
” My neighbor needs a babysitter, do you happen to know anyone who can babysit?”
” My cousin needs a job, do you know any companies that are hiring?”

I am always quick to respond and efficient. This typically results in someone having a great vacation, getting a fabulous job, finding the perfect stylist, meeting life-long friends, or the man/woman of their dreams.
Don’t get me wrong, I love to be that girl. I like to be a sponge of knowledge, the informer, explorer, friend, volunteer and sharer to others. I just need to put a tip jar out, or ask people to start sending me monthly “Thanks for helping me out so much”-retainer checks, so I can make a career out of this. I spend about 40 hours a week on this stuff anyway.
What do you think?
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Cough up the cash for these

I am the finder of sales, frugal girl who typically drives people crazy with the exclamation of: “I got this for ten bucks on sale from a hundred!” But even I, after a certain someone convinced me-will never be a cheapskate on these few things again:

*Jeans. The really good ones that fit like a glove. I like 7, Citizen, and Joe’s
Skip a latte or two and splurge it up. You’ll be in love.
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36 Hours In Burlington Vermont

You know that great section of the Sunday NT Times that features “36 hours in (enter city/place here)” ? Well this week it’s about a place that I like to call a mini San Francisco; Burlington, Vermont. 

Burlington is a little city bustling with a ton of college kids/university professors, colorful and open minded people. Fabulous coffee shops, places to get de-lish organic grub, trendy boutiques and always some kind of interesting rally or festival going on where you are sure to bump into someone intriguing. (Not to mention to gorgeous landscape.) Ok-so its FREEZING in the winter, but bundle up for a snow time visit or go for a trek-through during one of the other 3 seasons if you are a wimp like me and you’ll fall in love with this small northern hub.

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Chocolate chip cookie rescue

I cannot make a chocolate chip cookie to save my life. No one in my family can. We have what I call the curse of the chocolate chip muffin. No matter what recipe, tip, or trick we try, when we actually bake the dough, the “cookies” come out like muffins and taste like crap.  

Help! Anyone have a good muffin recipe? Maybe I’ll use it to try and make some cookies:)
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Pancakes with a side of sourdough toast please

If you find yourself anywhere near Southern Vermont, don’t miss The Blue Benn. I grew up eating at this spot. Even though I live states away now, it’s the first stop I make coming into town for a visit, and the last stop before I leave. You’ll be hooked too. I promise.

What to expect, relish every minute of, and other great things about Sonny’s Blue Benn Diner:
*Locals, locals, locals
*Endless handwritten items on paper place mats taped up all over the walls.
*No website. 
*Cash only or gold boullion only. (Yes-it really says that on a hand written sign on the door.) Love it.
*Vermont white cheddar cheese and syrup. Those and about 100 other homemade delectables like cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, pies and jam.
*A wait to sit in one of the 6 booths-almost any day of the week.
*Smiling waitresses, even though they’re a little peeved sometimes that you didn’t wait in the foyer even though they told you to and there is a huge STOP sign on the door to enter. Pay attention first timers!
*Juke boxes at every table. Yes-they work. Two songs for a quarter.
*Occasional celeb sightings. Not that the staff there or any locals care, but it’s nice to know even Gwyneth Paltrow can appreciate a delicious pancake. She’s been to the Blue Benn.
Stop in for breakfast. It’s worth every second you might have to wait and your belly will be glad you did. Tell Sharon, Lisa, and Pat I said hi and I am coming soon for a grilled corn muffin.
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Ill Communication for lunch. Tasty

That’s right. Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson and the BEASTIE BOYS are playing short-sets today from 1-3pm at VCU’s Monroe Park, in Richmond VA. A preview of the Rock The Vote Concert that will be held later tonight at the Richmond Colliseum. 

Grab a sweatshirt and go hang in the park for some good music and fun. Who needs to work this afternoon anyway, and who says you can’t get anything for free?! 
YEAH!
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Truffles and cocktails? -Oh yeah.

I went to Aurora for lunch with an old friend this week. Here’s a new look for Richmond, VA. (Thank you, thank you!) This place looks like the type of spot you’d find in a real city. A place where a bunch of girlfriends can get gussied up at night to go out for a cocktail when they are sick of packing themselves into the otherwise smoky dive bar. No offense dive bar-it’s just nice to see a funky clean and trendy little joint that’s new in town that we might actually be able to wear heels to.

Sure, my lunch left a lot to be desired, but other diners looked like they were drooling over their choices, so I’ll just try something different next time. Plus, there was a bonus:
The pastry chef dropped by our table with complimentary yellow cupcakes that had a thick chocolate frosting. (Um-are you a mind-reader Mr. Pastry?) -Thanks! I promptly ordered an espresso to dip the cupcake in. YUM.
Cupcakes you ask? Yes, at this part bakery/espresso bar, restaurant, venue/event space- there are two enormous pastry cases that line the front wall with all delectable goodies that anyone could drool over. Great spot to grab a box of treats for a party or gift. 
Wow. Open, bright place with huge windows, good service, and where you can get a chocolate such and such with a nighttime cocktail? 
Check please! I’m in.

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