California Flower Power Hour, Carmel by the Sea, CA

California seemed to have much more in bloom much earlier in the year. I can't really expand on the varities, growing recommendations, etc., but I know they're pretty.

Tarantula Art, Morgan Hill, CA

Who doesn't like local art? 

Downtown Morgan Hill, CA has a relatively new, large-scale tarantula sculpture on the outside of their new parking garage. This artwork cost a reported $200k. It's sculpted out of industrial materials and auto parts. 

Does that sound like a lot? Discuss. 

Adele's Frozen Custard, Excelsior, MN

Time for a trip to Adele's!?!?!

Sign. Me. Up. 

Since I'd only heard about this gem this year, I'm not surprised I haven't been before, but a little surprised I hadn't gotten to this place already. Well, tonight was the night. 

Right off the bat, I felt they had plenty of inviting seating, perhaps it's even enough for the summer throngs, but I'll have to "test" that theory later this season. 

They have some very helpful references for newbies, including their flavor of the day menu, daily board, and normal custard menu (not shown - full food menu too). 

Now, down to brass tacks, or in this case, custard. I chose a small scoop (really a healthy scoop) of their flavor of the day, Red Velvet. It looks well worth the price...

And tasted glorious! It even featured a ribbon of cream cheese frosting through it. Look closely, you can see it too. Very impressive, Adele. (keep your songstress references to yourself)

Finally, a few more small details to really get you out of your BarcaLounger:

They seem pet friendly...

And they have a drive-thru, Saddlebags. 

Make no mistake about it, I will be back. It's going to be a tough call each time I'm faced with a Licks Unlimited vs. Adele's decision in Excelsior... How will I live?

Bucketfeet, Chicago, IL

Do you love shoes!? I love shoes!

Check out this funky, "crowdsourced" shoe store/brand in Chicago. Their designs are submitted by regular Joes and Janes and curated by the company. Then they make your design! Sounds kinda cool (and somewhat like Threadless of t-shirt fame). 

Prices range from $60-ish to $120-ish, not too crazy for wearable art. And last but not least, they have removeable insoles, unlike similar shoes. You can replace 'em when they wear out or start from scratch with your favorite kind, keeping your feet happy and stylish. 

Go get your kicks with some Bucketfeet kicks. 

West Coast Trip in Review.

Good times and great views were had on this latest trip. I didn't even dip my toes in the ocean this time. 

Cold-press Coffee Taste Tests

Many of you that know me know I can't drink straight-up leaded coffee (full caffeine). It makes me even more talkative and more likely to interrupt our conversation. But, I have recently been given the chance to try some cold-press options, and I couldn't say "no".

To start, we have a canned "nitro" variant from the state that brings us hipsters and Portlandia - Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee out of Portland, OR.

Looks promising, I love nitro in beers.

And although the can clearly states it should be given a healthy shake, this thing was a mess from the get-go. Why did they add bubbles to a canned coffee? I don't know. 

Despite its mess, I will admit that it did taste good. It's a fine morning cold brew, but maybe leave out the extra suds.

Second, we have a selection from the state that brings us the only Democratic city in the US' 2nd largest state - Chameleon Cold-Brew Concentrate out of Austin, TX.

I'd pity the fool that didn't realize this is a concentrated coffee product and guzzled it down. I'd say the labels gave adequate warning, but maybe still a bit dangerous for a bleary-eyed fool just waking up. 

That said, I like that you have about four coffee drinks in one bottle. You can also choose to "cut" the concentrate any way you choose. With agua, sure. Want to pour it over melty ice, why not? Add a bit of cream and ice and you have a very tasty beverage. And that's the important point, the coffee taste and flavor from this brew is good. I'd give it a thumbs up.

That's it for now.

This really blows! FOCI, Part2, Minneapolis, MN

After getting a chance to make our own hand-blown pint glasses, and seeing all the wonderful art that the actual artist working at FOCI create, I wanted to highlight some of it here...

You can see the artists' names placed near their pieces, and I believe all of it is for sale, open to the general public at FOCI. I mean, if I was looking for a gift to really wow someone, this is the place to go.

I have very little idea how they create such beautiful works. I was "blown" away. Get it!?

And remember, FOCI is open to the public, offers classes to all, and seem to encourage inquisition and purchasing of their fine art. Go buy something truly amazing.