It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Stuff and Things:

Ever had to throw out a favorite white shirt because of unsightly sweat stains? No more!

Techie Love:

I hate throwing away groceries! It’s soooo wasteful 😦 But don’t worry, technology to the rescue! There’s an app for that.

Brush up on your language skills with these apps.

Round the World:

Not every country thinks Americans are rude, fat, and lazy. Check out the top 10 countries with love for the good ole US of A.

Get your nerd on! 49 breathtaking libraries from all over the world.

Nesting:

Looking to hire a contractor? Here are some pro tips so you don’t get hosed.

Climbing the Ladder:

Find co-workers super annoying? Prefer to work alone? These careers might be for you!

Out and About:

Friday Fun:

Cary Grant and Hitchcock! One of my favorite thrillers and good clean fun. If you’ve never seen this classic get down to Riverside Park in Hartford for free movie Fridays!!

The Alchemystics will be rocking out at Max Cap in Chicopee with Bangfield and Joey Batts and Them. Put on your dancing shoes and boogie on down.

On the other side of the river, your beloved 90’s classics will be playing down at The Skybox in Southwick courtesy of Gnome Sane.

Saturday Shenanigans:

Another free event down by the river! The Connecticut Ballet will be performing at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza from 7pm – 9pm. Just a reminder kids, no booze allowed. So get real creative or leave it at home!

For my Southern CT peeps, Bad Rooster will be rocking Sam the Clam’s down in Plantsville. The seafood is amazing and the band does the blues like no one else! And come on! It’s Bad Rooster at Sam the Clam’s!! There’s like a dozen dirty jokes waiting to be told!

You have two chances to see the darling Katelyn Richards on Saturday!! You lucky dogs you 🙂 First up, Falls Fest on the South Hadley Town Green from 1:45pm – 3pm. Then out to Louie B’s in Southwick to rock out all night on the lake.

Sunday Funday:

Couldn’t make it out to the lake last night?? Don’t worry your pretty little head girl! There’s more music on the water in store for you this afternoon!! The Kings will be playing all your favorites from 4pm – 8pm at Louie B’s. Early enough to get some sleep before that dreaded Monday Morning arrives!

Giggles and Such:

Have a great weekend!

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Stuff and Things:

Every bride is beautiful on her wedding day. But not every bride knows how to take beautiful pictures. Here’s a how-to guide on posing for you lovelies. (Don’t worry single ladies – you don’t have to be getting married to take a peek!)

Climbing the Ladder:

Networking can be super awkward. Here are five tips to make it feel super easy.

Wine Me, Dine Me:

Did you know Greek yogurt can be substituted for almost anything?? Check out this chart from Chobani:

Body Lovin’:

For anyone who’s ever worked 2 jobs you know the power of naps. Turns out it’s actually an alternative sleep cycle.

Out and About:

Stanley Park in Westfield, MA is one of my favorite places. And now you can do yoga in the park every Wednesday in July! For free! Well, they ask for a $5 donation to the park, but that’s still the cheapest yoga class I’ve ever taken!!

Friday Fun:

For my Connecticut peeps:

The 22nd Annual Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz kicks off this weekend in Bushnell Park. Gates open at 5pm Friday night. The festival runs through Sunday. Admission is free.

For my Western Mass homies:

The 350 Grille in downtown Springfield is one of my favorite restaurants and it just so happens another of my favorites will be providing the melodious mood during tonight’s dining experience! That sounds like a win/win to me!! John Cantalini will delight your auditory senses on guitar while 350’s menu tickles your taste buds.

After you’ve had your full of deliciousness at 350 head on up to Monty’s in Chicopee for your favorite 90’s cover band Gnome Sane. You’ll definitely need to do some serious booty shakin’ to work off that dinner girl! Gnome sane?

Saturday Shenanigans:

There’s not much better than spending a summer afternoon on the lake. Unless it’s spending the afternoon on the lake listening to good tunes! Head out to Louie B’s in Southwick and catch the Baird Souls 6pm – 10pm.

Can’t take the heat even on the water?? Then head to The Still in Agawam for DPR. These guys are one of my faves and will definitely get you up and moving on the dance floor.

For you kids on the other side of the river, The Truckstop Troubadours will be rocking all your favorite country classics at the Munich Haus in Chicopee.

For my Connecticut peeps – Weird Science Saturday will be going on down at the Shamrock Cafe in Suffield. DJ Supercold will be spinning all your favorite 80’s tunes.

Giggles and Such:

We really blue it.

Careless whisper makes everything sexy.

Have a great weekend!

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Dollars and Sense:

Single with no kids?? 5 ways to plan for your financial future.

Techie Love:

Facebook rolled out their new Graph Search this week. Learn how to lock down your privacy settings.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the “Bing It On Challenge”. Well, it might be time to take it. Only 13% of Google search results are real 😦

Wine Me, Dine Me:

400 companies that DO NOT use GMOs in their products.

Fashion Forward:

The most ingenious accessory EVER!!

Out and About:

Friday Fun:

Who you gonna call?? Ghostbusters! Playing at 7pm in Pope Park in Hartford.

For my Connecticut peeps, The Juicy Grapes will be at Arch Street Tavern in Hartford with Rythmic Circus. Sure to be a funky good time! Show starts at 10pm. Put on your dancing shoes at get your boogie on girl!

For you kids east of the river, The John Cantalini Band will be rocking out at the Skybox in Southwick. Show starts at 9:30pm. Just a reminder, John Cantalini is that guitar genius you love from The Kings. A guaranteed good time!

For you westside kiddos, The Truckstop Troubadours will be playing all your favorite country classics out at The Wales Irish Pub. If you haven’t seen these guys, you’re in for a real treat! Front man Brian Chicoine channels The Man in Black better than Johnny Cash himself!!

Saturday Shenanigans:

Camp Bisco is this weekend. For those of you who are too broke or too busy to rock out for all three days, Saturday passes are available. Saturday’s lineup includes The Disco Biscuits and Passion Pit.

Another one for you Connecticut peeps, Stanley Maxwell will be at The Main Pub in Manchester. This funky jazz quartet has a soulful sound and they love to jam. They were the Hartford Advocate Jazz Band of the year for 2010, 2009, and 2007. Show starts at 8pm. All ages.

Sunday Funday:

Couldn’t make it out to Wales to get your country on Friday night?? Then head over to Geraldine’s in West Springfield for a special local acoustic country showcase. The one and only Brian Chicoine will be hosting with Southern Rain Acoustic, Northern Lights (featuring one of my favorites Richie Lexington Hernandez), and The Honky-Tonk Saints. Show starts early (4pm – 8pm) so you can get plenty of sleep before work Monday morning!

Giggles and Such:

30 signs you’re almost 30

I hate cats, but this might be the funniest cat video I’ve ever seen!!

Have a great weekend!

It’s Finally Friday!!! (sort of)

Happy 4th of July!!

Just a reminder, while you’re enjoying cold beer and fireworks tomorrow, the brave folks protecting the freedoms we’re celebrating are probably humping a 200 lb rucksack through some god-forsaken-shithole, thousands of miles from cold beer, fireworks, and loved ones.

Quote of the Day:

Wine Me, Dine Me:

By now we all know GMO food is bad for us. But did you know the top 10 worst GMO foods?? 2 of them surprised me!

Round the World:

A new crop of “wonders of the world” was released by UNESCO this week. How many make your bucket list??

Body Lovin’:

Overdid it at the gym?? 3 yoga poses for sore muscles.

Luscious Locks:

Wet hair at work is a no-no. Or is it??

Out and About:

Where to see fireworks in Western Mass this weekend.

Where to see fireworks in CT this weekend.

There’s no crying in baseball!!

Bushnell Park – Friday night

I know, I know!

“Where’s all the wicked awesome local music?!?”

I’ve got a four day weekend clouding my vision kids.

So I only have a few morsels of musical shenanigans for you this week.

Saturday – Tony Lee Thomas @ O’Laughlin’s in Pittsfield, MA

Sunday – The Kings @ The Wales Irish Pub in Wales, MA

I promise I’ll do better next week!

Giggles and Such:

Let me mustard up some courage!

In case of bad day, break glass.

The freedom to not give a fuck.

Have a great week(end)!!

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Inspirational:

I feel pretty, oh so pretty!

For all the women who have ever been creeped on, stared at, and inappropriately grabbed. You are worth more than that.

Climbing the Ladder:

Feeling a little insecure in your job?? Stop it! How to build confidence at work.

For the Kiddos:

Worried about the food you feed your little one?? Make your own GMO-free baby food.

Out and About:

Friday Fun:

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” The city of Hartford puts on free movies after dark in parks around the city. Tonight is The Princess Bride is Elizabeth Park. Keep your fingers crossed the rain doesn’t ruin your chance to see this classic under the stars. Showing is 7pm – 11pm.

Looking to hear some acoustic tunes while enjoying a late dinner? Then check out Jeff King (of The Kings) and Anthony Drafft (of Steelhead) playing your favorites at La Cucina di Hampden House. Music starts at 7:30pm. Kitchen open til 10pm.

Hampden on the wrong side of the river for you?? Don’t worry The John Cantalini Band is playing at The Southwick Inn. If that name sounds familiar it’s because he’s the wicked awesome guitarist for The Kings. So get your ass down to The Inn and get ready to rock out!

Looking for a local dive to hang your hat for the evening? The Marks Brothers (featuring Mark Mercier of Max Creek) will be playing at The Ale House in Springfield tonight. Now Ale is my favorite dive, but, when I say dive ladies, I mean dive. The Ale House doesn’t take cards, so make sure to bring cash. Plenty of free, well-lit parking.

Saturday Shenanigans:

Tony Lee Thomas will be rocking the Crossroads Cafe out in Pittsfield, MA. If you’ve never seen Tony, he’s a special treat, featuring the lovely Miss Jenny Porter (a personal favorite of mine). Keep your ears open for Southern Girl (another personal favorite).

We have another great venue with awesome food! Gnome Sane (your new favorite 90’s band) will be playing all your favorites at The Tap Room in Wilbraham, MA starting at 9pm. Go early, get a table, and enjoy some good food and great music.

One of my favorites, Primate Fiasco will be playing those funky fresh tunes that just make you wanna dance up at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, MA starting 10pm.

For all my Connecticut peeps, you’re in for an extra special treat at The Downtown Cafe in Bristol. That’s right folks, Bristol’s known for more than producing NFL-playing murderers. They also have some amazing blues music courtesy of Bad Rooster!! These guys will blow you away. Lee-Ann Lovelace is the power house dynamo on vocals and my favorite Uncle keeps your feet moving to the beat on drums. Now don’t get it twisted! I wouldn’t lie to you, there’s no nepotism here at Adventures in Adulthood. So put on your dancing shoes and get your ass to the Downtown Cafe!! Show starts at 9:30pm, kitchen open til close.

Giggles and Such:

I love puns 🙂

Celebrities as normal people.

Have a great weekend!

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Wine Me, Dine Me:

Want to know what cheese goes with that wine?? Check out this cheat sheet!

Techie Love:

Ever had your Facebook or email hacked?? Never again!

Nature is Awesome:

I’m sure you’ve all heard the full moon on Sunday will be a super moon. Here’s what that means for you astrologically.

13 uses for cucumbers that will surprise and amaze you.

Out and About:

Music makes me happy.

It probably makes you happy too.

Supporting local music makes me wicked happy.

Here are some local events this weekend for your auditory pleasure:

Friday Fun:

If you ever went to a Radio 104 Fest, miss the 90’s at 9, and know Dave Grohl wasn’t always a lead singer, then these guys are your new favorite cover band!

Gnome Sane at The Waterfront in Holyoke, MA.

Saturday Shenanigans:

Do you love beer?

Do you love music??

Then get your ass down to Worthington Street from noon – 4pm for the 3rd Annual Worthy Craft Beer Showcase featuring the amazing reggae/hip hop/funk stylings of The Alchemystics (one of my personal favorites).

Got work/school/stuff going on Saturday afternoon??

Don’t worry your pretty little head girl!

Worthington Street will be bumping all night!

Primate Fiasco takes the stage at Theodore’s Blues & BBQ starting at 9pm.

Words can’t describe how amazing these guys are (I’m at a loss for words! That should tell you something!!).

They mix dixieland jazz with the funkiest funk.

They rage in the street! With a tuba! And a banjo!

Sunday Funday:

For those of you lucky bastards who don’t have work Monday morning, keep the party train rolling down at Foxwoods Casino with the spectacular Katelyn Richards at The Scorpion Bar.

This lovely lady always puts on a great show.

Rawking out commences at 7pm sharp!

Giggles and Such:

The devil came up to Boston.

The 48 most absurd things at the gym besides you.

Have a great weekend!

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Luscious Locks:

Why you should throw out your conditioner.

DIY:

Planning an outdoor party? Make your own tin can lanterns.

Round the World:

Travel hacks for your next trip.

Road tripping it? The ten best gardens to see across the U.S.

Out and About:

For those of you in the area:

Hartford hosts free movies every Friday in various parks around the city.

Wine Me, Dine Me:

Not sure what to make for dinner? Check out this amazing site that gives you recipes based on what’s in your fridge.

Giggles and Such:

Did you flan that?

Have a great weekend!

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Beautify Me:

6 green beauty recipes straight from your kitchen.

Inspirational:

Live life like a love letter. A manifesto for living positively.

Dollars and Sense:

Do you tweet? Here are 10 personal finance experts to follow.

Follow Your Dreams:

Who says you have to let your dreams die to become a “grown-up”??

Body Lovin’:

Everyone who has ever felt bad about her looks should take a gander at this.

Out on the Town:

Have you ever heard of PostSecret? It’s pretty amazing and they’re coming to Connecticut!

Giggles and Such:

32 of the world’s coolest and happiest facts 🙂

Once you find a poutine you really like, you put a ring on it.

Have a great weekend!!

Untie Me

Almost everyone these days has a smartphone.

In fact, the only people I know who don’t, are my parents and my off-the-grid roomie who purposely downgraded to a “dumb” phone several years ago.

Don’t get me wrong I love my smartphone.

With Google in my pocket there’s not a random factoid I can’t find or a place I can’t figure out how to get to.

But, it can get overwhelming.

Sometimes it feels like I can’t get away.

I recently spent the weekend at my cousin’s lake house in New Hampshire.

Among it’s many attributes is the lack of cell coverage.

Or at least it used to be!

Thanks to AT&T, I now have 4G coverage out in the boonies.

Some of you might think I’m bat shit right now.

What’s so bad about having service??

Nothing. If you want to stay connected to the outside world.

But one of the things I love about my home away from home is unplugging.

Most of the time I don’t even bring my charger.

It’s insanely liberating.

Especially for someone who works in social media. Even when I want to cut the ties that bind me, I still have a job to do.

my home away from home 🙂

In our hyper-connected, Facebook obsessed world, not having internet access completely changes your perspective.

If you’re trying to be more mindful, live more fully in the moment, or maybe trying a Happiness Project of your own, I highly recommend unplugging.

Have you ever gone out without your phone?

Did you feel naked?

Or does it make you feel free??

For me it’s a little of Column A, a little from Column B.

We’ve all see that group of friends out to dinner, eyeballs glued to their phones, instead of actually talking to each other.

Don’t be those people.

My Mom has this awesome rule of no phones at her dinner table.

It’s pretty rude when you think about it.

It’s okay to break bread together, but God forbid you have an actual face to face conversation?!

The next time you’re out, leave your phone at home.

Or if you really can’t be without it, at least turn your ringer off.

The electronic tether is much easier to ignore if you can’t hear it.

It’s the polite thing to do.

Mom said so 🙂

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Quote of the Day:

Wine me, Dine me:

This smoothie is packed with foods your brain will love.

Inspirational:

The only three questions that matter.

Out on the Town:

You and your love strapped for cash? Check out 70 cheap or free date ideas.

Body Lovin’:

Get your arms ready for all those sexy summer styles.

Health and Wellness:

Have you ever tried reflexology? Check out this guide on how to give the perfect foot massage.

Climbing the Ladder:

Do you have a life after work?

Giggles and Such:

Have a great weekend!