Friday Flotsam

By Bev Weidner on March 31, 2017 in Friday Flotsam

F riday. !!!

WHAT IS INSTAPOT?

Sorry to scream at you first thing in the morning.

But like, what the heck is Instapot!? I see them e v e r y w h e r e on everyone’s feeds and I still can’t wrap my head around what it is or what it does. Is it a slow cooker meets a pressure cooker meets Instagram?

Just kidding.

Is it?

Or wait, is it instant reefer? THINK ABOUT THAT, MAN.

Tell me. How is it any better than a regular pot? Is it really a magical must-have everyone desperately needs? Does it do my dishes and mow my lawn and bathe my kids? I don’t see the appeal, but I’m just an old haggidy curmudeon. However, everyone’s losing their ish over these things, so they must do something cool. Guide me to the Instapot light, pigeons!

(Or jump on board my grumpy train if that sounds like more fun. I have rosé.)

I have a question for you.

And you CAN’T LAUGH.

Because I’m dead serious about this. Really. Seriously serious.

CAN WE BRING PANTY HOSE BACK IN STYLE?

Or are they already back in style?! Did I miss the memo? Because I’m kind of ready for them to come back. And I HATED them as a kid when my mom made me wear them to church. Absolutely freaking hated them. But now that I’m 40 I’m seeing these tiiiiiiiiny tiny tiny purplish spider veins here and there and I’m on the verge of punching their lights out.

Hi, panty hose.

Also, I’m deathly pale. I even slathered on my beloved Kardashian instant tan the other morning, which helped a little, but I still want to cry a river when I look at my milk sticks.

Hey, panty hose.

I’m sure they’ve come a long way, right? Thinner fabric (is that the word?), softer tones (is that a thing?), sleeker design and comfier to wear (is this just in my head?).

LISTEN, I’ll seek out what’s new out there and report back. I’m willing to take one for the team. It’s going to be a panty hose revolution, I can feel it!

Surely there’s a mic around here I can drop.

Why do you think we say “in the car” and “on the bus”?

And not “in the bus” and “on the car”.

We get ON a plane. ON a train. ON a boat. But IN a car.

Why?

These are the things I think about at night. While you’re sleeping.

SIX EPISODES LEFT OF FELICITY.

But I have to slow down because I’m watching the finale with my girlfriend who’s been watching it with me, but we’re not getting together until NEXT SATURDAY. That’s like, four years away! So I’m pacing myself.

I can barely talk about it, it’s so painful.

You’re like, BOO HOO.

(Lauren is gross.)

(Also, I’m team Noel again. Don’t hate me.)

(He talks in a regular voice! Ben grunt-whispers every single word and I need a hearing aid to understand him.)

(Team Noel, all the way.)

(For now.)

Weekend plans?

It’s our anniversary weekend! 12 years of MAWWIAGE this Sunday, yo. And we have zero plans, which is kind of perfect. It’s supposed to be suuuper rainy, so I’m honestly good with a movie marathon, homemade pizza and rosé out the wazoodoodle.

I probably won’t say wazoodoodle again.

I’m also completely lying.

p.s. panty hose.

anniversary, felicity updates, in a car on a bus, instapot, panty hose

Buffalo Chicken Hoagies

Monthly Mixtape: Hear the Rainbow

32 Responses to Friday Flotsam

Jo March 31, 2017 at 7:52 am #

If you need something to watch after Felicity, go to Netflix and watch Grace and Frankie. Stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin and it's fantastic. A friend of mine was at my house this week. We quilt all day and eat supper in front of the TV watching that show, and at 730 one of us says it's wine time and we drink wine and watch til we are too tired to keep up any longer. She's gone and we're not done with season 2 and i sure do want to start in without her but I won't. You will love it I think. BTW, while she was here I fixed your Simple Spicy Shrimp Rolls and we devoured them!!! They were delish. I have fixed several of your recipes and have loved each one. I also love that most of them are very easy to make. Thanks!
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- Kristin March 31, 2017 at 5:43 pm #
  
  Yes! Watch Grace & Frankie. It's great!!
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Cheyenne March 31, 2017 at 8:55 am #

Oh yup. Grace and Frankie. Changed my life. Not really but really. I suddenly don't fear growing old.
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Nicole March 31, 2017 at 9:15 am #

I am thirding (yes, thirding, try and stop me!) Grace and Frankie. It's a great show, is insightful, and hilarious. I love it. I wish I wouldn't binge it every time a new season comes out, because then I have to wait another whole year for the next season. Can't help myself :( ... :)
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Sarah Chavis March 31, 2017 at 9:25 am #

I am new to your blog and I loooove your energy! I feel like to flows out of my computer screen and gives me a jolt! Weird? Anyways, I can totally relate to the Panty Hose thing, I really disliked them as a kid, but I have grown to like them. I was never ever a panty hose 'wearer,' under jeans...but you would probably find me sporting them back in the day wearing a skirt. Are they out of style? Never thought about it! Rock the Panty Hose....! I never heard of Instapot until now...I am definitely going to have to check that out! I am a total foodie and this seems up my alley! Happy Friday!
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Grace Godwin March 31, 2017 at 10:10 am #

Instant Pot! I hadn't heard of it until last weekend when no fewer than 3 of my coworkers raved about it all. weekend. long. (So, now I may or may not have one on my countertop, waiting to be exploted.) I'll report back because, boy oh boy do I need some kitchen help. On another note, Bev, do you Norwex yet? This is my new fascination. Easy cleaning with no chemicals! I'm thinking it's right up your alley. Sorry for this, because I NEVER try to sell stuff, but if you want to learn more, I'm currently hosting a party through 4/10 here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/804922896321833/ P.S. Panty hose FTW!
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Laura Weaver March 31, 2017 at 10:14 am #

I have had an instant pot for about two months and I love it! I was a little unsure about getting another appliance.. I hate having stuff on counters or accumulating gadgets that you can only use every once in a while. I have ended up using it several times a week! I love that it has so many functions and I could get rid of other appliances since this thing does it all. (I downsized from my crockpot, egg cooker and stovetop pressure cooker to the one instant pot. Depending on what other gadgets you use, you may be able to downsize more!) The one thing disclaimer I would add is that you have to let go of the idea of "instant" meals. That's not always accurate. The time at pressure is generally pretty short, but depending on what you are making, it can take a while to come to pressure.For some things, you might also have to let the pressure release naturally, which can add on some time. BUT... that aside, it really is great. You can saute in the pot which allows for a lot of one pot meals which = less time and LESS DISHES! It is faster for a lot of recipes, but my favorite part is that it is so hands-off, you pretty much just prep your stuff, pop it in, and then you can walk away instead of standing over the stove. So in that aspect I do think it is a time saver! I also find myself feeling like cooking more, just because i want to practice with the pot. My favorite things to make in it so far are greek yogurt and soup. The yogurt is stupid easy to make and you can make a gallon's worth for the cost of milk. With soup, it tastes like you've simmered it all day, and the instant pot is definitely faster than stovetop. If you do get one, make the red pepper and tomato bisque from Instant Pot Obsession by Janet Zimmerman. If you want the recipe, let me know! I have made it twice already, it is so delicious, quick and satisfying.
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Susan March 31, 2017 at 11:24 am #

I'm ON the carmudeon bus with you with the Instapot thing. I just don't get it. I'm also terrified of anything remotely similar to a pressure cooker since I was traumatized by my mom's decades ago. I have enough appliances already and I think the Instapot thing will go the way of the bread maker, sitting in a dark cupboard, collecting dust. Not with you so much with nylons. I hated those dang things. Well, not so much in winter when dresses and skirts were kinda drafty. Stick with the bottled tan. It's also our anniversary weekend; in fact ours is today. The hubs and I are celebrating at a fab (sixties reference there) restaurant tonight and there will be cocktails involved. Dirty martinis here we come!
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Erin March 31, 2017 at 11:37 am #

I really enjoy your style of talk girly...you make me smile! Keep on it...I agree w ya on so much stranger...strange no?! K. ??
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Laurie March 31, 2017 at 11:47 am #

I just saw these tights made specifically for support. They're pretty sexy looking, too. They also have knee highs. The site is called: The Grommet. They have all kinds of "inventions". Hope this helps. Happy Anniversary!!!
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Ashlee March 31, 2017 at 12:04 pm #

Instant Pot changed my life. I do wish it would bathe my kids though. That'd be the ultimate. Or maybe do bedtime for me...
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Steph March 31, 2017 at 12:59 pm #

Happy Anniversary!! Also my grandmother use to say "get down from the car" instead of get out of. Also she use to say "pass the vacuum" like "I need to pass the vacuum to clean up this mess." I can't get on board with pantyhose. No. Just no. BUT...I do like stockings. Like they go to ur thigh and you have to wear a garderbelt. Which are also different from thigh highs that have a horrible self clinging glue like stuff at the top. Much more comfortable then the ever lowering crotch of the dreaded pantyhose. Food for thought.
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Laurel West March 31, 2017 at 1:48 pm #

Those spider veins......I had them too and about 10 years ago, went to a med spa where they used laser on them....gone and they are still gone. Simple, easy procedure and so glad I had it done!
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chelsy March 31, 2017 at 2:09 pm #

Girrrrl, no. Get yourself some Sally Hensen leg makeup (airbrush in the can, not the lotion) in light glow and thank me later. Trust. I am pale and vein-y and would probably die without this stuff. As a Kardashian used to say, bible. Spray it onto your hand then rub it all over yer leggy legs and boom bang bing instant miracle. It may or may not last through a shower or two. BEES KA-NEES
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Angelina March 31, 2017 at 3:15 pm #

Let's talk about panty hose. I love it and am ALLLLLL for it. I am only 31 and have the craziest spider veins but guess what I just found. Leg Foundation!!!!!!
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- Bev Weidner April 2, 2017 at 8:32 am #
  
  Ummmm tell me more about this LEG FOUNDATION.
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Heather March 31, 2017 at 4:35 pm #

I feel like I'm an original with the Instant Pot as we bought our first one three years ago, before they were everywhere! A friend had one and talked about how easy and great it was to make beans & we were sold! We use this as our slow cooker & pressure cooker. It makes the most perfect soft boiled eggs! I could never get them right on the stovetop, but this is so easy! We also make our own yogurt. We love it! I'm team Noel too! I liked him more than Ben. One day Scott Foley walked past my husband and I and I freaked out inside a little bit, but let him continue on his merry way. Happy Anniversary!
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Jennifer Northam March 31, 2017 at 4:39 pm #

Pantyhose are back thanks to PRINCESS KATE. Seriously, she wears them at all her official appearances and looks so so so polished and sleek and lovely and several fashion blogs I follow even cite her influence as single-handedly reviving the industry.
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Klara Donovan March 31, 2017 at 7:38 pm #

In the car. On the bus. You're blowing my mind-hole, Bev :-0
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Denise March 31, 2017 at 8:14 pm #

Please tell me what brand of shoes you are wearing with the open toes. You wear them so often in your pics and I need to own them!
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- Bev Weidner April 1, 2017 at 7:31 am #
  
  Definitely! They're Pons Avarcas. I even ran a big discount with them a couple of weeks ago - I'm bummed you missed that! (they're my f a v e shoes ever.)
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Nancy March 31, 2017 at 8:45 pm #

I say no to Instapot and no to panty hose. Guess I'm on the curmudgeon bus ? but you seem to enjoy the art of cooking and throwing everything in the Instapot and walking away is not really cooking but I was never a big fan of my crockpot either. Now if it was instareefer I might could wrap my head around that. And just no to panty hose! Happy Anniversary ?
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Dawn April 1, 2017 at 1:36 am #

completely love your blog... your writing is just like you are talking to me... your personality comes out and it makes me smile. Congrats on your 12 year anniversary...looking forward to the next post
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Paige April 1, 2017 at 3:36 pm #

Okay let's talk about the Instant Pot. I cook a lotta meals in the slow cooker and dutch oven. I'm not a fancy cook but I love good and complex flavors in my food and the Instant Pot freakin GETS it. I made short ribs in the Instant Pot that truly tasted like they had been braising for days. I was like, "I made this b*tches! Get at me!" I didn't actually say that to my husband and daughter since, you know, but I was definitely saying it in my soul. Since it cooks with steam, meat is way more tender in the Instant Pot than the slow cooker. No more weird, chewy chicken. It has a saute setting, so I brown the meat first, which really helps with flavor and texture. It basically allows you to cook the meals that require early planning (like who has the mind space at 8am to dice an onion and put it in the slow cooker?), but you can start them at, like, 5. Bottom line: fo sho worth a shot.
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- Jessica April 3, 2017 at 3:38 pm #
  
  laughing out loud! "Get at me!" I understand exactly what you mean :)
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Shannon April 2, 2017 at 12:21 pm #

I taught English abroad for nine years and I got this question often. I learned and subsequently taught my students that we say "on" a bus, train, or plane because we board and walk to our seat. Where as "in" a car because we get in and directly sit down. I tried not to think too much about it and just went with it because you can drive yourself crazy thinking about the English language.
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Amber M April 3, 2017 at 10:48 am #

I have heard from multiple sources (various People magazines) that Kate Middleton is indeed bringing panty hose back in fashion! If its good enough for the Duchess its good enough for me!
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BRANDY MASON April 3, 2017 at 4:15 pm #

hi, i too am wondering about the instapot & vein problems. but I am never ever ever ever never going to wear pantyhose again in my life...ever. i waitressed in college, and it was a pantyhose required deal. just no. i have been looking into sclerotherapy - maybe your skin place offers it, too? would love to see a blogger review (have not yet seen this) and hear your thoughts on the experience if you are into that!
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- Laurie April 4, 2017 at 3:02 pm #
  
  I have had Sclerotherapy many times. At first, they only did it by using a tiny syringe of saline and injecting the spider vein. After the treatment you wear compression stockings and the vein collapses and goes away. Now, they also have a laser that does the same thing. I've tried both and think the original method works better. The really big downside is the cost! Veddy, veddy expensive....but worth it!
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  - BRANDY MASON April 5, 2017 at 11:23 am #
    
    Oh really? Thanks for replying! I wonder if you would consider sharing ballpark $ figures, like $500, $1000, $5000?? Just to get an idea, as I'm sure it varies on the patients needs. And, how long did it last for you? How about the pain? I hear it's uncomfortable?
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Kate April 5, 2017 at 6:07 pm #

I'm pretty sure Kate Middleton brought nude panty hose back into style. Or at least not out of style. Also, I have spider veins and I'm 25. I'm afraid what my legs will look like when I'm 40.
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Anonymous April 5, 2017 at 6:41 pm #

As always, I am waaaay late to chime in. On the pantyhose front, I was recently at a family event and swore my cousin had bare legs. She had on a shorter dress, had to bust a Mom move (you know how it goes with the grems), and revealed the tops of pantyhose! The kind you pull on individually - each leg. With elastic tops that stay up type. They looked super natural, and made her legs look nice!! Beyond that, I am not much help though. Should have asked....
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32 Responses to Friday Flotsam

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