#boisebucketlist adventures

Seeking Refuge @ the Refuge: My 1st Meeting with an IG Follower

by boisebucketlist, posted in Food & Cuisine

Social Media has its pros and cons.

Pro: networking with new people.

Con: oversharing.

Last week something cool happened: I met a follower of mine from Instagram! No, this wasn’t a date and part of my Dating in the BOI tales.

Well, that’s a lie.

We actually did exchanged our own individual stories over some drinks. It was a win- win. Meet someone new & hear about his dating horror stories.

Although he granted me permission, I still like to protect people’s identity. I’ll call my Instagram follower Mr. Artist. Which leads me to explain how our encounter went from online to in-person.

Last week while checking out my IG feed, I came across this vibrant and colorful illustration of the state capitol building and Boise written across the top. I immediately paused and said danggggg, this is a cool illustration! Yes, this is my actual voice. I do say words like dang.

Source: Mr. Artist’s website

As any pro-Instagrammer would do, I commented and engaged with this account. I was pleased to see he followed me in return. After some time passed since I commented, I received a DM (direct message, for those who were unsure). Mr. Artist told me how he enjoyed my Dating in the BOI blogs, and how he too has dating stories worth sharing.

I thought it’ll be worth hearing about a male’s perspective with online dating. I’m slightly curious given that I’m only living my own female experiences.

Before I knew it, we’d exchanged numbers and met at The Refuge. After messaging back and forth, receiving nothing but good vibes from him through our messages, I thought to myself go and network!

I’m all about networking when living in a new place. I highly encourage it, actually. A few of my followers personally know me, and I met them through networking events throughout Boise.

Here’s the kicker:  Just the DAY BEFORE meeting, a friend suggested I go and checkout the Refuge, for its delicious food and beer options. And of COURSE Mr. Artist suggested the exact same place.

Mr. Artist was right on time. He approached me, we did the whole “hey are you…?” dance, and walked over to an empty table.

I’ll just say that I enjoyed my time getting to know Mr. Artist. He shared stories ranging from dating to his worldly travels, to his career path. I mean, let’s not forget his art. The exact reason to what prompted us to meet.

His illustrations are rich with color, depth, and uniqueness that’ll make a color fanatic like me stop in her tracks. If you were in SoCal, you may come across a surfboard covered with some of his illustrations.

But get this — this isn’t even his full-time job. He simply loves doing it. Which shows in his work.

We shared our stories, and boy was it enlightening. To hear about his experiences made me wonder how I come across on my online profiles. From pictures of cats & sunsets, to extremely outdated profile photos, to newly divorced women looking to find their Christian Grey — it’s the hodgepodge of dating fiascoes.

I don’t feel too bad about my dating stories. I still, however, have experienced the most awful online messages one can EVER receive. To the point where you wonder if it’s a real person behind the screen!

I know I’ll see Mr. Artist again. He is an intelligent  person with knowledge to share. And with that, I’ll end my blog post with something he said while talking about happiness:
A person should like what they do, like who they are with, and like where they live. 
When you take a step back and think of the times you may have been unhappy in your life, it probably stems from one of these things. I speak for myself and say these exact reasons are why I had to reevaluate my life while living in New England.

To end,  I’m an actual person who is all about networking and meeting new people. Whether you’re a native Boisean or a transplant, I’d love to network and learn from my peers. Boise Bucket List is more than just crossing activities off my list. It’s about pushing myself out of my comfort zone, embracing a life of simple joys, and living in the moment. A philosophy I hope you, my follower, will start to embrace as well.

Mr. Artist —  I look forward to proudly hanging up your artwork in my office for all to see!

Getting my coffee fixin’ at Frogs Fix Coffee Parlor

by boisebucketlist, posted in Coffee Shops, Food & Cuisine

Thanks to you all,  I have an entire list of coffee places to try out here in the Treasure Valley. I’ll even create a checklist sometime this weekend that you all can use too.

Today I visited Frogs Fix Coffee Parlor comfortably located in the Boise Bench (thank you @domagotchi!). It’s a quaint little coffee parlor next to a daycare. At first, I didn’t notice Frog’s Fix until I walked around the corner and saw the sign. Frog’s Fix does live up to its mission of being a “welcoming environment with unique drink choices and numerous pastry selections.”

About Frogs Fix: locally owned since 2012, it has become a staple within the Bench community. The Parlor also aims to sell high quality coffee and pastries at a fair price.

When walking into the Parlor, I was greeted by this huge (and pretty awesome) map of the world. I proceeded to walk near the “Order Here” sign and excited about the options. What to get, what to get was on repeat in my head. Because I didn’t have my usual coffee during my drive to work, I defaulted to my usual order: drip coffee with a pastry side. The Parlor serves Evans Brothers Coffee, which is a first time for me trying their coffee. I had one of the stronger roasts, and I can’t think of the name! I believe Schweitzer was in the name of the coffee. Nonetheless, it was strong, delicious, and exactly what I needed this snowy morning.

Did you know: Frongner + need for coffee = the name , Frog’s Fix Coffee Parlor

Too bad all the snow was blocking the outdoor patio; otherwise I would have walked outside and snapped a photo. Only more of a reason to return this spring/summer so I can hang out on the patio.

Make sure you checkout the Parlor’s weekly specials:

  • Teacher Tuesday: offers $1 OFF any drink all day to school district employees with showing of school ID badge (a fav of mine since BOTH my parents are seasoned educators!!)
  • Happy Hour: $1 OFF expresso drinks, hot chocolates, and Italian sodas from 3pm-5pm everyday (when open)
  • Double Punch Thursday: for every drink you order, your Frog’s Fix Punch Card will received a double PUNCH! I got my Punch Card, and I’m ready to collect my punches.

If you’re wondering, no I haven’t finished that Ham and Cheese Croissant. I’m bringing it home to nibble on throughout the weekend 🙂 🙂

 

Do you have an idea for a coffee shop I should visit/checkout? Send me an email at theboisebucketlist@gmail.com.

 

5 Ways I Dress Warm in the BOI Winter

by boisebucketlist, posted in How-To Guides

Anytime I tell someone I’m originally from West Palm Beach, Florida I’m greeting with this automatic “oh dear, how are you holding up in the winter?” Great question.

Fortunately for me (or unfortunately, depending on your mindset), I lived in Portland, ME for 5 years. During that time, I gained firsthand experience of what it means to dress warmly. Such is a foreign concept for Floridians — unless that 3-day cold front we usually get in January.

Thankfully, lessons learned in Maine helped me transition to life during this BOI winter. Here are the 5 ways I dress warmly:

  • L.L. Bean Boots. For those who don’t know, the founders of L.L. Bean are from Maine. If you ever visit Freeport, make sure to snap a photo in front of the famous Bean Boot.With all my Mainer friends talking about their “beans,” I took note and decided to do some research for myself. I immediately became hooked after purchasing my 1st pair. Yes, I have more than one! The ones I wear for winter are the L.L. Bean Boots with the shearing-lining. They keep my feet extra warm, which is necessary for me! They can be a bit costly upfront, but it’s a lifetime guarantee with their products. I’ve had mine for over 6 years, and they still look good as new.

 

  • Wool Socks. Understandably, I had NO CLUE what wool socks were prior to moving to New England. Once winter came around, I overheard a classmate of mine talk about his wool socks and how they made him itch.  Say what? What are wool socks? Rather than asking and being embarrassed, I did the usually thing: Google search. I have no clue how I survived my first winter without them! I try to keep it colorful with these wool socks. 

 

  • Parka. I tried my  hardest to refrain from pulling out the parka here in Boise. I wanted to show that I can handle the cold temps. Then I was (re) introduced to 20 degrees F. That made me change my mind real quick. I have a few parkas, but my favorite is my North Face parka. 

Here’s a tip: if this is your first winter and costs of jackets are wearing you down, I recommend visiting the local thrift stores such as Idaho Youth Ranch and Goodwill. I received this tip when in New England because I was worried about costs, particularly since I never had to spend over $20 for any warm piece of clothing. At the thrift stores, I found everything from brand new jackets still with tags to gently used high-end jackets. My first winter in New England was manageable because of those 2nd hand L.L. Bean jackets.

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  • Gloves. A few weeks ago, I made the terrible mistake of leaving my gloves at home when I volunteered at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Boy were my hands freezing! Moving forward, I now I have 2 pairs — one I keep in my jacket pocket. My go-to gloves are those with a buckle closure and those which are  touchscreen-friendly.  Prior to these touchscreen-friendly gloves, it was annoying to have to remove my gloves to answer my call or text.

 

  • My winter hats. I have my fair share of winter hats. Some hats are more appropriate to wear when my hair is straightened; others times I wear hats made to fit my entire head of curls. My when-my-hair-is-straight winter hat is the standard beanie. It’s comfortable, keeps my head warm, and it compliments my face. Now, when my hair is too curly, the only hats that can handle it is the ski caps with a visor. I wear this all the time — even at home! Makes me feel warm and toasty.

 

With what appears as this record-breaking winter for snow, I’m glad I’m equipped to stay warm. What are some of your must-have winter items?

Moonstuck @ Moon’s Kitchen Cafe: 10 Day BOI Bucket List Challenge 

by boisebucketlist, posted in BOI Bucket List Challenge, Food & Cuisine

Christmas shopping & all that running around can really stir up an appetite. Or what about all those FanFest events for the Idaho Potato Bowl. Walking around each one can also make you have an appetite.

For me, NONE of the above applied 😂. I simply wanted a hearty breakfast to keep me satisfied for the early part of the day. Plus, I needed to an activity to add to my 10 Day BOI Bucket List Challenge.

Moon’s Kitchen Cafe is a staple of Boise. It’s been serving its homemade milkshakes (something I need to return & try!) since 1955. It’s the epitome 1950’s diner, from the tables to the countertop for solo patrons. The decorations also add to the experience: Elvis Presley photos when he was younger, authentic commercial ads during that era, newspaper clippings.

My timing couldn’t have been more ideal because right when I sat down, a FLOOD of guest stepped in. It’s because of the CSU and UIdaho game —  I saw a sea of green, black & gold.

As a solo patron, I sat at the countertop and reviewed the menu. I knew I wanted a protein-filled breakfast, omelet in particular.

With the diner unusually packed & what I later found out that an employee was a “no-show”, it did take some time to get service. Nonetheless, once the waiter came by, she poured me a delicious hot cup of coffee which I thoroughly enjoyed. Maybe it was multiple cups ☕️☕️.

I ended up ordering the Spicy Sausage Omelet with a side of red potato hash browns, wheat toast, and their homemade jam.

While waiting for the deliciousness soon to be coming my way, I took some time to do research for this blog (yes, I want to see what’s going on in Boise that I can share with you all 😎). Once the waitress walked over with the plate of food, I dropped everything I was doing so I can fully concentrate on this beautiful omelet.

The meal was absolutely worth the wait. I can tell you that I was pretty full after that meal. Breakfast at Moon’s is officially off my Boise Bucket List.

If you’re a newbie:

  • try one of their staple milkshakes, or their chicken fried steak
  • If going for breakfast, try their Lumberjack plate (that was my 2nd choice) or one of their many omelet combinations.
  • If going for lunch, try their chicken fried steak or their burgers (Bleu Moon being my fav!)

If you’re a regular, I challenge you to try something completely new & different from what you normally order. Try a different flavored milkshake or a new burger.

What are some of your places in Boise to have breakfast?

 

 

Appetite @ Addie’s: 10 Day BOI Bucket List Challenge 

by boisebucketlist, posted in BOI Bucket List Challenge, Food & Cuisine

I’ve heard about Addie’s.


My coworker mentioned she has lunch here on a weekly basis. With her recommendation, I decided to checkout Addie’ for a (late) breakfast.
Addie’s is located in Old Boise, on the corner of 5th and Main Street. It has the most decorative window art I’ve seen so far (excluding all the window paint for the holiday season). My favorite is the painting of two ladies sitting at a table, sipping tea.

With Boise Weekly in one hand and my wallet in the other, I headed into Addie’s. After being greeted with a warm smile, I was instructed to find my own seat. I chose a comfortably-sized  booth facing Main Street.

Before I even had the chance to sit, a young man with framed black glasses, dressed in a vintage-styled sweater covering a joker tee-shirt, with his hair pulled up in a ponytail asked me if I wanted coffee (bottomless coffee, by the way). I quickly responded with yes! and sat down.

The table over had college students talking about:

–  earning Dean’s list

– happy finals ended

– talked about skiing with family

While perusing the menu (and overwhelmed with the delicious choices), I overheard one college student order the meat skillet.

Hmm, meat skillet?

I thought that sounded rather scrumptious (well… Maybe my mind didn’t use the word scrumptious, but it’s a good word for this blog).

When the young waiter walked over asking me what did I decide to order, I responded with my usual:

This is my first time here; what do you recommend?

Waiters, you probably hate this question but I like to know what is the most standard meal at a restaurant I’ve never been to.

He graciously smiled, and recommended:

– Waffles

– Eggs Benedict

– Skillet

Oh, that word skillet. What the hell is a skillet?

I embarrassed myself and asked what it was. Believe it or not, I never knew that hash browns mixed with meat & veggies was called a skillet! My parents have made that before on our Sunday mornings.

I’ll take the meat skillet please!  I said enthusiastically. Maybe too enthusiastically.

While waiting for my food, I read the newest Boise Weekly, marked down a few events for my reference, like the Humpin’ Hannah’s Fugly Nightmare B4 Christmas Party (which I’m going to anyway) and the Treasure Valley Children’s Theater: Little Women showing).

What seemed liked only a few minutes, the young waiter approached my table with a plate topped with some fried eggs & a meat skillet covered with melted cheddar cheese.

OMG! So delicious.

Basque chorizo sausage mixed with crispy hash browns, and the soft texture of melted cheese was a party in my mouth. Seriously. Let’s not  forget about the fried egg on the side, which I kept forgetting to eat because the allure of the meat skillet kept my attention.

 

If you’re looking for a diner with its fair share of comfort food, add Addie’s to your Foodie #boisebucketlist.

So 1 down, 9 to go! What should I do next…?

And don’t forget, if you want to party & dance with me this Friday night, let me know! Email me at theboisebucketlist@gmail.com. If you’re new to Boise & looking to explore, I’m your person.

 

10 Day BOI Bucket List Challenge

by boisebucketlist, posted in BOI Bucket List Challenge

3 months.

The total time I’ve been in Boise! And, being that I like celebrations, why not celebrate this moment?

To celebrate, I’m going to do an accelerated #boisebucketlist challenge:

Doing 10 New Things Before 2017

This 10 new things will be random, ranging from something small to big.

Will I:

  • try a new coffee shop?
  • ring the bell in front of the State Capitol Building?
  • watch the potato drop?

Who knows?

But I’m excited for this #BOIbucketlistchallenge. Want to join me? TAG me over the course of the 10 days to see what new thing you’re trying in Boise. I’d love to share what you all are doing in the beautiful BOI.

 

Netflix and Chill?

by boisebucketlist, posted in Uncategorized

So, my weekend hasn’t gone as expected:

1). Lost my voice

2) Still fighting a cold

3) Friday Night Date cancelled because of the weather ( no new Dating in the BOI stories)

4) Missed out at the Black Rock Coffee Bar Ugly Sweater Party

5) Missed out on a graduation party

Instead, I had no choice but to Netflix & Chill: watch some Netflix & chill my ass at home in this chilly weather. (I’m witty, huh?)

Being that I’m at home relaxing, I decided to shed light on my  5 go-to Netflix shows & movies to watch when I’m cooped up in the house while it’s chilly out:

Grey’s Anatomy

Shondaland  has been blessing our TV screens for over  13 years. Grey’s Anatomy is one of those shows where it’s been running for so long, I forget the beginning storylines. I particularly wanted to remember when Denny Doucette (what’s up Negan fans!) and Izzy Stephens fell in love; when Cristina was still a main character; when Derek was alive and chasing Meredith (I fell in love more with Patrick Dempsey when I found out he is from Lewiston, Maine — the placed I used to work in when I lived in Maine); when Dr. McSteamy was breaking hearts.

 

Gilmore Girls

My love for Gilmore Girls started a few years back. Believe it or not, I didn’t watch it (shock!) when it was originally on TV. It’s somewhat surprising given that it was a very popular show during my time. I guess I was too caught up in Dawson’s Creek (damn, I’m aging myself :/). With the new Gilmore Girls Netflix special, I figured it was time to refresh my memory of the characters. I like to grab a big cup of coffee, warm blanket, some Twizzlers, and travel to Stars Hollow & become reacquainted with its residents.

 

The Walking Dead

With all the recent deaths and character kill-offs, I’ve started to miss the old characters (remember Dale?). Despite the brutal deaths and plot twists, I’ve come to love this show. I see why TWD has its own niche and dedicated fans — myself included. I do see myself going to some conventions next year to meet the actors (totally love Daryl and Negan). I don’t watch too many episodes, but I do like to watch a few of my favorites.

 

10 Things I Hate About You

Now I’m really bringing it back! Late 90’s teen classic starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. Sometimes I’m in the mood for a lighthearted, teen classic movie

I LOVE Say Anything, Pretty in Pink, and Breakfast Club. Not on the list because not currently on Netflix 😦

10-things-i-hate-about-you

I love this movie because it’s fun, the soundtrack is one of my favs, and it’s a chance to see the late-Heath Ledger. Don’t deny that you sometimes put on that old teen classic and reminisce…

The Holiday

Cameron Diaz + Jack Black = win.

I would watch this movie even if it wasn’t the holiday season. But because it is, I figure it should be on my list. Aside from the eye candy that is Jude Law, I find Cameron Diaz entertaining and quirky (like in many of her other movies), Jack Black a perfect combination of sweet and funny, and fond of Kate Winslet’s character growth. One of my favorite parts was when Kate Winslet accompanied Cameron Diaz’s neighbor to his recognition ceremony. I’m a sucker for these type of feel-good warm moments.

 

Well, that’s it folks.

These are my go-to movies/shows when I’m Netflixing in the comfort of my home. Now, these choices are only because I’m single. If we were to use the other “Netflix and Chill” connotation, I would probably have different movies listed.

What are some of your favorite movies to watch on Neftflix?

BEER-ific Review: Top 3 Things of Boise Brewing

by boisebucketlist, posted in Breweries, Uncategorized

Last night, I checked out Boise Brewing for the 1st time. Although craft beers weren’t as popular in South Florida while I was living there, I picked up this interest in the craft brew scene when I lived in Maine.

Disclaimer: I am not a beer connoisseur whatsoever. That said, I don’t necessarily judge the craft beers based off substance. Some critics have mentioned to me breweries are all the same.

Uhh, no not really.

How I view going to breweries is that it’s an experience, because I usually:

  • Take my time to review the menu (if you’re a newbie like me)
  • Check out the decor
  • Interact with the server, asking for suggestions
  • Hang out in the tasting room
  • Take a brewery tour (if available)
  • Hang out with friends, co-workers, boyfriend (when I had one), or like yesterday — young professionals of Boise

Based on yesterday’s visit, here’s my BEER-ific review of Boise Brewing:

 

  1. Private Room is worth a visit: I was impressed on how quaint and comfortable the private room was. It comfortably fits 30+ people, fair share of places to sit (including a ledge with a view of downstairs), and a staircase with a straight shot to the bar. That’s always a win. If you’re thinking about a cozy place for a gathering, whether it’s for your office or group of friends, I suggest you checkout Boise Brewing’s private area upstairs.
  2. Active Calendar of Events. As I mentioned above, part of my brewery experience is checking out the decor and my surroundings. While waiting for the lovely server to prepare my pint of Broad Street Blonde, I used that time wisely to look around the bar. My eye caught the attention of the bright Yellow and Blue calendar of events for December. Below are some of the events listed:
    • Frequent Food Truck visits (I have a thing for food trucks!) by Westos Locos, B-Town Bistro and Rusty Dog
    • Free Comedy Night
    • Daily Happy Hour specials

Time to mark my calendar!!

3. Responsible for annual Hoptober Freshtival I’m pretty bummed that when I first moved to Boise, I wasn’t aware of this FRESHtival. Otherwise, I would have attended and scratched it off my #boisebucketlist.

Oh well. There’s always next year.

According to their website, over 60 fresh hop and season beers from 30+ local/regional craft breweries are featured. Over 2,000 (yes 2K) patrons attend each year.

 

I plan on going next week to take advantage of the $1.00 off the featured food truck.

Have you checked out Boise Brewing? What are your thoughts? I’d love to know!!

 

 

Get Juiced, Boise!

by boisebucketlist, posted in Health and Wellness

I’m feeling under the weather.

Is that a surprise? Probably not considering this weather. It doesn’t help that my colleague’s son is sick, causing her to be sick, and now the rest of the staff is down! I’m going to fight this, no matter what I have to do. I have a date this Friday night! Another (potential) story to add to my other #datingintheBOI moments.

Rather than pumping some ramen noodles in my system (which is fine, but I’ve been eating healthy these past few weeks & don’t want all that sodium in my system), I decided to finally checkout Boise Juice Co., a local company which makes cold-pressed juices, whole-food smoothies, and acai bowls. No better reason (at least for me) to visit a juice bar is when I’m under the weather.

It’s about 5 miles away from my job — not much of a drive.


I pulled up and saw Boise Hot Yoga. I thought hmm, I should add this to my #boisebucketlist. Duly noted. After being greeted by a nice gentleman, I proceeded to the counter and asked the young lady about what’s good for a cold. I kind of put her on the spot, but I wanted to maximize my first visit to Boise Juice Co. 

I ended up getting:

  1. The Popeye: an acai bowl mixed with blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, banana, kale, spinach, and apple juice. It’s then topped with organic hemp granola, banana, strawberries, and pineapple honey.
  2. Turmeric Tonic juice: pineapple, orange, carrot, turmeric and ginger
  3. Nice Melons juice (help with my immunity): red apples, cantaloupe, orange, carrot, and lemon

I plan to drink the juices throughout the day until I get home for some delicious soup. Most likely, I’ll lay out on my couch, turn on some Vanderpump Rules, and veg out.

C’mon people, I need to get better before Friday!

 

Want to checkout Boise Juice Co. yourself? Visit their website here: http://boisejuice.com/.

Waffle Me Up!

by boisebucketlist, posted in Food & Cuisine

Waffles are just pancakes with abs.

Or, at least that’s what some people say. For me, waffles are delicious warm creatures which warm up my belly while I eat.


Fortunately for you, Boise has its own waffle hot spot: Waffle Me Up. It’s a family owned storefront who has been serving the Treasure Valley since 2012. Originally, Waffle Me Up started selling waffles at the Nampa Farmer’s Market. Now it sells waffles at the Boise Farmer’s Market and the storefront in Downtown Boise.

I blessed my first visit to Waffle Me Up by having their Waffle Me Strawberry: Pictures don’t do justice because it’s a flavor party in your mouth:

  • Nutella
  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Homemade Strawberry Sauce
  • Topped with Whipped Cream

 

Being the coffee addict that I am, I also ordered their  regular-sized drip coffee.

Side note: I never heard of the term “drip coffee.” It wasn’t until I ordered my first cup of coffee here in Boise where the cashier kindly corrected by saying “oh, you mean drip coffee?”

 

Put Waffle Me Up on your #boisebucketlist today!