Month: June 2022

I was writing my employee bio for work plus I am currently trying to get a young lady’s attention. Therefore I am trying to narrow down what I am interested in. It turns out a lot of things.

Here are some of the most major ones:

Reading, writing, watching TV, aquariums, painting minis, technology, social media, animals, hanging with friends and family, the coffee shop, mountains, the gym, eating good food, sports (especially football, basketball, baseball and NASCAR), my cup collection, traveling, driving, eating inside Mexican and Asian restaurants, going to movies, cake, caring for my beard, children, comedy and laughing, swimming, grilling out, cooking, sleeping in, good vibes, hugs, my birthday, Fall, my college (#wuforever), great music, slushies, and comfortable clothes like my AND1 shorts.

Speaking of shorts, this may be my short list. Also, as you were,…

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

I use many different housewares and accessories when cooking. A visit to my home will display the area where my Ninja Foodi, crockpot, waffle iron and other such accessories are. I also have an Instapot and air fryer but both are in my utility building.

I use many regularly and do own an oven and a traditional grill that I utilize. However there are a few devices that I see no use for.

1. Egg boiler. Umm, excuse me? How crowded is your stove or hot plate that you don’t have space or time to boil a few eggs. I have to question many aspects of your culinary skillset if you cannot boil an egg in the era of YouTube and TikTok.

2. Milkshake machine. Unless you have carpal tunnel and somehow not a blender, there is no real usage for this. I posted in the laniera74 blog last year how to make a milkshake from scratch. I think many folks have gotten spoiled by the ice cream parlor or fast food industry that they cannot make their own milkshakes. This was a skill I’m glad I took to college with me as many ironically didn’t know how to use.

3. Large scale griddle. I say this only because I mostly cook for myself and my mom and we don’t need that much food. I have a small electrical griddle that does the job and is portable. Having something big takes up too much space and is expensive with gas.

4. Deep fryer. I have an air fryer, a Ninja Foodi and an electrical turkey fryer. Plus I can fry things the old fashioned way. This would be a redundant waste for me.

5. Sandwich or quesadilla maker. Ok now we get to the point of if you really need an oven or not. I have so many other resources for making or grilling a sandwich.

I always welcome feedback and do not judge others. Heck some of the housewares I use or can use are already in question. They’re honestly just nice to have. You have to really think if you’re going to need something or just want it because everyone else has it.

#imjustdrew

It’s another graduation season, one of my favorite of the year. It’s also a greater sense of normalcy since 2019. This also means more traveling for graduates and even young newlyweds.

Since I’ve traveled often, I feel I have tips to offer the younger generation here.

Know the climate where you are going. Dress for there and not for here. Always carry a jacket regardless.

Adjust for time changes and jet lags. They are for real! Give yourself an extra recovery day following a huge trip. If you’re going international, I recommend a week if possible. That’s an entirely different time zone and change.

For my Southerners traveling north of Virginia, bring your own sugar and sweet tea and grits ingredients. You’re not going to find that easily in the North and Midwest.

Don’t feel like you have to go 5 star yet in eating and housing. Your generation had Airbnbs and explore the local favorites. Stay away from chains if you can since you are traveling and can get McDonald’s and BK almost anytime.

Have your carry-on (if flying) packed with airport regulated essentials, some extra clothes and some cash. This is where I recommend banking or having a national credit union to avoid fees.

Have fun! This is the best time in your life to travel and see our wonderful world. You will definitely have more opportunities but now you have more freedom and less responsibilities. Soak it in!

Congrats to the class of 2022 and may you continue to dream and excel!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine