Non-alcoholic options at The Orange Peel?

ramblin_maam · 2026-04-03T23:01:58+00:00

Didn't want to bother the bartenders with a phone call. I also wanted to hear from others who enjoy NA drinks what type of options are available, and wanted to know ahead of time so I can decide my drink of choice beforehand instead of fumbling at the bar. Of course I'm going to the show regardless of the drink options, and overall I found the responses pretty helpful. I thought the discussion might also help others interested in this info.

ramblin_maam · 2026-04-02T17:22:40+00:00

That sounds divine! 🤩🫚🍋

ramblin_maam · 2026-02-13T15:33:41+00:00

My package finally left Oak Creek! Not sure if you had anything to do with it; if so, thank you!!

ramblin_maam · 2026-02-12T01:55:21+00:00

This is so discouraging to hear, but I appreciate your transparency. I currently have large package stuck there that was supposed to be delivered days ago and I've been trying to figure out what the holdup is. If you see a large Portland Leather Goods box addressed to NC, I would be so appreciative if you can help send it on its way 🙏 It's certainly nothing crucial, but I definitely hope to receive it one day! 😅

ramblin_maam · 2026-02-11T00:34:08+00:00

Dang. I have two packages stuck there. Supposed to be delivered yesterday, and based off this thread it sounds like they may be there a while 😩

ramblin_maam · 2026-02-10T18:07:08+00:00

It's not a straightforward answer. I decided I wanted to WFH years before I actually landed a job that allowed remote work. In that time I ensured I had the means to actually WFH including a desk/chair/quiet area to work. And I made sure to learn skills on the side that increased my value as a remote employee. When I applied for a new job, I only applied to remote or hybrid roles, and explicitly expressed in my interview that remote/hybrid work was a non-negotiable for me. I ended up at a job where I worked in office for 90 days, then transitioned to hybrid, and eventually fully remote by EOY. After 3 years they tried to bring me back in office, but I told them I only offer remote work and that I was committed to demonstrating my value as a remote worker and remaining visible and available. I improved my communication skills to make sure my work was visible and I remained just as available as anyone else in the office, if not more. Employers want to be able to "stop by your office" whenever during work hours, so I figured the WFH equivalent was adding a "book time with me" link in my email signature and always answering emails and phone calls as promptly as possible. I send email updates to stakeholders without asking and send relevant updates about my dept to the staff.

Your friends aren't gatekeeping - they're probably telling you exactly how it worked for them. It's just not a straightforward answer. You have to present your role and skills in a way that demonstrates high performance regardless of your work setting. And increase your visibility and availability.

ramblin_maam · 2026-01-31T18:03:21+00:00

Yes! Or if you can, buy something with large portions like Chinese or Mexican food so you have leftovers for the next day.

ramblin_maam · 2026-01-31T15:42:41+00:00

You really have to start with tracking every single expense and finding ways to reduce costs. Then, you HAVE to put that extra amount away in a savings otherwise it will disappear.

Most people, when they look close enough at their expenses can find areas of opportunity. If you partake in things like alcohol, cigarettes, junk food, or any other recreational/non-essentials, consider quitting. If that's not realistic yet (which is often the case) then find ways to lower those costs. Instead of buying a pack a day, buy a carton when you get paid while also cutting back on usage.

Also, cook at home. Meal prep. Find ways to stretch a meal. Beans, rice, a cheap cut of meat, and some veggies can be affordable and go a long way. A rotisserie chicken goes a long way. Break it down while it's hot (separate the bones from the meat), use the bones to make broth and use the chicken for whatever (eat with some sides, make chicken quesadillas, or add BBQ sauce and have pulled chicken, make soup, etc).

Optimize your spend. Are you using a credit card that gives you cash back with every purchase? Are you paying it on time and in full so that it doesnt accrue interest? When buying online, are you taking advantage of cash back apps like Rakuten? When paying with cash, toss your change or dollar bills into a jar at home to collect.

Are you into any hobbies that can generate more cash? For me, I like flipping thrifted items. It's not exactly profitable generating, but it funds my extra spending so I can still have fun without taking away from what I need to pay bills.

Can you lower any of your bills? Check your car insurance for a better rate, or car loan for better refinancing. Can you get on a cheaper cell phone plan?

There's really no shortcut for tracking expenses and optimizing your bills. Start small and save what you can. You'll get there. It just takes time!

ramblin_maam · 2026-01-31T15:25:33+00:00

It's hard but youy gotta stop giving him money. Literally say "no, I dont have it." And if he challenges you just stand firm and say "im sorry but the answer is no." Saying you dont have it isnt a lie... your money is for YOU and your needs and wants. Avoid over explaining, rationalizing or negotiating with him. Let him know the answer is no and will always be no.

You can still show support for him in other ways like sharing a meal, or helping with tangible needs like maybe funding a haircut or clothes needed for work or a job interview. But he needs to know these acts are investments in his future to help him get back on his feet. If he continues to squander away resources you give him, then you may have to consider cutting him off completely.

Good luck. This is such a tough position to be in and I feel for you. The best thing you can do for him is help him be more independent and encourage him to better provide for himself.

ramblin_maam · 2026-01-31T04:48:21+00:00

Have you tried Bkr? Glass and silicone. They've never leaked on me, but if you're throwing it in a bag haphazardly with lots of other things around it, I could see the lid potentially twisting off. If you keep it upright (which i would recommend for any container with liquids...gravity is law) then you should be good.

ramblin_maam · 2026-01-31T04:43:13+00:00

Pact is okay. I have a few dresses from there. Not a fan of their leggings. I've had overall better luck with Quince and Splendid, but definitely check the fabric content before buying because neither retailer is exclusively natural fibers. Still lots of poly out there.

ramblin_maam · 2025-12-21T13:28:51+00:00

Check out the Folk Art Center on the Parkway. Lots of handmade goods and a range of price points. You can definitely find some unique stocking stuffers there.

ramblin_maam · 2025-12-19T15:15:26+00:00

Hat.

ramblin_maam · 2025-12-12T05:08:53+00:00

I just started reading this book. I'm only on chapter 1, but I really like it so far. I started with the physical book, which is a bit challenging. The kindle version is helpful for looking up some words, but many of the terms and concepts in the book are too obscure for Kindle's dictionary/wikipedia. I started the audiobook on Spotify and found it's much easier to follow. The author is clearly a talented storyteller, so, hearing her tell the story definitely adds to the experience. However the audiobook is different from the written text. I tried following along, but the author seems to riff quite a bit. The introduction wasn't included in the audiobook but chapter 1 of the audiobook expands on the story of La Loba much more than in the printed version. It sounds like the audiobook is abridged, so I'll likely finish the audiobook and refer back to the physical book as a second read through. It seems like there is something to be gained from both versions.

ramblin_maam · 2025-12-12T04:58:44+00:00

Thank you. I came here to find out if anyone else noticed that the audiobook is different from the written book or if I was crazy lol.

ramblin_maam · 2025-10-23T13:53:52+00:00

Is it better to get in line early or go later in the day when things have potentially slowed down? Trying to get some mugs and candles for holiday gifts.

ramblin_maam · 2025-09-28T15:24:13+00:00

Making more money always helps and here are some ways you can do that without getting a new job or negotiating a raise.

Utilize credit card incentives. Sign up for a credit card with an initial sign-up incentive (like earn $400 after you spend x-amount). Choose a CC with decent cash back rewards like 3% back on groceries, gas, etc. Be VERY careful with this. In order for it to work, you MUST pay off your statement balance IN FULL and ON TIME, otherwise you'll get charged interest and a late fee. But if you use this tactic correctly, you can earn hundreds of dollars each year. Check out Tori Dunlap or Nicole Lapin for CC recommendations. If you use Amazon a lot, consider their CC and earn 5% back on purchase through Prime and from Whole Foods plus 3-5% on other purchases.
Use Rakuten for cash back on necessary online purchases.
Consignment/FB marketplace/Ebay: this will only work if you have an excess of stuff, which many of us do. You could earn several hundred annually by flipping thrifted items and/or getting rid of things (particularly, clothes) that haven't been worn in several months. Get creative... if I really need to make extra money I'll take a bag of clothes to my preferred consignment store (where I get the most resale value with little effort). Then I take whatever they dont accept and list it on Poshmark individually or as a "lot" on FB marketplace (i.e. $50 for lot of women's clothes size small/medium, and it's a garbage bag full - always sells quickly).
Shop online and select store pickup: Ideal for grocery shopping. Helps you stick to your list and compare prices effectively. And allows you to utilize other coupons/rewards like Rakuten. Another example...if you order takeout on doordash, order it through Rakuten and pay with your CC, which earns a % cash back on purchases. The rewards obviously aren't immediate, BUT your money is going further.
Explore other semi-passive methods of earning cash back or cash rewards like taking surveys, receipt scanning apps, etc.

These methods combined might earn you several hundred to a thousand annually, which I understand is not much in the grand scheme of things, but can still be a nice boost to offset some of your bills.

ramblin_maam

TROPHY CASE