I'm Thrifting for Whimsy: I went to the zoo because I am an apparel design major

Yesterday was a little surprise and a lot of fun. We had to visit the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory for Plants and People, my biology class. It was AWESOME. I really wasn't sure what to expect but it was gorgeous and amazing. After we visited the Tropical Room, Fern Room, Palm Dome, and a room dedicated solely to edible plants, we stopped by the Primate Area. Let me just say, if I had any question that Bigfoot existed before (Which I didn't), I don't anymore. I don't think I realized before that I hadn't been close to a large primate at all (except for other humans?). In the exhibit, we literally stood on the opposite side of the glass to the hugest Orangutan I've ever seen (obviously, since I stated two seconds ago I've never been by one). That was the most amazing experience.

The male is the larger one, and I'm assuming there is some sort of relationship between the male and the female (the one in the t-shirt, which is adorable and amazing) because they were very loving. I think the male was a little put off by the people, because he refused to turn and face the group. But this picture, from the Como website, is so fantastic.

I was literally dumbfounded while watching these creatures. I was flitting all over exclaiming how amazing it was. Every time we saw something new someone in the group would freak out and start pointing. I was so excited seeing things. I was snapping pictures, like, every four seconds. I wanted to make myself one of those mold-a-rama things. Totally would have picked an orangutan! One of the orangutans was just lying right by the glass. I like to imagine he was thinking, "Yeah, bitches, check me out. I know you're amazed by how awesome I am." He also waved when we walked away. I tried to make him do it again but he wasn't having it. What a genius.

There were also two Silverback Gorillas there. I wish they had come over closer to the glass, but one was sleeping with his arms crossed over his chest in defiance and the other was decidedly sitting as far away as possible.
One of my fave pictures, and also the wallpaper on my phone, is this little mustachio primate. I have no idea what it was called, I didn't check I was so giddy with excitement.

I want one as a pet. He just scampered up the glass to investigate. Such a crowd pleaser.
Moving on (for now). J.lou and her sister picked me up from Como and brought me to the mall. We cashed in our joint-custody Victoria's Secret Rewards, but we only got $10. Sad, because we were hoping for the $500 (the largest one). It should have been ours. Anyway, we then ate at Chipotle, glorious, and then went to Savers. I got a glorious trunk to put my shoes in, and a few other miscellaneous items. We had a great shopping trip, and then headed back to Menomonie in the snowy weather. We made it and then went to Walmart. I picked up some photos I've been forgetting to pick up forEVER, and we perused the Christmas aisle. Then we came home, watched The Grinch and Alice in Wonderland, had nachos, leftover chipotle, and chocolate. J.lou and I exchanged gifts, which I'd been so excited about ALL. DAY. J.lou got me 3 Big Sexy Hair products and an amazing new wallet with mustaches on it.

So now I'll just put some pictures up for your viewing (and for my own, because I am obsessed with myself), starting with my trip to como and then a few from my time with J.lou and her sister.