Talk about disturbing. Check out this jaw-droppingly no-they-didn’t slideshow of inappropriate toys for kids compiled by The Huffington Post.
September 15th, 2009
Kids are growing up so fast these days
May 20th, 2009
herbage!
I got this idea from the April 2009 issue of Better Homes & Gardens. I made writable labels on terra cotta pots using chalkboard paint – the purpose of which being half aesthetic and half practical (they look alike!) I had never read this publication before and am actually not sure how it ended up in the house, but I did enjoy it. Not what I expected at all. It’s no domino, but it did give me a pretty hefty dose of craft fodder.
Having fresh herbs on hand is definitely an incentive to cook. And I need all the encouragement I can get. Plus, they smell amazing. Especially the rosemary (not surprising since it’s in the mint family).
I also have parsley, basil and chives. New herbers: I recommend oregano, basil and parsley. They are very useful for cooking.
April 16th, 2009
project pursuits
I do it every year. The well-intentioned list of summer projects I pledge to undertake. Analogous to the New Year’s Resolution, this annual custom is the product of the “I’ll have so much time/energy to do whatever I want” assumption that inevitably falls afoul of more conventional summertime diversions.
BUT- I do very much believe I might follow through on this project from the Spring 2009 issue of DIY, perhaps sans casters. Charming, isn’t it?
And I’m in love with this idea from design*sponge. Though, while stacking up some old shelves for an awesome bookcase is easy enough, the painting and interior wall-papering may undermine the likelihood of this dream’s realization. Only time will tell.
February 1st, 2009
fabulous foodstuff
If you have the stomach for it (no pun intended), these anti-theft lunch bags are genius! While they may only save your lunch a few times before those wily co-workers catch on, they will provide great water cooler fodder for weeks to come.
Speaking of food, let me show you what I’ve been cooking up as of late…
Peanut butter fudge
Over-mixed cream cheese brownies that look like regular brownies (I got excited)
Pecan pie
Apple streusel pie
Pork tenderloin and creamed spinach with mushrooms – my new favorite
January 21st, 2009
I’m feeling particularly patriotic and pleasantly presidential. I’m warmed this chilly night by the thoughts of the incoming administration and a brighter tomorrow. I am still young and impressionable enough to harbor unrealistic expectations for the future, but perhaps President Obama can make that hope come to fruition, to some degree, over the next four years. If nothing else, it will be a welcome change of pace, and I still have that presidential puppy to look forward to (I’m hoping for a Dalmatian; they are black and white – like Obama! I myself find the coexistence of the colors very symbolic of the compromise and common purpose this country so desperately needs.) Oh, and how cute was it when Obama couldn’t remember his line during his Oath? Surely our infallibly fearless leader wasn’t nervous in front of that massive crowd!
I must concede that my excitement was slightly tainted after I’d made a tag cloud of today’s inaugural address…
america americans barack carried children common courage crisis earth economy enduring face faith father forward freedom friend full future generation government greater hard history hours ideals inaugural jobs life meet moment nation obama peace people power president promise prosperity rather remain seek spirit things today understand women words work world
created at TagCrowd.com
I just find it a tad unsettling that President Obama’s first and last name were among his most spoken words in his first speech as president (for those unfamiliar with tag clouds, it shows the most spoken words in a text; the bigger the word, the more it was said.) Sure, this day is about glorious you, so we’ll allow you this one narcissistic indiscretion so long as you instantly get to work on the task at hand.
Even ole Dubya refrained from such egotism. You have to hand it to him – he knew how to throw down those all-American catchphrases.
accept america americans character choice citizens country defended duty fire free freedom generation god governments history honor hope human ideal justice liberty life live nation people permanent power president questions reform rights rule security serve states tyranny united work world
created at TagCrowd.com
This post just wouldn’t be complete without a tag cloud of the Constitution:
abolishing absolute acts assent colonies connected consent declare dissolved establishing foreign form free government history hold independent justice laws legislative legislature mankind others pass peace people political powers refused render repeated rights seas states suffer suspended system usurpations war world
created at TagCrowd.com
How easy it is to get carried away with those tag clouds! I hope I’ve provided enough political propaganda for your amusement and that you aren’t too upset with me over my unannounced and inexcusably prolonged hiatus.
Goodnight, and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
October 13th, 2008
Snickers and Hydrogen
I have to share this bit of wisdom I picked up today from a Snickers bar wrapper: “Nougatocity. A heightened yet fleeting state of accomplishment that makes you realize how unbelievably unmotivated you normally are.” Leave it to chocolate to put things into perspective.
On a brighter note, am I the last one on the planet to hear about Honda’s sporty new FCX Clarity? Who would have thought – harnessing the power of earth’s most elemental gas to replace a dwindling resource? This new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle runs on electricity (translation: no more wallet/spirit-draining fill-ups) from hydrogen gas and emits only water vapor and heat. It’s a win-win for your bank account and the planet.
The bad news: Only 200 are slated to be released over the next three years, and, unless you live in Southern California, you won’t be one of them. The rest of the country doesn’t have the hydrogen refueling stations the car requires. The other setback will be eliminated with the expansion of the these stations, which is the car’s 250 mile-per-charge limit, meaning you can’t venture any further than 125 miles from the nearest refueling station.
All things considered, I think it’s safe to say the future of the Clarity is pretty clear.
September 29th, 2008
Succulent sustenance
Could there be a more pretentious culinary combo than bruschetta and organic beer? I hardly think so; One look at our food selection would instantly give us away for the liberals we are–young, passionate, with a little hope still left in the world.
The official excuse for our Friday night congregation was the presidential debate, but the consensus by the end of the night was that the friends and fare trumped the disappointingly mild discourse (I hesitate to use the word debate; do these people not see the problem in referring to the person 20 feet from you in the third person? It’s a bit cold-scripted-absurd, if you ask me, and a far stretch from the snide banter we so eagerly anticipated).
Minus one vegan (for whom a separate but equally delicious dish was assembled), all guests seemingly enjoyed my bruschetta, a bold departure from my comfort zone (Betty Crocker cookbook). After toasting buttered slices of baguette, I spread each piece with basil pesto, and topped them with sliced portobello mushroom, diced tomatoes, crumbled bleu cheese and balsamic vinegar.
They say if you’re under 30 and a conservative, you’re heartless and if you’re over 30 and liberal you’re an idiot. I say, age and party affiliation aside, we can all agree on the sanctity of carbs.
September 16th, 2008
Conforming again
I’ve given into another trend. Only I hope (unlike the Crocs), this one sticks around. I finally invested in one of those re-useable hippie grocery bags. You know the one: so very indie/hipster with its conspicuous green color, which doubles as the mantra of the suddenly-we-care-about-the-planet-craze: “Go green!” Only, Publix isn’t progressive or organic enough for the true hipsters. I guess I’m a pseudo-hipster. I can deal with that.
Either way, I decided to get one for far more practical reasons than saving the planet. For one, it appealed to my frugality (99 cents). Also, these things are much sturdier than plastic, and I’m tired of chasing Diet Cokes across the parking lot. And most importantly: I have a lifetime supply of plastic bags. Piper eats a lot, but not that much. Even if I become the weird cat lady in the neighborhood, I have an overabundance. I have to draw the line somewhere.
September 9th, 2008
Economic commentary
This current economic downturn, from foreclosures to struggling businesses, in many respects is a good thing.
This may sound strange coming from someone in my position. Both my dad and brother, business owners, are bearing huge financial burdens. But slow business, high gas prices and rising food costs have forced us all to reevaluate the way we do things. And I think we can agree it’s about time.
Not only is America’s lifestyle unsustainable—it’s obscene. We redefine the addage “living beyond one’s means.” So, although I too cringe watching the dollars go up way faster than the gallons and sometimes have to clutch my grocery cart to keep from fainting, I know this is a good thing in the grand scheme. As I know these most desperate times call for desperate measures.
The specter of stagflation has coaxed us out of stagnancy. Isn’t it refreshing?
*For L.R.
because the only thing that’s constant
is change
August 25th, 2008
I crocked
After years of vehemently protesting the Croc craze, I finally reconsidered my stance and, in an act of reckless abandonment, purchased a pair. Until Saturday, I had never even tried any on (I am that stubborn). But after doing so, I was forced to concede that the comfy claims were true. Also, although my Crocs come closest to being fashionable out of the recently expanded line, aesthetic merit didn’t convince me. What did win me over was the practicality factor: the waterproof, vented rubber makes these kicks ideal for trekking across our often waterlogged campus. And trek I shall do.