Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Our First Giveaway Launches Tonight!
Keep your eyes peeled, because in a few hours, I will launch the first giveaway on the blog!
Skrillex, Dark Chocolate and Seaweed Salad.
Today was a good day. Here are a few things that made me smile today (besides this gem).
Draw Something rules so much. I've drawn Skrillex twice - once for Dubstep, once for Skrillex. I like drawing Skrillex, even though I'm horrible at it. I also had to explain to my former college professor on how to play, because he didn't read the directions.
Dark chocolate is good for you. This was no exception. I am a sucker for dark chocolate. I also did my nails in the wee morning hours. My thumb already chipped. Damn you, Sally Hansen.
Eating my greens, in the form of leftover seaweed salad. I need to learn how to make my own, because every time I get to the end, the seaweed is swimming in oil and vinegar. That part totally creeps me out.
What made you smile today?
Labels:
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Ginger Talk, Helping Michele Falcone Raise Money For Lions.
As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I am running a 5K at the Bronx Zoo in April. I have been asking everyone I know if they can help contribute to my fundraising. My goal is $1,500, and I have raised $310 so far, which is 21%. Not bad, seeing as I only started raising money at the beginning of February. When I asked my friend, Zack, if he could contribute, he said he could not help in the ways of funds, but he had a few ideas.
When I lived in Florida (where Zack currently resides), I was really into the local music scene. I put together a few shows in my youth, believe it or not. Zack had suggested that I put together a show to raise money. Its still and idea in the back of my head, but to be honest, I don't know if I could pull it off. I haven't done anything within the LI music scene since I moved here, so my connects are relatively slim (note: if anyone who is reading this can help me organize something/is in a band + willing to play, let me know).
Zack had an alternate suggestion - he could make a video for me. Zack and his friend, Sean Harvey, are the dynamic duo behind Ginger Kids. They make videos, promote shows, and are generally awesome. After tossing some ideas back and forth, Zack was really stoked about the possibilities. He and Sean wanted to experiment with some editing, so I told him to do whatever they wanted. Its good experience for them, and its good exposure for everyone involved. Especially the lions.
GK actually wound up making two videos. The first one is a prequel to my "commercial." Keep in mind, these videos are not meant to be serious. At all. This is the actual video description that Sean uploaded to YouTube:
Prior to the unsuccessful POP Wednesdays [a party they promote], Sean leaves GK to host his own mid-day talk show entitled Ginger Talk with Sean Harvey. His first guest is his former GK partner Zack Jones to discuss his upcoming commercial that is aimed towards helping Michele Falcone raise money for the lions of the Bronx Zoo and or around the
world.
I present to you, Ginger Talk, 1 of 2 videos to help me raise funds for my 5K. Enjoy and keep your eyes peeled for the commercial, coming soon!
When I lived in Florida (where Zack currently resides), I was really into the local music scene. I put together a few shows in my youth, believe it or not. Zack had suggested that I put together a show to raise money. Its still and idea in the back of my head, but to be honest, I don't know if I could pull it off. I haven't done anything within the LI music scene since I moved here, so my connects are relatively slim (note: if anyone who is reading this can help me organize something/is in a band + willing to play, let me know).
Zack had an alternate suggestion - he could make a video for me. Zack and his friend, Sean Harvey, are the dynamic duo behind Ginger Kids. They make videos, promote shows, and are generally awesome. After tossing some ideas back and forth, Zack was really stoked about the possibilities. He and Sean wanted to experiment with some editing, so I told him to do whatever they wanted. Its good experience for them, and its good exposure for everyone involved. Especially the lions.
GK actually wound up making two videos. The first one is a prequel to my "commercial." Keep in mind, these videos are not meant to be serious. At all. This is the actual video description that Sean uploaded to YouTube:
Prior to the unsuccessful POP Wednesdays [a party they promote], Sean leaves GK to host his own mid-day talk show entitled Ginger Talk with Sean Harvey. His first guest is his former GK partner Zack Jones to discuss his upcoming commercial that is aimed towards helping Michele Falcone raise money for the lions of the Bronx Zoo and or around the
world.
I present to you, Ginger Talk, 1 of 2 videos to help me raise funds for my 5K. Enjoy and keep your eyes peeled for the commercial, coming soon!
Also, if you have a few dollars to spare, you can donate to my WCS Run For the Wild 5K here. I do not touch any of the money, it goes through the website, but shows up on my page once you donate. All donations are tax deductible, and will go to various lion conservation projects!
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Interview with Sharon Lee of Hello Cavities + A Special Discount!
While perusing Instagram, I
came across this insanely awesome shirt, based off of Disney’s The Little
Mermaid. It featured Ariel and her counterpart, Flounder. I fell in love
immediately – I needed this shirt! After doing some research, I was led to
Hello Cavities, the company that created this killer shirt, among other goodies. I wound up speaking with Sharon Lee, the gal behind these super
cute designs. She’s an ultra sweet girl with an eye for kawaii. Sharon was
gracious enough to be interviewed by short girl, long island.
Hi, Sharon! Tell us a little bit about
yourself.
I’m 23 years old and
I live in Los Angeles. I studied Graphic Design at FIDM (Fashion Institute of
Design and Merchandising) and graduated last year.
When did you start Hello
Cavities?
A few months after
graduating, I decided to start the company, which consists of me and my
boyfriend, James.
Sharon and James, the dynamic duo behind Hello Cavities. |
How
did you choose the name Hello Cavities?
It was a joke between my friend and I about the movie The Silence of the
Lambs. When Hannibal says "Hello Clarice" I used to say "Hello
Calories" (you know, because he eats humans, haha). When it came to
naming my brand, I decided to go with a spin-off of that phrase and came up
with “Hello Cavities." I liked it because it sounded sweet, yet dark – a
perfect reflection of my artwork. The concept of our brand is to be
overly indulgent with the sweeter things in life!
What
were some of the first Hello Cavities items you created?
The prints inspired by The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Minnie, and Snow
White.
One of the first creations, inspired by The Little Mermaid. |
I
love the characters you have created. I’ve never seen anything like it before,
which made me reach out to you. What inspires you?
Most of the designs I have right now are inspired by Disney – I am a HUGE fan!
Will
there be seeing recurring characters, and maybe some new ones in the next Hello
Cavities collection?
Starting with my next collection,
I’m going to have more original characters and hopefully develop a storyline
behind the girl you see in the designs!
Awesome,
I can’t wait to see what’s next! As of right now, you sell a variety of items
in your Esty store – postcards, sticker packs, prints, puffy bow barrettes and
shirts. Are there any other items you plan on adding to the store?
PLUSHIES! I am hoping to have plushies of Gooey the Angler Fish within a
few months! Other than that, we are a graphic tee based company, so many many
more shirts!
Best
of luck to you and Hello Cavities, Sharon. I can’t wait to see what you’re
going to come up with next!
Special
for short girl, long island readers: 10% discount in the Hello Cavities Etsy store when you use the code sgli10.
Happy Shopping!
Michele
Fresh Juice = Best Juice!
On Tuesday, I stopped by my mom's house to hang out for a bit. She is also participating in the 5K at the Bronx Zoo, so I showed her my snazzy jacket and pants that I snagged at Old Navy. While I was over there, I decided to make some fresh juice. I completed a juice fast about a year ago, and it was amazing. I was thinking about starting another one, but I don't think that would be a good idea, now that I am training for the 5K. I lost my health insurance when I lost my job, so if anything happened to me, I would be in trouble. I don't want to take any risks right now. I am eating healthy (for the most part), and adding juice once or twice a day is good for the moment.
Here are pictures and recipes of some of the juices I concocted!
First, what I did was slice up this ginormous beet. I wanted to show the readers the actual size of the beets before I used them, just to give an idea of what I used. With that said, when making juice, just go with the flow. Make juices in tiny batches first, because if you don't like it, its less to waste. Even when I make a juice that I don't like, I just dilute it with water, hold my nose, and drink it.
Sidenote: I drink all of my juices diluted with water. Some of these contain a lot of sugar, plus I like to make my batches last longer. I add the water when I am ready to drink the juice.
Juice 02. Carrot Apple Beet Celery Clementine Ginger Juice
Here are pictures and recipes of some of the juices I concocted!
First, what I did was slice up this ginormous beet. I wanted to show the readers the actual size of the beets before I used them, just to give an idea of what I used. With that said, when making juice, just go with the flow. Make juices in tiny batches first, because if you don't like it, its less to waste. Even when I make a juice that I don't like, I just dilute it with water, hold my nose, and drink it.
Sidenote: I drink all of my juices diluted with water. Some of these contain a lot of sugar, plus I like to make my batches last longer. I add the water when I am ready to drink the juice.
Beets aplenty! |
Ingredients for the first juice. |
Juice 01. Carrot Apple Beet Celery Juice:
3 medium sized carrots
1 macoun apple, sliced
1 celery stalk
2 beet chunks (1/3 of a large beet)
Makes about ten ounces of juice, depending on the size of your produce.
Something important I learned from a friend, many moons ago: when juicing, alternate the fruits/vegetables you put into the juicer. For example: Put a carrot in, then an apple slice, a beet slice, a celery stalk, etc. If you are using garlic or ginger, ALWAYS put that in before something substantial, like a carrot or apple slice. I usually put those ingredients in second or third.
I love how fresh juice looks. |
Ingredients for the second juice. |
Juice 02. Carrot Apple Beet Celery Clementine Ginger Juice
3 medium/large carrots (sliced in half to fit in juicer)
1 granny smith apple, sliced
4 beet chunks (2/3 of a large beet)
2 celery stalks
Makes about sixteen ounces of juice, depending on the size of your produce.
Juice 04: Orange Carrot Ginger
Ingredients for a double batch of the third juice. |
Juice 03: Lucky Number Seven (Double Batch)
1 yam
1 pear
1 granny smith apple
3 celery stalks
1 kiwi, peeled
1 lemon, peeled
1 ginger chunk, thumb size
Makes about twenty-two ounces of juice, depending on the size of your produce.
The half batch of Lucky Number Seven yielded ~13 ounces. |
Ingredients for juice 04. |
Juice 04: Orange Carrot Ginger
3 Oranges, peeled
3 medium/large arrots
6 medium/large carrots
1 beet
2 celery stalks
1 chunk ginger, thumb sized
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 clove garlic, peeled
After I finished, I poured the juice into plastic water bottles and labeled them. Ideally, I would have stored these in glass - mason jars would be fantastic, as they double as glasses. Before drinking, shake or stir your juice. Juices are best if consumed immediately, but they will be good for 24 hours.
Juices labeled + put into water bottles until ready for use. |
What juicing combinations are your favorite? My favorites are orange carrot ginger and strawberry orange lemon!
Love Notes.
After I had returned home from completing a few errands, Erich had already left for class. I wasn't going to see him until much later, because I was going running right before he would get home. I thought about texting him, but he wouldn't read it until he was out of class, so I had a better idea. I was going to leave him a little love note. I decided to take a few post-its and put them on his computer monitor, because I know he would definitely notice them.
He keeps the Valentine's Day card I made him next to his computer. |
Now, I must admit, I used a few post-it's to figure out exactly what I was going to do. Drawing the heart on two notes was my favorite part. Yes, that last one is signed Midget - that is Erich's nickname for me, since I am vertically challenged. I know its not politically correct and might offend others, but it is a term of endearment to me.
Erich doesn't text me when I am running, because it throws off the Spotify + 5K Runner apps, so when I was finished, I sent him a text, to ask if he had gotten home yet. He said yes, and immediately thanked me for my note. We like writing spontaneous notes and cards to each other, but lately, we have been slacking. I can tell him that I love him every day, but I'd much rather be creative with it - it shows that I care enough to spend some time, creating something specifically for him.
I knew when he got home, he would eventually move the post-its, because they were partially blocking his screen. I figured they would end up in our top drawer, stacked neatly on top of each other. When I walked in the door, sweating like a beast in my running attire, I noticed this on the wall:
Lets see how long these stay up - the kittens are sure to attack them. |
Erich really is the cutest sometimes. He put them on the wall, above his computer! When I asked why he put them there (because I am a weirdo, and I needed to know for the blog, ha), he said, "I couldn't see my monitor, but I didn't want to throw them out." I can always count on his honesty, which is one of the many qualities I love about him.
What creative ways to you express your feelings to those important to you?
Labels:
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Sunday, February 26, 2012
Quinoa Stuffed Avocado.
I love avocados, if you couldn't already tell from my recent posts (or, if you follow me on Instagram). Today, when I was trying to figure out what to pair with another lovely avocado, I had an epiphany - I could stuff my avocado halves with cold quinoa! Me = genius.
All I did was cut the avocado in half and take the pit out. I put salt and pepper on each half, then scooped the quinoa in. I used a spoon to eat it, because it would be pretty messy if I had attempted to use a fork. Halfway through, I scooped more quinoa into the avocado, because quinoa rules.
Here it is, in all its glory.
All I did was cut the avocado in half and take the pit out. I put salt and pepper on each half, then scooped the quinoa in. I used a spoon to eat it, because it would be pretty messy if I had attempted to use a fork. Halfway through, I scooped more quinoa into the avocado, because quinoa rules.
Here it is, in all its glory.
When I made the quinoa, all I did was add water and a bit of salt, then followed the cooking directions in the package. I made this the day before, so it was already nice and chilled. Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor is always a win!
Does anyone else have good avocado recipes to share? I have no recipes that call for the avocado to be warm, which I would like to tackle next. Next week, I will share my tomato/cucumber/avocado salad recipe I'll post later, too.
Everything Eleven.
Danielle over at Sometimes Sweet (which happens to be one of my favorite blogs) participated in 11 things, and tagged her readers, encouraging them to do the same. I figured, sure, why not? I'm pretty new to the world of blogging. I've conversed with a lot of wonderful people so far, and this is what we would call a "community building exercise" in the land of teaching. Here goes nothing!
There are five rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them.
05. Back in 2009, I was in my Economics class, and shown this video on Democracy Now!, regarding the student loan crisis. After speaking with my professor, I decided to call Reverend Jesse Jackson's office to inquire about his Reduce the Rate student loan campaign. Long story short, I met with RJJ and his team in New York, was on his daughter, Santita's radio show, flew out to Chicago to do a few television tapings, and got petitions with thousands of signatures from my college campus. This was probably one of the coolest experiences I've had. I met a lot of students my age from around the country, I saw Chicago for the first time, went to my first basketball game, and got to see what RJJ does. He is a super busy dude, but always takes time out to talk to people. We would be out to dinner and people would just come up to him. He wouldn't mind being interrupted, and would ask these people about themselves. When I called home to speak with my mom, he asked to talk to her, and to say what a great person I was, and that she had raised me well. He's an awesome person - if you ever see him out in public, go say hi. Tell him I sent you, haha.
06. When my boyfriend, Erich, first asked me to hang out, back in October 2009, I kept blowing him off. I liked him, but I was afraid of getting close to him, fearing he would eventually break my heart (the boy I had loved before had ripped my heart to shreds not once, but twice in a two year period, after ten years of whatever it was - we still can't classify what the hell we were to each other). After realizing how happy Erich made me, and the effort he was putting in to try and win my trust, I decided that I needed to go for it. That was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I'm glad he didn't give up on me.
07. In high school, I played french horn in symphonic band, trumpet in jazz band + mellophone (marching french horn) in marching band. I was pretty decent, and received a full scholarship to the college in my town. I blew my scholarship, because I stopped going to class. My parents had just split up, my mom had remarried within a few months + my ex-boyfriend had just died of cancer. When you live in a small town, people talk + ask too many questions, which is not what a seventeen year old wants to deal with. I was severely depressed + slept so much that my mother took my bedroom door off the hinges, so that I would be forced to have human contact.
08. I would love to become a yoga instructor, but in order to do so, one must attend yoga classes regularly for 2+ years before you are even considered to enter the program. This takes money I definitely don't have, so unless I win the lottery, it probably won't happen.
09. When I thoroughly enjoy a book, I will stay up until the wee hours, reading as much as possible. Whenever a new Harry Potter book was released, I would request that day off, and the next day off, too. I would go to Barnes + Noble in the morning to fetch the book, grab coffee, then come home to read. I would only get up to make more coffee, grab a snack, or use the restroom. Sometimes I would stay up for nineteen hours, to get most of the book finished, then pass out for a few hours, to wake up and finish the book. I got into The Hunger Games series a bit late, but I would stay up until Erich would take the Kindle out of my hands, telling me I needed to get some sleep. I love getting lost in books, its my favorite way to spend time.
10. Public transportation in New York totally creeps me out (I rarely go anymore, because I feel like everything is so dirty), but public transportation in San Francisco is totally bearable - dare I say enjoyable.
11. I have worn glasses since the age of three. I am far-sighted in one eye, near-sighted in the other (don't ask me which, because I have no clue - my vision sucks hardcore when I don't have my glasses on). I have tried contacts a few times, but putting a foreign object into my eye was revolting. Plus, I think I look pretty darn cute in glasses, and they keep things from flying into my eyes.
01. If money, schooling or time was no obstacle, what career would you choose?
I would love to be a pop culture historian, a writer for a well-respected publication, and a yoga instructor.
02. What's the one thing you look forward to every day?
I look forward to spending time with people I love, playing with my kittens, taking pictures, and having genuine conversations with people.
03. What is your number one, all-time, favorite blog?
My loyalty lies with Mario Lavandeira, better known as Perez Hilton. I don't watch reality shows, so this is my pop culture guilty pleasure.
04. Biggest online pet peeve?
Grammatical errors. I don't care if you write in uppercase or lowercase letters (I prefer all lowercase, but for blogging, I try to keep it as professional looking as possible), but when people mix up "there, their and they're," it drives me crazy.
05. What is your all-time favorite book?
Ooooh, this is difficult to answer. Going with a childhood favorite - Ramona Quimby, Age 8.
06. What would your "last meal" be?
Mac + cheese from Grey Horse Tavern, Filet Mignon from Teller's, and Carvel chocolate soft serve in a cake/wafer cone.
07. Do you believe in love at firstsite sight?
Ahh, grammatical error in the question, I had to fix it. I don't believe in love at first sight, but I definitely believe in lust at first sight. Love is a very strong emotion, and I believe it is impossible to feel that for a complete stranger. Yes, there may be a connection, but I don't believe its love.
08. What would your ideal Sunday morning consist of?
Sleeping in (with no alarm set), enjoying a late breakfast at the Cookroom, and spending the rest of the morning at Barnes + Noble.
09. Why do you blog?
I choose to blog because I love to write. After losing my job, I didn't know what to do with myself. My mother, who has always told me that writing is my calling, told me that I needed to get back into writing. I figured a blog would be a great way to do so. I could write on various topics, read what other people had to say, and engage in conversations with people who I only know in this little blogosphere. I must say, even though I am not earning an income writing, this is the best job ever!
10. If you had to choose one color to wear forever, what would you pick?
Black.
Questions for the bloggers I am tagging:
01. What was the first album you owned? Don't forget to include the format (vinyl, cassette, CD, etc.)!
02. As a child, what was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon?
03. Do you collect anything?
04. Which person has been most influential in your life?
05. What is your greatest fear?
06. If you could vacation anywhere in the universe, where would you go?
07. What is the first part of your body that you wash in the shower?
08. If you could spend the day with any one person, alive or dead, who would it be?
09. Are you a Mac or PC person?
10. Do you have any tattoos?
11. What was your childhood nickname?
I am tagging Aileen, Amber, Ashley, Callie, Corinne, Don, Linsday, Lori Lynn, Roxy, Sarah-Anne, and Sarina. If I did not tag you, I still think you should participate! Leave me a comment once you have filled it our on your blog, so we can all learn a bit about everyone else!
There are five rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them.
11 random things:
01. I have a bizarre number OCD, which began after I got in my first car accident, back in 2006. Anything that displays digital numbers, that is within my control (radio volume, washing machine, alarm clock, microwave) has to go up in fours, starting with zero. The only exception to the pattern is the number four. For example: 0, 3, 4, 7, 11, 15, 19, etc. Alarms are more complicated. They have to be set with the hour and minute at those specific numbers, PLUS all of the numbers have to add up to one of the numbers also. My boyfriend hates this, because if I need to be up by 8:30a, my alarm will actually be set for 8:07a, because that adds up to 15. Once I fall asleep, he usually changes it. I don't care that he does it when I'm sleeping, but if he does it when I am awake and I can see it, I get really anxious and have to change it.
02. My first, middle and last name each contain seven letters, made up of four consonants and three vowels. I realized this about three years after my OCD with numbers began.
03. I was almost named Dale, after Roy Rogers' wife, Dale Evans. This was my father's idea. My mother's name of choice was Celeste, but it reminded my dad of Mama Celeste, the lady on the pizza box. When he suggested Michele, she agreed, but it couldn't be spelled with two L's. Same thing with my middle name, Jenifer. I think my name is pretty rad - thanks, parental units!
04. If I could only participate in one form of shopping for the rest of my life, I would be perfectly content grocery shopping. Grocery shopping is an art. I prefer going alone, because I take my time reading labels, checking out new products, and Googling recipes/facts about foods I have never seen before on my iPhone. The only person I have been able to grocery shop with is my friend, Liz. She's a label reader, too. We have been going after running lately, and I really enjoy it.
05. Back in 2009, I was in my Economics class, and shown this video on Democracy Now!, regarding the student loan crisis. After speaking with my professor, I decided to call Reverend Jesse Jackson's office to inquire about his Reduce the Rate student loan campaign. Long story short, I met with RJJ and his team in New York, was on his daughter, Santita's radio show, flew out to Chicago to do a few television tapings, and got petitions with thousands of signatures from my college campus. This was probably one of the coolest experiences I've had. I met a lot of students my age from around the country, I saw Chicago for the first time, went to my first basketball game, and got to see what RJJ does. He is a super busy dude, but always takes time out to talk to people. We would be out to dinner and people would just come up to him. He wouldn't mind being interrupted, and would ask these people about themselves. When I called home to speak with my mom, he asked to talk to her, and to say what a great person I was, and that she had raised me well. He's an awesome person - if you ever see him out in public, go say hi. Tell him I sent you, haha.
06. When my boyfriend, Erich, first asked me to hang out, back in October 2009, I kept blowing him off. I liked him, but I was afraid of getting close to him, fearing he would eventually break my heart (the boy I had loved before had ripped my heart to shreds not once, but twice in a two year period, after ten years of whatever it was - we still can't classify what the hell we were to each other). After realizing how happy Erich made me, and the effort he was putting in to try and win my trust, I decided that I needed to go for it. That was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I'm glad he didn't give up on me.
07. In high school, I played french horn in symphonic band, trumpet in jazz band + mellophone (marching french horn) in marching band. I was pretty decent, and received a full scholarship to the college in my town. I blew my scholarship, because I stopped going to class. My parents had just split up, my mom had remarried within a few months + my ex-boyfriend had just died of cancer. When you live in a small town, people talk + ask too many questions, which is not what a seventeen year old wants to deal with. I was severely depressed + slept so much that my mother took my bedroom door off the hinges, so that I would be forced to have human contact.
08. I would love to become a yoga instructor, but in order to do so, one must attend yoga classes regularly for 2+ years before you are even considered to enter the program. This takes money I definitely don't have, so unless I win the lottery, it probably won't happen.
09. When I thoroughly enjoy a book, I will stay up until the wee hours, reading as much as possible. Whenever a new Harry Potter book was released, I would request that day off, and the next day off, too. I would go to Barnes + Noble in the morning to fetch the book, grab coffee, then come home to read. I would only get up to make more coffee, grab a snack, or use the restroom. Sometimes I would stay up for nineteen hours, to get most of the book finished, then pass out for a few hours, to wake up and finish the book. I got into The Hunger Games series a bit late, but I would stay up until Erich would take the Kindle out of my hands, telling me I needed to get some sleep. I love getting lost in books, its my favorite way to spend time.
10. Public transportation in New York totally creeps me out (I rarely go anymore, because I feel like everything is so dirty), but public transportation in San Francisco is totally bearable - dare I say enjoyable.
11. I have worn glasses since the age of three. I am far-sighted in one eye, near-sighted in the other (don't ask me which, because I have no clue - my vision sucks hardcore when I don't have my glasses on). I have tried contacts a few times, but putting a foreign object into my eye was revolting. Plus, I think I look pretty darn cute in glasses, and they keep things from flying into my eyes.
Questions from Danielle:
I would love to be a pop culture historian, a writer for a well-respected publication, and a yoga instructor.
02. What's the one thing you look forward to every day?
I look forward to spending time with people I love, playing with my kittens, taking pictures, and having genuine conversations with people.
03. What is your number one, all-time, favorite blog?
My loyalty lies with Mario Lavandeira, better known as Perez Hilton. I don't watch reality shows, so this is my pop culture guilty pleasure.
04. Biggest online pet peeve?
Grammatical errors. I don't care if you write in uppercase or lowercase letters (I prefer all lowercase, but for blogging, I try to keep it as professional looking as possible), but when people mix up "there, their and they're," it drives me crazy.
05. What is your all-time favorite book?
Ooooh, this is difficult to answer. Going with a childhood favorite - Ramona Quimby, Age 8.
06. What would your "last meal" be?
Mac + cheese from Grey Horse Tavern, Filet Mignon from Teller's, and Carvel chocolate soft serve in a cake/wafer cone.
07. Do you believe in love at first
Ahh, grammatical error in the question, I had to fix it. I don't believe in love at first sight, but I definitely believe in lust at first sight. Love is a very strong emotion, and I believe it is impossible to feel that for a complete stranger. Yes, there may be a connection, but I don't believe its love.
08. What would your ideal Sunday morning consist of?
Sleeping in (with no alarm set), enjoying a late breakfast at the Cookroom, and spending the rest of the morning at Barnes + Noble.
09. Why do you blog?
I choose to blog because I love to write. After losing my job, I didn't know what to do with myself. My mother, who has always told me that writing is my calling, told me that I needed to get back into writing. I figured a blog would be a great way to do so. I could write on various topics, read what other people had to say, and engage in conversations with people who I only know in this little blogosphere. I must say, even though I am not earning an income writing, this is the best job ever!
10. If you had to choose one color to wear forever, what would you pick?
Black.
Questions for the bloggers I am tagging:
01. What was the first album you owned? Don't forget to include the format (vinyl, cassette, CD, etc.)!
02. As a child, what was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon?
03. Do you collect anything?
04. Which person has been most influential in your life?
05. What is your greatest fear?
06. If you could vacation anywhere in the universe, where would you go?
07. What is the first part of your body that you wash in the shower?
08. If you could spend the day with any one person, alive or dead, who would it be?
09. Are you a Mac or PC person?
10. Do you have any tattoos?
11. What was your childhood nickname?
I am tagging Aileen, Amber, Ashley, Callie, Corinne, Don, Linsday, Lori Lynn, Roxy, Sarah-Anne, and Sarina. If I did not tag you, I still think you should participate! Leave me a comment once you have filled it our on your blog, so we can all learn a bit about everyone else!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Lemon Raspberry Frozen Yogurt Pops.
I have an extreme sweet tooth. When my mother was pregnant with me, all she wanted to eat was Carvel chocolate ice cream - nothing else. My dad would actually bribe her to eat healthy food - if she took five bites of her hamburger, he'd get her ice cream. Growing up, my favorite treat was was ice cream - particularly chocolate soft serve from Carvel. Coincidence? I think not.
Popsicles remind me of hot summers, running to the ice cream truck, barefoot and soaked from frolicking through sprinklers. They are a great treat year-round, and having a popsicle can even keep your eye on portion control.
I try to eat healthy, especially it comes to sweet treats. I have been experimenting more with fat free yogurt, because its good for you and actually tastes good. I recently tried Chobani's 0% Lemon yogurt, so I wanted to make a popsicle with it. I looked at all of my organic frozen fruit, and decided that raspberries would compliment the lemon well.
Lemon Raspberry Fro-Yo Pops
1 - 6 oz Chobani Lemon
3/4 cup Raspberries (fresh or frozen, doesn't matter)
Popsicle molds
Prep time: 5 minutes. Makes 3 popsicles
If you are using frozen raspberries, place them in a microwave-safe dish and nuke for about ten seconds in the microwave. If they are still a bit frozen, thats fine. Gently mash with a fork. Don't worry about mashing into oblivion, small chunks of raspberry are fine.
After Raspberries are mashed, stir in lemon yogurt, until ingredients are incorporated and all of the raspberry pieces are covered in yogurt.
Scoop mixture into clean popsicle molds. leave a bit of room on top, because the ingredients will expand a bit. Tap on the counter about ten times, to make sure you get rid of any air pockets. You don't want your popsicle to break in the mold. Attach lid and place in freezer for about seven hours. You want these to set nicely. Pulling them out too soon will result in the stick coming out, and it won't go back in. Trust me, I tried with my first batch. I was really bummed, but I learned for the future.
To remove pop from mold, place mold in warm water for about a minute (don't submerge the handle, just the part that you want to remove. Remove pop from mold. Enjoy!
These pops are simple to make, and are a great hands-on activity to do with children. Be creative with this! Choose whichever flavor yogurt you like (keep in mind, Greek is thicker - it works better) and have fun with the add-ins. Next time I make this recipe, I am going to add white chocolate chips in, for some extra sweetness and a texture twist.
What are your favorite popsicle recipes?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Healthy Avocado Salsa Salad.
Since I currently can't feast on bread (so far so good, by the way), I have realized that certain foods I love needed to get the boot. One of my favorites? Taco salad from our local Tex-Mex restaurant. Their tortilla chips will be the end of me, I swear. Salads at restaurants can be loaded with calories, believe it or not. I used to love eating Chili's Quesadilla Explosion Salad - until I realized it had 1,300 calories. I'm sorry, but its a salad and I'd rather waste my calories on something else, thankyouverymuch!
I decided to make a healthier version at home, with only three ingredients - romaine lettuce, salsa and avocado. I used half mild salsa, half habanero lime salsa, to give it a bit of a kick.
Avocado Salsa Salad
1 bag Dole Classic Romaine Blend
1 avocado, cut into bite-sized chunks
1/2 cup salsa of your choice
1 Bowl with lid (if no lid, plastic wrap will do)
Calorie range (depending on how many calories your salsa contains): 175-200
Prep time: 5 minutes
First, you pour the salad into a bowl. Using half of the salsa, drop spoonfuls onto the salad, to better help distribute. Put lid (or saran wrap) on bowl. Shake for about five seconds. Remove lid.
I decided to make a healthier version at home, with only three ingredients - romaine lettuce, salsa and avocado. I used half mild salsa, half habanero lime salsa, to give it a bit of a kick.
Avocado Salsa Salad
1 bag Dole Classic Romaine Blend
1 avocado, cut into bite-sized chunks
1/2 cup salsa of your choice
1 Bowl with lid (if no lid, plastic wrap will do)
Calorie range (depending on how many calories your salsa contains): 175-200
Prep time: 5 minutes
First, you pour the salad into a bowl. Using half of the salsa, drop spoonfuls onto the salad, to better help distribute. Put lid (or saran wrap) on bowl. Shake for about five seconds. Remove lid.
Next, slice your avocado in half, then make slices in the fruit (surprise, its a fruit!) with your knife. Scoop out the slices with a spoon, and sprinkle on top of the salad. Spoon the rest of the salsa onto the salad. Put lid (or saran wrap) on bowl. Shake for about ten seconds.
Remove lid. Serve immediately. Another five minute recipe from short girl, long island.
Feel free to add other ingredients such as chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, roasted corn or sour cream. Guacamole can be substituted for the avocado, and fat free plain greek yogurt is a healthier stand-in for sour cream. Salads are easy to assemble, filling, and healthy (unless you add unhealthy toppings).
Health + Pop Culture = Nick Dietz.
I have known Nick Dietz since I was in sixth grade. It was he and CJ Musarra that introduced me to Snoop Doggy Dogg (remember that) and Smashing Pumpkins in the hallway as I waited to enter Mr. Capozzoli's Science classroom. Nick and I remained friends through the years, and he was always an integral member of our local music scene (RIP Bed Bug Empire and The DSC Project), and introduced me to much of the music I listen to today.
Coincidentally, we both moved out of good ol' Port St. Lucie and back to New York, where we originally hailed from. Nick now works as an Assistant Producer and On-Air Personality for CBS News. He hosts the video segments of HealthPop, where health meets pop culture. Two things I enjoy, rolled into one - plus, one of my favorite people hosts it? I was sold. This particular update made me giggle, because of the random content (plus, there is a Beatles reference). I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
Edition01 $3,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway!
Through recent 'net surfing, I came across a diamond in the rough. Edition01, a fashionista's dream shop. The items in the store are curated specifically for Ed.01, which is a unique feature of the site. Also? Vintage handbags, which I have a definite weakness for. Best part? They're giving away a $3,000 shopping spree for you and a friend.
Best part of this contest? If you win $3,000 shopping spree, I do too! Pretty awesome, huh? Of course, if we win, it'll end up being a blog on here, so we can show the world what we decided to snag. I have a feeling I'll splurge on one thing for myself, and get gifts for my loves ones with the rest.
Here are a few things I saw on the site I fell in love with:
K. Jacques Triton Sandal |
Proenza Schouler Signature Tee |
Vintage Chanel Quilted Lambskin Classic Flap Bag |
Best part of this contest? If you win $3,000 shopping spree, I do too! Pretty awesome, huh? Of course, if we win, it'll end up being a blog on here, so we can show the world what we decided to snag. I have a feeling I'll splurge on one thing for myself, and get gifts for my loves ones with the rest.
There are more perks to Edition01 - once you're all signed up at Edition01, you automatically receive a $100 credit to the site. If you get a friend to sign up and make a purchase, you get an additional $100. If you can get 50 friends to sign up (just sign up, not purchase), you get $500. Can somebody pinch me? This is a retail dream come true!
What are you waiting for? Click here to enter!
Michele
What are you waiting for? Click here to enter!
Michele
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