So Cute it Might Kill You...

You find the weirdest stuff on Facebook:



But sometimes it's really, really cute, too!

Random Thursday: DIY Project...

 

Lin, Meg and I are back with a topic that I'm sure will be thrilling for a lot of you talented humans who have beautiful homes with artsy yet homey detailing... (but unfortunately that does NOT describe me):

I'm gonna give it the 'ole college try because I love you all so much. I'm relying heavily on the interwebs for this one, guys, so don't go getting all impressed. These aren't my inventions!

These first few come from No Need to Apply - and the link there has a bunch more fab ideas!

And a few more from Buzzfeed (click on the link to see more and for sources and links to full tutorials)

Now go forth and create! Oh, and while you're at it, share your fave DIY projects with us!

Random Thursday: My Summer Plans...

 

I don't know where you all are in the world, but wherever you are I really hope it's cooler than where I am. Dunno if it's global warming or what, but last week was rainy and cold enough to be February, but when we got to the weekend a heatwave hit us. I've pretty much been slowly melting for the last 4 days. Anyway, now that it really feels like summer, Lin, Meg and I have a nice, summery topic for you:

Aside from work, my summer is pretty boring. I plan to drink beer, read a lot of books and try to stay out of the sun (I'm so pale I'm practically albino). But there is one exciting thing going on... I'm headed to a new city, and not only that, but Lin and Rusty are going to meet me there! *dances extatically and even sings a li'l*

Where are we going, you ask? Oh, but that's the best part:



So pumped. Can't wait to see the bridge and Alcatraz... though I gotta admit, I'm a little intimidated by those hills! But it'll all be worth it to hang out with Lin. Yeah, she's that awesome.

I've never been to San Fran before, so in addition to wanting to hear about all of your awesome summer plans, I also want you to tell me what to do while I'm there! Favourite places to eat? Shop? See? Oh, and of course, BOOK SHOPS! Super excited!

Random Thursday: Favourite Easy Recipes...

 

Yup, time for another awesomely random topic brought to you by yours truly along with Lin and Meg. I warn ya, it's a li'l domestic:

I'm not a huge cook, so you're just getting one. And I promise, super easy. It's actually a recipe I stole from Rachael Ray Magazine, and you can find the original here. The recipe is for Herbed Quinoa - but what I like about it is it's really easy to customize. Without embellishments, the original is great as a side instead of rice, or even on its own. This is what the original looks like:

Required ingredients:   
    1.5 cups dry quinoa
    3 Tbsp virgin olive oil
    1/2 c. fresh basil and cilantro, chopped (it has to be fresh, not dried)
    1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
    1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)

Optional:
    1 juicy tomato, chopped
    1/2 orange or yellow pepper, chopped
    1/2 cup parmesan or feta cheese (grated for the former, cubed for the latter)
    1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

How to make it:

1. Cook about 1 and a half cups of dry quinoa  by bringing about 2 and a half cups of water to the boil, add quinoa, reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. 
2. Let the quinoa cool. It can even be prepared as much as a day in advance.
3. Add oil, salt, pepper, herbs, vegetables and cheese. Stir until evenly mixed and allow to sit until flavours are melded. 

Unfortunately I don't have a pic for you because I don't have all the ingredients in stock and forgot this was happening this week... but make it and see!

TA-DA! Super easy an healthy summer salad. 

What do you like to cook? Or, you know, manage to cook without taking out your block? Share, share, share!

It's Tuesday. It's raining. This'll make it better.

It's been raining here for two days, almost solid. When I wake up in the morning I can hear it sheeting down outside and the realization that I have to not only get up, but subsequently go outside in that mess is pretty awful. While I don't have 10 things for you today, I do have a couple that I think make up for it.



And anyone who claims animals can't feel love clearly hasn't seen this:



Cutest. Puppy. EVER. But wait, there's more (because clearly one box of Kleenex used up isn't enough):



Awwwwwww! Okay, carry on.

Random Thursday: Desert Island - 5 Items I'd Want to Have with Me...

 

Lin, Meg and I have another fantastically creative topic for y'all. If you're fans of High Fidelity (or just top 5 lists in general), this will be right down your alley:

Oh my god this is tough. I know I should probably list unlimited clean drinking water, ample food sources, a way to signal for help, sun screen, camping gear... that sort of stuff. But I'm not gonna. I'm gonna list the non-essentials. Cos they're more interesting. Oh, and I'm also assuming that J. is with me, cos let's face it, he usually is. The cats too.

1. Computer with internet connection.

Music. Movies. And, of course, access to blogs. I honestly don't think I'd last a week without it.

2. Lin.

I cannot last a day without that girl.

3. A library.

Not just a book or two. A LIBRARY.

4. Lip balm.

What? I'm a girl.

5. Beer. Unlimited.

Well I'm assuming that this desert island is warm. And everyone knows that if it's a warm, sunny day, you need an ice cold beer at some point. It's only logical.

That's it for my list of 5. Now it's your turn. What can't you live without? And let's stick with the fun stuff.

Random Thursday: Give Us a Tour....

 

This week's topic from Lin, Meg and myself is one that will require a little clean up:

The most obvious tour to give is one of your house. But it can also be a tour of your town, your car, your office, your stamp collection... whatever strikes your fancy!

Unfortunately I'm sitting this week out because a) my house is an absolute tip and b) I have a work event coming up this Saturday and I'm just way too busy and stressed about that to deal with the added stress of showing my house to the internet. However, check out Meg and Lin's posts and, of course, link up below!

To make it up to you:

 

Better? Link up: