There's a thing called the American Dialect Society.
This is a way better idea than dictionaries naming their word of the year.
Read more: http://mentalfloss.com/article/61052/american-dialect-societys-word-year
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring, Banana BREAD!
...doop dooby dooby doop!
My Favorite Banana Bread Recipe!
Adapted from the recipe posted at http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=5715.0
My Favorite Banana Bread Recipe!
Adapted from the recipe posted at http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=5715.0
Ingredients:
- 1-3/4 cups flour
- can mix flour types!
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- can mix white & brown!
- can use -way- less sugar, especially if your bananas are really ripe
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- about 2-3 bananas, definitely eyeball-able, so use what you've got on hand
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- can sub. applesauce for oil
- equivalent of 2 or 3 eggs
- use Ener-G egg replacer to make it vegan
- 1/3 cup soy-buttermilk
- make your own: 1/3 cup soymilk (or regular milk!) + 1/3 tsp. lemon juice
Instructions:
Also, the leftovers have a strange way of getting MORE moist, instead of drying out like traditional banana bread recipes! Yummm.
Check out the comments at the original recipe's link for more suggestions on tweaking it! :)
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix bananas, oil, and buttermilk in a medium mixing bowl.
- Combine the banana mixture with the large bowl containing dry ingredients, and stir well.
- Add eggs, stir well.
- If you want to, you can add 1/2 cup of extras as well. Chocolate chips are DELICIOUS and make this basically a dessert. Nuts would also work, and eventually I want to try it with shredded coconut. But, it's delicious without any additions, too!
- Pour into an oiled 9x5 inch bread pan.
- Bake in 325 degree oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean.
Also, the leftovers have a strange way of getting MORE moist, instead of drying out like traditional banana bread recipes! Yummm.
Check out the comments at the original recipe's link for more suggestions on tweaking it! :)
Monday, May 5, 2014
Spot-on Advice.
Felicia Day is one of my role models because she is so dang creative, smart, funny, and holy moly productive! I really like this video where she gives advice on writing, which can translate to pretty much any kind of creative undertaking.
Love it!
Love it!
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Haters Gon' Hate.
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is one of my favorite shows, because it always makes me laugh. Sometimes they have something meant to be funny that hits home for me in more than just a comedic way, though. I love this video so much. Thanks to everyone who was involved, and Mr. Cano for being a good sport!
I think it's a pretty good metaphor for experiencing horrible comments on the internet. It's easy to say anything, until that person is standing in front of your face! I love how comedy can show the truths of the world in such a clear way, but still be entertaining, too. That's the best way to learn!
I think it's a pretty good metaphor for experiencing horrible comments on the internet. It's easy to say anything, until that person is standing in front of your face! I love how comedy can show the truths of the world in such a clear way, but still be entertaining, too. That's the best way to learn!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Throwback Thursday: Missy
If you thought I sound like I'm 12 now, check out this video from when I probably was 12! These are a few home movie clips I transferred off VHS of my family's cat Missy, who was my grandma's cat until she passed away and I somehow convinced my parents to take her in (even though she was mean to everyone except my grandma). She stayed in our basement in that cat bed for a good three months, and after what I like to think of as her time of mourning, she emerged a whole new cat. That "elderly" cat became a kitten, following us around, always wanting attention, and being super playful! It was really amazing. She lived to be around 21-22 years old, the oldest cat I've ever known!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
On Joy
Today's Truth Bomb from Danielle LaPorte says, "Speak of your joy. Often."
A couple things that popped into my head upon reading this: Daffodils. Hellebores. Coffee. Video games. Friends on Twitter and Facebook. Art journalling and Effy Wild's classes. Inspiring YouTubers and fun podcasters. Pokemon on Netflix. Incense. And New Age Shops!
And so, I want to share this little candle with you that I purchased recently.
A little backstory: On my to-do list for quite awhile was the task to pick up some frankincense resin and a charcoal incense setup, since I've usually only burned incense sticks. My dear friend, Effy recommended the actual resin tears - okay I want to call them blobs, they look like blobs! - so I avoided buying any frankincense till I found those since I'm trying to spend money wisely these days.
Another thing on my to-do list was to check out this store in town that I kept seeing in the Williamsburg Magazine, which is one of those freebie publications you can pick up around town that are generally meant for tourists but I find quite useful. The store is called Stick Stone & Bone and from the advertisements, I got the feeling that it might be a metaphysical or new age shop, even though it wasn't explicitly stated as such.
I can't blame them - in the conservative little town of Williamsburg, a "gift shop" would probably go over better than a new age shop. I had some extra time the other day between errands and I know their hours are a little wonky compared to my schedule lately, so I decided it'd be a perfect time to try checking a couple things off my to-do list with one stop.
When I went in and saw the kinds of things they sell and the atmosphere of the store, I knew it was my kind of store. The owner, Linda, was super friendly, answered all of my questions, and didn't make me feel weird or uncomfortable at all. I told her I was looking for frankinsence and she not only showed me the options they had and where they were in the store, but when I told her I was new to the whole charcoal burning thing, she explained to me how to do it! In such detail that I was able to figure it out on my own once I got home, woohoo!
I thought the prices were super reasonable. I picked up two bags of loose incense for $2 each, and the reiki charged JOY candle for a little under $3. Honestly, I would have bought this candle no matter what it rang up as, because it smells SO GOOD!!! It came with a little paper that says it has the essential oils of plumeria, jasmine, and sandalwood in it, which I must like because I want to eat it but eating candles is bad so yeah.
So this is how Danielle LaPorte's Truth Bomb ties in - I'm sharing the JOY candle, along with the joy of finding a new age shop in my area! WOOT! I had this thing on my nightstand and every night as I'd fall asleep, I'd think, oh gosh it smells so good, I can't wait to burn it in the morning! and then I'd wake up and get busy and forget, until the night as I smelled it again as I was falling asleep. Sheesh. ^_^ But today, it's burning and I am so happy!
From what I gather, Stick Stone & Bone was set up in New York, but since the owner is relocating to Williamsburg, she's set up the shop here - and I am so grateful to have a store where I don't have to travel to Newport News, Norfolk, or Richmond to spend mah moneys on shinies!
I also wanted to share this store with you because I know metaphysical shops are stereotypically difficult to keep open. There is no website yet for Stick Stone & Bone. It's on Richmond Road between Saigon Pearl and Ripley's Believe it or Not, nestled back in the corner. If you find yourself in the area, take a moment to pop in to Stick Stone & Bone. It's a small store, but the prices are very reasonable for the beautiful things they sell. They have stones, incense, candles!, tarot cards, pendulums, books, essential oils, and jewelry that all caught my eye.
I've noticed that the things I purchase when I'm on vacation end up meaning more to me, because they bring back memories of the trip along with whatever purpose the doodads actually serve, so this is a perfect place to hit up if you're vacationing in Williamsburg to take a little magic home with you.
Let me know if you check it out, what you think of it, and what you bought! I'm looking forward to going back and hope all my friends find joy in this new store as well!
A couple things that popped into my head upon reading this: Daffodils. Hellebores. Coffee. Video games. Friends on Twitter and Facebook. Art journalling and Effy Wild's classes. Inspiring YouTubers and fun podcasters. Pokemon on Netflix. Incense. And New Age Shops!
And so, I want to share this little candle with you that I purchased recently.
Cheeeeeeese!
Another thing on my to-do list was to check out this store in town that I kept seeing in the Williamsburg Magazine, which is one of those freebie publications you can pick up around town that are generally meant for tourists but I find quite useful. The store is called Stick Stone & Bone and from the advertisements, I got the feeling that it might be a metaphysical or new age shop, even though it wasn't explicitly stated as such.
Ad from Williamsburg Magazine
I can't blame them - in the conservative little town of Williamsburg, a "gift shop" would probably go over better than a new age shop. I had some extra time the other day between errands and I know their hours are a little wonky compared to my schedule lately, so I decided it'd be a perfect time to try checking a couple things off my to-do list with one stop.
When I went in and saw the kinds of things they sell and the atmosphere of the store, I knew it was my kind of store. The owner, Linda, was super friendly, answered all of my questions, and didn't make me feel weird or uncomfortable at all. I told her I was looking for frankinsence and she not only showed me the options they had and where they were in the store, but when I told her I was new to the whole charcoal burning thing, she explained to me how to do it! In such detail that I was able to figure it out on my own once I got home, woohoo!
I thought the prices were super reasonable. I picked up two bags of loose incense for $2 each, and the reiki charged JOY candle for a little under $3. Honestly, I would have bought this candle no matter what it rang up as, because it smells SO GOOD!!! It came with a little paper that says it has the essential oils of plumeria, jasmine, and sandalwood in it, which I must like because I want to eat it but eating candles is bad so yeah.
The little paper that came with the candle.
So this is how Danielle LaPorte's Truth Bomb ties in - I'm sharing the JOY candle, along with the joy of finding a new age shop in my area! WOOT! I had this thing on my nightstand and every night as I'd fall asleep, I'd think, oh gosh it smells so good, I can't wait to burn it in the morning! and then I'd wake up and get busy and forget, until the night as I smelled it again as I was falling asleep. Sheesh. ^_^ But today, it's burning and I am so happy!
From what I gather, Stick Stone & Bone was set up in New York, but since the owner is relocating to Williamsburg, she's set up the shop here - and I am so grateful to have a store where I don't have to travel to Newport News, Norfolk, or Richmond to spend mah moneys on shinies!
I also wanted to share this store with you because I know metaphysical shops are stereotypically difficult to keep open. There is no website yet for Stick Stone & Bone. It's on Richmond Road between Saigon Pearl and Ripley's Believe it or Not, nestled back in the corner. If you find yourself in the area, take a moment to pop in to Stick Stone & Bone. It's a small store, but the prices are very reasonable for the beautiful things they sell. They have stones, incense, candles!, tarot cards, pendulums, books, essential oils, and jewelry that all caught my eye.
I've noticed that the things I purchase when I'm on vacation end up meaning more to me, because they bring back memories of the trip along with whatever purpose the doodads actually serve, so this is a perfect place to hit up if you're vacationing in Williamsburg to take a little magic home with you.
Let me know if you check it out, what you think of it, and what you bought! I'm looking forward to going back and hope all my friends find joy in this new store as well!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
bedhead diary
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Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Interesting Internets
Just a few things I've found interesting on the internet lately:
Because I'll be turning 30 soon: 30 Life Things – A Celebration Of Getting Older
Because I like the message at the end: Keeping the So(u)l in Solstice
Because I wish more people like her were in government: Why I Will Vote for Marianne Williamson for Any Office For Which She Runs
Because I play a mage in World of Warcraft: Arcane Brilliance: Fun and frivolity for mages
Because I adore my friends who allow me to expand: The real reason that some people are bad for you.
Because I'll be turning 30 soon: 30 Life Things – A Celebration Of Getting Older
Because I like the message at the end: Keeping the So(u)l in Solstice
Because I wish more people like her were in government: Why I Will Vote for Marianne Williamson for Any Office For Which She Runs
Because I play a mage in World of Warcraft: Arcane Brilliance: Fun and frivolity for mages
Because I adore my friends who allow me to expand: The real reason that some people are bad for you.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Because I'm an adult, that's why!
Lately I have been on a huge ice cream kick. After discovering that I can safely eat ice cream again without completely congesting up, I went on a bit of a whirlwind spree of "MUST HAVE ICE CREAM" there for awhile. I've made a spoken vow that once the ice cream currently in the freezer is gone, I'm not buying any more. Well, not unless we go to a frozen yogurt place, of course - and goodness knows, Williamsburg has enough of 'em. Not for health reasons or anything, but mainly because nobody needs ice cream on a nightly basis - not even my inner child. But it seems to totally satisfy those midnight snack cravings perfectly! My favorite as of late is Turkey Hill's chocolate chip cookie dough. So, so good. I didn't even realize it wasn't vanilla flavored ice cream until I took the time to read the last carton. *facepalm*
For awhile I was also on a huge nacho kick, too. I love nachos, and I don't even know why! Maybe from watching too much Beavis and Butt-head as a kid?
It bugs me that so many brands of tortilla chips are SO salty, though. I don't need the combo of salty chips and spicy salsa to burn my mouth in two ways, sorry. I finally got to the point where I was eating them as a taco salad with more lettuce-to-chips ratio to tone down the saltiness a bit. But there's something about tortilla chips smothered in a variety of toppings that makes me a happy Cara... especially when the boyfriend is pretty much the King of Nachos. He works magic with food, that one.
Here are a couple pics of some impressive plates:
Can you tell I like sour cream? I've since learned that it's easier to put the toppings in a bowl and scoop them out with the chips when eating at the computer... which I do without shame. I have a washable keyboard, after all. ;)
This post is sort of a memorial to the two. I think I'm about done with the run of "OMG I WANT TO EAT THIS EVERY DAY" for both. Of course, I wouldn't say no if a giant plate of delicious nachos magically appeared in front of me! *waits for nachos...* Darn.
My question to you: Are there any foods that are totally jiving with you lately, that you just can't seem to get enough of?
For awhile I was also on a huge nacho kick, too. I love nachos, and I don't even know why! Maybe from watching too much Beavis and Butt-head as a kid?
(For the record, I totally used to own this shirt.)
It bugs me that so many brands of tortilla chips are SO salty, though. I don't need the combo of salty chips and spicy salsa to burn my mouth in two ways, sorry. I finally got to the point where I was eating them as a taco salad with more lettuce-to-chips ratio to tone down the saltiness a bit. But there's something about tortilla chips smothered in a variety of toppings that makes me a happy Cara... especially when the boyfriend is pretty much the King of Nachos. He works magic with food, that one.
Here are a couple pics of some impressive plates:
Can you tell I like sour cream? I've since learned that it's easier to put the toppings in a bowl and scoop them out with the chips when eating at the computer... which I do without shame. I have a washable keyboard, after all. ;)
This post is sort of a memorial to the two. I think I'm about done with the run of "OMG I WANT TO EAT THIS EVERY DAY" for both. Of course, I wouldn't say no if a giant plate of delicious nachos magically appeared in front of me! *waits for nachos...* Darn.
My question to you: Are there any foods that are totally jiving with you lately, that you just can't seem to get enough of?
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Growth comes in many forms
If you haven't checked out Effy Wild's Book of Days art journaling program yet, you're totally missing out. Psst, registration opens again in October so go sign up for her newsletter and keep an eye out! ;D That said, I've been a total fangirl for anything Effy for some time now and my Book of Days practice has taken on a new evolution with Project Life!
I hadn't heard about Project Life until Shelly posted on her blog, Inspiration Everywhere, about it. Besides the fact that her art is amazing and her own Project Life book is something I drool over, can we just talk about her handwriting for a second? *fans self* If I could download her handwriting as a font into my brain to be able to write like that... ahhh! Okay, anyway, enough fangirling again.
After pondering over this for a couple weeks, I got a coupon from Michael's arts and crafts store for 40% off one item and picked up a big ol' variety box of page protectors. These are really cool because they are all 12x12 standard scrapbook page size, but with pockets split into 3x4, 4x6, and 6x6 sizes so you can insert a bunch of stuff without having to make a traditional scrapbook layout on a big 12x12 page. Now all I have to do is find my scrapbook binder that's hiding somewhere amongst my stuff... ;)
Until then, I'm trying to put in a little insert for every day. I haven't really succeeded in that goal just yet, so I'm just making it work till I find my groove. But instead of using the traditional Project Life cards that are available for purchase, I'm using index cards because somewhere along the way I decided I needed like 3000 index cards and they are a good, plain background for any kind of arting. I also have a ton of scrapbook paper to use, along with tons of bits and bobs for accents. I am trying to make do with what I have and only buy things that will truly serve me in my interests and growth, so I like to think this is helping me with that goal.
I have a few reasons I wanted to try this. First, because my most recent altered book art journal is nearly full, so it was about time to find a new one to work with anyway. Second, my previous Books of Days (Book of Dayses? haha) are all kinds of stuck together. Super sad face! I mean, who knew a page with glued-on stuff would stick to another page with, you guessed it, glued-on stuff? LAWL, common sense, I have none. I know there are ways to prevent this, like sticking wax paper between the sheets, using a spray-on fixitif, or rubbing the page with beeswax. But I was lazy and didn't do any of these, so peeling apart the pages of books that are now at least a year old is a little heartbreaking!
BUT, it's all about the journey when it comes to arting for me, not so much the outcome. Effy wrote a great blog about this recently that you should read if you're a creative type. :)
So anyway, I wanted to make my Book of Days worry-free when it comes to having things stick together. Another reason I wanted to try this was due to the varying sizes the page protectors allow. I've found I prefer working with a smaller canvas, so the small sized pockets work great. And if I want to go all out, I can work with a 12x12 page and put that in there with a standard scrapbook page protector, too! So it seems really easy to customize to whatever I feel like that day I sit down to slap paint and glue on the page.
Yesterday I had another 40% off coupon for Michael's (by the way, they have a 50% off coupon now... they really are good at having me give them money willingly) and went in there expecting to get one of the kits of pocket inserts. They didn't have any of the designs I was eyeballing online, so I picked up a teensy tiny Sakura Micron pen instead for $1.90. Yay! I think it was fate reinforcing that idea that I don't need pre-made stuff when I can make do with what I have. But all my black pens (all 50,000 of them, it seems) were regular ol' ball point pens with black-but-not-quite-black ink, or fat bullet-tipped Sharpie markers. That's my justification for that purchase, okay? Don't judge me!
OKAY OKAY OKAY. *waves hands* Now the whole purpose of me writing all that is to work up the courage to show you what I've done, art journaling-wise, for this new Book of Days. The Glitterhood group is doing the 29 Faces project this month, so that inspired me to try a face.
Once I have a page or two complete I'll show the whole layout, but for now I'm kind of proud of this little chicky. She looks... like a person! Granted, she's ghastly white because I haven't gotten the hang of shading yet (let's just focus on making the people-drawings look like people first). But she's there! On the page! Eeeee!
...anyway, it's a start. :)
So that's my Sunday Shiny for ya. Head over to Effy's blog to see more swoon-worthy posts and share your own. Thanks for reading!
I hadn't heard about Project Life until Shelly posted on her blog, Inspiration Everywhere, about it. Besides the fact that her art is amazing and her own Project Life book is something I drool over, can we just talk about her handwriting for a second? *fans self* If I could download her handwriting as a font into my brain to be able to write like that... ahhh! Okay, anyway, enough fangirling again.
After pondering over this for a couple weeks, I got a coupon from Michael's arts and crafts store for 40% off one item and picked up a big ol' variety box of page protectors. These are really cool because they are all 12x12 standard scrapbook page size, but with pockets split into 3x4, 4x6, and 6x6 sizes so you can insert a bunch of stuff without having to make a traditional scrapbook layout on a big 12x12 page. Now all I have to do is find my scrapbook binder that's hiding somewhere amongst my stuff... ;)
Until then, I'm trying to put in a little insert for every day. I haven't really succeeded in that goal just yet, so I'm just making it work till I find my groove. But instead of using the traditional Project Life cards that are available for purchase, I'm using index cards because somewhere along the way I decided I needed like 3000 index cards and they are a good, plain background for any kind of arting. I also have a ton of scrapbook paper to use, along with tons of bits and bobs for accents. I am trying to make do with what I have and only buy things that will truly serve me in my interests and growth, so I like to think this is helping me with that goal.
I have a few reasons I wanted to try this. First, because my most recent altered book art journal is nearly full, so it was about time to find a new one to work with anyway. Second, my previous Books of Days (Book of Dayses? haha) are all kinds of stuck together. Super sad face! I mean, who knew a page with glued-on stuff would stick to another page with, you guessed it, glued-on stuff? LAWL, common sense, I have none. I know there are ways to prevent this, like sticking wax paper between the sheets, using a spray-on fixitif, or rubbing the page with beeswax. But I was lazy and didn't do any of these, so peeling apart the pages of books that are now at least a year old is a little heartbreaking!
BUT, it's all about the journey when it comes to arting for me, not so much the outcome. Effy wrote a great blog about this recently that you should read if you're a creative type. :)
So anyway, I wanted to make my Book of Days worry-free when it comes to having things stick together. Another reason I wanted to try this was due to the varying sizes the page protectors allow. I've found I prefer working with a smaller canvas, so the small sized pockets work great. And if I want to go all out, I can work with a 12x12 page and put that in there with a standard scrapbook page protector, too! So it seems really easy to customize to whatever I feel like that day I sit down to slap paint and glue on the page.
Yesterday I had another 40% off coupon for Michael's (by the way, they have a 50% off coupon now... they really are good at having me give them money willingly) and went in there expecting to get one of the kits of pocket inserts. They didn't have any of the designs I was eyeballing online, so I picked up a teensy tiny Sakura Micron pen instead for $1.90. Yay! I think it was fate reinforcing that idea that I don't need pre-made stuff when I can make do with what I have. But all my black pens (all 50,000 of them, it seems) were regular ol' ball point pens with black-but-not-quite-black ink, or fat bullet-tipped Sharpie markers. That's my justification for that purchase, okay? Don't judge me!
OKAY OKAY OKAY. *waves hands* Now the whole purpose of me writing all that is to work up the courage to show you what I've done, art journaling-wise, for this new Book of Days. The Glitterhood group is doing the 29 Faces project this month, so that inspired me to try a face.
Once I have a page or two complete I'll show the whole layout, but for now I'm kind of proud of this little chicky. She looks... like a person! Granted, she's ghastly white because I haven't gotten the hang of shading yet (let's just focus on making the people-drawings look like people first). But she's there! On the page! Eeeee!
...anyway, it's a start. :)
So that's my Sunday Shiny for ya. Head over to Effy's blog to see more swoon-worthy posts and share your own. Thanks for reading!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Oh, duh! It's a dogwood tree!
It occurred to me after writing about the funky seed pods on the tree at Trader Joe's that I had taken pictures of trees there before (they're just fascinating!). I found these pictures from May:
Turns out those are dogwood trees... the state flower and tree of Virginia! I find it amusing that these pretty flowers turn into a big ol' pokey looking seed ball. I never would have guessed that if I hadn't put two and two together from these past pictures. I'm sure this is super common knowledge to a ton of people, but for me, learning about the simple things in nature still brings me so much happiness and wonder with every light-bulb moment that occurs.
“Gardening is an active participation in the deepest mysteries of the universe.” ~ Thomas Berry
Turns out those are dogwood trees... the state flower and tree of Virginia! I find it amusing that these pretty flowers turn into a big ol' pokey looking seed ball. I never would have guessed that if I hadn't put two and two together from these past pictures. I'm sure this is super common knowledge to a ton of people, but for me, learning about the simple things in nature still brings me so much happiness and wonder with every light-bulb moment that occurs.
“Gardening is an active participation in the deepest mysteries of the universe.” ~ Thomas Berry
Thursday, September 12, 2013
You are an explorer.
When I was shopping at my local Trader Joe's store,
I saw this plant out front and was compelled to take pictures of it.
I have no idea what it is...
But it sure is pretty!
Are those seed pods? Fruits? I have no idea.
Finding wonder in the mundane world isn't hard, if you just keep your eyes open. :)
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