On Vacation

Be back in August! Kisses!

Fashion Friday:: Spiky Shoes

I think I'm in a bad mood today. I've been a little extra sassy/violent this morning but have yet to punch someone in the face. This is how ridiculous today is... I'm waiting until after 10:30 am to go to the library because I have a strange craving for breakfast at McDonald's (gross, I know) but don't want to compromise all those gym minutes this week in a moment of rampant crankiness. If I owned a pair of these shoes I'd be appropriately attired for my day (groceries and library and article writing for YabYum and tantrums).

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For the Home:: A Sanctuary for Dreaming

The monsoons invigorated my dreams but have since passed. If I didn't have so much to do during the day I would definitely devote more time to napping perchance to dream. Sadly, life tends to interfere with my ideal sleep allotment.

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Not Food Monday

I am holding strong to my decision to no longer cook. I only make rice and vegetables and tortillas and cereal and turkey sandwiches. Ta-da. My Monday food-related post needs to be replaced with something else. I don't know what yet but I'm open to suggestions. Here's all I've come up with so far...

Creepy Doll Picture Monday?

The name is a little awkward, I'll give you that, but this has some real potential.

Partially Eaten Meals Monday?
Same problem as the first, slightly less potential.

Pensive Pictures of My Friends Monday?
This might be the winner... probably just have to wait and see if my friends feel victimized by my art.

a moment of zen

Think of all the places you haven't seen yet.

Cherry Blossom Walk, Sakura, Japan

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Art Day:: La Luna

Catrin Welz-Stein

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Fashion Friday:: Bangs, the Eternal Question

I would like to appear as if all my concerns are worthy of deliberation but my overarching commitment to authenticity dictates otherwise. That being said, my concern of the day (aside from the continually present issues of world hunger, economic disparity, the looming presence of death, etc.) is whether or not to grow out my bangs. Input is always appreciated and need not be limited to bangs but can address what this concern means for my soul. 

But, seriously, bangs frame the face. They're really important.

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For the Home:: Checklisting to Success

I have a heck of a time keeping track of the tasks I want to get done. Perhaps because my mother never provided me with such task handy options as a child, I've come to rely on them as an adult. This is a great website that allows you to customize your own list (in case "make bed" isn't on your list). 

click here to get your very own checklist

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Mid-Week Motivation:: Nature

Nature is a great motivator. Phoenicians tend to lose sight of this during the harsh months of summer. A sojourn can remind one that the natural world doesn't always involve heat exhaustion. 

Randomness:: Travel Tips

When traveling, I'm decidedly of the philosophy that the less money spent on the room, the more time spent on the town. Consequently, this was the central aesthetic feature of our hotel during the last weekend's road trip. The room was clean, the town was great. What more do you need? A flower fountain? Yep... clean room, quaint town, flower fountain.

Food:: Kitchen Caution

This blog has served me unexpectedly. Because it has led me to an increased documentation of my culinary adventures I have come to realize that not only am I a bad cook, but my attempts to improve my cooking skills pose a physical threat to my person and those that I love. Raw food diet, here I come.

My boyfriend was on hand to finish cutting the veggies after I cut off my fingertip. 

Thank goodness, we might starve if it was left solely to me.

The bleeding stopped the following day.

a moment of zen

I enjoyed the mini vaca for this reason alone (well, in addition to others).

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Fashion Friday:: Traveling Togs

Going on a trip out of town with my wee family (me + fella + dog). I love light summer dresses for traveling. For this mini holiday I'm thinking sun hats, bright patterned skirts, and my new fun summer bag.

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The ultimate summer road trip dress? Maybe... 

For the Home:: Portable Living

Arizona summers are hot and oppressive. I've been dreaming of traveling. Perpetual travel, actually. I'm considering its potential and its merits.

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Happy Fourth!!

Two cross-over posts in one week?! This Fourth of July post comes from YabYum's blog... I had to share.

Enjoy your pie and fireworks. 

And this little revolutionary EP from local rockers horizon i.

Randomness:: a True Confession

I watch True Blood. It's true. I'm admitting it. This might be a surprising revelation for those who know me personally given my aversion to television in general. Backstory... my two besties watch the show together and have since its start. My boyfriend and I decided to give it the instant-watch-challenge viewing and rushed through the available seasons. Now that we're all caught up we have to wait for new episodes to air...

Waiting is not my strong suit. Waiting for something like a television program is the insult on the injury, but I can't help it, I'm completely drawn in. What I'm saying is I like True Blood. What of it?

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Food:: The Italian Diet

As you may know, I work on a couple different blogs/online publications. So, occasionally, a great crossover post will arise that let's me not only introduce readers to other projects I'm involved in but also let's me off the hook for extra blog posts once in a great while. The post today comes from Book.Read.Good. - where I blog about my love for books and what I'm reading...

I love Italian food and have always consider this a hindrance to my diet(s). So when I stumbled across this seeming contradiction in the cookbook section of the library, I had to further investigate.

Gino D'Acampo goes far beyond healthy twists on classic Italian dishes. He delves into a rich history of food for the treasures that combine flavor and wellness. Linguine with Garlic, Shrimp, and Spinach might be a new favorite but I'm waiting for the weather to cool a bit before attempting the Butternut Squash & Asparagus Risotto. Recipes are not restricted to dinnertime pasta but can carry a committed eater from breakfast to bedtime including a section on Pranzo da Viaggio (or lunch to go).

Whether you want to give the Italian Diet a shot at those last few pounds or you're just looking to add some healthier, Italian dishes to your repertoire I highly recommend checking out The Italian Diet. After six weeks in my home, I'll be returning my copy to the library today so others might share.

Mmmm... Focaccia with Cherrry Tomatoes & Pesto

a moment of zen

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