Feature Friday - Sea Pinks (aka Bubbletime)

Q: Tell us a little about yourself; what makes you so special...
*Lol, I don't know how special it makes me but here goes. My name is Jenny, I'm 30 something and have been married to a wonderful guy named Jared for 10 years in October. My mother is handicapped and lives with us and we have a bunch of pets. I have a corny sense of humor and love movies like Spaceballs, Ghostbusters and Blast From the Past. I like gardening and am not a great cook.

Q: What do you make/create?
*I like to sculpt little polymer clay figurines and paint them. I also like to draw and do embroidery, hand sewing little things.

Now onto the really important questions...

Q: If you were an appliance, what kind of appliance would you be? Why?
*Hm, a mixer because I love batter.

Q: Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
*My husband.

Q: What's your most embarrassing moment?
*Ugh, walking to class one morning- a jeep full of guys hooted at me and I realized my flowy skirt had somehow gotten tucked up in the back. Thank God it was early A.M. and hardly anyone else was out.

Q: Movie star crush?
*I'm one of those weirdos that doesn't have one.

Q: Black and white or a hazy grey?
*A little of all of them :)

Q: Who's on your iPod?
*I am iPodless.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
*Skywalker, because he's more driven and confident- but it's not Harry's fault, he's still young.

Q: Best advice you ever received?
*Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

Such a cute store, check it out!

THE New Breakfast of Champions

As I stared at my bowl of cold cereal, watching it get soggier by the moment, I thought, "There has to be something better." Then the heavens parted and started singing "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, breakfast." A real breakfast.

I've been perusing the book "Eat This, Not That Supermarket Survival Guide" and it's awesome! If you're going to read any of the books in the series, the Supermarket Survival Guide is it. Mostly because I think that the majority of us shop and eat at home rather than eating out, so this is a useful book to have. It shows you food comparisons, between popular products, and tells you which ones to go with, based on nutritional content. So if you want cereal, there are several better for you choices over some not so good for you choices. You get the lowdown on fruits and veggies, their shelf life and good for you vitamins. There's even a meat section. The entire grocery store is in this book. A must have.

However, my favorite part, thus far, is the sandwich section. They've prepared a sandwich for all your needs. The Gladiator for muscle power, the Einstein for brain power and my breakfast savior, the Sunrise Sammie. Yay , no more cold cereal for me, this sandwich is filling and fabulous! Plus it only takes about ten minutes to make. And since I hate to cook, this is perfect.

The Sunrise Sammie is comprised of a whole wheat English Muffin, ham (I buy freshly sliced from the deli), romaine lettuce, tomato, a slice of cheddar cheese and a fried egg. Super easy to make. If you have a toaster oven, even better. Put the muffins in the toaster oven on broil for 5 minutes, and while they're toasting, heat up your pan for the eggs, rinse your lettuce, slice the cheese and cut the tomato. A note on frying the eggs, if you're going to grab and go, cook the egg yolk, if you're going to sit and eat at the table, it's better with a runny yolk. The muffins will be done before the eggs, so put a cheese slice on one side and the tomato then ham on the other, then broil for another 2 to 3 minutes (until the cheese is melted and ham is warmed). Trust me, after experimenting this is the tastiest route and everything will heat evenly. The eggs and topped muffins will be done about the same time. Add the egg and lettuce and voila!



Breakfast, better and cheaper than you can get on the go, plus it may not sound like it, but it's very filling. Add a glass of fat free milk and you're golden.
I'm telling you, I LOVE cold cereal and I haven't had any in weeks. Just thought I'd share. :o)

On a final note, as if having a tasty meal wasn't enough, below the Sunrise Sammie is this information: "Studies show that people who choose quality protein over refined carbohydrates for breakfast are able to burn 65% more calories and maintain higher levels of energy throughout the day." I don't know about you, but I can use all the calorie burning help I can get, and energy? Heck yeah!

YouTube Tuesday!!

I do not own an iPhone, but apparently, it's good insurance to have in case disaster strikes. Mood music is essential.

All About the Drama

The Mama Dramalogues, that is! I've posted over there today. Why? Because I always post on Mondays. Why? Because it's the day I was assigned. Why? Because we all get a freakin' day! Why? Oh for crying out loud, just go over there and check it out. :oP You are about to enter the Why-Plight Zone..... do do do do do do do do...................

Feature Friday - Moon Over Maize

Q: Tell us a little about yourself; what makes you so special...
A: I am a semi crunchy (home birth, breastfeed, buy local and organic produce, vegetarian, etc) mom of a 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter and married to a dashing English man.

Q: What do you make/create?
A: I create two different lines of jewelry. The first is mothering jewelry which focuses on pregnancy, nursing, homebirthing and fertility. My other line is everyday jewelry for any one to wear and enjoy.

Now onto the really important questions...

Q: If you were an appliance, what kind of appliance would you be? Why?
A: I had such a hard time with this question so my helpful hubby stepped in and answered:
'I was going to say vacuum cleaner, but then I realized that would suck'. Yes, this
is the humor I live with on a daily basis.

Q: Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
A: It was my husband asking what I was planning on doing for dinner.

Q: What's your most embarrassing moment?
A: I don't embarrass easily so I don't remember many embarrassing moments, but this one always makes me giggle....My husband and I met on Sept 11, 2001 in a pub in England and I knew I wanted to be with him for good. We met up the next night with one of his mates and when they brought the drinks to the table I was intrigued by Stuart's (my future hubby) dark and tempting ale. Figuring it was Guinness I asked to try some and when I took a sip I spat it out as it did NOT taste like what I was expecting. It was cold, fizzy and really sweet....yep it was a glass of Coke!

Q: Movie star crush?
A: Never really had a crush on a movie star, but I have always been fascinated with Robin
Hood. I do like Colin Firth and Hugh Dancy though! Notice the underlying English
thing going on?

Q: Black and white or a hazy grey?
A: I'm a hazy grey kind of gal while Stuart is black and white. It makes life
interesting!

Q: Who's on your iPod?
A: I actually do not have an iPod and am not even sure what one looks like as I am sooo far behind in the technology world. If I did have one it would definitely include James Taylor, Jim Croce, Fleetwood Mac, all sorts of 80's hits and Paul Simon's 'Graceland'.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
A: Hmm, I really like them both, but I'm going with the older and wiser Luke Skywalker.

Q: Best advice you ever received?
A: "Just be yourself and you'll be cool" - Wubbzy
"Always win your battles at home - first" - King Edward I (Longshanks)

To see more beautiful jewelry, check out Moon Over Maize's shop!

Precious Moments Make Me Puke

No not the, "Aw, look how cute my kid is when she's sleeping. Precious." No, I'm talking about those gawdawful dolls, figurines and books. You know the ones. Those droopy eyed, big headed, younguns who apparently are old enough to marry, have babies and ride Harleys (no seriously, I've seen it). I cannot stand these things! I've never thought they were cute, and coupled with the fact that Jim's ex was obsessed with them and felt the need to "collect them all," my disdain has quadrupled and I know there's a room somewhere fully decked out to the nines in this crap with my name on it. Oh yes, my own private Hell just waiting for me.

I stumbled across a Hello Kitty site (that you really should check out) and while I'm not a big fan of her either, it reminded me of the ick cute factor that is Precious Moments. Out of curiosity, I googled Precious Moments products and was bombarded with blankets, figurines, pillows, dolls, books, picture frames and baby shower decor, just to name a few. Oh, but that doesn't take the Precious Moments topped wedding cake, there's a freakin' PARK!

Precious Moments Park is located in Carthage, Missouri, "That's right in the middle of the U.S.A. in a part of the country known as The Ozarks." I love that they tell you that. You mean, I can't walk there from Disney World? From one Magic Kingdom to another? In addition to the meticulously manicured grounds, they boast a chapel "inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel." I cannot even touch that comparison with a 10-foot pole, but a chapel, really? So that all of the Precious Moment Patrons can come and worship their beloved babes. I mean, what else are you going to do there? Although, I find it ironic that they're closed on Christmas.

And of course, no trip would be complete without visiting the LARGEST Precious Moments store in the whole freakin' world. Where you don't have to covet that darling doll set, you can buy it, in 3 different sizes! You're bound to find more crap you don't need, but the dust bunnies in your house must live somewhere.

I'm sure I could continue my rant of Precious Moments snark, but why, when pictures do so much better. I'd be half tempted to buy these if only it didn't give me something in common with Jim's ex. Well, and if they existed, which they should, but I'm thinking they won't carry these in the world's most sacred rubbish store.

And if you haven't been sufficiently freaked out, I just saw this and I may have nightmares! EEK!

YouTube Tuesday!!

This was clever. Funnier if you've seen the Matrix but relate-able if you run your computer using Windows. Complete with blue screen of death! Dum dum duuuuuummmmmm............ scary.

I Forgot to Build My Nest

I'm Dramalogue'n today, so please join me over there. :o) Were you a nester? What the heck is a nester? Is this a bird post? Click to find out!

The Mama Dramalogues

Feature Friday - Paint it Gold Vintage

Q: Tell us a little about yourself; what makes you so special…
I recently graduated from Alfred University where I studied art, philosophy and dance. The last few months I have been adjusting to life outside of art school, life after college, and the balance of work, art and everything else has been challenging and exciting. My partner and I plan on having a farm/art collective in the next ten years or so, with lots of traveling and art making in between. This summer we'll be traveling in Europe a bit and woofing on a farm in France. I am big on lists, so here is an incarnation of myself as a list: love sunshine / avocados / me and you and everyone we know / backpacking / reading / biking / grilled fish tacos / Austin, Texas / The Moth podcast / The Blow / gin and tonics in the summer, white russians in the winter / David Lynch / David Bowie / David Byrne / boys in dresses / gold sequins / unicorns / peanut butter and bananas / the new Animal Collective album / Dance parties / good science fiction and COLOR.

Q: What do you make/create?
I think of myself as a multimedia and performance artist, and recently my focus has been on making dances. My dances tend to oscillate between quirky, facetious tableaus and dark, minimal vignettes. As a choreographer, I love collaborating with other dancers and artists. I also recently collaborated on a series of ceramic cups with Jacob Raeder, where I made ceramic decals from collages. I posted several photos on my website: www.heartlayla.com
I really enjoy the collecting and assembling process of collage, and my vintage habit is an extension of that affinity.

Now onto the really important questions…

Q: If you were an appliance, what kind of appliance would you be?
A food processor. Why? Self explanatory.

Q: Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
The love of my life.

Q: What’s your most embarrassing moment?
For a long time I pronounced the word "chic" like one referring to a small bird.

Q: Movie star crush?
How about rock star crush? Mathew Houck from the band Phosphorescent.

Q: Black and white or a hazy grey?
It depends on the F stop.

Q: Who’s on your iPod?
Lots. Today I was listening to New Young Pony Club.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win?
Harry. Totally Harry.

Q: Best advice you ever received?
"There is a really cool website called 'etsy' that you should check out"

For more retro/vintage fabulousness, check out Paint it Gold's Store!

YouTube Tuesday!!

A fun prank................... :o)

The Fun Jar

I'm over at The Mama Dramalogues today. Come check it out! :o)

In the Heyday

It's been over two weeks since the King of Pop died and while admittedly I wasn't a fan lately, I sure was back in the day. Yes, he was weird and eccentric, with major Peter Pan Syndrome, but you can't deny that he was talented.

I was a little young (more likely non-existent) to admire the Jackson Five but I loved Billy Jean, Beat It and of course Thriller. I even rocked out to the Bad album with my older brother. We used to pretend we were djs and play a mix of songs from our favorite tapes. We had song intros and even did our own lame commercials, usually about toys, but I probably still have our studio efforts locked away somewhere. Even more dated than the fact that we had tapes is that we had E.T. on vinyl with Michael Jackson narrating. And I remember when they used to play Captain EO at Disneyland instead of the lame Honey I Shrunk the Audience. I hope that maybe Disney will bring it back for a limited time because that movie was so cool. At least, I thought so at the time.

We borrowed Moonwalker from my neighbor and even with it's weak plot, I still loved watching all of the musical segments. My all time favorite being the Smooth Criminal part. Everything was awesome; the song, the choreography, the storyline, everything. Pure genius, in my opinion. If you have 9 minutes to kill, you should watch it in its entirety. If you have even more time, this same person uploaded the entire Moonwalker movie to Youtube. It's broken out into 12 segments, because you can't upload that much at a time on Youtube, but the whole thing definitely brought back memories. (Don't worry, the sound is on, don't adjust your speakers).

His death is a tragic loss, not only in the talent he had, but mostly because of his children. They've only ever known a household with one parent and I'm sure they feel orphaned about now. It's also sad that he was never able to do his planned tour and let his kids see him at his best: an immensely talented performer with the world watching in awe.

Feature Friday - Mossiness

Q: Tell us a little about yourself; what makes you so special…
Hi there, my name is Lyn. I live and play in beautiful northeast Georgia with my one very amazing 6 year old daughter and an assortment of sweet furry friends. As a lifelong artist and nature lover, I've probably spent more time than the average person daydreaming. Be it about my next project and getting distracted by anything that captures my imagination. Some would call it dawdling, to me it's just what I do and how I think. My mind is endlessly curious and always hungry for knowledge, which has plunged me down many different artistic paths, always returning to my true loves: painting and photography. Having recently discovered beads and gemstones, I do believe I'm in love all over again......

Q: What do you make/create?
Making jewelry is my latest obsession/compulsion. And perhaps I could be the luckiest gal in the world, having my own bead shop on etsy which affords me an incredible selection of beads and gems to work with. I don't know what process other designers may use, but most pieces seem to make themselves. I just sit quietly while my fingers get busy. May sound a bit odd, but rarely having a clear idea beforehand of what the finished piece will be, I'm usually surprised by the end result. Whatever it is, I find the process very soothing and hypnotic.

Now onto the really important questions…

Q: If you were an appliance, what kind of appliance would you be? Why?
I would be a microwave oven so I could get the tedious tasks done and out of the way in an instant.

Q: Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
My mom.

Q: What’s your most embarrassing moment?
I don't get terribly embarrassed, but I may admitting I don't even own an iPod.

Q: Movie star crush?
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack. Beautiful Heath Ledger... gone but never forgotten.

Q: Black and white or a hazy grey?
Black and white, I love contrast.

Q: Who’s on your iPod?
IF I had one, it would be U2, Sting, Rob Zombie, ZZ Topp, Metallica and Celtic music.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
They wouldn't fight one another. They'd join forces and become the invincible duo (with a little squabbling over the sidekick issue).

Q: Best advice you ever received?
Love yourself first and you'll have an endless supply of love to share. Once that's accomplished, just go with the flow.

Check out more of Lyn's fabulous wares!

YouTube Tuesday!!

If you haven't read the book yet, do it before August 14th. I don't know that I would have cast Rachel McAdams, but I think Eric Bana is a good fit. Can't wait to see it!

Dance Your Cares Away, Worry's for Another Day......

"Let the music play, down at Fraggle Rock!"

I'm reminiscing over at the Mama Dramalogues today, come blast into the past with me. :o)

The Mama Dramalogues

Feature Friday - Rachel Marsden Photography

Q: Tell us a little about yourself; what makes you so special...
I'm Rachel and I'm 25 years young. I live in Brisbane in Australia. My heart belongs to Stanthorpe, the small country town where I grew up well known for its apples, grapes, wine and freezing winters. The love I have for this town is deeply reflected in the work I make as a photographer. I've been a professional photographer since 2002. Until very recently I worked at one of the country's most well known wedding photography studios capturing the magic moments that happen on a couple's most special day.

Q: What do you make/create?
I like to find magical things to photograph and if I can't find something I like to set up something magical and then photograph it. I especially like balloons, old things and creating things that I've had dreams about. With a degree just finished my work is oft times conceptual but always aims to be beautiful, dreamy and accessible.

Now onto the really important questions...

Q: If you were an appliance, what kind of appliance would you be? Why?
I would be an oven, always baking yummy things like cupcakes, chocolate cake and Sunday roasts. Mmmmm. It's almost winter here so warm things are appealing to me. If it was summer I'd probably say I was a fridge.

Q: Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
My Dad. He rang me for photography advice. Growing up, my dad was always taking photos and that's what inspired me to pick up a camera when I got older.

Q: What's your most embarrassing moment?
This is a truly horrible story which I feel very ashamed about and still get red faced about to this day. A year or so ago I bumped into a much older relative whom I'd never really had much contact with. We were chatting away rather awkwardly as we didn't have much in common and had hardly seen each other. Luckily (or so I thought) my Dad had mentioned to me that it was her and her husband's 50th wedding anniversary that weekend so I thought 'great, something pleasant to talk about'. Unfortunately, it wasn't until I saw the tears welling up in her eyes that I remembered her husband had passed away a few years ago. I have never felt so ashamed or embarrassed.

Q: Movie star crush?
Not really a crush, but I really admire Geoffrey Rush for his amazing versatility as an actor.

Q: Black and white or a hazy grey?
A very hazy grey, like a beautiful fog on a brisk winters morning.

Q: Who's on your iPod?
Figuratively speaking: Gurrumul - the blind Australian Aboriginal singer, Zoe Keating - amazing Celloist, Sigur Ros, Sia, Run Lola Run Soundtrack (an oldie but a goodie)

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
Depends on what they were fighting for. If it was for me I'd hope Luke Skywalker would win! Harry Potter is a little young for me.

Q: Best advice you ever received?
I collect quotes but here are the ones that have helped me the most: Life is for learning lessons and gaining wisdom. Live your dreams and never, never give up.
And most importantly: Stay in the present moment, feel it, breathe it, live it.

For more amazing photography, check out Rachel's store!

Anyone Else Hate to Cook?

I'm so not a chef/cook by any stretch of the imagination. Really, I hate cooking. I keep thinking that maybe my disdain is due to having a small kitchen, no "proper" training or a fridge that doesn't have the freezer on the bottom (I'm sure I'd enjoy cooking more if I had a freezer on the bottom).

So, I'm all about making it asap with minimal effort and if I can avoid touching raw meat, BONUS!!! Here's a complete, simple meal that's ready in an hour, but only because the chicken bakes for that long. Prep time is only five to ten minutes. Serve with canned fruit like peaches and some fresh from the store bakery French bread.

Entree: Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients

1. Boneless, skinless, frozen chicken breasts (4 or however many you can fit in a 9x13 baking dish) The chicken doesn't affect the taste or the overall dish, so you can make as much or little as you need.
2. 1 can cream of mushroom soup (I use the fat free one)
3. 1 cup of milk
4. 1 packet of onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place froze chicken breasts into baking dish then mix together cream soup, milk and onion soup, until blended, and pour over the chicken. Bake for 1 hour. Serve over rice.

Salad: Cranberry Almond
Ingredients

1. Dried cranberries (I use Craisins)
2. Slivered almonds (you can find these in the produce department next to the croutons)
3. Shredded mozzarella
   
4. 1 package of ready to use salad lettuce mix
5. Dressing of choice (I like ranch with the cranberries)

You can buy everything ready for use (so simple), so all you need to do is throw it all together in a bowl and use however much or little of each ingredient as you want. The cranberries have a nice tangy flavor and the almonds provide a little crunch. Yummy and simple.

Enjoy!