tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10346344487546140762024-03-05T16:15:42.811-08:00The Serendipitous LibrarianJenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-87113583845607157912013-08-31T18:55:00.000-07:002013-08-31T18:56:38.706-07:00I like to make stuff...For the past couple of weeks, I've been sewing away. Here's a picture of the dress that I made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVuy1Yp_dzJf1jRLgsMerxyQphWHtLWtqBvRM1hVIS19_3d6lLx3ATwCjjH0pajyHQGGIrFgu_A3IjnbvL_6iNsz5KaLhImGlOQJaIn_YuSw_46KgxeNMcnbgdUI0znJyR4s3oi86uiM/s1600/Washi+Dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVuy1Yp_dzJf1jRLgsMerxyQphWHtLWtqBvRM1hVIS19_3d6lLx3ATwCjjH0pajyHQGGIrFgu_A3IjnbvL_6iNsz5KaLhImGlOQJaIn_YuSw_46KgxeNMcnbgdUI0znJyR4s3oi86uiM/s320/Washi+Dress.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I absolutely love the fabric, which is covered with a pattern that has birds and flowers that are paint by number. It's really cute! I used the Washi dress pattern (http://www.made-by-rae.com/washi/). The pockets are probably my favorite feature of this dress. Plus, it's super comfortable.<br />
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I started a skirt today. The pattern is called the Kelly skirt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF_Or1MUtGkhki4ZbSrAeubWsgGCWcHIEDydNNRLEGbkw4Qncg3psPFq2JbCKy8rMS3noK40E5KuEGoYVG4c8AgrANZt6Eke6X03lanVTl1cJgiQqKiTEQsMkSnTLfZrEZLhEFFnIUKM/s1600/kelly+skirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF_Or1MUtGkhki4ZbSrAeubWsgGCWcHIEDydNNRLEGbkw4Qncg3psPFq2JbCKy8rMS3noK40E5KuEGoYVG4c8AgrANZt6Eke6X03lanVTl1cJgiQqKiTEQsMkSnTLfZrEZLhEFFnIUKM/s320/kelly+skirt.png" width="245" /></a></div>
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I'm thinking that this will not only make a great summer skirt, but it will be a nice transition into the fall. I can pair it up with some black tights and boots. Here's a picture of what I've made so far. I cut out the pattern, sewed the pockets, pinned the pleats and I've begun to assemble the skirt. I'm hoping it will turn out okay. </div>
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<br />Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-58583827658523357742013-08-20T09:33:00.002-07:002013-08-20T09:33:54.155-07:00Rosie's Magic Horse ReviewRosie's Magic Horse is a gem of a book written by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Quentin Blake. Children will immediately recognize Blake's work from Roald Dahl's books. The heartwarming and silly illustrations set the stage for this story, which is about a little girl, who collects ice-pop sticks that she finds on the ground. The sticks wish to be something other. They wish to be something important (after all, who would want to be a used stick in a shoe box), so they become a horse and take the little girl on an adventure to find treasure. The children that I read this story to, absolutely loved Stickerino, which is an adorable name for a horse and they were surprised that the little girl was able to solve her family's financial problems by finding a pirate's treasure. It's a simple story, but one that many children will identify with, especially if their family is experiencing financial troubles. Every child wishes to be a hero and this story fulfills this wish. If you're doing a storytime, pair this story up with "No Fits, Nilson!" by Zachariah OHora and "Should I Share My Ice Cream?" by Mo Willems. <br />
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<br />Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-54386701445167343432013-08-20T09:30:00.002-07:002013-08-20T09:32:12.890-07:00Colorful Dreamer: The Story of Artist Henri Matisse Review<br />
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Colorful Dreamer by Marjorie Blain Parker is the story of Henri Matisse, who has been one of my favorite artists since I was a little girl. Matisse didn't stumble upon his love of creating art until he was a young man. He first started out as a law clerk and the job stressed him out so much that he ended up in the hospital. It was while he was in the hospital that he discovered his true passion, which of course disappointed his family. No one wanted him to become an artist, but Matisse followed his heart and began to create nonstop. This picture book is an inspirational story and it really encourages readers to follow their dreams even if those dreams are not so popular. The illustrations are black and white in the beginning with bursts of color as we look into Matisse's imaginative mind. As the story continues, the colors become more and more vibrant and take over the pages. Matisse's style graces each page as he becomes an artist and the colors become permanent once Matisse is happy and living a creative life. Biographies have recently become very popular amongst elementary school students, especially The Who Was series, but Colorful Dreamer not only has a great story, but also engaging illustrations. I highly recommend this biography. It is a great addition to your library, especially if you're trying to add to your nonfiction or common core collection. Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-55764409719516273632012-07-11T17:05:00.000-07:002012-07-11T17:08:10.593-07:00Pineapple and Banana Smoothie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNiVtm7wH9S5SKIlxZqUK7Htf1JO-oNT1k64wT6OGJpCktrFo7jiLQkH2nPgu5nk8eiCGmHdJgYVKZVQXqosEDBVU7lkq1x6BVOGL7re2qu7-QTYfEqPwlD6E0nQG0jWawSVxVK-ohYo/s1600/Pineapple+and+Banana+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNiVtm7wH9S5SKIlxZqUK7Htf1JO-oNT1k64wT6OGJpCktrFo7jiLQkH2nPgu5nk8eiCGmHdJgYVKZVQXqosEDBVU7lkq1x6BVOGL7re2qu7-QTYfEqPwlD6E0nQG0jWawSVxVK-ohYo/s320/Pineapple+and+Banana+Smoothie.jpg" width="320" /></a>I bought a banana for 24 cents at Target and a pineapple for a $1 at the local farmer's market and made this fantastic smoothie. I'm not a fan of anything banana flavored, but this smoothie is incredibly sweet and refreshing. Here's the recipe:<br />
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1 banana<br />
1 cup fresh pineapple<br />
1/2 cup coconut milk<br />
1 tsp sugar<br />
3 ice cubes<br />
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Put ingredients in a blender. Enjoy!Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-43940574168367208682012-03-14T19:02:00.003-07:002012-03-14T19:22:36.543-07:00Green Smoothie Recipe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9mqQuPc7f2tr1Shd9Kkz1wME9q_9Bj_KQc4Hy0QAb7Vz3uC11NrtaBoOGw9gVGTiPAofUldytwD5Qeou7oZ_zoKpBFWY89694X0W8xueFMSPunvE-Zczpx8gM_p-QY8lwCr9_SbyvdY/s1600/Green+Smoothie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9mqQuPc7f2tr1Shd9Kkz1wME9q_9Bj_KQc4Hy0QAb7Vz3uC11NrtaBoOGw9gVGTiPAofUldytwD5Qeou7oZ_zoKpBFWY89694X0W8xueFMSPunvE-Zczpx8gM_p-QY8lwCr9_SbyvdY/s200/Green+Smoothie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719942946776304754" /></a><br />I was reluctant to try a smoothie with ingredients, such as spinach leaves and kale because my diet usually consists of Keebler cheese and crackers and gummy bears, but I've heard nothing but great things about how kale is so good for you, so I decided I should give it a try and maybe start eating right. <br /><br />I went to the supermarket and picked up all of the ingredients and threw everything into the blender. My drink was all green and looked like the gooey slime from You Can't Do That On Television. I sighed, grimaced and said,"Well, here goes nothing." My look of revulsion turned into absolute delight! This smoothie is yummy and nutritious. If you want a tasty treat that your body is going to love then here's the recipe. I can't recommend it enough.<br /><br />Green Smoothie Recipe<br /><br />Makes about three cups<br /><br />Ingredients<br />1/2 c. Vanilla Almond Milk<br />1 avocado<br />Juice of 1 lemon<br />1 c. kale<br />1/2 c. spinach leaves<br />1/2 c. pineapple<br />1 c. ice cubes<br /><br />2. Blend on high until all ingredients are mixed and then add ice. Blend until smooth.<br /><br />3. Enjoy!Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-8912012720423918672011-01-21T14:54:00.000-08:002011-01-21T16:14:04.189-08:00Snow Day!I've been debating whether I want to dig my car out of the snow today or deal with it tomorrow. Decisions, decisions. I basically spent my day in my pajamas. I watched Maury, Judge Judy, and Nate Berkus. Due to my vacation and several snow days, I find myself watching a lot of these shows. What can I say? I love train wrecks. The unfortunate side effects of watching these types of programs is that I suddenly have the urge to redecorate my apartment (even though I don't even have a shoe string budget to work with)and I've also added the terms "baby daddy" to my vocabulary (as I recently discovered during an embarrassing game of Catchphrase). <br /><br />I attempted to stick to some of my New Year's Resolutions by working on my journal today. I discovered a couple of things about myself while working on said journal: (1) I really, really want a cape.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITsn0JoHPGCORFYXgiXj6pm_0og1j9jdyTQ_NAMjiWNFkZxcs54N-udpHVE2pY0FklbJ5yO1f-XiIYUnWQA1OgVN0HDhvHMXPPme2901bWXZGncLarIrQx8357z1PXlp2VXzNzXU7dm4/s1600/sofia+in+black+cape.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITsn0JoHPGCORFYXgiXj6pm_0og1j9jdyTQ_NAMjiWNFkZxcs54N-udpHVE2pY0FklbJ5yO1f-XiIYUnWQA1OgVN0HDhvHMXPPme2901bWXZGncLarIrQx8357z1PXlp2VXzNzXU7dm4/s200/sofia+in+black+cape.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564779099724618690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawyvxK4_SoxXRmogtLM89kCp2yJO4TdAYTILcEfBkPdDVacbiDA-04dHXagd3817evkABG7NR8b1DTKfgiBF3BzYC_AMN38jFRfyqz1QlkjrUChDGxfuhkWH6zjC-IVlnUL8I43PrjXk/s1600/mary+poppins+bag.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawyvxK4_SoxXRmogtLM89kCp2yJO4TdAYTILcEfBkPdDVacbiDA-04dHXagd3817evkABG7NR8b1DTKfgiBF3BzYC_AMN38jFRfyqz1QlkjrUChDGxfuhkWH6zjC-IVlnUL8I43PrjXk/s200/mary+poppins+bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564795436724204162" /></a><br /><br />(2) Mary Poppins is a larger influence on my fashion sense than I expected, especially since I love unreasonably large purses that allow me to carry around a journal, a book, a camera and my favorite tea bags. That's right: TEA BAGS! I was recently teased for carrying around several STASH tea bags of Goji Berry Green Tea, which smell like Strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups. So sue me!<br /><br />Anywhosal, as I was sipping on some of my STASH tea, I was quite thankful that I didn't have to go into work. My entire week has been one fail after the next. The library's catalog crashed, which meant that I couldn't check books in or out or even look up books. ::Sigh:: Although I'm extremely grateful that we're automated, sometimes I long for the days of yore, where card catalogs got the job done just as effectively. <br /><br />My day off also became a day of list making. Before the end of this month, I need to make another mix cd in order to get my new year off to a great start, but which songs should I include? I was thinking about making some sort of summer themed mix, so that I can remember better days are ahead while driving in slush, bitter freezing rain, and snow. Here's a list of possible tunes:<br /><br />(1) Under the Milky Way - The Church<br />(2) Carnival- Bikini Kill<br />(3) Girls and Boys - Blur<br />(4) So Real- Jeff Buckley<br />(5) Even Better Than the Real Thing- U2<br />(6) Summertime- DJ Jazzy and the Fresh Prince<br />(7) Mary Jane's Last Dance- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers<br />(8) Animal- Neon Trees<br />(9) The Mystery Zone- Spoon<br />(10) Just What I Needed- The Cars<br /><br />Hm, and what else? I'll have to put some more thought into this. Any ideas?Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-20484249182027893142011-01-17T08:14:00.000-08:002011-01-17T20:28:47.629-08:00New Year's ResolutionsIt has been several weeks since the new year has gotten its start, and I'm still trying to complete my list of resolutions. I can't really seem to get started on any of them. Ina is having a lovely party to get a whole gaggle of us girls to come up with some resolutions, so maybe that will give me the kick in the pants that I need in order to get started with these things. My first resolution was to say kinder words to others. Unfortunately, I already broke this resolution by yelling obscenities to most of the downtown drivers in Boston and also telling my friends to go f*** themselves when I lost during the Just Dance 2 debacle (I need to work on my moves). Robin's resolution was to floss more and I thought this was a great resolution, especially since I just got two fillings for my cavities. I adopted this resolution and have promptly broken it (I got the floss stuck between my teeth and it made my gums bleed profusely). I'm a sissy. Ugh. <br /><br />Anywhosal, I sat down and decided I'm going to make a list of random things I want to accomplish and try to do at least two things on the list. I've stolen some of these resolutions and I'd like to know if anybody has any resolutions that I should add to this list. <br /><br />Ze List:<br /><br />(1) Spend more time with my family and friends. <br />(2) Maintain my blog on a weekly basis.<br />(3) Make more people smile.<br />(4) Surround myself with flowers.<br />(5) Read 2 books per month.<br />(6) Cook and share the results (no matter how much it sucks).<br />(7) Try that flossing thing, again.<br />(8) Create an etsy shop.<br />(9) Be fully present with the person/situation in front of me.<br />(10) Indulge in a couple of relaxing hours each week.<br />(11) Attend more yoga classes. Maybe teach yoga to kids??<br />(12) Take more random pictures and share those pictures.<br />(13) Write for at least an hour a week. Maybe publish something? <br />(14) Sew stuffed animals for my nieces.<br />(15) Be glad no matter what.<br />(16) Take an online course.<br />(17) Donate clothes and household items that I no longer need.<br />(18) Pay off my debt.<br />(19) Reorganize the picture book and early reader section of my library.<br />(20) Save at least $20 per week.<br />(21) Start wearing clothes that actually make me look classy instead of homeless. <br />(22) Start an art journal.<br />(23) Knit with the girls. <br />(24) And last, but certainly not least, just keep on being AWESOME!<br /><br />I think these are enough resolutions to keep me busy for a while! What are your resolutions?Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-48913646054208725322010-12-09T19:43:00.000-08:002010-12-09T20:09:44.353-08:00My 2010 Christmas WishlistIt’s that time of the year again, where I start to wonder what I really want for Christmas. Of course, I’d love to get an iPod touch and sound dock, but that’s gonna cost over $300, and frankly, I wouldn’t expect anybody to spend that much money on me. There are other items though that are not necessary, but I know I’d like to have, so let’s start from the top:<br />(1) Star Wars Pancake Molds from Williams-Sonoma ($20). I want the force to be with me as I pour maple syrup over Yoda’s sweet little head. How delicious. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jHbOiOmmHDnh_whYKoiPwdX8-8GPAjsNBNYyQJUc8S_a7XM-2SKzyWquQ6zUl8tyrJYGwKSN6Bm92uRwqKxFHZD9e-AkR9RIy2zqeFRH3XucJjBV2qrjRmR5HktbRnwHLlDSwcT5Q8w/s1600/pancakemolds.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jHbOiOmmHDnh_whYKoiPwdX8-8GPAjsNBNYyQJUc8S_a7XM-2SKzyWquQ6zUl8tyrJYGwKSN6Bm92uRwqKxFHZD9e-AkR9RIy2zqeFRH3XucJjBV2qrjRmR5HktbRnwHLlDSwcT5Q8w/s320/pancakemolds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548895330794127026" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/star-wars-pancake-mold/?pkey=x|4|1||4|star%20wars||0&cm_src=SCH">http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/star-wars-pancake-mold/?pkey=x|4|1||4|star%20wars||0&cm_src=SCH<br /><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(2) A Monocle Necklace ($30). If Erich von Stroheim and the Count can rock the monocle then why can’t I? Maybe I’ll start wearing a morning coat, spats and a top-hat too. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUNrEKhxKVIkHGQ2083uxdtV0-Ap1BH05Py3cxi6q9OVEo1b4pt00XBxZFXfiqiVoCRBxLcwnA2xyZjM8Fxy5EoUg_o_KjZ4e7g07ntxizZrTKYLV6VSpXku3mW7JDLvQPM3P2zC6lDU/s1600/monocle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUNrEKhxKVIkHGQ2083uxdtV0-Ap1BH05Py3cxi6q9OVEo1b4pt00XBxZFXfiqiVoCRBxLcwnA2xyZjM8Fxy5EoUg_o_KjZ4e7g07ntxizZrTKYLV6VSpXku3mW7JDLvQPM3P2zC6lDU/s200/monocle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548895612662662194" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://curiosityshoppeonline.com/monocle.html">http://curiosityshoppeonline.com/monocle.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(3) The Betty White 2011 Calendar ($11.69). Everybody knows that I’ve been a huge fan of the Golden Girls for decades. Betty is an animal lover and a Greek Girl to boot!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1DbubIMvT5oA_Iq6byI02ztkKv4mdKbtCNlsaOsQ1QgWNFXXMTDsWi06xlQPHEQ6hwlfIoGu4iTLN9kBbpjMk0eiSnPfCudjhEbNbOeqzoevyWvogBMiWmJg8YFLbivD63SCeSaIags/s1600/Betty.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1DbubIMvT5oA_Iq6byI02ztkKv4mdKbtCNlsaOsQ1QgWNFXXMTDsWi06xlQPHEQ6hwlfIoGu4iTLN9kBbpjMk0eiSnPfCudjhEbNbOeqzoevyWvogBMiWmJg8YFLbivD63SCeSaIags/s320/Betty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548895888283895826" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Betty-White-2011-Wall-Calendar/dp/0761163271/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IO966JTIZO14I&colid=T6CF44VQ0RCX">http://www.amazon.com/Betty-White-2011-Wall-Calendar/dp/0761163271/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IO966JTIZO14I&colid=T6CF44VQ0RCX</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(4) Soft Kitty Babydoll t-shirt ($19.99). Yes, it’s a t-shirt with Sheldon’s lullaby. You know the words, so sing them with me:<br /> <br />Soft kitty, warm kitty<br />Little ball of fur<br />Happy kitty, sleepy kitty<br />Purr purr purr<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l2pxMS5FyjTH6cvHNODjDWNoiVkzeKoHGoHL0DjbfJD9egMvg1kRUz1LpTnYi6tMqDZSVqXbR7R79uJ7ofVRixvFtW_GREjQ3a6Z2ZgDJ-TM4f3eRrdqNdM-wCDLb1OtdnAwtyqmVkw/s1600/softkitty.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l2pxMS5FyjTH6cvHNODjDWNoiVkzeKoHGoHL0DjbfJD9egMvg1kRUz1LpTnYi6tMqDZSVqXbR7R79uJ7ofVRixvFtW_GREjQ3a6Z2ZgDJ-TM4f3eRrdqNdM-wCDLb1OtdnAwtyqmVkw/s320/softkitty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548896149631967410" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/womens/e6eb/">http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/womens/e6eb/<br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(5) A gift certificate for a hot stone massage from MELT Spa. I don’t think I need to explain why I want this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh3Vb8ueuAIS7NJDhlqm5RppXqyK0eFOD__rkrT4zgjFVo2yf7pN71dDgmQoWVpEk8JKyaVYITf6LKypO57HWQXCyOsrQrn53td8u1TLvwGJXH2iBhx-4TZ_E6CaLsNOBGdDLIkiYggc/s1600/stonemassage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh3Vb8ueuAIS7NJDhlqm5RppXqyK0eFOD__rkrT4zgjFVo2yf7pN71dDgmQoWVpEk8JKyaVYITf6LKypO57HWQXCyOsrQrn53td8u1TLvwGJXH2iBhx-4TZ_E6CaLsNOBGdDLIkiYggc/s200/stonemassage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548896445969811938" /></a><br /><a href=" http://www.meltboston.com/spa.html"> http://www.meltboston.com/spa.html</a>Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-87748789247830019932010-09-23T17:50:00.000-07:002010-09-23T18:07:15.308-07:00Life is like a box of chocolates...moldyFood can be dangerous, especially if you love it as much as I do. Although my mother is an excellent cook, it still amazes me that both of my parents somehow have stomachs made of iron, and tongues that must be devoid of taste buds. I’ve seen them eat food that contains jell-o and meat and cuisine that smells like feet. They both keep food beyond its expiration date and insist that it’s still good enough to eat. I blame their impaired judgment on the fact that they grew up in an impoverished country after the war, but should that really be an excuse? My parents have always been pretty thrifty. My mother always attempts to re-gift items, which is why she holds onto boxes of chocolates, lotions and candles for decades. Yes, decades. It should be noted that chocolates also happen to be my kryptonite, especially chocolates with sweet chewy caramel. Whenever I’m presented with chocolates and caramel, my mind goes blank, my mouth waters and all logic goes out the window.<br /><br />It just so happens that a few years ago, I went to visit my parents during my winter holiday from school. Both of my parents were out shopping for the day, and I stayed home to catch up on some reading. It was the perfect day. I wrapped myself in my blue snuggie, plopped onto the couch, cracked open a good book and that’s when I noticed an entire box of chocolates on the coffee table. It was still wrapped up in plastic. The box had big gold letters that said: “CARAMEL CHOCOLATES.” Yum. My day was getting better by the minute. I couldn’t believe my luck.<br /><br />I got up from my comfy spot and scooted over to the box in order to attack my prey. This is where I should have stopped to let my brain do some thinking, but my mouth was salivating and there was no stopping me, despite the following warning signals: the box had a slight 1980’s look about it and there was an odd odor wafting from the box…kind of like shoe polish. I decided to ignore all proper warnings. I savagely tore off the plastic. I opened the box and saw a dozen or so chocolate caramels waiting for me. <br /><br />Again, some screaming red flags should have stopped me, but I was beyond reason as this point. You see, the chocolates not only smelled like shoe polish, but upon closer inspection, they were also slightly melted. I decided to chalk this up to the house being too warm. My parents don’t normally crank the heat, so I wasn’t too sure why I accepted this reasoning, but my mind was making all kinds of excuses for the poor state of these chocolates. Come to think of it, there were even more red flags, such as the family photographs on the coffee table, which means that my mother had been cleaning out the cabinet below the television. This cabinet is where miscellaneous items go to die, such my brother’s 8-track player and my mother’s collection of porcelain figurines that resemble hobos, but I digress. <br /><br />Despite all of the warnings, I decided to go right ahead and eat a chocolate. No one even dared me to do it! I was like Winnie-the-Pooh, dipping his paw into a vat of honey, only to realize that a bunch of bees were waiting at the bottom. My expectation of bliss soon turned into disgusted remorse. I fled into the kitchen and scrambled for the trash can. There are no words to convey the pure awfulness of this piece of chocolate. In fact, I don’t even think it deserves the name! I imagine that this is what a cross between cat toes and rotted cabbage must taste like. As I gagged and spit out the chocolate into the basket, my mind couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. I tore through the refrigerator and ate and drank everything in sight in order to eradicate the flavor of this moldy chocolate. An hour later, I had finished off the leftover pizza, a carton of orange juice and several apples, but nothing could get rid of the oily taste in my mouth. I went back into the living room, attempted to get comfortable, but then I saw the box of chocolates and my stomach lurched. It was time to get rid of them. As I picked up the box and placed the cover back on it, I noticed a bit of tiny print, which read: © 1985. No, it couldn’t be! It just couldn’t be! Yes, folks, I had just tasted chocolate that was over 20 years old! I threw the box out in disgust. I couldn’t believe that my parents had held onto it for so long. <br /><br />Later on that night, to my absolute horror, I found the box on the kitchen counter. I figured that there must be some sort of ghost in the house with a ridiculous sense of humor (of course, that’s the logical explanation), but no, my mother had fished it out of the trash. I confronted her and told her about my gruesome experience with these chocolates. She insisted that they were still good and kept them. I leave you to come up with your own conclusions at this point. <br /><br />I need a Snickers.Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1034634448754614076.post-53399372910557982552010-09-09T07:39:00.000-07:002010-09-09T09:21:44.974-07:00Summer Beverages<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zrLt8ro6H8o4aeE7KiaotN7C1Ng8jTmfm4yzyj89-A8mAac687VoL4myCFbyHinGuygPhExJ0FIleY-NBhsT6MsiSSZVPM1k2a3ZtP3TQg-f3jY4whhbsl-w9AVYWMYlKrYVsEbRsI8/s1600/bubbletea.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zrLt8ro6H8o4aeE7KiaotN7C1Ng8jTmfm4yzyj89-A8mAac687VoL4myCFbyHinGuygPhExJ0FIleY-NBhsT6MsiSSZVPM1k2a3ZtP3TQg-f3jY4whhbsl-w9AVYWMYlKrYVsEbRsI8/s320/bubbletea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514943197950088898" /></a><br />I hate to admit this, but summer is fading fast, so I need to talk about my favorite summer beverages before the topic of this post becomes completely irrelevant. So, here are my top five:<br /><br />(1) McDonald's Carmel Frappe. If loving this drink is wrong, I don't want to be right and at 470 calories, I should have stayed away, but just like Edward Cullen's bizarre addiction to Bella Swan, the Carmel Frappe is my personal brand of heroin...along with shopping trips to Target. <br /> <br />(2) Odwalla's Strawberry Protein Monster. It tastes like a strawberry Fruit Roll-Up! I usually have to pee a lot after I've had a bottle of it, so I have to make sure that I'm not in the middle of a Trueblood marathon if I decide to grab a second one. <a href="http://www.odwalla.com/">http://www.odwalla.com/<br /></a><br />(3) Bubble Tea (Passion Fruit). Sucking up the tapioca beads through the fat straw is my favorite part, and then I roll the bead around on my tongue before chewing on it. The Boston Tea Stop in Cambridge is one of my favorite places to go for bubble tea, especially after shopping at Oona's and New England Comics. <br /><br />(4) Apricot Vodka Martini. This drink is perfect in terms of classiness and having that super yummy flavor that sends your taste buds on a trip to Good Times Island. It's a sweet combination of fruitiness and alcohol. Take note, boys, this is the type of drink that could get a girl drunk pretty quickly. Recipe: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/apricot-vodka-martini-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/apricot-vodka-martini-recipe/index.html</a>.<br /><br />(5) Baklava sundaes. Okay, so technically this isn't a beverage, but ice cream melts, so I think it could fit into the drink category. The baklava sundae has honey, chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream, whip cream, and baklava (the main ingredient, of course). My mouth went to heaven and my thighs went to hell after having three of these in the course of one weekend. <br /><br />So, the moral of this post is to get out there and enjoy all of these calorie laden beverages and yes, you deserve it!Jenniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16512882773106671908noreply@blogger.com1