Positivity in The Big Apple

On December 17th of last year I left my third New Star Positivity tin in the Night Fever exhibit at the Museum of Sex in New York City. I hope whoever comes across these tins, opens it and feels a little better once they've read through the list of qualities that I saw in them.

To Hell and Back: The Kane Hodder Story

Saturday evening I was watching Svengoolie with Pax and on a commercial break he inquired, "You like documentaries, right?" Oh, what an understatement that is! He then proceeded to tell me of a doc he saw recently about a stunt man who was known for playing Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th films. I've never actually, to my knowledge, seen any of his horror films, but his life story was engrossing. Both Terri and Pax had met him at horror conventions and said what a great guy he was and that absolutely comes across in the film. It is certainly worth a watch and I'm glad that rather than click "Rent" on Amazon, I selected "Buy."

(photo kidnapped from imdb)

A Day with the Boys

Today I went to pick up Jax for a trip to MOM's in Rosemont and discovered that there would be a showing at 2pm and therefore the house had to be vacated. Xavier and Mary would be out in PA, but that left everyone's favourite 14 year old boy, Zach. So we three piled in the car and waved "so long" to the parents and were off to lunch! We came home a couple hours later and I introduced them to The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. Jax liked it and I was delighted to look over from time to time and see his hands covering his face when he thought a scary bit was a-comin'. All in all, not a bad way to spend a Sunday!

Biblio Chair Dream!

I am not crafty or handy in any way possible, but if I were, I would abso-tootly make this chair. Only in dark cherry wood and an ugly vintage 70s pattern for the cushions. Oh, and I'd make different feet, perhaps solid block feet with engravings of the spines of books.

(photo kidnapped from pinterest)

Positive Quotes

Anytime I see an inspirational or relevant quote I chop it up and add it to my bulletin boards. These are the best of the batch:

Upile Chisala

I'm currently reading Soft Magic by this lovely lady and this one poem stood out for me.

Random Graffit'

Kween Bishop's Curry Recipe

INGREDIENTS
1 cup plain yogurt--use almond yogurt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon of sweet curry
3/4 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 15 oz can of chick peas/garbazon beans, drained.
1 med onion diced
2 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil
1 clove garlic minced
1 8- ounce can tomato sauce
1 15 oz can of coconut milk--full fat, unsweetened
2 tablespoons cornstarch [optional]
1-2 splashes of veggie stock.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro [optional]

Chop onions into a small dice.
Put olive oil in pot an heat... add salt and onions and saute until the onions are translucent.
Add cumin, pepper, curry, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, and pepper-- sautee with onions until they become aromatic.

Lower heat.
Drain can of chick peas and add to onion/spice mixture. Cook for 3 minutes.
Add tomato sauce and coconut milk.  Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally.
Add garlic and ginger to the mix then add veggie stock. If the mixture is really thick add a few more splashes of veggie stock.

Cover with lid and let simmer on med heat for 1 hour. Stir every ten to 15 minutes to make sure nothing is sticking at the bottom of the pot. If the liquids are evaporating or being soaked up by the chick peas, add more veggie stock. After an hour lower heat and add yogurt. Stir util combined.

IF the sauce is too thin for you...add the cornstarch. You'll have to make a slurry. Use the veggie stock for making the slurry. Then add to curry.

Let it simmer for 15 minutes until thick. Serve with rice and top with cilantro... if you want. That's it!

Summertime Flavoured Floss!

Look what Cocofloss released for Summer - watermelon flavoured floss! Clearly I ordered one immediately.

Go Gregory, Go!

The Broom of the System

I'm halfway through this extremely odd and sometimes (at least for this gal) difficult to follow book by David Foster Wallace. The one scene with Norman Bombardini at the restaurant, though? Oh my gosh, I was honest-to-God howling with laughter when he said to the waiter, "I could blugeon you with my belly." Bishop loaned me his copy of the book, but I scored the audiobook version from the library and it's read by Robert Petkoff, who does a simply phenomenal job. I'm gonna try to tackle Infinite Jest at some point; I just need the time and the brain power to give it a go.

Fourteen Years Ago Today

Pax and Bishop officially became domestic partners! Since then, they've married, but in 2004 it was a huge deal for these two to obtain a civil partnership. They went down to city hall and filed the paperwork. No registering for gifts or a little party or any kind of fanfare. So on July 25th, I picked up a Carvel cake and we had a mini celebration. These two fellas have been together since 1996 and it's been a blend of tough times and seriously great times. I hope with all my heart that they live happily ever after. 

A Postie from Positano!

Black/White/Grey Door

Best Site for Vegan Sweets

I love this one site that has the yummiest vegan recipes, however there are two things I don't like - the name, The Big Man's World, and the endless ads on the page. They seriously slow everything down and make me just completely ignore everything but the ingredients and instructions. I get that ads provide an income for bloggers, but they are fucking horrible for the readers. If you can overlook the name and the ads, check this fella out because he has some fab desserts for y'all to whip up!

June 2018 Donations

Planned Parenthood

It had been a long while since I tossed some money toward this organisation and now it seems that they need my support more than ever.

Who We Are:
In October 2016, Planned Parenthood turned 100 years strong. Planned Parenthood was founded on the revolutionary idea that women should have the information and care they need to live strong, healthy lives and fulfill their dreams — no ceilings, no limits. 

Today, Planned Parenthood is a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide.

4Ocean

It was "Save the Sea Turtles" month at 4Ocean, so I just had to get me another bracelet. I really love what 4Ocean does.

ActBlue

I mentioned this site on a previous post for World Refugee Day and decided to make a first time donation.

ActBlue is a nonprofit, building fundraising technology for the left. Our mission is to democratize power and help small-dollar donors make their voices heard in a real way.

We develop top-of-the-line fundraising software and offer simple, intuitive tools to help campaigns and organizations connect with new and existing grassroots donors. As a result, nonprofits thrive and Democratic campaigns get more donations through ActBlue than any other platform. Together, we build powerful movements.

How do we make that happen? Well, first we test and retest our contribution forms to maximize conversion rates. We make it as easy as possible to give, no matter where the donor is, or on what device they’re using. And we make it free for campaigns and organizations — no tricks or add-ons. And with a top-notch tech team, our tools are always dependable, and we’re always working to upgrade them.

Please join me in the Low Budget Philanthropy movement and help out your community and beyond in the simplest way - donating any amount to whatever charity or organisation that you care about!

Two Yellow Sweethearts

Yesterday afternoon I caught these two lovelies engaged in what appeared to be a blossoming love affair, just outside of Heart Beet Kitchen in Cwood. This new fad of vintage looking pastel bicycles is pretty much the best thing all Summer. In my perfect world I would have a pale pink one, with a big basket for when I’d go to the farmers market, rear saddlebags, and of course, a bell...just like I had in the 80s.

Summertime Tunes

Summer for a Jersey girl like me means harsh sunlight, high temperatures, cool breezes on good days, chilly nights, sunscreen, flip flops, driving with the windows down (when the AC isn't cranked up on full blast), the shore, watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, sweat stains on clothes, lightning bugs (fireflies for you Southerners!), chirping crickets and clicking insects at night, swing-sets, and kids out riding in groups on colourful bikes. It also is the perfect chance to make a killer summer-inspired playlist!

The Beatles - Can't Buy Me Love
Olly Murs - Wrapped Up
Culture Club - It's a Miracle
Billy Joel - A Matter of Trust
Katrina & the Waves - Walking on Sunshine
George Michael - Flawless
David Bowie - Let's Dance
Billy Stewart - Summertime
Martha & the Vandellas - Heat Wave
Chris Isaak - Summer Holiday
Dixie Chicks - Ready to Run
The Lovin' Spoonful - Summer in the City
Los Straightjackets - Pacifica
The Go-Go's - Vacation
The Shangri-Las - Remember Walking on the Sand
Ben Vaughn - Psycho Beach Party
Amy Winehouse - Rehab
Debbie Gibson - Out of the Blue
ABBA - S.O.S.
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Björk - Sun in My Mouth
Grizzly Bear - Sun in Your Eyes
Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Joni Mitchell - You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio
Shirley Bassey feat. Propellorheads - History Repeating
The Drifters - Under the Boardwalk
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Could You Be Loved
Len - Steal My Sunshine
Blues Traveler - Run-Around
Chicago - Saturday in the Park
Death Cab for Cutie - Summer Skin
Garth Brooks - Two Piña Coladas
Christina Aguilera - Fighter
Kim Mitchell - Summer (The First Time)
Belle and Sebastian - A Summer Wasting
Lyrics Born - Callin' Out
The Ventures - Hawaii Five-O
Spoon - The Way We Get By
Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are
Mercury Rev - In a Funny Way
Elvis Costello - Pump It Up
fun. - Some Nights
Carole King - Smackwater Jack
The Hollies - Bus Stop
Seals & Croft - Summer Breeze
Camping - Sie Sagt
Ani DiFranco - 4th of July
Barbra Streisand - On a Clear Day
Dolly Parton - Sweet Summer Lovin'
Bee Gees - Night Fever
Bebel Gilberto - So Nice
Marvin Gaye - Flyin' High
ABC - The Night You Murdered Love
Chad & Jeremy - A Summer Song

Nightmares!

I'm working overtime tonight and all weekend. Thankfully Jason Segel will be spinning a spooky yarn for me to pass the time. I love that he reads the audiobook version because you can hear his passion for the story and his excitement at telling the story. So far, it's wonderful!

(photo kidnapped from penguinrandomhouse)

Swanson Pyramid of Greatness

Oh my gosh, I do so love Ron Swanson. This pyramid chart solidifies it!

 

The REAL "Up" House

Look at this place!! Apparently it is located in Herriman, Utah and the owner of this whimsical abode is named Lynette Hamblin. How lucky is she?

(photos kidnapped from @uphouse's IG page)                       

Red Door

Bonnie Hunt

My mother and I absolutely adore this woman. She's really the package deal with a knock-you-down sense of humor, stellar writing skills, lethal beauty, and oodles of sweetness and charm. Have you ever seen her in an interview? She will capture your heart and make you wanna be her bestest bestie.

(photo kidnapped from disney.wikia)

My top ten favourite Bonnie Hunt Films:

Return to Me (previously mentioned here)
Only You
Green Mile
Beethoven
I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With
Toy Story 3
Zootopia
Now and Then
Cheaper By the Dozen
Jumanji
(honourable mention: Monsters, Inc.)

Venom

A few months back good ole Cerpts over on The Land of Cerpts and Honey gave a rave review of this film and so I decided to pick up a copy. I gotta agree with him; this movie was a big, fat enjoyable ride. Fab cast and great performances across the board. I mean, Sterling Hayden and Klaus Kinski on the same screen? How could it not be pure gold?

Belgium Beats Brazil!

This morning I woke up to a bunch of messages from Michel, all photos that were altered to express Belgium's defeat of Brazil in the World Cup. This one was my fave:

(En doe de groetjes thuis! Literally it translates to And give little greetings home! In my opinion it roughly translates, in this case, to essentially "Send greetings home" or more likely, "So long, suckers - hit the bricks!")

Demon Dentist

Demon Dentist is my second David Walliams book so far and I am seriously loving his writing! I liked Gangsta Granny a bit more than this book, but mostly because all the scary dentistry stuff gave me the willies. After this I will definitely be getting Awful Auntie. I really think the powers-that-be need to turn Walliams' books into films. The stories are wonderful and the PG crowd will go nutty for them!

I got a postcard!!

Look what I got in the mail from lovely Lady Miss Maureen, all the way from Michigan. I feel absolutely giddy!

Miyoko's Stole My Heart

When I decided to go vegan I was most worried about butter. No more butter...then I discovered coconut oil based vegan butter and was instantly relieved. Then I learned about palm oil and was super disappointed to find that it was in all fake butters. I was at my favourite local health store and saw that they had a vegan butter that I had never seen before. It was marked $7.59 but on sale for $5.29. Kinda steep but I was intrigued. Then I read the back. Dairy free, non-GMO, made from coconut oil with no soy based oils (Baby's body does not like lots of soy), cashews (mmm....that's gotta be some damn creamy butter!), and then....in all caps NO PALM OIL. I bought one, tested it out and went back three days later and bought the rest of the supply. At this very moment I am on their website and signing up for the newsletter. I love that this is the summary for the vegan butter: Elevate all of your culinary adventures with our cultured vegan butter that will make everything taste better. Bake with it, cook with it, spread it, your life will never be the same. I so am gonna elevate my culinary adventures! I'm also looking forward to testing out some of Miyoko's fake cheeses as I'm in need of a decent grilled cheese sandwich right about now...

Once Upon a Dream

Personally, this house is too big to truly feed my realistic daydreams, but look at that porch! Oh it's just a gorgeous home and if I was a suburban career woman, wife and mother of four (Jacinda, Nadia, Brendan, and Atticus, of course) this would be the house I would desire above all others. Well, only if it had a decent backyard, fenced in, with a swing-set for six, a pond for ducks, trees for shade, neighbours that were several blocks away, and a roomy doghouse for our two rescued pit bulls, Astrid Eliza Buttercup and Special Agent Dale Cooper, or maybe just Scuttlebutt... 

(Architect: JB Architecture and Siena Custom Builders, Inc. - photo kidnapped from @sienacustombuilders on Instagram - photo by LandMark Photography - home located in Naperville, Illinois - built and designed in 2007)

Missing Donna

Stumbling upon a video of my cousin Donna that was recorded on my thirtieth birthday was like uncovering a buried treasure. It was seven years before her death and Donna has her usual blah voice that is completely devoid of any feeling, but that lil' smirk at the end is representative of the essence of her goodness. She was in discomfort a lot of the time, both physical and psychologically, but seeing both sides of her captured on film for even the briefest of seconds is an utter jewel.

Miss Avery Rose, Cutie Patootie

Ashlee sent me these pix of her wee one and she is too sweet for words!