23 June, 2010
Duck Face
All I can say, is that this is freaking hilarious, and too true! Thanks to JuJu for finding it! ;-)
29 May, 2010
Ruche
I just found out about this exciting shop, Ruche, from my cousin. It has fabulous clothing, shoes, and accessories. Everything is very reasonably priced. Have a peek at their Summer 2010 Lookbook.
I know it is wrong, but I covet this dress!
17 May, 2010
"Things I Am Presently Addicted To" or "A Look Into Melissa's Diet"
Well, as I suspected, Matthew and I remain kitty parents. No wee ones on the way -- just a voracious need for dill pickles, totally unrelated to pregnancy.
On the off chance that you were wondering; I restocked the pickles today, and have had six thus far.
So, I started thinking about all the things I have been craving lately, and consuming almost every day (No, nothing else is quite like the "great pickle ravening."). Here is my short list:
- avacados -- I love avacados! I have been eating it sliced with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper on an English muffin for breakfast or lunch or as a snack. I've also had it more guacamole style on blue tortilla chips. Yum! I don't think you can go wrong with an avacado!
- Crystal Light On the Go Pure Fitness -- Now, I am not one who usually flavours my water -- and water is my beverage of choice -- but since my mother gave me a couple boxes of this stuff (and it's not loaded with artificial sweeteners, colours or super nasty chems) to try, I cannot drink enough of it. I am down to one grape and one strawberry kiwi. I am saving them to use during a workout.
- Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Crunch Cereal -- I am quite convinced that this is what heaven tastes like. I am a huge cinnamon fan, and this delicious cereal is sort of like a grown-up Cinnamon Toast Crunch. However, it's not as sweet, and I think it has a nicer cinnamon flavour.
The down side to the cereal is that it doesn't come in a very big box. So, truthfully, I personally, could/can eat a box in a day. (I like cereal for a snack or any other meal.) I don't know what to do with myself when we run out (Yes, we do buy the cereal in bulk, but running out does happen.) No other cereal seems to measure up, in my opinion.
- Sacla' Italian Tomato and Olive Sauce -- What can I say? I love olives. Especially kalamata and green. Yummy! So, when Matthew's at work, I oft make pasta, add a drizzle of olive oil, a whisper of oregano, a bit of Pecorino Romano, and some of this sauce. I also use it on pizza. Mmm! Add a salad, and a perfect and easy meal it does make.
Okay. So, yeah, I think I have a bit of an addiction to these consumables at the moment. Do you have any favourites that you cannot seem to live without?
On the off chance that you were wondering; I restocked the pickles today, and have had six thus far.
So, I started thinking about all the things I have been craving lately, and consuming almost every day (No, nothing else is quite like the "great pickle ravening."). Here is my short list:
- avacados -- I love avacados! I have been eating it sliced with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper on an English muffin for breakfast or lunch or as a snack. I've also had it more guacamole style on blue tortilla chips. Yum! I don't think you can go wrong with an avacado!
- Crystal Light On the Go Pure Fitness -- Now, I am not one who usually flavours my water -- and water is my beverage of choice -- but since my mother gave me a couple boxes of this stuff (and it's not loaded with artificial sweeteners, colours or super nasty chems) to try, I cannot drink enough of it. I am down to one grape and one strawberry kiwi. I am saving them to use during a workout.
- Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Crunch Cereal -- I am quite convinced that this is what heaven tastes like. I am a huge cinnamon fan, and this delicious cereal is sort of like a grown-up Cinnamon Toast Crunch. However, it's not as sweet, and I think it has a nicer cinnamon flavour.
The down side to the cereal is that it doesn't come in a very big box. So, truthfully, I personally, could/can eat a box in a day. (I like cereal for a snack or any other meal.) I don't know what to do with myself when we run out (Yes, we do buy the cereal in bulk, but running out does happen.) No other cereal seems to measure up, in my opinion.
- Sacla' Italian Tomato and Olive Sauce -- What can I say? I love olives. Especially kalamata and green. Yummy! So, when Matthew's at work, I oft make pasta, add a drizzle of olive oil, a whisper of oregano, a bit of Pecorino Romano, and some of this sauce. I also use it on pizza. Mmm! Add a salad, and a perfect and easy meal it does make.
Okay. So, yeah, I think I have a bit of an addiction to these consumables at the moment. Do you have any favourites that you cannot seem to live without?
16 May, 2010
Funny Little Cravings
Last evening, Matthew and I were relaxing with a game of Mass Effect 2 (In case you were unaware, yes, we are dorks. We love our video games!), when we stopped for a little snack. With Matthew being a chef, we write the date we open a product atop it. (Quite a good practice, I do think.) I have been having some serious dill pickle cravings as of late. So, I decided to have a pickle for a "starter" snack. Upon inquiring if I minded if he had the last one, Matthew looked at the date on the lid, and said, "You've eaten a jar of pickles since the eleventh? Are you sure you're not pregnant?"
Um, no. I don't think so. I guess we'll see in the next week or so, but I doubt it.
To be honest, I thought the same thing when the insatiable dill pickle craving swept over me on the eleventh. However, it's likely due to the fact that I haven't had pickles in well over a year.
Um, no. I don't think so. I guess we'll see in the next week or so, but I doubt it.
To be honest, I thought the same thing when the insatiable dill pickle craving swept over me on the eleventh. However, it's likely due to the fact that I haven't had pickles in well over a year.
24 April, 2010
Birthdays
My father's 65th birthday is on Monday, but we are celebrating it next weekend when my sister comes down to visit. I have been trying to think of the perfect, super special present for months, but what do you get the man who has and buys anything and everything he might fancy?
My mother was going to get him a Kindle, but the general consensus is that he'll never use it. He still hasn't learned how to use the little video camera my mother got him for Christmas.
So, now we're thinking of getting him this. My folks got one for Matthew for his birthday last year, and it is a very neat little device. My father has plans to build a bar in his "man cave" (his words) basement, and his cousin Ed sent him a set of specially engraved beer mugs for his birthday. So, it would go along with the theme, and it would be a memorable 65th present.
Do you have any 65th birthday suggestions?
My mother was going to get him a Kindle, but the general consensus is that he'll never use it. He still hasn't learned how to use the little video camera my mother got him for Christmas.
So, now we're thinking of getting him this. My folks got one for Matthew for his birthday last year, and it is a very neat little device. My father has plans to build a bar in his "man cave" (his words) basement, and his cousin Ed sent him a set of specially engraved beer mugs for his birthday. So, it would go along with the theme, and it would be a memorable 65th present.
Do you have any 65th birthday suggestions?
22 April, 2010
Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day everyone! I remember celebrating this day long before it was "cool" to do so. In fact, I remember wearing an Earth Day tee shirt to my (first) job (The Imaginarium -- a toy store) on said day. I'm not sure everyone got it. . . . That was a while ago, though.
So, what am I going to do to celebrate Earth Day? Well, it's hard to say, honestly. Matthew and I are very earth conscious already. I'm proud of the following things that we do:
- We recycle.
- We use very little electricity (Truthfully, there is usually one lamp on, with two CFL in it, in the evening. There might also be a telly on or one of the computers, but that's generally all. Unless, of course we are doing laundry (in our HE, Energy Star compliant washer and dryer) or using the dishwasher. Yes, we do need to upgrade our dishwasher. It's only three years old, but we do not feel like you should have to "wash" your dishes before "washing" your dishes. What a waste of water and time. So, that is on the list of soon to be upgraded appliances. We already have a fabulous Energy Star Bosch one picked out!)
- We use earth friendly, biodegradable bin liners.
- We use earth friendly cat litter.
- We try to buy only organic produce and food products.
- We use only organic, earth friendly cleaning products.
- We use recycled toilet paper, tissues, and napkins.
- We use only biodynamic or organic, earth and body friendly toiletries -- and I do mean every toiletry, from cologne to toothpaste to shower gel to deodorant to sunblock, etc. No chems for us.
Okay, I could go on, but I shall stop. I am not trying to sing the praises of Matthew and Melissa. I am merely pointing out all the ways that we celebrate the earth on a daily basis, and not just on the one designated day. After all, we shouldn't wait for the 22nd of April to come round to celebrate the earth. We should respect and care for our planet -- and by doing so, ourselves -- each and every day. :-)
So, I am not really sure what I shall do extra today. Do you have any suggestions?
So, what am I going to do to celebrate Earth Day? Well, it's hard to say, honestly. Matthew and I are very earth conscious already. I'm proud of the following things that we do:
- We recycle.
- We use very little electricity (Truthfully, there is usually one lamp on, with two CFL in it, in the evening. There might also be a telly on or one of the computers, but that's generally all. Unless, of course we are doing laundry (in our HE, Energy Star compliant washer and dryer) or using the dishwasher. Yes, we do need to upgrade our dishwasher. It's only three years old, but we do not feel like you should have to "wash" your dishes before "washing" your dishes. What a waste of water and time. So, that is on the list of soon to be upgraded appliances. We already have a fabulous Energy Star Bosch one picked out!)
- We use earth friendly, biodegradable bin liners.
- We use earth friendly cat litter.
- We try to buy only organic produce and food products.
- We use only organic, earth friendly cleaning products.
- We use recycled toilet paper, tissues, and napkins.
- We use only biodynamic or organic, earth and body friendly toiletries -- and I do mean every toiletry, from cologne to toothpaste to shower gel to deodorant to sunblock, etc. No chems for us.
Okay, I could go on, but I shall stop. I am not trying to sing the praises of Matthew and Melissa. I am merely pointing out all the ways that we celebrate the earth on a daily basis, and not just on the one designated day. After all, we shouldn't wait for the 22nd of April to come round to celebrate the earth. We should respect and care for our planet -- and by doing so, ourselves -- each and every day. :-)
So, I am not really sure what I shall do extra today. Do you have any suggestions?
Update: Well, I spent my Earth Day waiting for my neighbours' cat to step into our humane trap. The kitty has been missing for twelve days, and Matthew discovered that she keeps coming to the culvert at the end of our drive. So, yesterday, we set up one of those humane traps that one uses to catch raccoons and feral cats and the like, and baited it with stinky tuna. I didn't sleep all night -- and the naughty kitty didn't show. She's usually at the end of our drive around 4-5 in the morning. Her mum saw her at 15:30, but not near the trap.
So, tonight KoKo, the naughty kitty whose father accidentally let her out, your mum and I are sitting another vigil. Please come get in the cage. Your family misses you terribly -- and you're driving this kitty mummy crazy.
What did you do for Earth Day? :-)
21 April, 2010
Snuggles
Wookie and Gracie bonding.
I just realized the time! I have been editing pictures for the past few hours. I have to say, editing photos and playing The Sims need to be done with a timer in front of you. Well, at least for me they do. :-P
So, I should have been in bed hours ago, but I wanted to get some of the backlog of photos that Matthew and I have, sorted and posted for our family and friends back in Old Blighty. I figured that as long as I am still up at the moment, that I would post a wee blog entry. Well, rather, that I would share a lovely photo of two of our babies.
25 February, 2010
Perspective on Life
I know that it has been ages since last I posted an entry. There have been many things that I have been meaning to share, but just haven't gotten around to it -- as you can see. The events of the past week, especially what happened this evening, compelled me to blog -- even though it is now 2.30 in the morning, and I know I don't usually post sombre happenings. In this case, I just had to get it off of my chest.
This past week has been very stressful. Four people in my life have been sent to hospital for various reasons. The most shocking of which was an old family friend, Dottie, that I have known since I was six. She had a heart attack. She's a nurse, and her quick thinking surely saved her.
Yesterday, we received a package from England. I figured it was the shirt that I had ordered from Jack Wills. However, it was addressed to Matthew. As he opened it, I then thought it was bits and bobs from childhood and the like, that his mum had sent over. However, when I went over to see what she had sent, I realized that it was a package from his friend Chris, containing items that had belonged to Chris's brother Ed.
Ed was one of Matthew's best friends who, very sadly and tragically, died three years ago. I never got to meet Ed in person, but had talked to him on the phone, online, and via text messaging. He was the sort of person you loved one minute -- as he was funny as hell, loved animals, and was very kindhearted -- but you could hate the next, when he had been drinking far and above excess, and was high on God only knows what, thus causing him to say and do hurtful things. But even when you hated him, you had to love him.
I'm not sure if Ed ever really knew or could understand just how much Matthew cared for him. Even from across the ocean, Matthew tried to help him. I think in Matthew's mind, Ed was more a brother, than a friend.
No amount of help seemed to be able to save him from himself -- though he did try from time to time to clean himself up. Sometimes it seemed that he might actually make it. . . .
In the end, it wasn't suicide that took him. Though he had threatened and tried in the past. He didn't overdose either. But, a decade of hard drinking and drugs most assuredly caught up to him, causing the trouble that took him.
Ed's brother Chris had said, three years ago, that he would be sending Matthew some things he thought Ed would want him to have. Two notebooks, two photographs, his pipe and tobacco holder, and a Swansea City scarf and jacket. It's very sad to think how these few possessions are a very accurate "picture" of his life.
Matthew plans to have the jacket framed. Perhaps we'll do a shadowbox? Either way, I know we'll hang it in our library. Ed would have wanted it that way. I can just imagine him in our library, pipe in hand, leaning up against the fireplace, spinning some hilarious, ridiculous tale.
I pray you are at long last at ease. I loved you too, you silly, wonderful, twat, you. . . .
www.cheesetimes.co.uk
This past week has been very stressful. Four people in my life have been sent to hospital for various reasons. The most shocking of which was an old family friend, Dottie, that I have known since I was six. She had a heart attack. She's a nurse, and her quick thinking surely saved her.
Yesterday, we received a package from England. I figured it was the shirt that I had ordered from Jack Wills. However, it was addressed to Matthew. As he opened it, I then thought it was bits and bobs from childhood and the like, that his mum had sent over. However, when I went over to see what she had sent, I realized that it was a package from his friend Chris, containing items that had belonged to Chris's brother Ed.
Ed was one of Matthew's best friends who, very sadly and tragically, died three years ago. I never got to meet Ed in person, but had talked to him on the phone, online, and via text messaging. He was the sort of person you loved one minute -- as he was funny as hell, loved animals, and was very kindhearted -- but you could hate the next, when he had been drinking far and above excess, and was high on God only knows what, thus causing him to say and do hurtful things. But even when you hated him, you had to love him.
I'm not sure if Ed ever really knew or could understand just how much Matthew cared for him. Even from across the ocean, Matthew tried to help him. I think in Matthew's mind, Ed was more a brother, than a friend.
No amount of help seemed to be able to save him from himself -- though he did try from time to time to clean himself up. Sometimes it seemed that he might actually make it. . . .
In the end, it wasn't suicide that took him. Though he had threatened and tried in the past. He didn't overdose either. But, a decade of hard drinking and drugs most assuredly caught up to him, causing the trouble that took him.
Ed's brother Chris had said, three years ago, that he would be sending Matthew some things he thought Ed would want him to have. Two notebooks, two photographs, his pipe and tobacco holder, and a Swansea City scarf and jacket. It's very sad to think how these few possessions are a very accurate "picture" of his life.
Matthew plans to have the jacket framed. Perhaps we'll do a shadowbox? Either way, I know we'll hang it in our library. Ed would have wanted it that way. I can just imagine him in our library, pipe in hand, leaning up against the fireplace, spinning some hilarious, ridiculous tale.
I pray you are at long last at ease. I loved you too, you silly, wonderful, twat, you. . . .
www.cheesetimes.co.uk
17 October, 2009
Almond Cupcakes with Chocolate Almond Frosting
How I love to bake! It's a wonder that Matthew and I don't weigh a tonne each!
This evening I made Vegan Almond Cupcakes with Chocolate Almond Frosting. It was my first go with this partially "Melissa Made Up" recipe. So, I only made one batch. This equated to one dozen. Let me just say that a dozen is NOT enough. There are only six left now (It was imperative that we try them at their various stages of completion.), and I am sending Matthew off with two in the morning. One for himself, and one for his friend Kent.
Sigh. . . . It looks as though I shall need to make some more this evening. :-) Otherwise, how will I be able to share them with my folks, some of our neighbour friends, and (hopefully) a visiting out-of-town friend? :->
When I have a moment, I will post the recipe. I'd love to know what you think of these cupcakes as well. Are they really that delicious? Or are Matthew and I just totally mad for almond flavouring? I'd say both. . . .
This evening I made Vegan Almond Cupcakes with Chocolate Almond Frosting. It was my first go with this partially "Melissa Made Up" recipe. So, I only made one batch. This equated to one dozen. Let me just say that a dozen is NOT enough. There are only six left now (It was imperative that we try them at their various stages of completion.), and I am sending Matthew off with two in the morning. One for himself, and one for his friend Kent.
Sigh. . . . It looks as though I shall need to make some more this evening. :-) Otherwise, how will I be able to share them with my folks, some of our neighbour friends, and (hopefully) a visiting out-of-town friend? :->
When I have a moment, I will post the recipe. I'd love to know what you think of these cupcakes as well. Are they really that delicious? Or are Matthew and I just totally mad for almond flavouring? I'd say both. . . .
16 October, 2009
Shoes for a Cause
Every October for the past sixteen years, QVC has held the FFANY Shoes on Sale® Event. Designers donate thousands of pairs of shoes. All shoes are half off, and the net proceeds go to breast cancer research. How awesome is that?!
Though the actual live event has passed, there are still plenty of shoes to be had online. You should check it out!
So, this is an event that I tune in to every year. I love shoes. :-) This year, I ordered two pair. However, I cannot stop thinking about these. . . .
I wonder though, do they say, "Lady of the evening?"
Though the actual live event has passed, there are still plenty of shoes to be had online. You should check it out!
So, this is an event that I tune in to every year. I love shoes. :-) This year, I ordered two pair. However, I cannot stop thinking about these. . . .
I wonder though, do they say, "Lady of the evening?"
10 August, 2009
Little Bits Shop
Guess what? . . . My Little Bits Shop and official website are coming soon! Watch this space for more details! :-)
09 August, 2009
Hot
I must admit it . . . I don't like the summer. I feel bad saying that, but how can you enjoy it when it's so bloody hot and humid out?!
It was in the mid 90s (Fahrenheit) today with grotesquely high humidity. It's supposed to be in the hundreds tomorrow, and continue like this for the next few days. Now please, how can this be enjoyable?
I am like a recluse during the summer. I stay in my nicely air conditioned home and only venture out if needs must during the day. (Hmm . . . So I guess I'm more like a vampyre than a recluse.) Night doesn't get much cooler here, but at least you don't have the sun beating down on you--and if you know me, then you know the sun is not my friend. "Ghostly white" is my natural colouring, and a few moments in the sun sans sunblock equals burnt Melissa. (Not that I go out in the sun without sunblock, mind.)
This weather hinders my baking plans as well. Who wants to heat the house up even for something as delicious as almond chocolate chip cookies? Newly acquired Plum Kuchen recipe, you're on the 'back burner' for now. But wait! My mini doughnut pans will be here Tuesday. Oh please, hell-like weather, do abate! The mini doughnuts must be made!
Autumn, you cannot get here soon enough for me. . . .
It was in the mid 90s (Fahrenheit) today with grotesquely high humidity. It's supposed to be in the hundreds tomorrow, and continue like this for the next few days. Now please, how can this be enjoyable?
I am like a recluse during the summer. I stay in my nicely air conditioned home and only venture out if needs must during the day. (Hmm . . . So I guess I'm more like a vampyre than a recluse.) Night doesn't get much cooler here, but at least you don't have the sun beating down on you--and if you know me, then you know the sun is not my friend. "Ghostly white" is my natural colouring, and a few moments in the sun sans sunblock equals burnt Melissa. (Not that I go out in the sun without sunblock, mind.)
This weather hinders my baking plans as well. Who wants to heat the house up even for something as delicious as almond chocolate chip cookies? Newly acquired Plum Kuchen recipe, you're on the 'back burner' for now. But wait! My mini doughnut pans will be here Tuesday. Oh please, hell-like weather, do abate! The mini doughnuts must be made!
Autumn, you cannot get here soon enough for me. . . .
05 August, 2009
Sleepy
Today is the second day where I feel like doing nothing but sleeping. I have things I need to do (finish taping off in my sewing room for painting) and want to do (finish making the curtains for the living room), but would really like to just forget everything and cuddle up with Grace for a nap.
19 July, 2009
Sunday Brunch With My Folks
My berries sank to the bottom. Not the prettiest of cakes, but it tastes divine!
In addition to the Zucchini/Courgette Pancakes, Matthew made a beautiful Breakfast Pizza (of the non-vegetarian variety--I didn't think I'd want any, but boy did it smell delicious! My folks loved it!). He also made Tomato Relish to go with it. I made iced tea, and the blogging world's tastiest recipe of the moment, Raspberry Buttermilk Cake! My mother and father brought some scrumptious peach bread.
16 July, 2009
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