High Definition

The world as I know it has just changed. I got a flier in the mail today from our local monopoly cable company that it is about to add new HD channels. Among the new line up: Food Network. My dreams have just come true!

Mommy Would Be Proud (Warning: Very Disturbing Images Ahead)

My mother may sometimes have her opinions about my choices, but the one thing my mother never had to worry about was me ever getting a tattoo. True, it was mostly because I don't really understand why someone would voluntarily choose to be poked by a needle (and pay a fortune for it to boot), but in the end it really came down to one simple fact: I am indecisive--in manic proportions. I go in and out of phases quicker than tmz can blog about Britney Spears' latest mishap, so I just couldn't make the commitment.

Though I am thankful that I don't have a butterfly tattoo on my ankle (I went through a butterfly phase in the late nineties), it turns out it could have been worse. I couldn't believe my eyes (nor could I understand what this guy was thinking) when I stumbled upon this beauty that Mighty Girl discovered and posted on her blog:

It turns out, that this cat-astrophe is not in a league of it's own (oh how my mother would be proud of the google image searching skills I have acquired as a lawyer; and, no, this is not how I usually spend my time):

On a side note: two interesting observations about the belly centered tat (in case you are contemplating such a mistake): it seems to require an innie for the proper effect, and it also seems to only be a
mistake
choice men make.

And if using the belly button for artistic expression is not bad enough, what was this guy thinking?

Although, he clearly wasn't as dedicated as this guy:

So the next time your mother questions your judgment, you might want to point her in the direction of this post :)

Mission Impossible: 12 Things for $20 Bucks, You Do the Math

I (and therefore my blog) have been drawing a blank lately. I don't know if it's the recent heat wave coupled with my broken A/C, but I have been lacking in the inspiration department.

Thus, I was intrigued when I saw a link to this website that helps one jolt the creative juices by suggesting various writing prompts (thanks to Two Write Hands for posting the link on her blog). It was there that I was challenged by the following question: "What are the 12 things you would buy with your last $20." Unfortunately, it wasn't much of a "writing prompt," because, let's face it, can one really buy 12 things for 20 bucks these days?

One thing's for sure: I can't use it for 12 gallons of gas. (Although, I will point out that I was a bit too quick to complain about recent gas prices. As it turns out that it was actually a good thing that I filled my gas tank up last week with $4.29/gallon gas. I drove by a gas station today and it's already up to $4.35. Yikes!! Guess I'm going to have to learn how to ride a bike pretty soon.)

A Tsp. of Apple Cider Vinegar A Day Keeps the Doctor (and Cellulite) Away

I recently learned that Apple Cider Vinegar has very important health benefits, including: strengthening the immune system, balancing cholesterol, but more importantly, promoting weight loss and fighting bad breath, cellulite and acne.

I have to give my mother credit for this one. Ever since she discovered how to use the Internet, I often get these random tips from her via e-mail. The Apple Cider Vinegar e-mail, however, was particularly intriguing:

"a friend told me about this. Take 1 tbsp. in a glass of water before meals. It tastes awful, but if it works why not."

For some reason, shockingly, I was slow to jump on the bandwagon. Until I realized...hmmm...just the excuse I needed to make a Strawberry Summer Salad. Added health benefit without the yuck factor!

Hindsight

$4.29: That's how much I just paid for a gallon of gas...17 times over. If you don't have a car and are wondering if I am exaggerating, here is the proof:





I remember when I thought $2.00 per gallon was ridiculous (it was less than $1 when I started driving, and I'm not even that old)...guess that's just another example of how hindsight is always 20/20.

Lost in Translation

One thing I learned from my recent trip to Brazil is that it is a country full of amusing signs. Blame it on the poor translation or how easily amused I am...you be the judge:



So you tell me, how does one overtake a banister?

Strawberry Summer Salad

As hints of summer are approaching (or, at least, it is in California), I thought I would share the recipe for one of my favorite summer salads (and one of the few salads I make that doesn't use a store bought dressing). I learned this one from a good friend, and it is a keeper:

Ingredients:

Salad Ingredients:

1. 1 bag of spinach, rinsed



2. 1/2 cup of sliced toasted almonds



3. 3/4 cup of sliced strawberries

Dressing Ingredients:

1. 1/2 Cup of Sugar



2. 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds



3. 1 1/2 teaspoons red onion



4. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar



5. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
   

Equipment/Utensils:

1. Knife/Cutting Board


2. Whisk, Mincer and Large Mixing Bowl (or Blender)


3. 1 large serving bowl


4. Tossing utensils (or a fork and a spoon will do)
   
5. Small serving dish for dressing (optional)

Directions:

1. Mince the red onions (if you don't have a mincing tool or crazy knife skills, a few swirls in a food processor does the trick)


2. Place the minced red onions and the sugar in a bowl, and whisk together


3. Add the poppy seeds to the mixture and continue to whisk all ingredients together


4. Combine the veggie and the apple cider oil in one measuring cup, and slowly pour the oil into the dry ingredients and whisk together (so a slow and steady stream is being added as you whisk, but feel free to take as many breaks as your wrists need). (If you find whisks intimidating or aren't sure what mincing is, instead of following steps 1-4, you can also place all of the ingredients for the Salad Dressing in a blender and liquefy).


5. Thinly slice strawberries.


6. Toss strawberries, almonds and spinach in a salad bowl and set aside.


7. When ready to serve, toss with salad with dressing or serve dressing on the side (spinach will become soggy if dressing sits for too long).


8. Enjoy!