What's Cooking Wednesday?

Today was a test. I just want to start with that. I've had a rough one. So, I needed a really phenomenal piece for my What's Cooking Wednesday segment. I think it's safe to say I found one. It was easy, it was fun, it was scrumptious.

Last week, whilst scrolling through my Tumblr, I found this little gem:

A beauty, no?

Awesome! And, the directions were right there! It was perfect. Bought myself a white cake mix, a box of food coloring, and a stack of plastic cups. Now, before I go any further, I need to tell you about the food coloring. I found NEON. Neon food coloring. So totally rad. I was very excited to try it out. It worked great! I will point out that it's a little more pastel rather than neon, but to have purple and pink was super duper fun. Back to the cake... I just made it according to the directions, and poured an even amount into the cups. Then I dropped the batter into my cake pan all Jackson Pollock like and... ta da!! Tye Dye cake! Bake it, frost it, and you've got yourself a beautiful and groovy dessert. I didn't add the mustache, however. I think they're fun, and I am tickled by the fact that they're a bit of a trend right now, they're just not quite my style. Unless you're Captain Hook, and that's a horse of a different color.

Mine wasn't quite as pretty, but I'm still very happy.

Good times! I had so much fun with this cake. Maybe looking forward to it for almost a week added to the excitement. All I know is it was yummy and I had a good time. What more could a girl ask for at the end of a trying day?

Beauty in Moving Furniture

A dramatic reenactment of my sister and I

For the last few weeks my household has been rearranging furniture. Over and over again. We just haven't been able to get it right. Our living room is not so much oddly shaped, just... small. And I guess a bit oddly shaped too. Needless to say, it's been a mess. Time and time again, we've redone it. Nope, not right. Nope, not right. Nope, not right.

But today...

Today, I think we finally have it. The room is open, we have maximized seating, and there's even room for the coffee table. It's so refreshing! I feel like we have a new house! We're comfortable, we're nice and cool, we're happy...

Throughout my entire life, I've been a "furniture rearranger". Every few months I change it all around. I suppose it's one of those things that makes me feel alive. It not only refreshes the entire space, it stimulates my senses to walk into a room I once knew and now know in a whole new way. I love it. It's like the air is clearer. I can take deeper breaths. Whatever space I've just "redone" is now more perfect, and more mine. I put my heart and soul into it all over again. Where I live is very important to me. It needs to reflect me, and put me at ease. I need to feel delighted and relaxed at the same time. Every time I rearrange, It's a little more me. And, I just love that.

Beauty in Girls with Mohawks

I am instantly jealous of any woman with a Mohawk. I wish I were brave enough to shave my hair like that, or even a fauxhawk. I just love them so much. You have to have confidence to commit to such a style. Such a sense of strength comes with the Mohawk. I wish I was courageous enough to pull off the look. I love the edgy-ness. I love the passion. I love fun. I love it all.

Jealous!

The Mohawk just says so much. It says "I'm powerful" and "I am who I am". I've never seen a girl with a Mohawk who looked ashamed of it. She's independent. She's in charge. No one pushes her around.

Like I said, no one pushes her around

I also feel the Mohawk is timeless. They've been around for awhile, and they'll be around forever. Agreed? Yes, it's true. No matter where you go, you'll always find that "weird kid" with a Mohawk. And, that "weird kid" is probably more self assured than you'll ever know. They're not afraid of people judging them. Which, I might add, is more than commendable. How many times do we act thinking "I hope so-and-so doesn't think this or that of me" or "What will people say about me if I do yada yada". You see where I'm going with this, yes? I think I've let my thoughts run away with me... Where was I? Oh, right. The timeless Mohawk. I wonder if there will be a day when the Mohawk is no longer edgy, or a questionable look. There are always "crazy" hairstyles in distant future set movies. Maybe that just may be what happens. Everyone will have Mohawks, and the few who don't will be called rebels. On the flip side, though, I think the Mohawk loses a great deal of it's appeal that way. If the Mohawk were deemed "acceptable" it wouldn't be as respected, in my opinion.

If Rihanna can have one... I want one!

In fact, just today I gave my dog a Mohawk. And, while it's not the best photo, she looks fantastic! She's like a canine super spy! I'm very proud.

Agent Evelyn

The Mohawk is beautiful. There's no question about it for me. I don't have to think twice, or look again. It's gorgeous. When I see a girl with a Mohawk, not only am I proud of her confidence, I'm a tiny bit braver myself. She gives me courage. Her Mohawk inspires me.

Beauty in a Mini-Vacation

A few days ago a dear friend of mine visited. We took a day and drove to Twin Falls Idaho (a few hours from where I live) to see the falls and do some exploring. A successful day was had, and many beautiful photos were taken. Did I mention my friend is a tremendous photographer? Because he is. Incredible.*

It was really nice to take a moment from life and enjoy nature, adventure, and good friendship. Shoshone Falls was breathtaking, as it always is, and we found a few other gems among the Snake river.

We didn't have cash with us, so driving to the viewing area was denied us. However, we decided to hike ourselves to the falls. Other than being a little warm, it wasn't half bad. I've always believed that walking to a place makes it more of a journey. When you finally arrive, you've had an entire experience before you even get to your destination. It's nice to have two stories to tell instead of one. Plus, you see so much more. That's how you find the good stuff...

After taking in all we could of Shoshone Falls, we decided to look around, and see what else we could find in the area. We stumbled upon this beautiful bridge:

Whilst trying to find the Evel Knievel jump site, this baby appeared as if from nowhere. We never did find the official jump site, but the sense of adventure, and the surprise of this engineering beauty, was just as good. I'm glad we decided to be curious. Honestly, I don't think I've ever truly regretted following my curiosity. It's how we learn, and discover. Being curious adds a little twinkle to our lives, and can makes you feel alive. It's nice to feel some of that fire.

It was a lovely day, and I'm so thankful my friend was able to visit and take a little "day-cation" with me. We had some much needed fun, and found more beauty than could ever be imagined.

*Please click-through for the photo credits. He has some amazing stuff, and is another starving artist, quite like myself. He'd really appreciate a looksee...

Beauty in Pretzel m&m's

One of my favorite things, really.

I would just like to take a moment and tell the internet how much I love Pretzel m&m's. They have saved me on more than one occasion. Not only are these m&m's variety my go to candy, they are my perfect feel good food. I love the marriage of salty sweet. Not too rich, and not too dry. Pure delight.

I have been in love with these pretty little candy pieces since they're product development. They day I learned of their release I dashed to the store for a bag. One of the best ideas I've ever had. I can not stress enough the deliciousness of these chocolatey, pretzely, candies. 100% yum.

Buy some Pretzel m&m's. Now. Right now. This very second. You won't regret it. These candies are filled with so much happy, I can't help but call them beautiful.

What's Cooking Wednesday?

Apple cinnamon tarts! Sort of. Don't get me wrong, they were tasty. They just weren't the best thing I've ever concocted. Although, they were very easy, and I would definitely recommend them as a breakfast food. Here's how I did it:

It all starts with a simple can...

I started by squishing the cinnamon rolls flat. Really smushing them. Then, I stretched them out as far as possible, making sure not to rip any holes. If I did stretch a hole, which happened more than once, I just pinched it closed. Now that my cinnamon rolls were pancake flat, actually... even flatter, I placed them on the cookie sheet. I lined the baking sheet with foil, just in case. I opened up a can of apple pie filling and plopped one apple chunk and plenty of goo (forgive me for not knowing the culinary term for "apple pie goo") on each roll. Then I just folded them over and pinched 'em closed. Done! Tossed those puppies in the oven for about ten minutes at 400 degrees.

Upon pulling them out of the oven I learned that cinnamon roll dough doesn't like to stay closed. Each and every one of them popped open. However, it was only a little. They really didn't look too horrible. Kind of like little apple cinnamon tacos. They were great too! I added the icing that came with the Pillsbury package, and my family and I pigged out on "apple cinnamon tarts" the whole evening. The roll was golden brown, the cinnamon was just right, the apple was sweet, and the goo was... gooey. All of which harmonized perfectly.

Beauty in a Happy Meal

Happy!

How great is a McDonald's Happy Meal? They're the best. Food and a toy? Yes, please. Remember when we were kids, and all we wanted was a Happy Meal? It was the ultimate reward. My mom, sister, and I quite often indulge in the Golden Arches' greatest treasure. We were low on funds today, and needed to eat. The perfect solution? A Happy Meal! Not too much food at a great price, and I've got a new Smurf toy to boot! Awesome!

How can you be sad with these little guys around?

I've got about five of them. They're surprisingly good quality for kid's meal toys. They're also super fun. How many people do you know have five Smurfs in their purse? Ha! But, I digress... The point of this post is to tell you all how happy a Happy Meal makes me. For only a small fee, I get a well proportioned meal, and a new friend. I can't tell you how many little Happy Meal prizes are in my car. My glove box hardly closes it's so full of tiny toys. But, you know what? If I'm bored sitting in a doctor's office, or need some laughs in the car, these bad boys never let me down. I've got Pokemons, Batmans, Strawberry Shortcakes... The list goes on. And they were all accompanied by delicious fries! Such a beautiful combination.

I highly suggest all of you pick up a Happy Meal or two in the very near future. You won't regret it. Bring some of your childhood back. Enjoy not overeating, and getting a present. Happy Meals are a win!

Beauty in Books on Stairs

Beautiful, no?

There is something so lovely about books on stairs. I absolutely love when staircases have to double as bookshelves. It says so much about a person and their home. When I find books lounging between railings I know I'm with kindred spirits. I see stories so important they need to be within arms reach, not on the shelf. These books are family.

When one has the need for books to rest on stairs, they understand life. They know what's important. Tidying up for company is not a priority. Reading is a priority. Learning is at the top of the list. The people within the books matter more than a clutter free stairway. If my books need to be on the stairs, it's because I need those people. I need them accessible, I need them close. They're a part of me. A part of my very soul. And, to put them away? I couldn't bear it. You may as well ask me to put my heart on the shelf.

Beauty in Video Games

By no means am I a hardcore "gamer", however I do enjoy a day or two filled with nothing but bad soda and video games. While many find this unproductive, I am inclined to argue it's quite the contrary. Sure I'm sitting in the same position for hours on end, but my mind is on overdrive. I'm challenging my intellect, problem solving, and free of the real world.

My preferred platform

I think video games have a lot to teach us. How many times have you reached a level, or a boss, and you just don't think you'll beat it? It's too hard. Too complicated. But, you keep going. You retry, and retry, and retry... then all of sudden, you've done it. You conquered the unconquerable! Was it a fluke? A mistake? (Don't ask questions! Just run!) Nope, you really did it. You didn't give up, and you won. That moment always makes me smile. It gives one such a feeling of accomplishment. What do we learn? Persistence pays off.

This is where it all began...

I'll never forget the first time I beat the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Is it cliche to say it changed my life forever? Link is one of my most favorite characters. Not only courageous, but always willing to lend a helping hand.

Being partial to the RPG (Role Playing Game) style of video games, I'm always impressed with the ways in which I have to use my brain. I'm not a big fan of having to solve problems in real life, but in a game I'm more than willing to be resourceful, and think outside the box. Plus, I get a sword. Who wouldn't want that?

What's more fun than beating your friends?

We've also got combat games! I can not tell you the amount of memories I have from Super Smash Bros. Melee. Duking it out with your friends not only brings the laughs, it creates unforgettable moments. Video games: bringing people together since the late 70's! Few things are better than when you get in a particularly hilarious hit, and soda comes out your nose. It's difficult to have a care in the world when you're laughing so hard you can't breathe.

I would love to be friends with her in real life

For the past two days I've been glued to this game. I've always been a fan of Lara Croft. She's brave, smart, and into archaeology. How can you go wrong?! I know it's a slightly older game, but it's fun level remains high. I just love running through the Louvre, and kicking butt in the Parisian ghetto. A good time!

All in all, video games not only bring me joy, they help me feel a little smarter. They give me memories I will keep with me for the rest of my days. I get a chance to live in a fantasy land and remember that sometimes... you just have to try once more. My video games make me happy. And, happy is beautiful.

What's Cooking Wednesday?

Yes. I am quite aware that it is Saturday. But, I'm not one who does things the "normal" way. There isn't much fun in that. Also, my internet was out.

On to my kitchen experiment...

I traveled most of the day, and needed something which didn't require a grocery store visit, and could be done in about fifteen minutes. In the freezer, I found these bad boys:

I cannot recommend these enough

I also had a lovely can of cherry pie filling. Now, I know it was borderline cheating, but I put my hands together and made little cherry tart-like creations. And, I'll tell you what, they were some of the tastiest things I've ever concocted! Absolutely divine. All of them were gone in about twenty minutes.

And so simple! You just thaw the puff pastry, cut it to the size you want, add the pie filling, and pinch it closed. Bam! You're done. Bake it and you've got yourself the easiest, yummiest, tartlets in all the land. I slit tiny lines in the top, because they always look like that in Disney movies, which made them so pretty. I'm a firm believer that when something is pretty, it tastes better. Presentation is very important.

I'll be repeating this recipe as soon as I can get my hands on more of that puff pastry. So delicious. And, be sure to sprinkle a little sugar on them too, before you put them in the oven. That way, they sparkle. Who doesn't want their food to sparkle?!

Finding something so wonderful and so simple really made my week. My family enjoyed them, and they quickly brought some delight into our hectic day. Oh! I just thought of how great they'd be with tea!

Beauty in Dirty Laundry

I'm not the biggest fan of doing laundry. It nears the top of my "chores I hate to do" list. I mean, the sorting, the loading, the transferring, the hanging, the folding... When does it all end?! I could try to make it easier, and do it more often. However, I find myself doing something I hate frequently. So I put it off, and wait. And wait. Now my pile is a dirty laundry mountain. I end up spending two days doing nothing but washing clothes. I can't win! There's no justice in the laundry world, I tell you!!

It's frightening how accurate this is...

Well, today was the dreaded laundry day. I was running out of stuff to wear (that's usually when I finally bite the bullet). Wash, wash, wash. All day long. From the washer to the dryer time and time again. Sort, fold, hang. Repeat.

I can see their logic.

But now... I sit back and survey all of the hard (really not hard, I'm just a baby) work. And do you know what I realize? I have a lot of clothes. Warm clothes, cool clothes, fun clothes. Loads of things to wear. They're soft and they smell good.

There are many people who don't have this luxury. Some have to wash clothes without a washer or dryer. Others don't get to wash them at all.

Every laundry day that comes around, I roll my eyes at the amount of items that need cleaning. But, when all is said and done, I take a moment and reflect on what a blessing it is to have so much dirty laundry. I'm grateful for every dirty sock I own. I'm a fortunate person to have so many things to wear, and I'm very thankful that I have the opportunity to wash them.

Thank you, dirty laundry, for being a part of my life... and for being so beautiful.

What's Cooking Wednesday?

I've recently started a new habit of cooking and/or baking something new on Wednesdays. And, while today's project didn't turn out awesome, I feel the need to share the experience anyway. I chose something, for normal people, that would be rather simple. However, I forgot how often I have problems in the kitchen. I'm really not very good. A number of factors contribute to my lack of culinary skill... lack of training, laziness, being too easily distracted... I could go on. Also, I have an uncanny ability to burn myself when cooking. If it's possible, it'll happen. But, I digress... Today's recipe was Oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies.

Awesome!

I found the recipe here at Picky Palate. I encourage all of you to check it out. You won't regret it.

Now. Being a simple recipe, I figured I couldn't go wrong. Well, I could. And, I did. Remember the easily distracted problem I mentioned? Whilst mixing, I completely forgot about the "add two eggs" direction. Yeah... whoops. So, I'm mixing along, happy as a clam, and I'm noticing the consistency of my dough is rather dry. Too dry. So I think to myself, "Kim... you didn't really measure the butter super carefully, you probably don't have enough. Let's add a tad more, just to be safe".

Probably shouldn't have done that.

I did, though. It worked too! Until I remembered what I forgot. >Insert self loathing eye roll here< What do I do now?! I shrug my shoulders and add the eggs anyway. They'll be fine, right? In the oven they go.

No. No, no, and no. My cookies are flat, except where the Oreo is, and the edges are much too crispy. Very sad. Very sad indeed. Quite the cookie catastrophe. I haven't tried to eat one yet. I'm saving that adventure for tomorrow. Don't want to pack it all into one day. I'm sure they taste fine, they're just not that pretty. Very aesthetically unpleasing.

Oh, well. I tried. I may have failed, but I gave it a go. That in itself is a victory. Hopefully next week's challenge will be less... challenging.

Beauty in Star Wars

Yes. You read correctly. Star Wars.

Long ago in a galaxy far far away...

There is definitely a certain beauty in this franchise. I think there is inspiration to be found within any sort of epic storytelling. I can't tell you how many times I refer to Star Wars in everyday situations. Just ask my (probably slightly annoyed) family. Between the amount of detail, and use of imagination and technology, it's no wonder that the worlds of George Lucas made an appearance on my blog. I'm pretty happy it's sooner rather than later.

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

So! I'd like to start with the recurring theme of good vs. evil. While this tends to be a popular plot choice for many films (arguably almost all films, but that's a philosophical debate for a later time) I'm especially impressed with the added element of family ties and predetermined destinies. Our protagonist has to decide where his loyalties fall and at what cost. There's conflict. There's love. There's Yoda.

Let's go a little further with the good and the evil. Some days I can't choose between the Jedi Order, or the way of the Sith. Both require dedication and self discipline. I find the principals of the Jedi quite appealing. While it takes 100% self sacrifice, I think it's definitely worth it to have the combat skill and inner peace to know you're serving the galaxy. However, the Sith require no less dedication to the cause. And, while we're on the subject of the "dark side", I would think it just as difficult to surrender to one's own dark side, than to avoid it. Most fear their darkest temptations as much as they may want to indulge in them. Just think of Darth Vader's inner struggle...

Great power... But great conflict.

Regardless of if I'm having a Jedi Knight day, or a Sith Lord day, I would never be without my beautiful light saber. How can you go wrong with such a gorgeous piece of weaponry?!

Exactly

And, what can I say about the musical score? John Williams is a genius. Not only does he set the mood, he drives the entire film series. I have many numbers from the soundtracks on my iPod and I listen to them daily. Instantly, I'm sneaking around the Death Star, or I'm lounging in the Millennium Falcon. Truly awesome. I bow down to Williams flawless composing abilities.

Star Wars is a wonderful journey in which every one can learn from. Whether it's the importance of friends, the need to follow your destiny, or why droids may be pretty awesome to have around, these films always produce something to take with you. So readers, may the force be with you... and, remember:

Always

Beauty in Brown Eyes

Brown eyes are beautiful

Brown eyes are beautiful. They're not always thought to be beautiful, but they are. Trust me. Growing up, I was always a little disappointed with my generic brown eyes. I felt like a unique girl, with my own way of thinking, and a bit of a different personality. However, my eyes said "just like everyone else". Boring. Why couldn't I have eyes the color of thunderstorms? Or Sparkling emeralds? Where were my one of a kind eyes?! The windows to my soul were regular office building outlooks, not stained glass works of art. Completely unfair.

Or is it?

Maybe not quite so unfair...

As I got older I learned that beauty isn't always obvious. Sometimes you have to look closely, and understand what's inside that dark pool of alleged normalcy. My eyes are dark. They're warm. They're mysterious. They're wise. My eyes are beautiful.

Brown eyes are like chocolate... Sweet, and rich. Dare I even say delicious? Chocolate is useful in so many ways, for so many things. A wonderful way to cheer you up. Always there for you. Just like brown eyes.

Yes. Delicious.

Those of us with brown eyes are not without mystery. We may not have the innocence of those with baby blues, but we have a magical enigma. It's as if we have dark curtains to peek out from before our big show. And, speaking of big show, we draw you in. One can't help but get lost in the infinite depths of our ocular puddles. I dare someone to try...

Lost aren't you?

I also feel the need to mention brown eyes go with everything. Every eye shadow color either compliments the brown, or contrasts the brown, making it darker. The darker the better! Even more mystery! Even more allure! I love it! Just look how you can't go wrong with makeup:

Brilliant!

The passion and fervor behind brown eyes is unmatched. Gorgeous and piercing. So ferocious!

She can take on the world

I will forever love my brown eyes. They speak of wisdom and intelligence. They reveal only what I want them to. They're dark. They're secretive. Anything but regular.