Celebrating my roots with balls.

I hope everyone had a very happy, green, lucky, and crazy cool fun Saint Patrick's Day. In preparation for the holiday and to celebrate my heritage (a.k.a. something do on a Friday night), I decided to make some no-bake cake balls - mmmm! Here comes my first recipe/food post, yay! They were supposed to be minty green in honor of the day, but Rainbow Foods was once again a disappointment to me. Thus, I had to improvise. I should mention right off the bat that I'm pretty crappy in the kitchen. Someone always seems to be able to make a better piece of toast, cut a better slice of cheese (hehe), boil a better pan of water, etc. Needless to say, there came a few times in this process when I ran into a dilemma or two. But did I forge on? YES.

Essentially, this recipe only calls for three ingredients: oreos, Philly cream cheese (I'm with Paula Deen - nonfat cream cheese just ain't right), and white chocolate. And of course, I had to make them green in someway, so I sprinkled them with green...sprinkles.

Next step, put the oreos in a big plastic ziploc and beat the shit out of them. Mash, crunch, mash, into small little crumbs. Then add to a bowl with the cream cheese. Now...wash your hands, take off your rings, and go nuts. Rawr.

Mash everything up together with your hands until it's the consistency of well, something that looks like poop.

Now it's time to roll up some balls! Yee! I made mine about an inch in diameter (?) and it was a good size. It was helpful to kind of roll them up between the palms. They weren't perfect, but hey, that's life for you. No balls are perfect, eh? Throw them in the fridge to harden for about an hour and prepare to dip. 

I thought I was home free and was going to have some really successful cake balls. A kitchen success on the way?! Nope. Who knew white chocolate chips would have the consistency of mashed cauliflowers once melted? Not I.

After a trip to Target to get "Bakers White Chocolate," the shtuff that is made specifically for melting, I finally found success. Kind of..

Melt the chocolate, dip the balls, add the sprinkles, and put back in the fridge to harden for another hour or so. Ze end.

In my head I imagined ma bawls to be fully and evenly covered with white chocolate; a golf ball, if you will. Par for the course, I couldn't make this happen. Twas quite the catastrophe. BUT, even though the appearance of the cake balls was not exactly not at all perfect, they turned out to be verrrry tasty, if I do say so myself. Happy Saint Patrick's day, everyone! Get your balls while they last.

Save the otters.

It's that time of week again...animals, woohoo! I was perusing the internet looking for pictures of sea otters because one of the kids I work with wanted to draw one (add this to the perks of my job). In my investigation for pics, I stumbled upon this article in the L.A. Times about sea otters that I found super interesting and cool!

Basically, two lawmakers in California wanted more money to try and end the struggle for survival for the sea otters in the state. So in 2006, they added a box to tax return forms that taxpayers are able to check; indicating they want to make a donation to this "otter fund". From what I gathered elsewhere, this box is still on the form and they have continued to raise over $250,000 each year to put towards this cause (sweeeet!). The article doesn't really elaborate too much on what implications this initiative has had, aside from there being more research on the diseases that kill these otters and law enforcement actions against fisherman who are mistreating (a.k.a. shooting - sad face) them.

You'd think it would be easy to just add a checkable box to a tax return form, but I'm guessing there's a lot more to it than my simple mind can imagine. However, it seems like this type of effort really pays off and could be implemented elsewhere to help save more endangered animals...maybe? Hopefully? Imagine a world without these adorable little guys.

He must have just heard about all the betches who didn't check the box. 

Ze bebe sea otter! Holy cuteness. 

A Pink Beetle? Yes.

A minor detail about me that I wanted to drop one of these days, is to express my love for the color pink. If you take a quick look around my room, you can't help but notice that about 87 percent of it is pink. Ok...perhaps that's an exaggeration. Really though, I have a deep and somewhat crazy obsession with pink. In fact, I'm surprised I didn't just call my blog, 'I Love Pink.' The point of my story is that I have found my dream car. Along with piercing my nose, going bungee jumping, and having a [pink] cast on my arm or lower leg, owning a pink car has been in the back of my mind for years now.

I can't tell you when I will be cruising around in these wheels (sooner rather than later would be my obvious preference), but I think it's safe to guarantee you it's one of my greater life ambitions that will come true someday. Can't you see it? Ohmygosh I'm just so excited.

Tying the Knot

Ever since I was a little girl, I've thought, dare I say dreamed, about my wedding day. Beautiful white dress, a rock of an engagement ring, gorgeous flowers, one hell of a reception (cough, open bar, cough). I've thought about what comes after...being married, having a family, and loving someone for the rest of my life. I've never questioned whether it can happen or not. I've never given thought to whether my family would qualify for "family" health insurance, or if I would be allowed to visit my partner in the hospital, or if I'd have to worry about inheritance rights. But that's because for me, it's a man I'm envisioning at that alter, and not a woman.

Decades ago our country faced social justice issues like whether or not women were allowed to vote, whether or not blacks and whites could attend the same school, and whether or not marriage was allowed between a biracial couple. Looking back on that, I think many of us would agree that that type of inequality, not to mention blatant crime against humanity, is almost laughable. Blacks and whites weren't allowed to get married...what?? But here's the thing. It's now 2012 and virtually the same human rights issue faces us. How have the citizens and our government not learned?

After watching the documentary, "Tying the Knot," I've become significantly more enraged by the fact that most states will not recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex. In an attempt to get my point across in an organized fashion, I'd like to turn it to the bullets to get my thoughts across in a simple manner.

• People have different beliefs, and I'm cool with that. Whether it stems from religion, personal values, whatever, I respect (can't say I understand) that some people just don't agree with equal marriage rights. So here's a simple solution for you: don't marry someone of the same sex. But don't make it your mission to deny others the basic human right to happiness and equality. How would you feel if you were told you didn't have the freedom to marry the person you love?
• The documentary showed many struggles but highlighted those of two couples. One women lost her wife when she was shot in the line of duty. And because Florida does not recognize their marriage, the surviving partner did not receive any pension benefits. The other couple's story was similar. When Sam lost his husband, Earl, after 22 years of marriage, Earl's family attempted to take from him their estate and property, even though it was all explicitly left to Sam in the will. Until seeing this, I really didn't think too much about all these crucial details that come hand in hand with marriage. Losing a spouse must be hard enough as it is. It's appalling to me that these individuals had to lose so much more all because the person they loved was the same sex.
• The argument that the traditional institution of marriage is best for society and families makes me somewhat nauseous. It is not necessary for a successful parental team to be man and woman. The only true necessity within a family is love. Period.
• Check out the YouTube below. Which, in a nutshell is Mitt Romney expressing to a war veteran, who is gay, that he will not support any motion to grant marriage equality if elected. Personally, after seeing this, there's no way this candidate can get in my good graces nor will he ever receive my vote (plus he just comes off as a pompous d-bag). I want a president that understands that things have changed since the Constitution was adapted back in 1787. 

Of all the issues being discussed out there, I think this one deserves a lot of attention. Loving someone shouldn't come with a price; if I were gay, I shouldn't have to give up the right to declare that love, or my rights to the benefits of marriage. I don't think the freedom to marry the person you love is too much to ask. I probably won't stop thinking about the day I get married...and no one should have to.

A connection like none other.

Some may wonder why I'm so insanely obsessed and crazy in love with animals. It's been this way from a young age. I was the rare child who shed tears at the zoo because I hated seeing the animals in cages, and scowled at those for pounding on the glass. When people tell me they're not a fan of dogs, I can't help but secretly think they are maybe, just maybe, missing a teensy part of their heart. The secret's out now I guess. The connection you can have with an animal is one that's hard to explain. No, they don't really know what you're saying to them, nor can they relate to your emotions, but I honestly think they can somehow understand how you're feeling, and act accordingly. 

I stand by the fact that my dog, Ireland, knows when I'm down and is just there by my side. Once when my little brother was around 2 or 3, he managed to escape from our yard. For at least half an hour my Mom and neighbors were searching...if my memory is correct, even the cops were involved. Finally, Zach comes walking around the corner of our street (dur-da-durrr) and Ireland was right there with him. And it's not as if he had a leash or was demanding her to stay. She knew she needed to stay with him and keep him safe. Look at this picture for example...the unconditional love speaks for itself. It's truly special.

And the fact that this tiger isn't eating this human? Can you say, connection? I'm sure you've all seen or heard the Christian the lion story, but in case you haven't, check out this one minute clip to seal the deal.

Here's Ireland on me, Cool Whip on the left, and my little brother, Zach, on the right. Although she may not realize some things, like the fact that she's 50 pounds (and should lay off the Goldfish)...she definitely catches on to what's really important, and I'll be forever thankful for her. 

Sweet home, Chicago.

Although it only accounts for about a third of my life, I originated in the Chicago area and have always thought in the back of my mind that I'd be interested in living there someday. My memories of the city are few and far between but I do fondly remember the Lincoln Park Zoo, Shed Aquarium, DA BULLS, and Lou Malnati's Pizza. Not to mention it's the home of some of my very favorite movies: Adventures in Babysitting, Home Alone, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, My Best Friend's Wedding, and Primal Fear (check 'em if you haven't already). So it was fun going back this past weekend as an actual adult and being in some familiar places, and some very new ones (including the COOLEST Walgreens in the world).

I think there is a lot to love about Chicago. It's very similar to NYC to me...lots of places to explore, and an energy that's undeniable. Two days was not enough. I was lucky enough to get to see the city from the 80th floor of the Aon building, where one of my friends works. It. Was. Awesome.

 

How can you not love these views? 

 

If you get a chance to go and hang out in Chicago for a day/week/whateva, I highly suggest you jump on the opportunity. I'm already looking forward to my next visit! 

Don't you wanna go?

 

"Is the government trying to kill us?!"

For the most part, I'd say I'm a fairly "healthy" person. The majority of the time, I eat healthy foods, workout regularly, wear sunscreen, and am conscious about things like storing foods in glass instead of plastic, etc. etc. Obviously, there are times when none of this holds true. I'm not going to pretend I never drink, eat crappy food, "forget sunscreen," or simply say eff that to getting in my sweat sessions. I'm human. But I think after graduating especially (why? I don't know), I have become more in tune with the whole idea of, 'what I put into my body is what I'm going to get out/my skin is organic so what I put on it should be too,' mentality. This covers food, the lotions/soaps/hair products I use, etc.

A few difficulties that come with this process:

• It's a real drain on the bank account. My plan to combat this: start phasing my current products out. Unfortunately I don't have the funds to just throw out all my chemical-filled products and start fresh. So I'm going to use what I have and when I need a new lotion for example, try to buy something organic/paraben-free to try out. I have also heard of many DIY products such as a coconut oil based lotion or this apple cider vinegar toner. When I have the time I'd really like to try these as well. Then I can have something to blog about if they work! Yayyy!
• I like my chemical-filled products. What can I say, they work. I have yet to actually try natural shampoo and conditioner, for example, but a few friends I know have and told me it leaves hair feeling waxy and greasy. Yuck, who wants that? So I've come to the inevitable conclusion that I'm going to stick to some of my old ways and probably will never be a full-fledged "organic gal." Gotta pick your battles?
• After watching the video below [science exp't growing regular potatoes/organic/farmers market; conclusion: cancerous chemical called "bud-nip" is in a lot of the produce we buy at the grocery store] and having a conversation with my roommate about all the chemicals we're filling our bodies with, it was like she had an epiphany: is the government trying to kill us. Watch this video and tell me it's not screwed up that we as consumers don't know that this kind of crap is going into our food. Is it weird that just because I choose not to splurge on the organic potato that I should ingest cancer-causing chemicals? I think not. WTF.  
• The evidence behind organic claims/what's healthy/what's not is continuously changing! So frustrating! Take agave, for example. Months ago, I started using agave nectar to sweeten things like plain yogurt and oatmeal because I read many things about it being a healthy alternative to other sweeteners. But I recently read it's very processed and has a high content of high fructose corn syrup. Holy hell. How do we distinguish what the true claims are? 
• As I said, I'm human. I like french fries from the Golden Arches, vodka tonics, and not spending an arm and a leg on a small tube of moisturizer. 

My conclusion is simply that I am going to try my best. A few things on my list of brands to try: Korres, a crap-free (no paraben, GMOs, sulfates, etc.) brand from Sephora that has everything from this toner (that sounds spectacular), to blush and other makeup; the Yes to Carrots brand that is available at Target and has semi-affordable stuff like this moisturizer; and Stevia, which from what I gather, is a natural, and safe, non-caloric sweetener. 

Woof. This will be interesting.