Sunday Social # 8

1. What is your favorite handbag you own?

My JoTotes camera bag is awesome! But it can get kind of heavy. 

JoTotes. They have amazing camera bags. 

My newest purse gets the most use. 

I got mine at JCPenney but online doesn't have it anymore. 

2. 3 things you would buy right now if money was no object?

I'd buy tickets to an around-the-world flight/cruise vacation. 

An entirely new wardrobe. 

And a house. 

Via

3. Name a place you would go right now if given a plane ticket to anywhere?

Oh. Man. There are so many places I want to go; how could I choose just one? 

4. What is the most valuable life lesson you've learned from blogging?

Don't expect Canon to send you free cameras. 

5. What is the most valuable life lesson you've learned from a friend?

In order to be a good friend you have to be there. 

Kayaking Adventure

I think I've mentioned before that my Da is kind of an outdoorsy, nature man. So for his birthday I bought him some tickets to go kayaking on the San Antonio River. Well, John and I wanted to try it too so I bought us all tickets and today we finally got to try it out.

I bought the tickets off of Groupon but the company is called Texas Pack and Paddle. The lady who does the tours was super nice and friendly. Her sons help out on the weekends too, taking pictures or watching over phones, wallets, and purses.

Texas Pack & Paddle

We arrived at the meeting place, donned some life jackets, and learned how to hold the paddles. Though we were a pretty big group of 15 only John and I had never been on a kayak before.

The day was cloudy and misty which was actually perfect because it can get damnhot here and I'd rather paddle in cloudy humidity than sunny humidity.


Once in and situated I got the hang of the paddling pretty easily. I was aware that one of my arms is way stronger than the other though because I had to work extra hard to keep my kayak going in a straight line.

The tour was from 9am to 11am but paddling the entire length of the way took only a little more than an hour. But we all were going at a pretty leisurely pace.

We saw some snakes swimming in the water and some ducks. The ducks, though cute, posed the biggest problem because they startled John which caused him to fall out of his kayak!

This was me trying to take a picture of the little duck family but when I heard a splash and a plop I moved...so my picture came out blurry. Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of John in the water or trying to get back on his kayak. Buttttt, it was hilarious.

The paddling length was about 1.5 roundtrip but it was still a lot of fun. It turns out that you can paddle that area anytime, 24 hours! John and I would love to get one but for now I think we'll have to keep renting them out.

The enemy! 

So, that's one more thing I can cross off my bucket list!

Literary Junkies # 3

I can't believe it's already been another month! I swear they seem to be going so quickly. Time for the link-up. Hope you enjoy.

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!
Right now, I'm trying (again) to read The Gunslinger by Stephen King.

The book is the first in The Dark Tower series and I know that I will absolutely love the series as soon as I can get into them but this first book is a slow one. I've read it before but then forgot what happened so I'm reading it again before starting the second one. But I love Stephen King so I must.power.through.it!

2. Do you judge a book by its cover? What cover elements make you not want to pick up a book? 
I always and completely judge a book by its cover. I know it's a horrible thing to say but I can't help it. I think that if the cover is lame the inside must be too. Any cover that isn't visually appeal just...no. The exception to this is when a friend suggests a book to read.

3. Do you participate in any other bookish link-ups? Tell us about them so we can join next time!
This is the only book/literary link-up I do.

4. Have you ever watched a movie that was better than its book version? Explain yourself!
Memento. I know that it's not technically a book but a short story but the way that the Nolan's made that crazy, impressive short story into a movie was awesome. The editing, storytelling, and coloring all added to the plot that I think it really did outdo the story.

You can read the short story here on Esquire's website.

5. Summer is here! Do you read more often during any particular season?
I don't think I read more during any particular season but I do read in waxes and wanes. Sometimes I just can't get into a book then a few weeks later I'll pick up the same book and read it in one sitting.

6. What is the worst book you've read this year? Why?
I never finish a book I don't like. That said, I don't think I've particularly hated any book that much this year...so far.

Sunday Social # 7

1. What is your best summer memory as a kid?

When I was younger my parents took me on a lot of vacations so I have a lot of memories. I remember when we'd go to Las Vegas my dad and I would go sit at the pool at whatever casino my mom would be gambling at and we'd get sodas and people watch. Another fond memory was when we went to Florida and saw a space shuttle launch. That was totally awesome. 

2. What is your favorite summer drink?

Something about a Cherry Lime slush from Sonic always reminds me of summer. The light, fruity flavors are delicious and now if I'm so inclined I make it adult by adding some liquor. 

3. What is your favorite summer TV show?

I watch everything on Netflix. So I don't really have any particular show to look forward to.

4. What is the best outdoor summer activity?

I've been rock climbing exactly twice but I wish I had the money to buy my own equipment and do it more often. I really loved it and found that it was a fun way to work my arms and legs without thinking about it. Plus, when you're out there you take a break from technology and get to admire the beauty of nature. 

5. What are your summer vacation essentials?

My family and I have been going to Six Flags in Arlington the last few years for vacation. It's hot there so sunscreen is a must for me. As well as shorts and tank tops so that I don't get a farmer's tan. I also never travel without my phone and a book. 

Mission Reach Trails

Now, I don't usually mind walking because of course it's a perfect way to get one place to another. But I hate walking just for the sake of it. Treadmills and racetracks make me feel like a hamster in a wheel. But ever since we've got Boyboy I've loved taking walks with him. I still feel like I'm doing something productive but at the same time it's still easy enough that I can think about the day ahead, the day before, or make up stories in my head.

We've been a few different places walking but I love walking down the new Mission Reach Trails.

I love the fact that a lot of the parks connect because when I start out at one and end up at another I feel even more accomplished.

I love seeing all the wildlife that don't normally hang around our backyard.

Like the eyebrow caterpillars. 

And the little duckies!

But the best part is how much my little boy loves it. 

Everyone is also really nice along the trails. If you go at the right times you might even see some kayakers down the river or little kids fishing.

Now, not only does my boy look forward to our daily walks but I do too. I can't do anything else unless I've already walked him.

Liebster Award

I've seen a few of these Lobster Awards going around on some of the blogs I read but I never though I'd get one myself.

But today is that day. Thankfully for me, Megan from Madly Maudlin Megan reads my blog and nominated me for the Liebster Award. 

For those that don't know, the award is given to promote and find new blogs with less than 200 followers. The award-giver then asks the award-receiver some questions and then you pass the award on to other bloggers, with your own set of questions. 

Here are the questions that Megan asked:

1.) Why did you create a blog?

I first started my blog because I'd always kept a hand-written journal when I was younger, but the transition to a newer technology drew me in. Here I could add pictures, doodles, links to other things in my brain. Of course, this blog is nothing like the hand-written journal I still keep but it does serve to help me with my creativity and writing.  

2.) What is a goal for your blog?

I would love for someone to send me pretty clothes, expensive electronics, or vacation vouchers because my blog is just that awesome. Unfortunately I don't dedicate the time to it that people who do get these perks do. So, my goal for now is just to get in touch with people from all over the world who may, or may not, have things in common with me. 

3.) How do you decide which blogs to follow? What is a topic that you love to read about on a blog?

I've been following a lot of vintage, pin-up, and retro blogs lately because I really want to start dressing the part. I love seeing where these people got their clothes or how they match them up together. I also like reading about DIYs that I can actually do or tasty recipes to try out. I follow them based on their content and the way their persona comes off. Like, for example I unfollowed someone on Tumblr because the way they talked made them sound like a stuck-up B. I don't want to listen to that. 

4.) What are 3 of your beauty essentials?

Red Lipstick. Always. Black eyeliner and um...blush I guess. 

5.) What are your top 3 places to shop?

I've actually become really good about not just buying clothes because they look cute on the rack. I've been buying stuff online. But I still like going to Ross and Target for home stuff and as always, IKEA. 

6.) What is your favorite album and why?

I don't really have a favorite album. But I love all things from Portugal. The Man, John Fullbright, and I love to go walking with Noah listening to the upbeat music of  The Hives. 

7.) What is an issue about which you are passionate?

I'm very big on feminism and right now I'm all up on that net neutrality issue. If you don't know what net neutrality is...go research! Then call up your local representatives and give them a piece of your mind!

8.) What is your go-to meal when you are in a rush?

CEREAL!

Via

9.) Since all of my nominations are women, what does femininity mean to you?

What a tough question! To me, being feminine is about how you portray yourself to be - your confidence in yourself. It doesn't necessarily mean being soft or done up. It's about being okay in your own skin, with your own feelings, to say to everyone else - this is who I am. 

10.) Do you have a favorite memory of a person, place, experience?

When I went to school in Utah I didn't have a car so I had to walk everywhere. Well, I'd also never seen snow before then so sometimes I'd walk to the park in my rain boots. Even though it was cold and my legs were unsteady it was amazing because everything was covered in this perfect white blanket. And the smell, the smell was just amazing. It wasn't like rain and it wasn't like frozen frost either. It was just this cold, sweet, crisp smell that you could feel whenever you breathed in. It was amazing. 

11.) Who is your best friend and what makes your relationship strong?

John is definitely my best friend. Our relationship, both friendly and more-than-friendly, is strong because we actually like each other's company. We both have the same type of humor so even when things get tough we can find something to laugh at. And we help each other out. 

So now I'm supposed to nominate 11 other blogs/bloggers but I'm just going to do three because I don't think I have 11 people to nominate.

Just Another Smith

Neither Here Nor There

Adri's Thoughts

And now....for the questions.

1. What do you like the most about yourself?
2. What is your all time favorite book?
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
4. If you could have any job in the world, what would you do?
5. What is your biggest pet peeve?
6. Do you have any siblings? 
7. Do people know you are a blogger?
8. Who has made the biggest impact in your life?
9. What can you not leave home without?
10. You can take one celebrity and one friend with you on a desert island, who would go with you?
11. What do you hope blogging will help you accomplish? 

Lemon Kale Pasta

Sometimes I really don't feel like cooking anything. Or it's a few days until payday and we don't have much to eat. Either way, eating is pretty important so I still have to whip something up. On days like that I go to my go-to meal:

It's super easy you can add whatever you have on hand.


You'll need:

• Pasta
• Kale
• Lemon
• Lemon zest
• Olive Oil 
• Garlic 
• Red Pepper Flakes (if you want it spicy) 

You can also add a whole bunch of other things like:

Chicken
Shrimp
Tofu
Cheese
Vegetables
...you get the idea.



Before We Get Started: I know my recipes aren't very accurate and don't have measurements. That's not how I usually work. Cooking, for the most part, is very accommodating and the best way to see if something works is to just GO FOR IT.

But there are some general things you should be aware of whether you have a recipe or not.

• Always watch your food! Especially if you're making a new recipe. Just because they didn't tell you turn off the heat at Step 3 doesn't mean you shouldn't even though you see your food is burning. 
• If you are allergic to lemon or something in the recipe it doesn't automatically mean you can't use at least some basics from it. If you want to use gluten free pasta instead, be my guest, BUT the texture, amounts, or directions may have to be adjusted. 
• You can add any other things to most recipes. You love rosemary? Go ahead, add it. Hate red pepper? It's okay, leave it out.

For this specific recipe: Kale, when cooked, will wilt and shrink in size considerably. When cooking it, make sure you have more than you think is enough and once you're done cooking it, it will probably be the right amount. 

I don't have a zester so instead I just peel the yellow skin from the lemon (using a vegetable peeler) making sure that I don't get the white bits underneath it. This leaves me with big chunks of the lemon rind. 

The rind gives the oil flavor but it's not great to eat so if you do it this way you'll have to pick out the lemon bits before you add the pasta. If you actually have a zester and therefore smaller lemon bits, you don't have to worry about picking them out.

Now that you have everything you can get started.

1. Cook the pasta according to the packaged directions.  
2. In a pan over medium heat add the oil, garlic, red pepper, and lemon zest. Let this mix in with the oil for a few minutes. Keep it moving and lower the heat if you have to because you don't want the garlic to burn. 
3. Add the kale to the pan making sure that the garlic/lemon/pepper oil gets mixed and coated on every leaf. The kale doesn't take very long to wilt and cook down. Be sure to watch your food, if you need to turn it off, DO SO! 
4. If you've peeled your lemon, now is the time to take the rinds out. 
5. Once your pasta is done, drain it and add it to the kale and oil. Turn off the heat (if you haven't done so already) and mix everything together. Once everything is incorporated squeeze the lemon you zested over the top. 
6. Done! 

The dish is light and filling and even easier if you cook a bunch of pasta at once and then just leave it in the fridge.

I added hotdogs to the one pictured above (which I didn't like and ended up picking out and giving to Noah) and the cheese on top is called Oaxaca cheese. It's a melty white cheese used in Mexican dishes.

But I seriously eat this like once a week because kale is so cheap and it only takes about 10 minutes to make.

Hope you enjoy!

Strong Females - TV Show Edition

In an earlier post I talked about the lack of women-centered shows, movies, and stories in general. But just because there aren't many doesn't mean there are none. Thanks to men and women around the world, showing not only their appreciation for but their interest in female-driven stories, you can watch some of these TV shows featuring  strong, multi-dimensional, badass women.

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer 

Buffy is sassy and serious - killing evil things that lurk in the dark (and sometimes the day) by being awesome. Being the Chosen One isn't easy but Buffy is determined to live her life as normally as possible. She's the best icon to watch when you're having trouble juggling housework, homework, and an undead boyfriend. Plus, Buffy isn't the only kickass woman in the series - with Willow, Anya, Faith, and numerous others you'll never be hurting to find a women to relate or aspire to.

• Orphan Black

Relatively new but definitely worth the watch, Orphan Black not only displays the many kinds of women there are (scientist, soccer mom, thief) but also displays Tatiana Maslany's amazing ability to morph into many different characters. Mostly about clones and what it means to be human, the show is fast-paced and leaves you wanting more after each episode. There are tons of women in this series, some good - some not so good, just like real life.

• Scott & Bailey 

This show may be old to you Brits out there but I've just started watching it and I'm in love. It's a crime drama but the two DC's are both women. And their DCI is a women as well. I like it because even though Law & Order SVU has what's-her-name this series focuses on two females in what is usually considered a man's world. Just because women may do things differently than men when it comes to solving crimes it doesn't mean that their way is worse or that they're not as completely dedicated to the cause. Both Scott and Bailey with their different temperaments prove that if you're willing to work it out, you can catch the bad guy even if it's not as easy as I'm making it sound.

• Gilmore Girls 

The show is over (has been for years) but I'm still holding out hope that they make a movie. This show is the best. I've written about it before but it has the perfect mix of wit, sarcasm, humor, and heart. Following the lives of mother and daughter duo, Lorelai and Lorelai Gilmore you become immersed in their lives and the lives of the townsfolk where they live. The cool and empowering thing about GG is that it is filled with tons of funny and sexy and successful women. They may be pretty but they're not just that and the real-world lessons they teach with their pop culture references make them my idols. 

• The Bletchley Circle

With Series Two currently on right now (check your local PBS listings) I anticipate every new episode. Bletchley Circle shatters and brings to light so many stereotypes when it comes to women, their work, and their abilities. Four women who worked as code-breakers in World War II are now, a few years later, trying to figure out what to do with their lives. Sworn to official secrecy they are not allowed to tell their husbands/boyfriends/family what is it they actually did during the war. Instead they tell them they worked in the secretarial office, which not only insanely demeans the work they did but they have to pretend that the lives they are living now aren't as boring as they actually are. To not only combat their boredom but to actually prove useful the women get together to try to solve a murder. The show does a good job of showing the mentality of society in the '50s. It shows how much things have changed and sometimes, how much they are still the same. 

• Wordgirl 

Aimed at elementary school kids, Wordgirl may not seem like an adult TV show but I think if you give it a chance you'll love it just as much as I do. It's funny, intelligent, and educational. But what I love about it is the fact that Wordgirl is a woman of color and great at words. She can beat any criminal that comes her way without putting them down or making them feel bad about it. She teaches lessons to kids (and adults) in a way that makes you wish she were real. 

• Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife is about a group of midwives and their work which involves helping mothers-to-be deliver babies and take general care of the poorer people in London. They may be nurses who deal with the most womanly thing on the planet, child delivery, but they are not to be walked on. They are dedicated, caring, and strict. Their main priority is to ensure that their patients always have the best available care. The show should make people question where the idea that nurses don't go through as much as doctors or that the profession is somehow "lesser". The job may be different but it's most definitely needed and it is in no way easy.

• The Legend of Korra

Before you watch The Legend of Korra you have to watch Avatar: The Last Airbender, but they are both definitely worth it. The shows are what I'd guess you call American Anime aimed at middle and high school kids but they're great for any age. Avatar is about Aang, the last avatar on the planet who must learn to use his powers and defeat the Fire Nation, bringing peace to all. Korra is the sequel wherein she is the new avatar and she must learn to use her powers while people start to question why everyone can't have equal power. As I said, both shows are great but it's refreshing to see a girl in a position like this.

These should keep you busy for a while but if you have any suggestions post them in the comments! I'm always looking for something new to watch. 

Women in Media

It may seem weird to hear but women are both greatly misrepresented and under represented in all forms of media.

Though there are women in TV, movies, and magazines they represent a small percentage compared to the 50% they make up in the real world.

For example, when it comes to movies only 12% - 15% of the top grossing ones are female-centric.

Not only are women lacking in front of the camera - they are few and far between behind the camera as well (only 16%). And don't even get started on females in the video game industry.

What is the point of getting more women in prominent media positions?

The lack of women as role models, super heroes, and bosses give young girls few things to aspire to. Add to that the fact that women bare more of their skin more of the time, girls get the impression that in order to be somebody - you have to be sexy. The lack of diversity seen among actors, models, and celebrities also contribute to eating disorders, low self esteem, and body hate. The thoughts "Why don't I look like them? What can I do to be skinnier like them?" are toxic and creep into the subconscious, making girls as young as 10 feel inferior enough to try a diet.

Needless to say that is NOT okay.

But the lack of women in different roles doesn't just hurt other women, it hurts boys and the men they will grow up to be.

By viewing women in hyper-sexualized ways over and over and over again men get the impression that women are objects. This can lead to men treating women in real life the same way they have watched men treat women on TV. The idea that women are asking for sex, are a prize to be won, or live solely to satisfy a man's urges are not only highly exaggerated but wrong.

Which brings me to the lack of females behind the scenes. Many TV shows and movies about women are written and directed by men. Now, there is nothing wrong with men writing or directing female-centric movies but don't you think that maybe, just maybe, a woman would know a bit more about the experience?

Advertisers love to say that women-centric stories just don't make enough money the way male stories do. That is just a lazy excuse.

Which Cate Blanchett called them out on at the Oscars.

There are movies and shows with female leads that have made big money (The Hunger Games comes to mind). But there needs to be more. The "fact" that guys might not like it is not a good reason to blow it off. Even if it is true now, the more men are exposed to different, multi-dimensional views of women, the better people (both men and women) will understand the lives we live, the struggles we have, and the things we love.

The idea that women are people and have stories to tell may seem obvious but in today's major media their stories can be hard to find. It's about time we start seeing more females in more diverse roles and in bigger parts, not only for women but for men as well because the more everybody sees things from a women's perspective the better they'll understand that they have a voice.

Sunday Social # 6

I forgot to post one last week but I'm back on track with this weeks questions all about TV shows!

1. What was your favorite TGIF show?

I don't remember what day shows aired but I'm going to say 

&

 &

2. What was your favorite Saturday morning TV show?

I loved 

&

3. Mickey Mouse Club or Kids Incorporated.?

I never watched either one of those. I loved Zoom though, is that the same thing?

4. Zack Morris or AC Slater?

I don't know who these people are. 

5. Which show would you love to see remade? 

I know that a lot of people my age are all like "OMG 90s cartoonz yeahlolz" But I tried re-watching Power Rangers a few years ago and it was utter shit. Things always look better when you're 10 and things like the internet and CGI haven't been invented yet. With that said...I totally loved Rugrats All Grown Up. I thought that show was awesome & better than the original.

So I've really dated myself by putting up all these pictures. There were tons of other shows that I liked watching though. Such as:

Which my mum wouldn't let me watch but my dad would watch it on his own. 

I love the one where he enters the food eating competition. 

I wanted to BE her.