Blogging While Lazy

I know I've been slacking with the posts, but I'm on vacation and I just can't bring myself to do much right now. I'm resting. So, here's another lovely song. Maybe you've heard it already. Maybe not. Just thought I would share since this tune makes me so doggone happy for some reason. Speaking of "happy", have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Yeah, I probably won't post until like a week or so into the '09. We shall see...

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Totally Random: Black Gold of the Sun

I don't know why this song popped into my head today. A former dance instructor used to give our warm up to this tune every week; It put me in a bit of a trance, and I loved it. I know that sounds strange, but if you only knew how hard it is to free my mind of obligations, worries, and other junk, you would understand why a moment of zoning out is welcome. Enjoy!

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Merry Christmas!

This year, I thought I would share some of my favorite holiday music. I don't care much for traditional carols. *Jingle Bells Jingle Bells zzzzzzzzz* No thanks Give me gospel songs or upbeat secular Christmas songs instead.
Around Christmas time, I generally listen to the same gospel and/or spiritual music I listen to year-round, a few traditional Christmas songs, some mainstream renditions of Christmas carols, and some songs with a little, um, local flavor.
Enjoy! :o)

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All I Want For Christmas

Even though I'm a big girl now, my Christmas list today would likely be longer than it was as a kid. Clothes, accessories, shoes, music, movies, books, home goods, personal safety - the list of adult wants and needs are endless it seems. So, instead of directing you to one of my many wishlists, I figured I'd just share a few of the quirkier things I would love to find under my Christmas tree. (click photos for details):

Any one (or all of) these Urban Outfitters cameras:

1. Fuji Instax Camera
2. Lomo Diana Dreamer Camera
3. Lomo Fisheye Camera

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I came across this cool experimental vid today.
Info on the Artist

The song: "Sunworshipper", Mylo


PLAYITA from srge on Vimeo.

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Snowbirds

Here are some pix from my Miami trip. It was rather chilly the first day and I was missing my boots and heavy jacket, but by the next day, the weather improved. It was nice to get some sunshine in, if only for a short while.
Enjoy
(Please do not copy or distribute photos without permission of the photographers: myself and T. Brown. One of us is quite litigious.)





So I wasted precious space on the bf's camera taping a Portuguese Man o' War floundering on the sand. (I would share the footage, but you may be disturbed by my cries of "Die jellyfish, die!" Hey, they sting okay!?) Anyway, I returned the camera w/o mentioning the useless video I made. He then, unbeknownst to me, taped moi trying to wiggle my way out of the situation. Ah well, at least I didn't completely embarrass myself by taking the indignant approach. That would have been ugly; far more entertaining, but ugly.
Fun times!

update: Jellyfish Gone Wild?

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took a much needed (albeit short) vacation...and my mind is still there...

will update soon...

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Couple Waits for First Kiss

Good for them! (talk about willpower)

"Claudaniel, 30, and Melody, 28, had pledged to be abstinent before marriage -- but went a little further by agreeing not to kiss each other on the lips before their union was official."

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Good Morning!

Ahhh, holidays are so lovely. I feel somewhat refreshed after this Thanksgiving break. I hope you do too! Now, back to your regularly scheduled program...

I'm always on the lookout for creative videos, especially after the onslaught of the diamonds and girls variety for so many years. Sure there were exceptions like Missy Elliott, who collaborated with directors like Hype Williams and Dave Meyers to bring fresh ideas to the table, but for the most part, you knew what a mainstream video would look like. I've always loved directors who think outside the box and try something new, so I'm really digging the special effects used in T-Pain's "Can't Believe It" and "Chopped & Screwed" videos, and this new one by Hype Williams for Kanye West. (The "Good Morning" video directed and produced by Takashi Murakami was another innovative concept). I really hope artists continue to move in this direction.


Heartless from kwest on Vimeo.

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" 'Tis the Season to Give"

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Cooperative Living

Cool idea. I considered doing this way back when, but it never happened. It's great they can live together without killing each other.

(click photo)

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Truffle Hunter?

This month's issue of Domino magazine featured an article on truffles - and I'm not talking the chocolate, bon bon variety. This story covered the overpriced fungus that apparently commands top dollar in the finest restaurants. I haven't and will likely never try them since they closely resemble dung (a likeness I absolutely cannot get over). Much like caviar, once I saw it spilling from the body of a gutted fish, I scorned it. That doesn't mean I'm above selling some of the hot fungi though, should I ever stumble upon them - and boy did I ever! In a field just down the street no less. (Of course, they could be of the common poisonous variety too. hmmm)

It's funny because I probably walked past these things before and just thought they were poo. Either that or I was too busy chasing my dog to notice them at all. But on this particular morning, I noticed the round black fungus likely because I'd recently read the Domino article (and because my dog gave chase in that direction). This summer and fall have produced a variety of mushrooms in my neighborhood, some so huge I couldn't help but think of The Smurfs (lol), so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that truffles popped up too. There were only about six or so in this particular patch so I won't get excited just yet, but I will check on my secret truffle garden again.
Then again, it could just be poo.

(Sadly, I don't have a picture because camera + 3 rambunctious dogs + muddy field = trouble.)

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Regarding Life

I was out and about picking up gifts for my expecting friend this weekend when I came across some beautiful cards by Regarding Life (Re:Life). They were so striking that I just had to pick one up and buy it for my collection of lovely things.

I adore the artwork, especially the collage look and photography, but what's also unique about these cards is the heartfelt, plainspoken message found in each one. I've never been a touchy feely, sentimental person who likes to beat around the bush with flowery words, so I always shied away from cards that were too...mushy. At the same time, I'm pretty sure my friends and fam have grown tired of the cards with punchlines. The Re:Life line is perfect for someone like me. My favorites are the And He Said…™ and Stay True™ collections. Real people submit their own messages to be used inside the cards, and I found them to be heartfelt and touching. Simply put, Regarding Life rocks.
Check them out.

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Green Things

Last weekend, I ventured out to D.C.'s Green Festival. I didn't get to purchase as much as I would have liked - thanks to nonexistent, overpriced parking, an entry fee, and overpriced food inside (yes I'm complaining). I mean I know it's best to take public transportation, walk, or bike to these things but A) I don't own a bike and live too far to walk or bike into the city anyway B) the train runs slowly on Sunday and I left too late to catch the train. I make up for it by my lack of a commute every day, so there!

Anyway, despite my gripes, overall, it was a cool experience. I can't stop raving over Big Tree Farms' Vanilla Honey. Eventhough I'm not usually big on honey, after one taste on a whim I spent the next few minutes circling the booth, staring at the jars longingly like Winnie the Pooh. So I bought some. A few fam and friends may get a jar or two for Christmas if they're lucky.

Other big hits with me included Chico Bags, and re-usable bags from Carrot Seed - especially since I'm trying to get into the habit of taking a re-usable bag with me every time I go grocery (or other) shopping. Trust and believe my friends and fam will be very well acquainted with Chico Bags after Christmas. They're like those tiny umbrellas that fit in your purse but they hold so much more than you think. Loves them



*On another note: This is in no way directed toward Green Festival vendors in particular, I just want to remind vendors of the importance of customer service. I won't name any names but, there are always a few people at the various festivals, fairs and craft shows I've patronized lately, who lose my business due to S.A.D. (Stank Attitude Disease). Correct me if I'm wrong, but you are there to make money right? Don't make me put mine back in my wallet. I'm just saying act like you know.*

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And Now Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Program...

*Drool*

Me likey

I want some!

I am a hopeless chocolate fiend.

Good morning.

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Obama U Street Celebration - Pt. 2

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Obama U Street Celebration - Pt. I

I normally wouldn't blog about politics here since I'm generally leery of all politicians, and political discussions tend to get me riled up in an ugly way. And since Magazines & Chocolate is supposed to be my happy place, the two wouldn't usually mix.

That being said, I am excited yet cautiously optimistic about our first Black President of the United States and could not resist the urge to drive into D.C. last night to check out the action. I will upload personal photos of the celebration in DC's U Street Corridor last night later (sadly, I didn't make it to Pennsylvania Avenue where I heard there was an impromptu parade). For now, here are some clips from YouTube that will give you a good idea of the post election love fest that went down on U Street.

Strangers embracing and high-fiving each other
Camaraderie in the middle of traffic
Dancing in the streets

It was absolutely beautiful.
I was dog tired but I'm so glad I went to take part in this momentous occasion. It was like nothing I've experienced before! AWESOME

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I stood in line for 2 hours and 15 minutes (in the rain and cold air) to cast my vote this morning, and all I got was this lousy sticker!
Hopefully, we'll get a new and improved President out of the deal. :o)

This photo was taken with my cell phone so the little "I Voted" sticker isn't really clear. For those of you outside the States, U.S. citizens receive these little souvenirs at the polls after we cast our ballots. It is rather kindergartenish, but whatever.

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Cool Blog

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Bleeding Vampire Cupcakes

Mmmmmmmm!


Source: The Storque

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Eye Candy!

I've found yet another website to keep me online at ungodly hours - we heart it - an online visual bookmarking tool.

I. am. so. hooked.

Check it out...with caution. Some of the images on the randomized "hearted by everyone" page are NSFW until you get an account (it's free) and set up safe viewing. You can imagine what some folks find on the web to "heart". :o)

Recently hearted by me:

Here are a couple of songs for the weekend. (FYI, I try to download "clean" versions of songs whenever I can, but it's difficult finding them online, so there is some parental advisory language.)

Have a Happy Halloween and a safe weekend!

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Dose of Inspiration: Crafty Chica

I have Strength to thank for finding this wonderful

post by the Crafty Chica, Kathy Cano-Murillo. It really spoke to me (and I heart her pimped-out glue gun).

(click image)

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And for your listening pleasure today:
j*davey
I love this song. The vid, however, may fall under the NSFW category. You be the judge.

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Marinate on That

I need to tell myself sometimes.

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Dr. Marya Rocks

source: ymib, current

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Henna Party!

In preparation for my friend Lez's gorgeous wedding last weekend, her über creative bridesmaid friend, Katy, threw a henna bachelorette party. I've been dying to try Mehndi for some time now so I couldn't wait! It was fun catching up and munching on homemade samosas (and other assorted treats) while we waited for the paste to dry. The lovely ladies of Shenna Body Art hooked us up pretty nicely don't you think?

Update: Introducing the lovely couple...
(click photo for more!)

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