October 8, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Vampire Stiinta

vampire man fangs woman neck

This time of year is about celebrating the spooky, the scary and embracing the fears that make us all human.

Of course, I might be a touch excited, because I’m about to go to New Orleans, and everyone knows that city is awash with vampires – revenants, Nosferatu, the undead. Never sparkly; never vegetarian. These Ricean beasts characterize NOLA, and I can’t wait to reconnect with them in my 16 year old imagination, and mentally run a little wild in the heat of the swampy south.

But, of course, I’ve also learned a few things about where these creatures came from, and why they so haunt us, even after their reworkings and mainstreaming at the hands of certain authors. Also, it’s Wednesday. So, science!

Following are links describing various musings on why vampires are with us. Some suggest they only exist in the mind, while others proclaim they walk among us for real. All are entertaining:

The Science of Vampirism

The Science Behind the Myths: Are There Clinical Explanations for Vampires, Zombies or Werewolves?

Rabies: A Possible Explanation for the Vampire Legend

Vampire Science: Young Blood Recharges Old Brains

New Orleans Vampire Association

So much more is out there on this stuff. You will quickly see that vampires are a lot more than monsters born of superstitious mentality.

Now, for something a little more romantic, or at least completely scientifically unhinged, check out my own attempt at vampire fiction.

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October 6, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Frocktober

Halloween fairy garden

The fairies are ready for Halloween!

Title because I like the way it sounds. Also, because Fall and potential fanciness.

It’s been quite the week, friends. But things ended on higher notes, and now I’m preparing to head to New Orleans on Thursday. My three dearest middle/high school ladies are I are celebrating 20 years of friendship by going to the city that gave us Anne Rice, Creole awareness and something to dream about during those long Michigan winters of our youth.

Of course, it’s also now Halloween season. My new favorite thing is Iris exclaiming “It’s so exciting!” (complete with dramatic tremble) every time I mention seasonal decorations. Over the weekend we took out the black lace table cloth, stuck bats to our walls and checked out the festive taste of our resident fairies, who apparently create wonderful jack-o-lanterns (garden pictured above).

We also hit up the Enchanted Trail at Fat Blossom Farm (with which I am in love). Other points of interest – Michigan Radio member mixer, ArtPrize, Sushi Maki and brownies. A good weekend.

A big part of me loves October, despite its foreboding of The Great White Dark. Every year, I come a little closer to re-embracing the spooky kid sentiment of the aforementioned youth. I have a feeling this year will be helped along by a fancy frock dinner or two in The Big Easy.

Put on something fabulous and enhance your home with some festive black. When else are we allowed to so celebrate the beauty of a little fear?

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September 24, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Sinus Clearing Soup

la morena chipotles adobo sauceIf you have leftover canned chipotles in adobo sauce after you’ve made smoky sweet potato hummus, perhaps you could put them in a spicy soup?

That’s not the soup recipe I used, but it seems a bit more interesting, and is probably better balanced when it comes to spice. What I had going was killing the plants and making me cough. I might like a little heat…

Heading out of doors today – gotta soak up this sun while I still can!

 

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September 17, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Salty Yellow Tomatoes

yellow oblong tomatoes

Golden ovals from Fat Blossom Farm

I used to go to the farmers’ market with a list. These days, I might have a couple things in mind, but I generally just see what catches my eye.

The thing I’ve found is that it’s way more likely you’ll chat with your farmer if you get adventurous and purchase something you never have before. Sure, I know the kale, summer squash and stroopwafel are going to be fabulous, and I’ll thank them kindly, but why not learn about those weird looking tomatoes?

As much as I love tomatoes, I tend to take them for granted. I routinely pick up the small carton of red grape tomatoes at Meijer, and throw them in eggs, salads and quinoa without even thinking about it. Why is my kitchen not full of all shapes, sizes and colors of these nightshades? Because I am tomato-lame.

But no more. I love an excuse to stop by the Fat Blossom Farm table, and last weekend it featured these yellow tomatoes, most of which had a pale green at one end. I bought them without hesitation, and the collection (or what’s left of it) graces my kitchen counter.

For the most part, I’ve been washing and slicing them into disks to eat raw. While I’ve never been overly fond of adding salt to raw veggies, I’ve done it with these. The flavor is nice, and the small sodium boost can’t hurt (I’ve never really liked much salt, and actually don’t consume a lot… maybe not enough. An exploration for later). But in all honesty, the tomatoes don’t need it.

So that’s about it. Go to the farmers’ market, try something new, eat it raw. Oh, and go to the Enchanted Forest Festival at Fat Blossom Farm. Because why not?

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September 15, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Faces of the Irish

mom toddler girl tongue out

Girl likes to party.

Another Michigan Irish Music Festival under our belts. Iris is, obviously, an old pro.

We even managed to locate a decent amount of vegetarian/pescetarian food. Iris ate her weight in tuna wrap, enjoyed a hot chocolate and found an age appropriate dance partner.

Hubs and I decided to make Sunday domestically productive, and will look forward to free-flowing gutters come the next rain storm.

Quite a weekend.

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September 10, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Fruit Fly Fascination: Genetics

close up fruit fly resting

Isn’t it cute, this little cousin Drosophila M.?

Long ago, when I worked in an office and for someone other than myself, I wrote an article about genetic nomenclature.

The main point was that, since humans share significant quantities of DNA with fruit flies, much of genetic research involves studying and naming fruit fly genes. The article also discussed how irreverent gene names are humorous in the case of fruit flies (Buttonhead, Cheap Date), but might be less so in the context of human genetics and epidemiology.

While I don’t link to these old articles as a matter of personal principle (aka stubbornness), I will say the research for many of them introduced me to fascinating ideas on health, nutrition, science, fitness and more. It was in that job, and in spite of it, that I came to know my inner science nerd.

So that’s basically my lead-up into a cheat post – things are busy, and so today I give you a link. Take yourself to this piece on delaying aging in fruit flies with the flip of a gene, and get intrigued with ideas about healthier aging.

Even if you don’t read the article, please walk away with this: science and medicine are endlessly fascinating, and always investigating new ways to potentially make our lives healthier, more comfortable and longer. Not to say that every endeavor is without its drawbacks, but this is what differentiates us from the victims of the so many terrible diseases. For the sake of our children, grandchildren and ourselves, we owe genetics (and these fruit flies) a nod.

Oh, to see the medical capabilities of the 22nd century. Imagine how much we have yet to learn. As summer wanes, and we swat the last of the fruit flies from that lovely seasonal produce, remember that he or she might hold the key to the next big medical answer.

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September 1, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Replacing Labor with Whimsy (and discounts on cute stuff!)

two toddlers dress up sunglasses

Whimsy Hip

My daughter has great taste in all respects, as you can see.

It’s Labor Day, and it’s also the beginning of September. The days of indoor play and holiday gifting will be here before we know it. Might I recommend The Tea Time Princess?

cherry tea party food fabrics

Cherry patterned tea party accessories

The Tea Time Princess is a collection of clothing, accessories and gifts created by Sopheap H. I’ve been a big fan ever since she made my wedding dress in 2005, not to mention all the gorgeous things she’s designed for Iris. In the past year she’s launched an Etsy shop that exemplifies her love of timeless whimsy and imaginative fun. If there’s a wee one in your life under the age of 7 (8, 10, 40…), chances are you’ll find something for him or her in Sopheap’s line.

A mother herself, Sopheap is passionate about encouraging creative play. Iris and I both adore the tea party accessories pictured here, which are just one of many designs. Mini top hats and purses are also great for dress-up and pretending.

black birthday mini top hat

How dapper!

Something customers respond to in particular are the birthday outfits, which, happily, can include top hats and play food. Iris is actually wearing one of the newest birthday items in the picture above – a colorful dress layered over a ribbon-trimmed tutu. The front of the dress has a large, dotted “2” candle, and at the back, a rainbow ruffle-bum bustle (my new favorite phrase). I mentioned to Sopheap that the dress could work for 1 or 5 or, heck, even 34!

blue striped onesie bow tie

Awwwwwe

Can we talk about onesies? Because is there anything more convenient and practical than a onesie? What about a onesie that comes accessorized with a bow tie or bustle? Sopheap makes these for all occasions, and is expanding her preemie and newborn collection.

So, you’ve found something you love at The Tea Time Princess. In honor of her own birthday month, Sopheap is offering my readers a 5% discount when they enter the code SEPTBIRTHDAY5B at checkout. This coupon code is good starting today (September 1, 2014), and through Tuesday, September 30, 2014. When you make a purchase with this code, you’ll receive a second coupon code for your next selection. Bonus!

toddler girl pink green dress hat teaHoping for custom pieces? Sopheap welcomes custom work, and is honored when customers entrust her with these special orders. You’ll find a button for custom orders in the “Shop Owner” section at the left of her Etsy page.

My friend is always coming up with fabulous ideas for her line, and she does it while working part time and maintaining a lovely family (hubby and three kids). Needless to say, she’s a powerhouse, and deserves a great birthday month.

Treat yourself and a special babe this holiday weekend, and have a safe and lovely Labor Day!

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August 27, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Lemony Sugary

finished lemon sugar scrub ingredients

So soft, so mmmmmm…

Very quick here, because life is so… lifey today.

The following sugar body scrub recipe, which I found in Natural Health, is lovely for summer skin, and a great way to use up that lame generic honey taking up sticky space in the pantry:

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup almond oil

Stir it all together, ensuring the sugar is still coarse. Spoon into an air-tight, glass container and keep somewhere cool and dark (read: NOT the shower).

I plan to use the delicious stuff once a week or so. All you do is scrub your wet skin in the shower, paying special attention to rough elbows, knees and feet, and rinse off. Be careful not to slip, as the oil makes the shower floor a bit slick.

Note: I used apricot oil instead of almond oil, because it was all I had. I imagine any carrier oil would be fine.

Happy Hump Day!

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August 25, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Domestic Bliss

mother toddler daughter african bracelets

Bracelets!

On Friday, Iris and I went to an event featuring the Zulu Birth Project. I’m acquainted with a local doula, and she was one of the hosts for an evening with South African birth professionals, Native American singing and traditional African dance.

Iris is a dancin’ fool, and always starting dance parties around the house. So when there were drums and voices and women performing large, joyful movements, she was so there. Outside of worrying that she was going to get accidentally kicked by the performers, I loved watching her participate.

Something else sticks with me from the night… I purchased three bracelets made in South Africa, and was given an interpretation of what my choices suggested. While I don’t typically place significant belief in such things, I do think it’s worthwhile to consider the bigger concepts these readings put forth, and dwell, at least for a few minutes, on my life.

The colors and shapes in my bracelets represented many feelings and elements, but the one most repeated was domestic bliss. I think that, sometimes, this phrase connotes images of a happy, perhaps somewhat suppressed, housewife, submitting to her husband and caring for her children, all the while finding “fulfillment” in keeping a clean, cooked-in home.

But, what if we did a 180, and thought of domestic bliss as something we build together – in my case, as women who embrace our homes from the roles of partner, mother, creator, professional and, yes, home keeper? What if domestic bliss isn’t about submitting to an outdated ideal, but making our homes exactly what we want… spaces in which to relax and grow?

I assume this isn’t a revolutionary concept to most of you, but it is what I’ve been thinking about, and what I’m working toward during most of these wild days.

Let’s start the week.

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August 22, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Wordy Mornings, Udon and Ice Cream

ben and jerry's carmel laptop

These two make a great couple

Most of the time, I’m on a second shift schedule. Husband’s job occupies him from 2pm until 11pm or so, and has done for nearly four years now. It was tough when I was 9 to 5, but when I went freelance, I shifted my day back about five hours, and got reacquainted with my boy.

These days, all three of us are late to bed and late to rise. I realize this will have to change before Iris starts school. But, for now, it works. One of the best parts – on those rare occasions that we go out at night or to a party, we’re still wide awake at midnight as our old drinking buddies with “normal” schedules are swiftly losing steam. Makes me feel young(er)(ish).

Of course, when work is plentiful, I often wake early to squeeze in a little writing before my babes get up. While I do not at all like the jolt of an alarm, or the foggy effects of too little sleep, it always pays off. This past week has seen lots of early mornings, and I almost cringe at the amount of sitting I’ve done. Still, my bank account is soooooooo much happier now, and I’ve once again enjoyed client relationship building. The content folks for whom I work regularly and on a recurring basis are pretty much awesome, and I am endlessly, endlessly grateful for the work, the connections, the respect and the professional growth I receive from them. This is why I left the office. This is how I know it was the right thing to do.

Even better, hefty work weeks mean treats! I pulled my first all-nighter in a long time Monday night, and was not really feeling like food prep come Tuesday evening. So, I ordered too much sushi and udon take-out from XO Asian, picked up some New Holland brew and threw in two pints of Ben & Jerry’s. Once that umpteenth wind came around, I was good to go. There’s nothing like a delicious reward for a job swiftly and (according to my editor) successfully done. And, we’re giving House of Cards a second chance, and I like it. Wishing there was another season of Bob’s Burgers on Netflix, but this is nothing to complain about.

Not when there’s more Karamel Sutra in my freezer.

Lovely weekend to you!

ps-> I came across this strange little thing in looking for the first link in today’s post. I had to share it because it’s weird, and it also mentions udon.

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