T.G.I.F.

the most delicious juicy dumplings

 

Photo: metmuseum.org



Photo: london-paris-train.blogspot.com



A random assortment, but the things that are currently inspiring. Have a great weekend!

Next Stop



Photo: internationalist.org

Photo: cache2allpostersimages.com

Today is the 6th Annual National “Dump the Pump” day. “Dump the Pump” day encourages people to take public transportation and save money instead of driving their cars. With its rising prices, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to avoid spending money on gas.

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), “The latest APTA Transit Savings Report shows that a two person household that downsizes to one car can save – on the average – more than $10,000 a year.”

Today’s “Dump the Pump” day is a great way to promote public transportation, save money, and go green. By taking the bus, train, or even walking, we are greatly reducing our carbon footprint and doing a favor for the earth.

In this poll, there are more people who are sticking with their cars because it is easier. Those who are digging for old change in the depths of your purses and pockets, putting on your tennis shoes, or dusting off your bikes, I commend you!

Our car gets us from Point A to Point B quickly and comfortably. We can listen to our own music and sing along, we have time to gather our thoughts in silence, and we have the power to turn up the heat whenever we please. However, by driving our cars, we consume gasoline at a rapid rate, increase our carbon footprint, and have to deal with finding tricky parking spots.

I've found public transportation to be very convenient (parking spot number what on level where?), pleasantly inexpensive (hello $1.25 bus ticket, goodbye $70 gas receipt!!!), and wildly entertaining (here’s looking at you man with the green spiked mohawk).

Do some good today and leave your car keys at home.

Are you dumping the pump today? (or any other day?)



Photo: lolitas.se

If my dreams became reality, this is what it would look like.

And Best Picture Goes To…

Photo: filmindustrynetwork.biz

The Academy Awards is without doubt one of the best award shows of the year. With captivating hosts and the right production team, the Academy Awards is also one of the most entertaining shows.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recently announced that they are making a change to their “Best Picture” category. Instead of having 10 “Best Picture” nominations, the Academy will now have the freedom to nominate between 5 and 10 films. If there are only 7 movies that are deserving of the “Best Picture” title, 7 it will be.

In 2009, according to the Washington Post, “the Academy expanded the category to 10 nominees, aiming to generate interest and more viewers.” While this was a justified business move, what should the criteria be for the Oscars’ highest honor? Do you nominate more movies to produce a “highest viewed awards show in 50 years” and attract a mainstream audience with movies such as James Cameron’s Avatar and Pixar’s Toy Story 3? Or do you nominate the films that did not gain much attention but had a truly compelling story and was well produced? Not to say that Toy Story 3 or Avatar didn’t have compelling stories or weren’t well produced, but how can one differentiate between box office gold and just...gold?

The most recent Academy Awards in February 2011 had an astonishing 10 ‘Best Picture’ nominees, including The King’s Speech, Black Swan, 127 Hours, True Grit, and Toy Story 3. Other categories such as “Best Actress” and “Best Directing” were limited to 5 nominees. Having so many nominees in one category almost takes away from the prestige of the Oscar. Just as it is difficult to win an Academy Award, it should be even more difficult to be nominated for one.

I am looking forward to seeing this new change be implemented in this year’s award show. As the Academy executive director Bruce Davis noted, “A best picture nomination should be an indication of extraordinary merit. If there are only eight pictures that truly earn that honor in a given year, we shouldn’t feel an obligation to round out the number.”

Films will not know how many slots there will be in the “Best Picture” category until the votes are cast and the nominees are announced. The bar has been raised for everyone in the film industry, and I can’t wait to see how producers, actors, directors, and studios, (etc.) will step up their game!



Peaceful Afternoons

My own

Some of my most enjoyable afternoons have been spent walking my puppy around the park. Blue skies and sunshine make these afternoons even better. Seeing an old bench, a tall tree, or a calm lake through the lens of a camera or filter can make even the simplest things seem magical.

My own

My own

Summer Sorbet

Summer is the perfect time to kick back and enjoy a big bowl of ice cream or sorbet. When I was feeling inspired one night, I decided to see if I could make a melon sorbet with this recipe.I had made ice cream before, but sorbet seemed more challenging. I followed the instructions and ended up with a delicious honeydew sorbet. The sorbet was neon green in color, but it was purely just the ripe fruit color. I would go lighter on the mint so there is a more fruity taste in this icy treat. Also, I recommend eating right away because it doesn't save well in the freezer.

Hiatus #2

[Photo Credit - jenniferbrogee.files.wordpress.com]

I haven't posted anything in what feels like forever, and while I'd like to blame finals, work, and family...it's really no one's fault but my own. I definitely have not forgotten about my reader (readers?) Who's really even reading this blog anyways? :)

That said, there will be a new post up tomorrow morning! I'm back and ready for blogging!

Pure Magic




[Photo Credit - glamour.com]



[Photo Credit - v7web.com]

 

[Photo Credit - delish.com]



[Photo Credit - flickr.com]



[Photo Credit - naturaltechnology.net]





Happy Birthday, Audrey!

[Photo Credit - glassesandgummybears.blogspot.com]

Audrey Hepburn was not only a beauty icon, but an incredibly talented actress. I've read a couple of her biographies, and each time I was wowed by her life and all that she had been through and accomplished. Happy birthday to an inspiration!

[Photo Credit - covellifashion.wordpress.com]

[Photo Credit - classicfilmstars.com]





Biker Chic

[Photo Credit - wrenhandmade.typepad.com]

 I had an idea yesterday that I am still obsessing over. I am throwing the idea around to invest in a bike (with a basket). When I want to pop over to the mall or pick up groceries, a bike is a healthy and cheap way to get there. It would take 10-20 minutes, and I would save a lot on gas, not to mention get an extra workout in for the day. I would also be out in the sun and getting my Vitamin D. There are too many benefits, here!

I would save hundreds of dollars in gas, especially with the rising gas prices. While I do try to be green, I'll admit I'd rather drive to the park to walk my puppy rather than actually walk there. But this summer, that will not be the case. It really pays to slow down and take time to walk or bike somewhere. I'm on a mission to find a cute, vintage-looking bike. This is one more step/goal to my Summer of Learning (as I've officially dubbed it).

Does anyone have any bike (and helmet!) recommendations?



[Photo Credit - thesweetestoccasion.com]



[Photo Credit - sfgirlbybay.com]



[Photo credit - thechicerantiquer.blogspot.com]



[Photo Credit - elizabethannedesigns.com]