Posts Tagged ‘pictures’

Thunder and lightning

laelene Posted in lifestyle glimpses, photo blog, video blog,Tags: , , , , , ,
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The dark clouds were rolling in just as I arrived home today. I had driven home taking advantage of the warm air by opening my moon roof to the sky and sticking my hand out every chance I got. At red lights, I’d blissfully turn my face up to the gathering clouds, watching their ever-changing patterns. It was serene. At home, I spent the next hour gleefully enjoying the air before the storm. I love this weather! (Certainly have written about it quite a bit too.)

As the workers laid bricks on the new homes next door, I dutifully stood outside on the porch with my camera, determined to catch a photo of lightning this time around. I just can’t get enough of how they split the sky and make the whole area glow. Those crooked lines crawling across the clouds, flashing in and out before I can even react… they’re so elusive. I could sit and stare for hours as they danced around me. I really wish I had a panoramic room since I found myself chasing the light of flashes from one end of the house to the other.

After awhile, the grumbling of thunder began and a light rain splattered down. I watched as plane after plane kept coming in to the airport amid all that insanity. Oh what I wouldn’t give to be on one of those planes, watching lightning flashing around me! I’ve always been fascinated by how things look differently when you’re up in the sky and I wish I could have experienced that. Those lucky passengers. As I admired their good fortune, I noticed that I could hear birds chirping. Strange, since I would have thought they’d be hiding somewhere. Perhaps they knew the storm wasn’t that big, so they stuck around to wait it out and sing it off.

What a peaceful way to start the evening. Thunderstorms calm and excite me all at once, and always bring a sense of contentment.

moon shining in distance as storm clouds creep across sky

When I first looked out, I noticed the moon just peeking out in the distance.

glow of light from lightning flash brightening storm clouds

For the longest time I got no more than the glow from a lightning strike.

dark grey storm clouds brewing in sky

That same view without the flash of light!

lightning bolt from Mary Qin on Vimeo.

 

Construction guys kept banging away as the storm brewed. Here are some freeze frames:

flash of lightning in thunderstorm

thin lightning bolt in thunderstorm

unfocused shot of lightning in sky

Then the one flash I did capture confused my lens and made it blurry.

lightning flash from Mary Qin on Vimeo.

 

Such a quick burst! Totally explosive.

giant glob of lightning flashing from thunder clouds

cat laying in kitchen behind screen door

Smokey was really enjoying the weather too.

airplane lightning from Mary Qin on Vimeo.

 

If only I was on that plane!!!

plane flying near lightning bolt

plane engulfed in light of lightning in thunderstorm

small streak of lightning stretching horizontally across sky

I managed to get a little horizontal one!

curling lightning bolt in dark sky

I changed my view from east to north and was rewarded with this beauty. Success!!!

The best cat toys you already own

laelene Posted in general blog,Tags: , , , ,
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box with paper scraps, packing peanut, q-tip, pen cap, bottle cap, and toilet paper tube that make great free cat toysAny cat owner (servant) will know that it doesn’t take much to amuse those cute little creatures. In fact, you pretty much never need to buy toys for them to play with, because basic household items are more than enough to keep them entertained. Smokey loves all the little knick knacks around the house and we often find her batting something across the floor. Check out some of the things she’s been playing with: a box (of course, even when she only fits her front half in it), scraps of paper, packing peanuts, q-tips, pen caps, bottle caps, and even a toilet paper roll tube. Most of these items were headed for the trash or are otherwise useless to us… but for Smokey, they make amazing little toys.

I’m pretty sure any cat toys we do buy are really more for us humans than for the cats. I’ve certainly purchased things I thought looked fun, cute, or somehow worthwhile, only to find it was a complete waste of money. Why even bother when all it takes is random things you probably didn’t even mean to drop on the floor? Smokey is particularly good at getting what she wants and she tears right into my subscription boxes with their fun strips of packing paper or peanuts. I never have to worry about her not having something to play with.

So what do your cats find to be the best toys in your house?

Fabletics Portico Outfit (Aventura poncho + Salar legging + headband) review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions,Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
1

It had been awhile since I’d gotten Fabletics so I decided to take a look. I knew I was interested in some sort of outerwear, like a casual sweatshirt. When I came across, the Aventura poncho, I couldn’t resist. I was going to get it alone originally, but didn’t want to pay shipping so I decided to spring for the whole outfit. I’m really glad I did since the leggings turned out to be my new favorite pair!

Fabletics is just under $50 per outfit credit and comes with a 2- or 3-piece set of athletic wear. Each month, three outfits are selected for you to choose from at the 1 outfit credit price point. You can always get other outfits at their VIP pricing of $50-80 (2- and 3- pieces available) or buy any individual item separately. Outfits are sent monthly unless you choose to skip (which is very easy to do). They offer a referral program that earns you points towards free outfits.

Get your first outfit for half off with my referral link! All fitted Fabletics items are chafe-resistant and feature four-way stretch for comfort and movement.

collage of front and back with and without hood and details of fabletics aventura poncho in charcoal heather

Aventura Poncho in Charcoal Heather

This is such a fun piece to have. I like how it just drapes over your shoulders and provides warmth over any top. The terrycloth fabric makes it nice and warm and the generous hoodie size makes it easy to cover your head completely even with a ponytail. Snap buttons on either side ensure your warms stay in place, or unsnap them for a flowier fit. I like to half unzip the half-zip front, but find that the weight of the hood will often drag the zipper up towards my neck. I wish the front was weighted a little more so I didn’t feel my throat getting covered all the time, but otherwise I love it. The retail value on this is listed as $44.95.

collage of front, back, detail, and hidden pocket of fabletics salar legging in flame orange

Salar Legging in Flame Orange

These leggings were absolutely worth it and the most comfortable pair I own! I was surprised because I wasn’t even going to get it in the first place, thinking it was more of a cloth-like texture based on the pictures. Turns out it’s far more silky smooth (blend of polyester and spandex) and oh so soft. The color is fantastic too! As with all the other leggings, you get a little secret pocket for a key or card. They offer maximum support, for a nice firm fit. Retail value’s listed as $49.95.

collage of top, side, and details of fabletics headband in ultra lemon

Headband in Ultra Lemon

The headband in this outfit was really just an extra item to me. I don’t usually use headbands, except when washing my face. I wanted the color that matched the leggings, but of course they were sold out so I ended up with these, which happen to match the first sports bra I got. It holds well even on my slippery hair and I’ll certainly keep it around for when I do decide to use a headband. Its retail value is listed as $4.95.

I’m pleased with this outfit, though I would have loved to have gotten it at the $50 price point (it cost me close to $70). Still, if I count both top and bottom at $35 a piece, not even factoring in the headband, I think it was a good value. Not great, but good, especially for the unique items I got and how much I’m enjoying them. I even got complimented on my style when I wore the poncho with the leggings last week! Thanks Fabletics for making me appear fashionable. 😉

I’m really excited now because I’ve officially earned enough points to get a free outfit credit! Nothing caught my eye this month, but I’m really looking forward to redeeming that free outfit soon…

[This post contains affiliate links. Signing up through them helps support my subscription and I’d be ever so grateful. 🙂 All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review. I just purchased this outfit and wanted to share what I got!]

The donkey farm

laelene Posted in lifestyle glimpses,Tags: , , , , , , , ,
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It was one of Panda’s coworker’s send-offs today, so we got a chance to go out to the farm of another coworker. Panda refers to it as the donkey farm, probably because the donkey is their unofficial mascot. Everyone had heard about momma donkey (Morning Glory) having baby donkey (Melvin), so Melvin became their mascot of sorts. They hadn’t actually met him yet, and I ended up being the first one to interact with him on the farm! I never knew that these mini donkeys made good companions for horses; that was the whole reason they are kept on the farm, in fact.

face of white miniature donkey at farm

Hey there Ms. Morning Glory.

brown horse sticking head out towards person

Romeo really loved attention.

brown horse sticking head out towards person trying to lick her

Apparently Romeo saw all people as delicious.

brown horse and white and brown miniature donkey eating hay together

Delilah and Melvin shared a nice meal in each other’s company.

miniature donkey nuzzling person's foot

Melvin seemed to enjoy nuzzling my foot. #majorbonding

selfie with miniature donkey poking head through fence

Selfie with Melvin the miniature donkey (and mascot)!

tractor scoop being used as icebox for cold drinks

Put some ice in it, throw the drinks in, and have a party. #farmlife

Blue Apron April 22nd Delivery review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions,Tags: , , , , , , ,
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There had been quite a dry spell from the last time we ordered one of these meals, so I was ready for another box to come. For awhile I stayed away from Blue Apron because they changed their methods and you no longer get to choose any three of six options for your box. Instead, you indicate preferences: which meats you will eat, or if you’re vegetarian. Then your meals are chosen for you based on those preferences. One week I really wanted to get the box, but I wanted one of the vegetarian dishes and my pre-selected veggie dish was not the one I was trying to select. So… I ended up not getting it.

This time I liked all three meat dishes so I went for the order. The pork buns were delicious, though next time I’d just far less fatty meat. I really liked the pairing with the red cabbage salad there. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the chicken and mushrooms because I usually find chicken to be dry and the mushrooms weren’t ones I’m used to eating. I had no idea there was garlic bread too, which was awesome. I ended up breaking the fish up when I cooked it and the flavors got kind of lost, so that’s probably the only dish I wouldn’t recreate as is.

Blue Apron is just under $60 per box and comes with 3 meals of 2 servings each. That’s $10 per meal serving! Boxes are sent weekly unless you choose to skip (which is very easy to do). After ordering a few times, they will offer free meals you can send to friends (but no referral program).

collage of blue apron 5-spice pork buns with red cabbage, carrot and thai basil salad recipe card

I’m always a fan of their Asian-inspired dishes.

collage of blue apron 5-spice pork buns with red cabbage, carrot and thai basil salad ingredients and meal being cooked

I accidentally swapped the basil and Thai basil (what’s the difference?).

blue apron 5-spice pork buns with red cabbage, carrot and thai basil salad finished product

Oh those fluffy buns… so yum!

collage of blue apron chicken and mixed mushroom forager with toasted parmesan-garlic bread recipe card

I was very pleasantly surprised by this dish!

collage of blue apron chicken and mixed mushroom forager with toasted parmesan-garlic bread ingredients and meal being cooked

I must always cook chicken in flour – it helped so much with the tenderness!

blue apron chicken and mixed mushroom forager with toasted parmesan-garlic bread finished product

So many awesome flavors coming together.

collage of blue apron cod over linguine with fresh peas, meyer lemon and spring herbs recipe card

I can’t say I’ve ever had fish and pasta together.

collage of blue apron cod over linguine with fresh peas, meyer lemon and spring herbs ingredients and meal being cooked

I didn’t know how to cook fish without it falling apart.

blue apron cod over linguine with fresh peas, meyer lemon and spring herbs finished product

Pretty good dish, but some of the flavor got lost in all the water.

Personification

laelene Posted in general blog,Tags: , , , , ,
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We’ve always had a tumultuous relationship, he and I. I grew up loving him and spending as much time as I could with him (though getting his attention could be quite the conundrum). Over the years, I got to see him less and less as other priorities took over. High school and college were the most challenging for us. I couldn’t get enough of him yet I couldn’t spare my time for him. And so it was a battle, day in and day out. How much of my life would I devote to him? How much could I?

During college, when I found some time, I’d sneak little breaks in the day for him. I even missed out on some classes because of him. What a thorough distraction he is. An addiction that always pulls me in, demanding my time. There are few relationships in my life that are quite as consuming as this one. I will never completely leave him, nor would I want to, but there are times when I (would like to) need him less. I wish it could remain like that for longer, but then there I am, back in his grasp again.

There have been times I’ve been able to step away more effectively than usual (age has helped). I even began to think I didn’t love him anymore; I thought I could do without. But we are intrinsically linked, with so much history and a rich past that can’t be put aside. For awhile, it seemed to go well… then inevitably his presence crept back into my life. His influence over my mind is undeniable. Without him, I can’t focus, can’t think, can’t be a productive part of society.

I’ll always crawl back into his arms. I may not want to stay as long as I do, but oftentimes it’s for the better. Like tonight, I should go join him soon if I’m to have any hope of a good tomorrow. Mornings are always the hardest for me, if I’ve been with him (if I haven’t all night it’s easier to keep avoiding him a little longer). As the day starts, I find it near impossible to drag myself away and feel good about it. It’s all the stranger when Panda is coming home from work to join him as I’m leaving. I get a little bit jealous. When I return from work, I just want to crawl into bed with them both and join the party.

Oh, but he’s a greedy one – whenever I’m with him, he wants to keep me for hours at a time. I need to pick my times wisely, lest he take over my life in an unhealthy fashion. Then other days he eludes me and I close my eyes hoping to catch him. Eventually I succumb to him, but often after agonizing minutes of waiting, wanting. He’s certainly the boss of me, much as I try to control him. I never know how things will pan out; only he does.

Funny how he can be such a fickle mistress.

 

…Can you guess what I am personifying here?

cat laying on side of bed in deep sleep

Here’s a clue.

Yuzen Summer 2014 edition review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions,Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
2

It always seems like I sit on my Yuzen boxes for a long time before I finally get the review out. Don’t know why that keeps happening, so I’m finally getting this done before summer is truly upon us! I filmed the video for this a week and a half ago and it should be showing up on Yuzen’s YouTube channel in a few days. But hey, you get to see what comes in the box here!

Yuzen is $33 per quarter (with boxes sent Feb, May, Aug, and Nov) and comes with around 7 or 8 eco-friendly beauty, skincare, food/snacks, and home products. Boxes are sent quarterly with no option to skip, but you can get one-time gift boxes too. Sometimes there’s a waitlist to get the subscription. They do not offer a referral program.

unboxed summer 2014 yuzen box with contents shown

ShamanutiSeaweed Toner: I’m a huge fan of sprays and mists, so this toner is just fantastic. It has a light scent that is wonderfully relaxing and has a very soothing effect. I like how it’s ocean-inspired with the kelp they use. Some great skincare comes from the ocean! I did accidentally overspray myself at first because one push of this sends out a lot of product. I learned to hold it at a much further distance to get better coverage. Use code yuzenlove by 8/31/14 for 20% off at Shamanuti.

Kerstin FlorianLavender Body Spray: Wow, this was a major surprise when I tried it. I thought it’d just be a normal spray, but what I got was a sheen of ultra-moisturizing amazingness. A gentle rub into the skin and felt soft and smooth. This is fabulous! I love how the spray head allows me to quickly moisturize my skin with a spray and swipe. That’s all it takes to absorb and heal my skin. I’m very impressed. Use code ZEN20 by 9/30/14 for 20% at Kerstin Florian (restrictions apply).

KneippHerbal Bath in Lavender: What a relaxing bath additive. Lavender is the perfect choice for a bath and this bottle of concentrated goodness promises a most excellent bathing experience. Of course I still need to get around to drawing a bath in the first place… I’ll probably end up doing that within the week, since I’ve been so drained and I could use a good soak. Just smelling it in the bottle is helping ease my mind already. Use code Yuzen14 by 12/31/14 for 10% off the full size product at Kneipp.

MyChelle  Ultimate Lash and Brow Serum: I like this brand and I certainly like the idea of increasing my lash length. This is a small tube, but I’m sure it will last quite some time since you barely need any each time. I’ve applied it to my lashes and I hope it works! It doesn’t smell or feel like anything, though it did tingle a bit when it was drying. The consistency is liquidy enough to come on easily and we’ll just have to wait and see for results. Use code YUZEN25 by 2/1/15 for 25% off at MyChelle.

Aromaflagefragrance & insect repellent: Ok, this has got to be the most unique thing I’ve seen! Taking a fragrance (aka perfume) and making it an insect repellent too? What a brilliant way to make something I’d never care for (perfume) into something I’d actually consider! The scent is very special, with a warmth and citrusy notes. When the bugs start coming, I’m totally using this as my insect repellent. I mean, who wants to go out smelling like bug spray, right? Might as well disguise myself as a fine lady with this scent. It smells more down-to-earth than your typical perfume fluff too. 🙂 Use code Yuzen2014 by 7/31/14 for 15% at Aromaflage.

Hugo NaturalsVanilla & Sweet Orange soap: This is a brand and scent I’ve tried, not as a soap, but as a lotion. Funny enough, that was the same box I got my first taste of MyChelle from too. This is a generous full size bar that will last me ages! I’m saving it until my current soap is done so it doesn’t lose any of its scent or go through too many cycles of drying out and getting wet. I like the sweet scent of this bar that’s perfect for cleaning my body and giving me a fresh smell. Use code VSO20 by 8/31/14 for 20% at Hugo Naturals.

Sencha NaturalsPink Dragonfruit mints: How random that just after receiving these, I was in a store and saw them being sold! Was it just that I had never paid attention before? Granted, it was a completely new store I was in at the time. Whatever the case, funny timing. I love the leaf shapes they use and that they incorporate green tea to help with bacteria (and of course give you some antioxidants). This flavor is sweet with a mint that comes later and lingers nicely. Use code YUZEN15 by 7/31/14 for 15% off at Sencha Naturals.

I definitely feel more prepared for the warmer months, what with insect repellent and super healing products for my skin. And hey, I might just get some longer lashes too! What items are you most interested in from this box?

*Disclosure: As a super fan, I was invited to be the Yuzen Ambassador to help them spread the word about their brand. I now receive the boxes for free. I was not compensated otherwise and all opinions are my own, irregardless of my relation to Yuzen. I just happen to think they’re awesome (as does everyone else I’ve heard from). 🙂

Treatsie April 2014 review continued

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions,Tags: , , ,
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Ok, so I’d originally received my Treatsie box for April with an item missing, so they ended up sending me the other two items I would have received if I was a premium subscriber (as a non-premium subscriber, I would have received only the peanut butter bites).

Treatsie is $15 per box + $4.95 shipping and comes with artisan candy from 3-4 brands (I am grandfathered in for $15 for 2-3 brands and fewer items). That means about 6 or 7 different flavors of treats (or 4 or 5 for me). Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. They offer a referral link program.

treatsie april 2014 box contents with hot cakes bling bling and peanut butter bites

Hot Cakes Peanut Butter Bites: As I’ve mentioned, peanut butter’s not my thing, so it’s no surprise that I’m not big on these bites. They have a really intriguing texture though, that is sort of crunchy and crumbly like Butterfingers. They actually don’t taste strongly of peanut butter, which makes it better for me. I love their small size that makes it easy to pop a few as a snack.

Hot Cakes Bling Bling: Hot dang, this is one massive snack. One single bite (about a quarter of the thing) was enough to last me quite awhile. I thought I tasted a hint of something coffee-ish in there, which is not a flavor I like, so it was ok.

This brand was interesting, but not really to my taste. Do you prefer these items to the other two I got in the box originally?

[This post contains affiliate links. Signing up through them helps support my subscription and I’d be ever so grateful. 🙂 All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review. I just purchased this box and wanted to share what I got!]

Simpsons Legos

laelene Posted in lifestyle glimpses,Tags: , , , ,
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Oh, the things we do for each other.

Apparently the Simpsons and Legos got together for a Simpsons episode that will be airing tomorrow night and there are even some Lego figurines in honor of the Simpsons characters. Panda is a big fan of both, so he’s pretty thrilled about this whole thing. To get in the spirit, we went to get the little Simpsons Lego figurines that are for sale in select stores. Our first stop was Target, where the entire shelf of 100+ figurines was completely wiped out. We asked one of the guys there to check for inventory in the back and he was amazed that everything they had was gone. A quick check showed another location having some in the back, but it was far away so we decided to go to Walgreens instead.

simpsons lego characters ned flanders and mr. burnsAt Walgreens, I was surprised at how small the packets were. We sat/squatted there for a good half hour looking at the variety of packets, trying to find the characters Panda wanted most by trying to feel through the foil and attempting to identify the bump patterns on the packaging. It was hard to tell which bump patterns were on the packets, so we ended up doing a number on a bunch of the pouches as we felt for unique pieces. We managed to identify Marge, the old dude, Flanders, the clown, and I think one other one. As soon as we were able to confirm the Flanders guy, Panda was happy to take him and the old dude as the ones he’d buy. I felt absolutely silly spending an inordinate amount of time feeling up toys, basically, but I was determined to help Panda get the variations he liked. Ultimately we succeeded and now he can never say I’m not supportive of his quirky nerdy tendencies. 😛

Homegrown Collective April 2014 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions,Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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How did the end of the month come up so fast?! Work has really got me off-kilter and I totally didn’t expect this box yesterday. I sure hope I recover enough over the weekend to get one of these projects going. I had no idea that ketchup and mustard were fermented items (though I wonder if the ones with preservatives are still fermented), which I’m kind of fascinated by. I love fermented stuff!!

The Homegrown Collective GREENBOX is $39 per box + $9 shipping (or as discounted as $429 for an entire year, with options in between) and comes with fun and easy projects to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. They offer a referral program you can apply to join.

inside of let's get fermented homegrown collective box with the info sheets on the inner lid contents of the homegrown collective april 2014 box with let's get fermented theme the homegrown collective april 2014 fermenting jars info card

Project #1, chipotle ketchup: This is what ketchup is made of?! I’ve been completely clueless this whole time and it never occurred to me that it could be fermented. I’m totally intrigued by this fermentation jar too, which is a funny-looking contraption. I’m not generally a ketchup fan, but chipotle ketchup sounds wonderful and making it myself means I’d totally eat it. It’ll be great to have some around the house to use so we don’t need those packets.

the homegrown collective april 2014 project chipotle ketchup info card the homegrown collective april 2014 products for chiptole ketchup

Project #2, spicy mustard: Well gosh, I learn some much from all this, like how mustard is good for you. I learned to enjoy mustard a couple of years back when I saw my dad always getting it and now I’m a fan too. Panda and I could certainly use some probiotics in our lives, so I’m excited about this and I’ll start with this fermentation process as soon as I figure out how to accomplish this without a blender (or I might just decide to get a blender…). Recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic, but I only had three left after divvying the other two to the ketchup project, but I have plenty of garlic from my Blue Apron box, so I’ll use that. [Edit: Errr so I totally had a brain fart and thought they meant a head of garlic when they said clove… as I was making the mustard I suddenly realized how preposterous four whole heads of garlic would be for that recipe and it dawned on me that they actually provided way more garlic for future use!!]

the homegrown collective april 2014 project spicy mustard info card the homegrown collective april 2014 products for spicy mustard

This was another month with only two projects. Perhaps this time it was a space issue? Whatever the case, I love the stuff we did get and it’s so cool to learn about condiments I thought I knew. I’ve always wanted to try making my own pickles, kimchi, and other fermented foods. I’ll have to look up some instructions for those too. 🙂 Here’s the info card about fermentation:

the homegrown collective april 2014 fermentation info card

Awaken your inner scientist, crafter, and environmentalist! Get your own fun projects and subscribe to the Homegrown Collective today. It’s totally mind-blowing.

[This post contains affiliate links. Signing up through them helps support my subscription and I’d be ever so grateful. 🙂 All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review. I just purchased this box and wanted to share what I got!]

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