Catching Up

The Thanksgiving holidays were great. It was nice to enjoy such good food and to spend time with the family. I'm really looking forward to the Yule holiday season though, I really get into decorating the trees and buying presents. Buying the perfect gift for someone is always my favorite part!

I won't be going home again this holiday season but it won't be bad to spend time with the in-laws. I know I've been pretty bogged down with a lot of tasks and my blog has suffered for it, so I truly apologize. Once I can get back into a steady routine again, I'm going to make sure I return to blogging as per usual.

I've found some pretty interesting articles out there and fun little things to share and I'll be sure to do so! I hope everyone is happy and safe! Wishing all the best-

Be back shortly!

Busy Bee

This November has certainly been a busy one. Between heavy duty wedding planning, getting ready for the holidays, and constant errands... a friend of mine passed away this week so I have been unable to find time to stop by. 

We had been friends for nine years and although hadn't maintained the closest of contacts over the past couple of years, we did check in and chat a little. He had his life as I had mine. He was always ready to go on an adventure, do something new and experience life. Even if it was dangerous and I was warning him against it, he'd just smirk and do it anyway. I admired his vitality and (what seemed like his) enjoyment of life.

On Tuesday, he committed suicide at his family home. None of us (our collective group of friends) had any idea that he was feeling the way he did. He left no note, no journal, or any indication as to what would push him to this decision and we were always honest with one another. At this point, we'll never know what he was going through to make him take this step but it's been so very hard for everyone.

Although he's gone now, we'll always have the memories we shared together. I hope he finds the peace he was searching so desperately for. We love you, Chase.

So, with that- I'll try and post up some book reviews and things when I get the chance here in a day or two. I'll be back as soon as I can. Take care, everyone.

Topaz Artist - Alphonse Mucha

 

An amazing artist, another long-loved favorite: Alphonse Mucha. I could look at his artwork all day! I fell in love with the color usage, the fluidity of the hair and clothing, and how striking every single painting I've seen of his simply is. I am particularly fond of all of his art but this image, "Printemps, 1900", is just so lovely to me I had to feature it. I hope you enjoyed his art and if not, maybe next time!

 

To visit a comprehensive collection of Mucha's, please click the image to view an online art gallery. 

If you wish to visit a website to purchase some art replications, please visit here.                 

For more information on the artist, please visit here.

Happy Halloween! Merry Samhain!

Happy Halloween... or in other words- Merry Samhain! Samhain is a sabbat (or holy day) for those of the Pagan following. Today, we honor the end of the summer and the harvest. The days will shorten and grow colder, plants will die, and we retreat indoors for warmer temperatures and quality time with our families.

We also honor those who have come before us and are no longer physically with us. I personally display an arrangement of photographs and memorabilia of my deceased loved ones, light candles in their honor, and make homemade biscuits with apple slices to leave in their absence. (Of course, biscuits are crumpled and shared with the neighborhood birds and the apple slices composted.)

There are many ways that Pagans or just those who are spiritual acknowledge the day. We each just follow what is in our hearts. Regardless of whether you're honoring the old ways or just looking forward to a good scare and trick-or-treating...be safe and have a fantastic day! (Be sure to keep warm too!)

For more information on Samhain, please follow this link.

Change Begins With You - The Girl Effect

I discovered this organization just yesterday and immediately it connected deep within my heart. No child should ever go through what our children are subjected to in our day and time. Yet in 2010, we still have these horrible events taking place. Please click the image to visit the website to learn more and see how you can contribute.

Sadly, most people when spoken with about helping others say one of the following.

"I can't afford to do anything."
 For the first part, if you can't afford to help, that's okay. Try a bake sale and donate the funds, donate a small portion of your Christmas money, heck...pass on those $100 shoes, sugar. I understand that times are tough right now but you and your children have more than these young girls do or will ever have unless someone helps them. If all else fails, tell others about this group.  

"Why help other countries when ours needs it?"

As for helping those in our country, yes...there are so many people in our country who need aid but why can't you help them both? Even a $10 donation to each company makes a difference in someone's life. In our country, there are so many avenues to get aid and help- if you're hungry, get food assistance...if you're broke, there are even McDonald's and Burger King's you can work at until something better comes along...if you're cold, you can get donated items or have assistance paying your bills! The aid is there if you need it but for these girls, there is none.

Kawaii! Super cute dresses and cosplay gear!

Super kawaii!

Having an avid love of all Japanese fashions, I discovered this website years ago when I was looking for some Sailor Moon fuku (or in other words, school uniforms) for a cosplay event. This website not only has cosplay materials but amazing EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) fashions. As the above image shows you, this is only small display of the clothing they offer and at great prices too compared to several other websites.

So whether you're into the kawaii fashions all year round, or just planning something cute and unique for Halloween- I would definitely recommend this website to see what is out there.

To visit the website, please click the image of the dresses.
If you wish to visit the direct link to the featured dresses, please click here.

Game On! - Legend of Dragoon

As an avid fan of the Final Fantasy franchise, this game called out to my attention the year it released. Yes, it was a decade ago that it came out. I fell in love with this game and beat it again for the second time just this year. I thought it was time to experience this game again and just like all those years ago, it still wowed.

You are Dart, a regular guy who is on a search for a horrible creature that destroyed his village many years before. While returning to his home he discovers his childhood friend, Shana, has been kidnapped by the evil kingdom of Sandora and burned his home to the ground. Along the way, you meet others who join you in your journey and harness the power of dragons. As the story unfolds, so many layers come together that surpass even some Final Fantasy games and expands into this dramatic, touching story of vengeance, redemption, and love.

The game was released for PlayStation and will be a bit expensive to buy in great condition, but it's definitely worth investing in.

Platform: PlayStation
Maturity Rating: 'T' for Teen
Entertaining: 5/5
Replay Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Recipe of the Month - Magnolia House Chicken

Hey everyone. Today I'm going to be sharing a recipe my mother gave to me several years back. Now, I do make alterations to the recipe for my household's personal taste but I'm going to be giving the BASIC recipe so everyone can adjust as they see fit. The basic recipe itself is very good but again...we like adding our own personal choices. I hope you enjoy!

Magnolia House Chicken

Boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts

2 TBSP  Butter

1/2 TSP Salt

8 oz. Sliced Mushrooms

2 TBSP Lemon Juice

1/3 Cup Chicken Broth

1/2 Cup Heavy Cream

1 Cup Shredded, Swiss Cheese

1. Marinate your mushrooms (if your mushrooms are canned, drain all the juice) in lemon juice.
2. Meanwhile, saute breasts in butter and salt for 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth to the cooking breasts.
4. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
5. Remove chicken and cover to keep warm.
6. Add mushrooms and lemon juice to pan and saute for about 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.
7. Add cream to mushroom/lemon juice mixture.
8. Boil on medium heat until sauce becomes well blended and creamy.
9. Return chicken to mixture.
10. Simmer until chicken is heated then sprinkle the dish with swiss cheese.

Because of the flavor of this dish, many sides pair well with it. I've ranged from garlic-parsley potatoes to buttered asparagus. When you're done- your dish should look like something like this...(and please excuse the terrible lighting!)

Magnolia House Chicken with buttered aspargus, garlic-parsley homemade potatoes, and fresh fruit.

This dish is pretty easy to make. I made it to the recipe the first time and found it very good but I prefer more lemon and mushroom flavors. I also use chicken breast tenders instead of whole chicken breasts, which I slice or into 'chunks'. Which allows for more creamy, mushroomy, lemony goodness.

                              

Growing A Little Love - Eco-friendly Favors

When I discovered these little beauties, I was so ecstatic! These are completely Earth-friendly with no harm even to trees to make the paper. You choose a design, pick your labels, and give them along as favors to all your guests to your wedding or ceremony. For the cost, they are an AMAZING bargain- especially for what a 'typical' favor runs for.
As for what you 'do' with them...well...like all favors you give your guests, eventually, they get discarded causing unnecessary waste on all counts. These can be planted into a pot or even a garden and from the degraded remains beautiful herbs or wildflowers will sprout forth! Nothing better can display the love you and your newly wedded sweetie pie share to your friends and family than aromatic herbs and flowers.

For more information, please click the image or the link below to visit the website. I hope you enjoy!
Image courtesy of http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/                                   

Happy National Coming Out Day!

Regardless of what your personal sexual orientation is, I'm wishing you a Happy Coming Out Day! Today is the day that all around the world, people are learning to accept and love who they really are. Which...is what we ALL need. So again, it doesn't matter who you are or where you are- you deserve to be happy, accepted, and loved. Happy National Coming Out Day! Celebrate the day with the teaching of respect and love to all.

It Gets Better - Stop the hate, stop the bullying!

I would like to dedicate today's submission to something rather important. Now, I do know this was a call to action for youtube.com and if I could get my video camera to work properly, I would be doing an actual video to this response. But sadly, I won't be able to do so. Nonetheless, I feel this is something that should be shared- regardless of it's medium. 


My message is directed at any and all who are thinking about suicide...or just needs a little comfort. This is not just for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders- this is for everyone. Our GLBT children aren't the only ones killing themselves, this transcends all boundaries. Religion, skin color, hell...our children are being tortured at school about the money the parents make or just about how they look! Hateful words breed hate. Pure and simple.
 
It gets better.  


I was raised to hardcore Republican parents in the bible-belt in the southern states of the US. I always felt different about religion, but wasn't knowledgeable about gays and transgenders. When kids used their typical hateful terminology, I was confused as to what the hell they were talking about...


When I was in 7th grade, I fell in love with my female best friend whose mother was a well-known televangelist. It was revolutionary because I knew that this is how I was born and I began to love the person I was turning into. Needless to say, I was scared to admit to her how I felt and never acted on my desires to confess my love for her. 

I was lucky to have never been physically intimated at school because I had blended so well into their little perfect world but I do understand and have been at the end of taunts and hurtful comments. But it makes you stronger. You take all that hate they throw at you and build a shield from it. No one can hurt you unless you let them. 

We all need someone to help support us...and we all have support, even if we don't think it. There are hotlines, people on the internet, groups, family, friends...these people who will accept you are out there. You just have to be strong and do what is best for you. Suicide isn't the answer. You are ending everything that you could have, your dreams, and taking away your future husband or wife's perfect person.


Since my high school nightmare, I have come out to my family and friends...and you know what? They got over it. They cried, they said I disgusted them, I was told to not talk to them again....and they got over it. Sure, it hurts when those you love deny you. But it makes you stronger, just have faith in yourself and find those who are like minded to help support you. 

I love you all.
Ivy


LBBT Youth: If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please visit this website. Here you can find guidance and someone to talk to. Any conversations are completely confidential.
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
1-866-488-7386

Mm! Eco-friendly AND soothing!

Stressed out the big wedding day? Here is something that will put your mind at ease. Not only does lavender soothe your mind and spirits, it is bio-degradable so nothing in our environment will be put at risk! Use it for your wedding toss as you exit, fill it up sachet bags for your drawers, hang in your closet to freshen your garments, make some lavender and salt-soaks for your girls...the possibilities are limitless. 


If interested, click the image to be taken to the website beau-coup.com for more information or purchase.

Opal Artist - Edmund Blair Leighton

                                        'To the Unknown Land' by Edmund Blair Leighton

Although he has some amazing artworks, each with their own beautiful colors and themes. "To the Unknown Land" really spoke to me. So simple yet deep in it's delivery. I personally have two prints of this amazing artist displayed in my home and look forward to collecting more. I hope you enjoy his works as I do.

For more his works, please visit the website associated with the image above. 

Book of the Month - The Gargoyle

 

 So few books leave me wanting more. With a story so full and rich, your heart aches with each layer you unfold and discover this beautiful world Mr. Davidson has written. At times, it feels so real you could believe that these characters are alive in our world...and in way, you feel they are.

 The story is about an unnamed man who is ugly to his core but beautiful to look at. He's addicted to drugs, he's a porn star, he's cruel, and he feels nothing for those around him. Shortly after the story begins, in beyond intoxicated state, he drives over a cliff and burns himself alive. While recovering in the hospital he meets a strangely beautiful woman who claims to have known him in another life...and from there the whirlwind begins.

For more information, please follow the image for interviews, book information, and locations for purchase. Thanks!

Game On - Plants vs. Zombies

 If you've ever wanted to endless pelt, crush, incinerate, or chomp zombies who plan on feasting on your brains...this game has it all. The goal is to protect your house from an onslaught of various types of zombies with (you guessed it...) plants you grow on your lawn, roof, and backyard.

 There are various levels and many different 'combat' scenarios from Wall-nut Bowling to having a more difficult pre-destined hand of plants to work with. For the 360, I had multi-player options and great achievements. This game had me laughing at it's humor and getting excited at discovering different planting abilties. All in all, this game was definitely worth $20...plus mine came with the games Zuma and Peggle. 

Entertaining: 5/5
Replay Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Sapphire Artist - John William Waterhouse

"Boreas" by John William Waterhouse c. 1902

This particular piece of art is my favorite by this artist. He is one of my favorites and his work is remarkable. I grew up surrounded by prints of his and it always intrigued me when I was a child. Although I have yet to see any of his work in person, I can only imagine how amazing it would be. 

For more artwork by this particular artist, please visit the provided link:
  Comprehensive Collection of John W. Waterhouse

The first!

Hello and welcome to my blog! Obviously, this is my first posting and the site needs quite a bit of work but I'm really looking forward to fixing her up. So with that, I suppose it's time to cover what the blog is about and who I am.

I decided to create a blog for a myriad of reasons...self-expression being the most important. My goal is to create a place where I can say what I feel, explore new ideas, share information, and (hopefully!) make friends with those like-minded.

As for what I'll be talking about, well as the title suggests...everything and anything under the stars! I'm random and very open-minded about all topics so one day might be about "Why Mac Makeup Makes My Heart Flutter!" to "Recycling, Do It!" or even...."People Who Ban Books Deserve To Be Banned"

If you would like to know more about me, please visit my profile section. I welcome messages and comments should anyone require anything. So with that said, I'll be posting very soon (possibly even later on today) once I can update the site look a bit. Thanks for viewing! Take care...

Love,

Ivy