Tattoo story, Utter Brilliance

This story is so awesome and gives one of the most hitting-the-nail-on-the-head answers to anyone's prejudice against tattoos. 

“There is a short story about a man who worked as a palaeontologist or archaeologist and was leading a tour group through a museum as part of his summer job.

He had a large and prominent tattoo in a visible place, probably an arm or leg, and it was exposed. Not anything obscene or even particularly challenging. A person in the tour group, a middle aged woman, if memory serves, was persistently very snippy and dismissive of his lecture and when he finally confronted her about it in front of the group; she said she couldn’t take him seriously because he was tattooed.

He replied “this isn’t an ordinary tattoo, you see,” while slightly tilting the tattooed extremity, almost as if he expected it to beam a glint of light back at the viewer if cambered just right. “This tattoo is magic.” he said with a twinge of mysticism in his voice.

“If I hold it just right, it exposes the prejudice and ugliness of small and petty people.”

*Face Palm*

Apologies!  It's been a crazy couple weeks. To recap:

Dog's birthday was a success! Cake was enjoyed by both canines, chocolate banana muffins with delicious icing for the human guests. Movies were watched, tears were cried (it might have been only me...Homeward Bound is heartwarming, don't judge me.)

Coachella plans are all but executed! All we have to do is show up at the airport and we're off to a weekend of awesomeness. April 19th can't come soon enough!

On a more serious note, I feel it is very important to bring this case to a wider audience. Please take a minute to read it (it's not the best written article but delivers the facts nonetheless)
If you feel inclined, sign the petition on change.org and help spread awareness of this injustice.
Help the family of Trayvon Martin find peace in their son's murder.

As a firm believer in equality to all, regardless of our societal labels, this case is an example of the lack of recognition of the equal rights deserving to all citizens. The Florida police would do well to take this case as a lesson to strive for colourblind service. That all citizens, regardless of their age, gender or ethnicity deserve equal attention and compassion. When it comes to crimes against unarmed youth, there is no room for personal biases. George Zimmerman should be tried to the fullest extent of the law for murdering unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

I hope this brings a little awareness to your day, and I will try to post some new recipes and photos soon!

Have a great Tuesday!

Coffee Critique? My Starbucksidea.com Experience

As a blogger who's had her share of negative responses, I am not sensitive to backlash. However, I couldn't help but feel a little ostracized for expressing a concern, and posing a suggestion to Starbucks, of all places. I was expressing my "desire" for something gluten-free at Starbucks. (my "desire" as my critics called it. I do not choose to eat gluten-free, but clearly my need for something to eat with my coffee is not a necessity) I was not suggesting Starbucks go completely gluten-free, but perhaps they could accommodate some of their diet restricted customers?
Anyway, the criticism, from people who would not be affected in any way by this, was quite rude. These seem to be the same kind of people who join forums just to disagree and argue with other well-meaning writers. I found the whole thing a little funny, so I thought I would post them here for your enjoyment, my original post included. The last comment was my response to my nay-sayers. :)

We all want a better, gluten-free Starbucks.

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Posted on 3/8/2012 12:37 PMby whitb 

After reading the many, many requests by my fellow Starbucks customers for more (read: any) gluten-free food options, I feel like a broken record. But, here it goes. As one of many, and our numbers are growing, of the sufferers of a gluten/wheat allergy, I feel we have a responsibility to provide patronage to those cafes and shops which provide us with aggreable dishes. Starbucks, unfortunately, falls a little short in this category.

I use my Starbucks card deligently, and I frequent the one at my college, however, I feel somewhat betrayed by the lack of attention to customer service that Starbucks fails to provide to its diet-restricted clientele.  Starbucks would do well to listen to the overwhelming demand for more gluten-free food options. I can also attest to the lack of employee knowledge on storing and packaging in keeping gluten-free products free from cross contamination. 

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Sharlsie 3/8/2012 1:03 PM

Uh, guess again. Not all of us.

1yogagirl Top CommenterIdea Launched3/8/2012 1:43 PM

I'm all for offering alternatives for people who need them.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/8/2012 3:04 PM

I dont want them. I dont mind if you have the ability to have them, but i want my glutten..

Cafeslinger Top Commenter3/8/2012 4:11 PM

This is a very limited need. Rather a desire. Snacks are not a need. And, there are plenty of places to get them from.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/9/2012 10:05 AM

Ya know, ive been agreeing with slinger ALL week. Must be that solar store everyone was talking about around her. Tis a good thing.

Cafeslinger Top Commenter3/9/2012 3:46 PM

lilmissy. i know you have a hard time understanding what you read. So let me lay it out for you: lots of stores offer this. Those who need these items have lots of places they can get them from. Starbucks does not sell gluten free well. But there are still plenty of stores that offer them.

lilmissykato Top Commenter3/10/2012 6:10 AM

Slinger, i was agreeing with you...... nothing to lay out. chill.

1yogagirl Top CommenterIdea Launched3/10/2012 8:36 AM

I think there is more than a limited need for gluten free being that many stores now are carrying a whole section of gluten free products.

nmk1986 3/13/2012 5:26 AM

People with wheat/gluten allergies are customers too, it would be nice to have a treat with your coffee. Who wants to go to a bunch of different places for coffee then snack.

whitb 3/13/2012 11:20 AM

I love all these supportive comments! To be honest, this feels a little, "if it won't affect you, there's no need to share your opinion." I wasn't suggesting Starbucks go completely gluten-free (don't worry lilmissy you'll still have your glutinous treats). Speaking from solely my own position, and in no contempt to anyone who does eat gluten, I was merely expressing yes, my desire if you wish, to be able to enjoy a Starbucks snack with my coffee. It's fine to disagree, but what harm would it do to keep negativity to yourselves? You're all entitled to your opinion. As am I. Equally so, I believe I'm entitled to enjoy a bite to eat at the same establishment as the rest of you. If that's alright.

If you're only on forums to disagree with anyone simply expressing themselves, then you are a sad lot. 

Have a nice day!

P.s. thank you nmk1986 and 1yogagirl; it's nice to know Starbucks has a few positive customers! Maybe the others hadn't had their coffee yet before posting ;)

Breathing Room

It's still taking me a lifetime to figure everything out, and by my calculations, that's about the normal rate to go about it. If things were truly meant to fall into your lap, or so simple you didn't have to agonize over it, it wouldn't be worth it. Or that's what I'm told. The easiest advice to listen to is one you can't argue with. Like someone telling you "there's always someone worse off", or "the best things in life are worth waiting for". I'm all for living life to the fullest and striving for amazing, not settling for mediocre, but sometimes it'd be nice to read something that says it's ok to revel in the little, insignificant, selfish things we all do every day. If it weren't for the small things, no one would get out of bed. If it weren't for the guilty pleasures and twinges of ego we all feel, the world would be too idealistic for its own good. I like the things that make life imperfect, and the cynicism that keeps me grounded. I'm still optimistic, but I like being able to see a glass in both its states of fullness. Sometimes it is half empty, and that's ok too. Life isn't about being an eternal optimist, or convincing yourself there is beauty everywhere, because sometimes it's the ugly parts that makes us see the beauty a little clearer.
To me, life is about creating your own in anything. It's about applying your energy and focusing it, or not, for that matter. We all stress about not doing one-hundred percent all the time, and then feel guilty when we do something completely normal, and human. Urges of the heart, mind, and body should not be ignored. As long as you're careful and keep yourself safe, don't let the constraints of others hold you back.

Ok, now I'm starting to sound like a re-posted motivational blurb.

My bottom line, if you care to know, is to live, love, and learn with a passionate heart. Above all, believe in your ability to stay true to what makes that fire in your belly, that sense of purpose, regardless of if you're saving the world, or just talking yourself up before a big decision. No matter what or who, or where, it's more important to create your own anything.
Even if that's just a little blog post every now and then.

Today I Believe

I believe that daydreams can sometimes be the best therapy. Let yourself dream, inspire, yearn. It's what keeps us human, makes us stronger.

I believe in the power of music. Lyrics can bring you up when you're at your lowest.

I believe that you can never say "I Love You" too often. If you feel it, it's never excessive. Love with your whole heart or not at all.

I believe beauty is everywhere, best of all in the places you least expect to find it.

I believe in second chances. Even thirds, sometimes.

I believe nothing lasts forever, except love, in all it's forms.

I believe that there's a 50/50 chance you'll wake up on the wrong side of the bed. The trick is learning to deal with that chance and turn it back around.

I believe some of my best poems are written in my sleep. I only wish I could wake up in time to write them down.

I believe there's always a rainbow after a hurricane.

I believe in the magic of summer nights.

I believe it's going to be a long time before I figure out who I am. The longer it takes, the longer the ride, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I believe that my children are going to love this planet like we should've been doing this whole time. I believe each generation will start helping a little younger, a little bit more.

Finding Me. {bear with me, world}

So today's Alliteration Wednesday is on hiatus until tomorrow. Today I'm writing to boast my own spirits, they seem to have taken a hit lately. I'm feeling the accumulation of a lot of stuff, some I'm not sure I can even identify. I think a lot of it has to do with the end of semester, which in comparison to what I know a lot of other students are going through, is very minimal. So I'm taking my frustration out on my blog. Please bear with me everyone.
Got Bob Marley's I Can See Clearly Now playing, a song that's always been special for me. I remember my third grade teacher teaching it to us and we'd all sing while he played guitar. It's one of my fonder childhood memories.
I'm thankful for me. And really, I want to feel that you shouldn't have to search outside of yourself to find something to be thankful for. Yes, I'm thankful for my family, my upbringing and the beautiful city I live in, but today I just wanna be thankful for me.
If there's one person who you always have to put up with, and will always be there, it's You.
As corny as that sounds, I find I'm sometimes the hardest person I have to deal with. I know how to push my own buttons, and sometimes I just get in my own way.
Call it multiple personalities, call it whatever you like, but I think a big part of finding your place in the world starts with finding your place within yourself. And I think that's what I'm struggling with. Just figuring myself out, learning to do what makes me happy, and breathing through the things that don't.

Somewhere over the rainbow...

{via}

La Passion

Monday morning, here we go! I've made the conscious decision to be as positive and productive as possible for the next few weeks and crack down on studying and my final papers. I've been dragging myself along these last weeks, ok months, and although I don't believe in regrets, I do wish I'd pushed myself a little more.
My motivation is finding passion. La Passion is something I take in very high regard. I believe if you find your passion, your love of life, of self and maybe of someone else too, you can do no wrong. 
We live in a Romanticesque world. We are not beings driven by our intellect, we lead with our hearts.
What the heart wants can never be wrong. (I know it's easy to go into a debate on that, but it's entirely personal and anything loved with good intentions cannot be wrong. Better?)

My passion is yet unrealized. I can feel it, like when your foot falls asleep and you have to hobble around because it hurts? Well, it's kind of like that. For now. I think once you find what you're truly passionate about, the tingle will disappear but remain a memory of feeling. You'll be realized. 

So, to spice up this dreary Monday, what's your Passion? 

Love? Sex? Money? Fashion? Animal Rights? Politics? 

Passions are not limited to the fabrics of reality, only to what we limit in our imaginations.

Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion. 
Georg Wilhelm

Week-beginning Inspirations

Since it's Monday and I know we could all use a little skip in our step, I'm using my skills of procrastination productively to remind myself of some things that made my day recently:

-the Wen Wei contemporary dance show at the Playhouse on Saturday. Followed by late night sushi with my mom.

-my new manicure has reminded me that I have hands to accessorize.

-school is over in exactly 1 month. (begin premature excitement)

-it's my dog's birthday tomorrow. Cinnamon is no longer in her early twenties.

-I'm going to island this weekend. Only 5 more sleeps!

-it's was supposed to rain today. And it didn't.

-it's only Monday. Breathe.


{Remember to keep Japan and all the tsunami victims in your hearts tonight. We can hardly compare our troubles to their devastation. Take a minute to donate and help humanitarian efforts. If you can afford a coffee a day for a week, you can afford to help. Every little bit counts.}

Red Cross

What's up weekend?

Sometimes, when I get the urge to write, nothing worthwhile comes out. I 'd love to be able to ramble on about my theories on current events, or my favourite trends for spring (hello 70s retro!), but sometimes words fail me. I wish my photography skills were a little more refined so I could attempt to make a pretty photo blog. Or know how to make scrapbook montages of weekend favs or outfits. Sadly, my dear readers, you will have to suffice (for now) with my daily musings and ramblings that are not necessarily always about the same thing.

Today, i got a much needed manicure (thanks mom!), and had an always uplifting trip to the vet for my little Cinni's annual vaccines. Successful Saturday I'd say. I'm keen to turn my semester around in these last 4 weeks, starting tomorrow. Today just doesn't seem right....My mom's convinced that reading this book on procrastination and the brain will somehow make me do it less? Apparently people are biologically wired to procrastinate. Seems like a justified excuse to me. So if you ever catch yourself cruising blogs or window shopping online, just remember, it's in your genes, and you can't fight with science!

Oh and my brother discovered an amazing snack that I made wheat free: waffles with, wait for it, crunchy peanut butter, nutella, and strawberry jam. Put that in your mouth and tell me it's not the tastiest thing you've had all week. You're welcome, readers' stomachs.

What's on your plate this weekend? Anyone busting out the BBQ yet??

 I'm dying for something hot off the grill (hint hint at my boyfriend, BBQ oysters next weekend??)

Until then, maybe I'll have to make a trip to Memphis Blues BBQ? 

Have a great weekend everyone!
P.s remember it's daylight savings tonight! Spring is almost here!
xoxo

Say a little prayer.

My heart and thoughts go out to the people of Japan today.

News:

MSN News

CBC- Canadian reports from Tokyo

Send some love to Japan today everyone-xoxo

F-f-friday!

At last! This week could not end soon enough, let me tell you. School is giving me something of a headache lately, but upon reflecting on previous semesters this seems pretty normal for me at this point. I find it usually takes me until almost the end to finally get it. Not sure why, my lack of good studying habits is probably one if the culprits. I think my ego is likely another factor; I tend to be hardest on myself on things I (according to others) did fairly well on.

Since that's not going away (I've accepted my stubbornness and consequential personal mediocracy) I guess I'm just going to have to buckle down and crawl through the rest of the semester. I think the bright light that is my Italy trip will help light the way. (and for those who think I have the means to vacay in Italy, please don't. This is a wonderful half semester program. Thanks Langara!) Only 6 1/2 weeks until departure!

Hope you all get out to enjoy the weekend! I know me and my rain boots will :)

xoxo

{via}

ps. I realize it's been a while since I did some baking posts; more soon I promise! I'm due to conduct a perogie making session in the near future! Stay tuned! 

Sunday, and some things I love

It's another lazy Sunday, and I've resigned myself to a little bit of housewifing (not in spite of the upcoming International Women's Day on the 8th.), dog walking and amazon-ing. It's the end of another week, and I've been missing my other half a lot lately. Some weeks fly by, but knowing I'm not seeing him for a few more seems to drag out the days. We rock at Sunday mornings. Pancakes (wheat free of course) have become our homage to How I Met Your Mother ritual, as well as dog walks along Spanish Banks, and often sushi. I know it's totally cliche to say you feel more complete when you're with that special person, but when it comes to matters of the heart, nothing else matters. It's times like this, and they're fairly often, that I feel ready beyond my youth to experience things I have not the financial or educational means to do. In light of that, I know these are the beginnings of The Years, and I intend to enjoy them. On that note, some things that have made me smile and keep my little heart company when my Love cannot. 

I'm loving these terrariums in jars lately. I don't have the slightest inkling of a green thumb but these seem pretty self sustaining. And very cute; almost like having a little bit of another world. 

1. recycled glass terrarium 

2. Apothecary jar moss terrarium 

I love candles. These ones are so unique! 

1. White birch candle holder

2. Hanging glass baubles

3. Egg candles-  so perfect for spring!

I love statement rings. Nothing too big or gaudy, or too sparkly. I'd rather something in metal that's unique than an ostentatious stone. 

1. Big knot ring

2. Nautical ship steering wheel ring

3. Bunny love ring - so adorable!

4. I love Pamela Love

Hope you're all enjoying the weekend! 

xoxo

les livres sont etonnants

It's a late, rainy night and I've decided to prematurely put my tax refund to work. I haven't bought any new books in a long time and I've recently lusting after more from Colum McCann. I just finished Let The Great World Spin. Ironic that I loved it since it was assigned for my english class. Anyway, my Amazon account is getting some lovin' and I'd love some input on some great reads!
I loved Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy (no I won't see the movies.)
And Chuck Palahniuk is also a fantasic, cynically good read.
Gabriel Garcias Marquez is genius.
Margaret Atwood will always be close to my heart.
Yann Martel's Life of Pi is one I have read at least 5 times.


{I'd love to be perched reading here...}

A Tuesday of Thanks

I just wanted to give a little shout out to all the recent support and blogger-friendliness that I've been receiving. When I started blogging I wasn't sure who I would attract and what kind of blogger I wanted to be. I'm not going to peg myself as anything i particular, because that's something I've never been able to do. So like me, my blog likes to dabble and ramble sometimes. Anyways, just a big thank you, I feel very humbled to be a part of such a positive community of bloggers. you all make my day, every day. <3

To all my followers, I love reading your fellow blogs and sharing feedback.
To my friends who constantly tell me how they love reading what I write, it's extremely heart-warming.
To everyone who passes by here, if only for a second. Thanks for letting me be a part of your day :)

Life in Material Loves

My lusts in 223 objects.


{materialism is only narcissistic if you can't justify it with extraordinarily long words}




{visit my Svpply}


bags.books.shirts.shoes.art.furniture.teacups.kettles.candles.satchels.mirrors.paintings.rings.earrings.necklaces.sunglasses.beauty.lingerie.boots.beds.wine.food.waffles.plants.boxes.antiques.frames.herbs.pillows.bowls.mugs.blankets.laptops.hammocks.nailpolish.albums.dresses.shelves.wallets.gadgets.bracelets.brushes.boots.cups.stags.cameras.glasses.tables.lights.coffeetables.lotion.

Monday Heart Strings

The drama, the heartbeats..
where would we be if not for the cliches of everyday life?
Embrace them, whether you're single or romantically attached, it's all in how you love things, anything, that makes it all worth while. The aches of the heart will always conquer the aches of the mind, or body. You're only as strong as your fastest heartbeat. <3

Some more things I love...

The first signs of spring...

     Sunday morning pancakes...

chai lattes...

looking like a french postcard in a cafe...

listening to the Gipsy Kings...

sushi dates...

paper-white flowers...

picture imperfect photo shoots...

early summer mornings...

cashmere...

nostalgia for summer...

the smell of basil...

What pulls on your heartstrings?

Musings...

Thanks to my lovely boyfriend I got an early start today, and early mornings before coffee make me think a little less before opening my mouth. This post is the consequence of that.
Firstly, I have never wanted to wear a full body suit of woolen knitted garments more than I have recently. What's the deal Vancouver? I miss the Olympic weather..so nice and warm for February.
Secondly, I stumbled across the awesome magazine that is Rue and am in love with their interior designs! I have a feeling the bf would love this one. We've been negotiating a decorating compromise with antlers. I think I could live with this idea.

 

Another time-consuming love I've recently discovered is Svpply. It's a site that lets you find products and people with similar interests. Svpply will recommend items based on your themes and also has gift guides! (one of my favourite uses for the internet. However after this past holiday experience I'll be a little more prepared to do my Christmas shopping next year..like in September.)

Peeps my Svpply here

Through cruising Svpply and many of the blogs I follow, I think I've learnt a lot about my personal style and stuff that makes me happy :) Try it, you might just get to know yourself a little better. 

For example, I've discovered I love porcelain mugs and other items. I also love leather bags, clutches, briefcases, satchels, wallets, pocket books..you get the idea.

I also love weird jewelry. I've never been a dainty accessory girl, and I love pieces that are a little different and attention grabbing. 

Oh and coffee table books. And coffee tables. 

A New Day

Sometimes it takes a cold slap to wake you up to what you think you're missing. Sometimes, like those Sunday nights when there's nowhere else you'd rather be than curled up with your laptop, and you're procrastinating doing your french homework because you secretly like the drama of putting it off, it's these times that you really get to thinking. Looking back on the TV I've watched today, I starting thinking about all the goals I've set, and forgot about or passed over. The inspirational people who've lost a person's worth of weight, or reinvented themselves all for the sake of a TV show, do you think they would have done the same otherwise? If life's a movie, is nothing worth doing without an audience?
So, with this thinking in mind, and knowing the small, yet global outreach I have, I'm starting to appreciate the things that I do just for me. I started this blog as a way to get out some pent-up creative juices, and put my little words out there. The longer you keep your hand out though, the more pigeons start to land and roost. Soon I was getting asked to advertise, market, and sell myself to the millions of eager viewers out there, if they could only get smacked with my blog! What happened to the days that we did things for our own pleasure? No credit, no infamy, no cheerleaders. I'm not discrediting all the support I've been getting, don't get me wrong! Anything I hear from readers and friends is overwhelming and very humbling. I'm touched that I get to reach out to people through my writings.
I do feel though, as a novice blogger eager to get my words out there, that I've maybe lost myself a little in the process. My room's a little more cluttered and for the first time in a while I'm just letting it build. So I'm taking this moment to turn over a new leaf. I have a pile of "to do's" that I'm itching to get at, and I think I've been waiting for a moment that isn't going to come to push me to do them. It's A New Day, and I'm all the push I need to get it done, whether it's blog-worthy or not.

A few things I love...

I just love this...

{via}

and this...

{via}

and I would love to organize my recipes in this.

{via}

everybody wants a princess bedroom.

{via}

Britney's Back?

So I watched the premiere of Britney Spears' new video Hold It Against Me last night and I have to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan. It might have had something to do with the fact that I had watched the two hour countdown of select Britney music videos that made me expect more from the pop princess, or it might be the fact that, after having watched that many videos already, the 2011 version seemed somewhat repetitive? Maybe it's just me, but I still think Brit is an icon and a legacy. (Gaga doesn't look so original in rhinestone sunglasses and barely there outfits anymore. I got your back Britney). I did find a theme in most (see, all) of her videos, which somehow seem to foreshadow her eventual social suicide and mental breakdown? All the lyrics about people following her, stardom somehow not being enough to make her happy, even Toxic shows the singer trying to point out what a leech society is. And considering she doesn't write her own songs, is it too much to theorize that the industry was planning on making Britney so big, only so that she had the farthest to fall? Like anything new, it's only popular when it first comes out and  top of the line, and again when it makes headlines for crashing, finally.
Personally, and I know this is probably a little paranoid if anything, but I think the media and those around Britney were plotting her celebrity death for profit. Having her father control all her finances and her career, it doesn't seem unlikely that others were happier with the turnout of Britney's life than she was. I do feel for her. I don't think I could last that long in the spotlight and not go at least half crazy. It's a sad world we live in when 16 year olds get memoirs and the icons of my generation are only making headlines for showing their nether-regions. One day your turn will come Mr. Bieber, soon you will be the Britney of tomorrow. Sadly, since your haircut only suits 12 year olds, and once people realize you're actually a lesbian in disguise, I don't think you'll last long enough to taste both ends of the spoon.
True fans of Britney, I stand with you. It takes a big person to scrape herself off the underside of pop culture and still remain true to her music. Keep it up Brit, I know there's a I'm A Salve For You sequel in you somewhere.