Why Flash Mobs are awesome.

I would love to participate in a Flash Mob. When I watch these videos, I see all of the smiling faces and how excited people get with the surprise of song and dance. It's truly fantastic!

Even Modern Family is doing it.

Where would we be without facebook?

Probably getting a lot more done to be honest.

You can make a difference!

According to Saint Bros...
"A communications class here at Saint Joes is making their final project into a pretty big deal. They’re attempting to use social media to save a dog’s life. Niko was raised to be a therapy dog for Autistic kids, but he got some pretty shitty luck. Suffering from Hip Displacia before turning one, Niko will have to be put down within a year if he doesn’t receive the necessary treatment."

Do you have the same list of qualifications as a 6 year old?

Mine are pretty similar...

This was found in a yard of a Boston radio host. too cute.

via Someecards

Mmmm Black bean salsa

I found this recipe on Cookie + Kate. It looks fresh, easy to put together, and delicious!

What you need:
3 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can Mexican style corn, drained
2 cans diced tomatoes with chili peppers, drained
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 bunches green onions, chopped
2 limes, juiced
Half a bunch of cilantro leaves, chopped
white balsamic vinegar to taste
jalapenos (to make it a little spicier)

Chill for several hours.

Travel Fun: Auckland

Shop:

Dotti: affordable women's fashion.

Country Road: Highly regarded brand in Australia and New Zealand for men and women.

 Barkers: High end men's fashion.

Lara Parker: High end New Zealand fashion designer.

Karen Walker: High end New Zealand fashion designer.

Eat:

Prego: Located in Ponsonby, a trendy upper-middle class neighborhood, this restaurant has been well known among the locals for over 20 years. It is a wonderful Italian restaurant that has received numerous awards for it's menu and service.

Soul.:Whether it's night or day, this place is always packed. Located in the heart of the Viaduct Harbour, it attracts locals and tourists with it's fabulous, but expensive menu.

Cheaper Options: 

Burger Fuel : A menu with a diverse and large amount of choices. Delicious quick burger place that's more upscale than your average fast food joint. They have options for those that are vegetarian or gluten-free. 

Hell Pizza: A pizza place that delivers good quality pizza! They also offer fries, salads and pasta dishes. Pizza menu includes options for those are that gluten-free and vegetarian as well. It is located all over the country!

Play:

Skytower: The tallest man-made structure in New Zealand that offers you an incredible view of all of Auckland. 

Auckland Museum: A museum that is very informative and interactive when teaching you about New Zealand. While exploring there, you may learn about the several volcanoes that reside in the area, the Maori culture, important figures in NZ history, their animal and plant life and much more.

Here I am standing (on my tip toes) next to the moa. A moa is an extinct flightless bird that once wandered New Zealand and was killed/eaten by the Maori. Bird like emu and ostrich descend from the moa.

The Auckland Museum

Drink: 

Cassette Nine: A bar with a good size dance floor, clubbish music and of course their signature drinks served in teapots.

Bungalow 8: A trendy bar/lounge with a "New York" feel.  Located in the Viaduct Harbour, one can take in the wonderful view of the water while drinking a cocktail on their large balcony.

If you don't like animals, you will now.

I was in love with this video the moment it started. 

Va Va Vintage.

Urban Outfitters: $39.99

Pottery Barn: $15.99

Pottery Barn:$44.99

That's right.

Via 2slicksgoodtimes

Luxe or Less?

A few hot trends.

Anthropologie:$198

Target:$29.99

Dolce Vita: $175
Piperlime

Cole Haan: $248
Nordstroms

Hobo:$78
Nordstroms

TOPSHOP:$28

BCBGeneration:$78
Piperlime

TOPSHOP:$60

ZARA: $39.90

What does your sleeping position say about you?

BEST: Back position

It's good: preventing back and neck pain, perky boobs, reducing acid reflux and minimizing wrinkles

It's bad: snoring

SECOND BEST: Side position

It's good: preventing back and neck pain, reducing acid reflux, sleeping during pregnancy and snoring less

It's bad: Effects skin and breasts

WORST: Stomach 

It's good: eases snoring

It's bad: causes back and neck pain and wrinkles

Read more about this at CNNHealth.

DIY Woven Chain Bracelet

A cheap way to keep up with the trends! This bracelet seems easy to make and definitely a statement piece to wear. I found this DIY (which includes the complete steps of how to make this) at Honestly...WTF? It is an awesome blog with great fashion finds and tips!

Well said, Bob Marley.

TOMS for all occasions.

TOMS is finding ways for you to wear their infamous shoes to prom and to your wedding! I love the idea of actually being comfortable (and of course being able to make a difference) at an occasion where you will be dancing all night :)

Photo from Photosmashing.

Also, another idea for Mother's Day...these are definitely a cute pair of shoes for mom--and it goes to a good cause!

Photo from TOMS.

Time to expand your vocabulary!

I have discovered an amazing website that can expand/test your vocabulary while making the time go by if you're bored.

Knoword.org is a website where you are given a certain amount of time and you are presented with the definition of the word and it's first letter. You are required to continue entering the correct words until time is up.

Man can they do cover songs.

Karmin Music does great covers of various popular songs. They have talent...youtube sensation right there.

Amazingly Outrageous

I have discovered a New Zealand television show that is nothing like anything that has been aired in America. It pokes fun at the west Auckland (largest city in New Zealand) community and the things they go about in their daily lives. It was known to be the longest running drama in New Zealand. The show ended its sixth season only a few months ago in November 2010.

According to Wikipedia...

The central plot is that a family of criminals decide to go straight after the patriarch is jailed. Like the show itself, episodes take their names from Shakespeare quotations. The main characters each walk a fine line between right and wrong according to their respective values - the law, the criminal code of honor, loyalty to family and respectability.

To get a whole briefing on the show click here.

Although this show is considered a "drama," it does no way fall under the category of Grey's Anatomy or Desperate Housewives. This a one hour show filled with crime, humor and  some sexual context. There is definitely enough nudity and profanity to keep this show from ever running on an American television network.

Once I started watching Outrageous Fortune, I literally couldn't stop. My host family and the rest of the friends I made in New Zealand picked up quickly on my love for the show. I highly recommend watching it online or if you by chance see it in a store, definitely pick it up to rent or buy! It's worth it I promise.

WARNING: Very explicit content.

Rep' yo state

Proud of where you're from? Show it off!

Kris Nations has designed necklaces for all 50 states.

$39

Confessions of a former Verizon Sales Rep

1 of 8 things he mentioned...

Never get a 2-year contract. "The only benefit to a 2 yr contract is a $50 savings on your phone. Its not worth it. Take the $50 and get a 1 year then you can upgrade to a new phone every 10 months."

The Consumerist fills you in on the dish of what to really do when you're at the verizon store.

Thinking ahead for Mother's Day?

I love this gift idea from uncommon goods!

Birth Month Flower Necklace

$48

Hmmm what should I run to?

I love to run and easily get bored with my music after hearing the same few playlists over and over again. Jog.fm is a great website to go to where you can plug in your mile time and it gives you a range of playlists to choose from to keep your energy going! It also can be programmed to walks and rides! Want to give it the route you're going on? It also helps you map out where you want to go!

Photo from Clipart Review.

A pet hippo would be nice

If you're down in the dumps...

DDDDubstep

While I was in New Zealand, I was introduced to "dubstep." Apparently it exists in America...I guess I just hadn't ever had the chance to be introduced to it. The music is very electronic and it's actually grown on me quite a bit!


A very popular dubstep song...Sierra Leone by Mt Eden

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex

Where's my money by Caspa

In for the Kill (Skream remix) by La Roux

They're more than just fancy jewelry

I was flipping through a magazine the other day and I came across Tiffany handbags. I could only imagine how much they could possibly cost...and I was right, a looooot of money. Kind of a cool concept though. This bag is definitely mixing one of their signature bracelets with this evening bag that comes in fuschia and lime as well. However, it does go for a steep $795.

A great dessert from New Zealand

Pavlova

This is a dessert that New Zealand is famous for. It is like a meringue but it is the form of a cake and has a softer texture inside. It basically has a meringue crust with a more marshmallow texture in the middle.

A recipe for pavlova definitely varies depending on the person, but this is one I found that works.

• 4 large egg whites (1/2 cup) at room temperature
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar or cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla flavoring (certified kosher for Passover; see Notes)
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 3 cups sliced strawberries (15 oz.)
• 1 cup sliced peeled kiwi fruit (8 oz.)

• 1. Preheat oven to 250°. Trace an 8-in. circle on a piece of parchment paper with a pencil. Place it pencil side down on a baking sheet.
• 2. Put egg whites and salt in a large, very clean bowl. Beat with a handheld or stand mixer on high speed (preferably with whisk attachment) until foamy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition, until stiff, shiny peaks form (4 to 5 minutes). Beat in vinegar and vanilla just until blended.
• 3. Mound meringue onto traced circle on baking sheet, spreading to fill and mounding edges slightly higher than center.
• 4. Bake until meringue is firm and pale golden brown, about 1 1/2 hours. Crack oven door and let pavlova cool completely, about 2 hours more. Carefully remove from baking sheet and transfer to a platter (it's normal for crust to crack a little).
• 5. In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat whipping cream just until soft peaks form. Turn mixer to low and beat in remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.
• 6. Just before serving, top pavlova with whipped cream, strawberries, and sliced kiwi fruit. Cut into 8 wedges.

This recipe was found at myrecipes.