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February 29, 2016

March Photo-A-Day...

 Here is the photo-a-day list Fat Mum Slim made for March 2016...
How to take part in March photo-a-day:

  • Using the list as inspiration, take a photo each day 
  • Share it on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #FMSphotoaday. You can also share on your blog or on Facebook by joining her group.      
  • Check out other people's photos and like them or comment on them.

February 20, 2016

Stuck In My Head | Work It...

For a combination of random reasons including; a Facebook post that Phil wrote about downloading an obscene amount 90's and early 2000's music, as well as me wasting time in a Starbucks in New York City that was playing early 2000's Hip Hop and R&B (Which I was totally digging while I was there because I heard a bunch of songs I hadn't listen to since high school), I have Missy Elliot's "Work It" stuck in my head. And you know how I roll, if it's stuck in my head I have to get it stuck in someone elses...

Cookin' Librarian | Lobster & Shrimp Pot Pie...

Since posting the picture of the Valentine's Day meal I made for myself and Justin, I've had a lot of people ask me how I made it. So I thought I'd just do a quick post with the recipe.

Unfortunately like 99% of the things I cook there is no exact recipe because I eyeball everything. But here is a rough recipe for all of you...

• Lobster Tails • Jumbo Shrimp • Carrots • Celery • Onion • Shallots • Garlic • Potatoes •
• Seafood Stock • Heavy Cream • Tarragon • Chives • Puff Pastry • Flour • Egg •

Instructions
• Preheat oven to 375°.
• Clean and devein the shrimp and lobster tails. Set aside.
• Mince three cloves of garlic and a whole shallot.
• Chop the carrots, celery, onion and potatoes into bit size pieces.
• Saute the carrots, celery, onion, shallot and garlic in a pot.
• In a separate pot, boil the chopped potatoes until fork tender and drain. Set aside.
• Add seafood stock to the pot with the sauteed vegetables. Bring to a boil.
• Add in the potatoes that were set aside, as well as the heavy cream.
• Chop the tarragon and chives, then add to the mixture in the pot.
• Take a ladle full of the hot liquid and whisk in two tablespoons of flour to make a slurry.
• Pour the slurry into the boiling pot and let boil for a couple of minutes until thick.
• Add lobster and shrimp meat. Stir.
• Take the mixture and ladle into ramekins.
• Cut puff pastry into squares. Put two pieces on top of each ramekin. Score with a knife, then egg wash.
• Place ramekins on top of a baking sheet. Place in oven and bake until the puff pastry is golden brown.
• Let sit for five minutes once out of the oven.
• Garnish with chives and enjoy!

Optional Step
Take the shells from the lobster and shrimp, as well as the bits of vegetables and put them in a pot with just enough water to cover them and boil for thirty or so minutes to make your own broth -- Which is what I did.

If you try out my recipe lemme know!

February 19, 2016

This Just Pinned: Week One Hundred & Fifty-One...

Here are the highlights of my last few weeks pinning...

As always if you want to see what else I have up on Pinterest you can check out my account here.

February 18, 2016

Library Life | Shit Show...

Remember the other day that I said I'd start writing about work again, well do I have a little story for you that literally just happened... Out of nowhere a bunch of patrons just ran into the department with disgusted looks on their faces and my Department Head and I just kind of looked at them very quizzically. Eventually one of them came over to us and informed us that someone had defecated in the hallway. One by one other patrons confirmed what the original patron had stated and my Department Head when to the hallway to check. Not two seconds later the door to our department was shut and she was on the phone trying to find our custodian.

Unfortunately throughout this I realized that I had to use the restroom myself (Why didn't I just pee earlier when I got back from the meeting I was at?!!) so I had to brave the hallway to make my way to the staff restroom. And oh my God, it was literally a shit show. There were piles of feces on the floor and smeared on the tiles. It was one of the most disgusting things I've seen at work in the longest time.

Being me, I took pictures but I will spare you all the photos because I basically took them to show our Director and random staff memebers. But yeah, there is my work story for you...

February 17, 2016

The Taliban Shuffle | Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Giveaway...

In honor of Tina Fey's newest offering Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016) hitting theaters March 4th, I am giving away one (1) copy of the memoir that the film is based on "The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan" by Kim Barker.
When Kim Barker first arrived in Kabul as a journalist in 2002, she barely owned a passport, spoke only English and had little idea how to do the “Taliban Shuffle” between Afghanistan and Pakistan. No matter—her stories about Islamic militants and shaky reconstruction were soon overshadowed by the bigger news in Iraq. But as she delved deeper into Pakistan and Afghanistan, her love for the hapless countries grew, along with her fear for their future stability. In this darkly comic and unsparing memoir, Barker uses her wry, incisive voice to expose the absurdities and tragedies of the “forgotten war,” finding humor and humanity amid the rubble and heartbreak.
This is a standard Rafflecopter giveaway. In order to be the lucky winner you must leave a comment below letting me know if you'd travel to another country where you didn't know the language to shake up your life and follow this blog using Google Friend Connect. You can gain additional entries by doing a number of other tasks listed in the widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 ••••••••••••••••• CONTEST ENDS FEBRUARY 29th AT MIDNIGHT ••••••••••••••••• 

This post and giveaway were sponsored but I did not receive monetary compensation. I'll be receiving my own copy of The Taliban Shuffle identical to the winners.

 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
When reporter Kim Barker’s (Tina Fey) life needs something more, she decides to 'shake it all up’ by taking an assignment in a war zone. There, in the midst of chaos, she finds the strength she never knew she had. Sometimes it takes saying ‘WTF’ to find the life you were always destined to have. Also starring Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Alfred Molina and Billy Bob Thornton, the film is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (“Crazy, Stupid, Love”) from a screenplay by Robert Carlock (“Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock”). 

February 16, 2016

Library Life | An Apology To My Readers...

As you may or may not have noticed I haven't written about work in a while and it isn't because the library has be boring or anything, on the contrary a lot of interesting things have happened in the past few months. But as I'd mentioned in one of my last library updates I'd been wary of writing about work because of shadiness going on within the building.

Thankfully as of late a lot of that shadiness has subsided and I feel like I can go back to writing freely about my library life again. And even though I kept silence on the subject to basically cover my own ass (Which I hope the majority of you understand) I feel like I still need to apologize to you all because those stories are a big portion of what I wanted this blog to be about. I mean, I genuinely love all of the things I've shared with you (Like I really really do love makeup, bad movies, traveling and taking photos of dumb random things) and they are all part of my adventures outside of the library but I still can't stop feeling like I've been only giving you half of me. So for this I apologize.

I hope you all accept my apology and enjoy my ramblings once more because I absolutely love sharing the wackiness that is my life with all of you. Thank you for dealing with me and I cannot wait to once again go back to my roots of writing all about my adventures inside and outside of the library.

February 14, 2016

Sunday Steal...

MOUTHOLOGY 
What Is Your Least Favorite Salad Dressing? 
Raspberry crap.

What Is Your Least Favorite Fast Food Restaurant?  
It would be easier to ask me my favorite because the only fast food I eat is Chipotle.

What Is Your Favorite Sit-Down Restaurant?
I have a bunch and they are all over the place. Like I love Al Dente in Boston, China Lake in Endicott, etc.

On Average, What Would Cause You To Flirt With The Server?  
I wouldn't... Unless I thought I was going to get something for free.

What Food Could You Eat Every Day Just To "Get Along"?  
Yogurt.

What Pizza Toppings Would Make You Hurl?  
Beef.

What Is Your Favorite Type Of Gum To Get Off Your Shoe?   
What?! I guess something minty that will make my shoe smell good.

TECHNOLOGY
Number Of Contacts You'd Never Let Your Significant Other See On Your Cell Phone?  
Huh? I don't care if Justin goes through my phone.

Number Of Contacts In Your Email Address Book That Are Exes?  
None. Justin and I have been together for almost thirteen years and I hate my ex-boyfriend.

Do You Judge Others About The Wallpaper On Their Computer?  
No. 

What Is Your Favorite Technology From The Past That Is Now Obsolete?  
Microfiche.

Do You Have Stuff On Your Computer That You'd Never Want Someone To See?   
No I don't actually have my own computer.

BIOLOGY
Are You Right-Handed Or Left-Handed?  
Right-handed.

Do You Like Your Smile? 
Yes.

What's Your Best Feature?  
I like my nose and my lips.

Have You Ever Had Anything Removed From Your Body? 
Gallbladder.

Which Of Your Five Senses Do You Think Is Keenest?  
Taste.

When Was The Last Time You Had A Cavity?  
Last year.

What Is The Heaviest Item You Lifted Last?  
Who knows...

Have You Ever Been Knocked Unconscious?   
Not by a person or an object.

BULLCRAPOLOGY
If you could, would you wanna know the day you were going to die? 

Is Love For Real?  
Yes.

If You Could Change Your First Name, What Would You Change It To? 
Back when I was younger I probably would. But I'm okay with it now.

What Color Do You Think Looks Best On You?  
Black.

Have You Ever Swallowed A Non-Food Item By Mistake?  
I swallowed my tooth once.

Have You Ever Saved Someone's Life?  
No.

Has Someone Ever Saved Yours?   
An old man pulled me out of a rip tide when I was maybe seven or eight.

DAREOLOGY
Would You Walk Naked Down A Public Street For $100,000? 
Depends where the street is.

Would You Kiss A Member Of The Same Sex For $100?  
Yes.

Would You Cut Off One Of Your Little Fingers For $200,000?  
Nope.

Would You Never Blog Again For $50,000? 
No. I enjoy it.

Would You Pose Naked In A Magazine For $250,000?
Sure.
 
Would You Drink An Entire Bottle Of Hot Sauce For $1,000?  
I'd need a little bit more money to do it.

Would You Give Up Watching Television For A Year For $25,000?   
Can I watch YouTube?

DUMBOLOGY
What Is In Your Left Pocket?
Nothing actually. 

Do You Have Hardwood Or Carpet In Your House?  
Hardwood.

Do You Sit Or Stand In The Shower?  
Um... Stand...

Could You Live With Roommates?  
Nope.

How Many Pairs Of Flip Flops Do You Own?  
I have a crapton of those cheap Old Navy flip flops and three pairs of FitFlops.

Where Were You Born?  
Long Island.

Last Time You Had A Run-In With The Cops?  
Never.

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?   
Rich.

LASTOLOGY
Friend You Talked To?  
Toni.

Last Person You Called?  
My sister.

Person You Hugged?
My dad.  

FAVORITOLOGY 
Number?  
34

Color?  
Black

Season?   
Summer

CURRENTOLOGY
Missing Someone?   
Nope.

Mood?  
Okay.

Listening To?  
Nothing at the moment.

Watching? 
Nothing.

Worrying About? 
Nothing.

RANDOMOLOGY
First Place You Went This Morning?  
My parents' neighbor's house to drop off bread I made them.

What can you not wait to do?  
Go home. I'm the Sunday librarian today.

What's The Last Movie You Saw?  
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

When Was The Last Time You Got Caught Cheating?  
Never.

Are You A Sexy Person? 
Hell yeah.

Happy Valentine's Day...

Even though Justin and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day (Our dating anniversary is in two weeks and my birthday is four to five days later depending on the year, so I usually get one lump celebration) and I am the Sunday librarian today, I wanted to wish you all a happy Valentine's Day!
I hope you all have a wonderful day whether you celebrate or not!! And I hope you all enjoy the stupid little painting I made for all of you while I was at work the other day.

February 13, 2016

Kawaii Illustrations | 10 Things To Do When In

In my hunt for things for to do while in Japan I found these amazing illustrations on Japan Lover by ChiChi from Little Miss Paintbrush that highlight a number of things to do in different locations. And since I find them super useful (As well as too cute) I thought I'd share them with all of you...
I cannot even express how much I adore these and how helpful I've found them to be (Even Justin thinks that they are super useful). Because c'mon, how easy do these make planning various activities out?! I mean, we aren't going to do everything on these lists but they have given us an idea of what we could do. Which is a start.

February 12, 2016

Incubus Cassettes, Reposts & Me | Mike Einziger Reposted My Picture...

If you follow me on Instagram you may or may not have seen the picture I posted yesterday of a cassette tape of Incubus' 1997 album S.C.I.E.N.C.E. Well because of the touch of OCD I have and my need to tag things (Librarians love metadata) I tagged the bands Instagram, as well as Brandon Boyd and Mike Einziger's accounts to the picture. And today I go to check Instagram and I see that Mike reposted my picture to his account and I'm seriously spazzing the fuck out right now.

 
Like I ran into my office to call my sister and tell her because I feel like she is the only person I know who could possible be as excited as I am right now.

So yeah, I'm hardcore fan girling at the moment (Like way harder than I did when I actually met him and Brandon Boyd back in 2009) and I'm stuck at work with no one to talk about it to.

This Just Pinned: Valentine's Day Edition...

Here are some of my favorite Valentine's Day themed pins...
(via: Ka Styles)
(via: Studio DIY)

As always if you want to see what else I have up on Pinterest you can check out my account here.

February 10, 2016

Valentine's Day Wishlist...

Since Valentine's Day is creeping up in a few days I thought I'd put together a little wishlist even though I am very well aware that Justin will not be purchasing me any of these things because he did just buy me tickets to see Beyoncé in addition to just booking us a trip to Japan and Hong Kong, but hey a girl can dream...


1. HERMÈS Eau de Pamplemousse Rose Eau de Cologne Bottle -- $175.00
2. Michael Kors Jet Set Large Saffiano Leather Crossbody -- $168.00
3. Kate Spade Valentines Day Bangle Engraved Idiom Bangle -- $58.00
4. Diptyque 'Rosaviola' Candle -- $67.00

Is there anything you're hoping your significant other gets you? I'm super nosy and would love to know!

The Purge: Election Year Trailer...

The trailer for the upcoming third installment of The Purge series, The Purge: Election Year was recently released and because I enjoy The Purge movies I thought I'd share it with all of you...


So what do you guys think? I know these aren't everyone's cup of tea but what are your thoughts on them taking advantage of this election season and having this installment focus on politicians? Love or hate lemme know what you think and if you'll be seeing this when it hit theaters July 1st!

February 8, 2016

My Next Adventure | Japan & Hong Kong...

Ever since Justin and I returned from Iceland and Amsterdam we have been plotting and dreaming about our next vacation. So for months we were going back and forth on going to Spain, Portugal & Morocco, Japan or Thailand, and we finally decided the other day that we were going to go to Japan with a stop over in Hong Kong for a few days (Because why not hit up China while we are on that side of the World).

Since deciding on Japan Justin has been stalking flights out of the New York area and earlier today he snagged us some sweet flights from New York to Tokyo and then from Osaka to Hong Kong and then from Hong Kong to Tokyo and back to New York. So now that we have the flights I am Jessie Spano excited and I cannot wait to do all the research and planning for what we have dubbed our #Japaniversary (We will be spending our second wedding anniversary in Japan).

And as I have with our last two trips, I will be doing "Getting Ready For..." posts. Because I figure, since I'm doing the research why not share it with all of you guys. So look out for that.

Have any of you ever been to Japan or Hong Kong before? If so, I'd love to hear your recommendations for things you think Justin and I should do because right now nothing is set in stone but our flights and we are open to just about anything.

February 7, 2016

Sunday Steal...

Do You Own A Tablet Of Any Kind?
Yup. I have an iPad.

What’s Something People Always Assume About You That Isn’t True? 
That I speak fluent Spanish. I speak Spanglish.

On A Scale Of 1-10, How Much Do Elevators Scare You? 
I don't care for elevators but they don't terrify me, so 4 to 5.

When You’re Upset, Do You Vent To People Or Do You Keep To Yourself?  
I'm Cuban. I vent.

Have You Ever Watched A Meteor Shower?  
I haven't.l

Do You Tend To Put Things Off Until The Last Minute?  
Always.

How Do You React To Random Strangers Suddenly Trying To Make Conversation With You?  
Depends on my mood to be completely honest. I can be nice and talk to them or I can pretend to be crazy.

Do You Have A Lucky Number?  
Thirty-four.

Would You Go Out To Dinner With Oprah? 
If she is paying.

Did You Ever Play Sports?  
Nope.

Do You Feel Guilty If You Throw Food Away?  
Sometimes.

Do You Think You Could Make It As A Baker?  
I bake some awesome bread and cakes but no I don't.

Are You One Of Those People Who Are Wearing Scarves With Everything?  
No.

Have You Ever Been In A Castle?  
I have not but I've been inside Buckingham Palace.

When You Were Little, Did You Ever Play With Playdoh?  
Hell yeah I did. I was playing with Playdoh last time I was at my friend's house with her kids.

Would You Rather Write A Mystery Or Love Story?  
Mystery.

Tell Me About Your Worst Fashion Mistake:  
I wore a number of questionable items in the late 90's early 2000's.

Do You Hate It When People Smoke Around You?  
Yes I do.

How Are You Wearing Your Hair Right Now?  
Up in a clip with my sunglasses on the top of my head.

When’s The Last Time You Were Sick?  
I have actually been super sick on and off for the past two-ish weeks. That's why there has been a lack of posts because I've honestly been feeling shitty and no up to doing anything but sleeping.

Would You Rather Have OJ Or Milk With Your Breakfast?  
Orange juice all the way.

What Were You Doing Thirty Minutes Ago?  
Dealing with work stuff, specifically I was ordering books on female soccer players. I'm the Sunday librarian today.

Do You Own Any School Related Clothing Articles?  
I have some college hoodies.

Would You Rather Call People Or Have Them Call You?  
Either. I don't mind phone calls.

Can You Carry A Tune?  
Yes I can. Ask anyone who was at karaoke with me recently. 

Who Was The Last Person Who Unexpectedly Texted You?
I get texts from all the same people all the time.

Who Do You Text The Most?
I text Justin and my sister a lot. I get a lot of texts from Lenni.