Pondering a concept that has been buzzing around my brain for quite a while. Why aren’t mouth/tongue movements taught when teaching languages?
Learning Languages
Posted in Random Reflections
Author: Rachel
I found this recipe online years ago, and I no longer remember where it’s from. It’s another fairly cheap, and super easy meal. Plus there are A LOT of leftovers for lunch the next couple of days.
What You Need (Serves up to 4)
- 1 lb ground beef (I prefer 92/8% fat distribution, but go with whatever you like best)
- 1 16oz Jar Old El Paso Thick ‘n Chunky Salsa (This is getting harder and harder to find. My second choice is Pace Chunky Salsa) in the spiciness level of your choice
- 1 15/16oz can of Dark Red Kidney Beans
- 1 15/16oz can of Whole Kernel Sweet Corn
- 1 8oz can of Tomato Sauce
- Cayenne and/or Chile Arbol powder (optional)
- Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican Shredded Cheese
- Flour Tortillas
- Large pan
There Was a Pen
Posted in Fountain Pens
I’ve owned a decent number of pens in my time in the pen world. And I have many pen friends. This idea came to me as I was considering one of my most recent additions to the “for sale” pile. That said, I give you There Was A Pen a short story I wrote with illustrations by Pensloth, AKA Jim Crawford.
2021 Triangle Pen Show
Posted in Pen Shows
Jim brought up going to the Triangle Pen Show (TPS) a couple weeks ago but we dithered for a while, only deciding to go on the Thursday before. The drive wasn’t too bad, we were lucky to not hit traffic on the way down — we hit all the traffic on the way back up, though.
We made it to the show around 11:30 am. Finding out masks weren’t required surprised me. Being fully vaccinated, we decided to try going maskless and see how we felt. I’m not going to lie, it felt a bit naughty. I felt almost naked. But it was nice to breath freely. And since the room wasn’t packed, I was OK without a mask and enjoyed the taste of pre-COVID life.
The best part for me was just being at a pen show again. Getting to see Carey from Kenro, Damien of All in the Nib, Bert of Bertram’s Inkwell — although we see him often — and some pen friends was great. I’ve missed the pen camaraderie. It’s such a social battery recharge to see people, talk pens, and be able to see/handle things in person before buying them.
I found this one on Cooking Con Claudia’s YouTube channel as well. The recipe is slightly modified from her video Easy and Delicious Tres Leches Cake. Pastel de Tres Leches literally translates to cake of three milks. It’s one of my favorite desserts.
What You Need
- 1 Box vanilla cake mix (+ required ingredients to make cake and 1 tbsp Mexican Vanilla Blend. You can substitute regular vanilla extract)
- 1 16oz container of half and half
- 1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 12oz can evaporated milk
- 16oz (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
- 1½ tbsps sugar
- 1 tbsp Mexican Vanilla Blend (You can substitute regular vanilla extract)
- Ground cinnamon
- Cake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
Review – A Case of Some Delicacy
Posted in Book Blogger
A Case of Some Delicacy
by KC Kahler
Genres: Regency, Historical Romance, Pride and Prejudice, Adult
Release Date: September 22, 2019
Pages: 420
Purchase from: Amazon
My Rating: ★★★☆☆
View ratings overview
☆☆☆☆☆ – Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ – Hated it
★★☆☆☆ – Disliked it
★★★☆☆ – Okay
★★★★☆ – Liked it
★★★★★ – Loved it
Read the full explanation of my book rating system.
A secret alliance grows from an unwelcomed olive branch…
When rumours of Jane Bennet’s impending betrothal to Mr. Collins begin spreading at the Meryton Assembly, Elizabeth Bennet vows to save her dearest sister’s happiness from being sacrificed in marriage. She finds an unlikely ally in Mr Darcy, the taciturn man whose heroics on the cricket field have made him the target for Lydia’s affections.
Overhearing a heated exchange between Elizabeth and Mr Bennet, Darcy is stunned not only by her devotion to her sister, but also by her defiant words to her father. An inexplicable desire to help Elizabeth draws Darcy into the match-breaking scheme, despite knowing that he should want nothing to do with a family like the Bennets.
As the new allies work together, they begin to understand and admire each other. But they must navigate a complicated web of sisters, parents, friends, cousins, aunts, and new acquaintances, all of whom seem contrary to being manipulated. A few of them may even be attempting their own manipulations and romantic schemes. Eavesdropping and jealousy abound, cricket balls go astray, and love blooms in spite of Mrs. Bennet’s mismatched matchmaking.
This humorous Pride and Prejudice re-imagining is novel length and pays homage to the wit of Jane Austen.
I found this one on Cooking Con Claudia’s YouTube channel as well. The recipe is slightly modified from her video How To Make The Best Watermelon and Cucumber Agua Fresca.
For those unfamiliar with Agua Fresca, think of it like lemonade but with other fruits. You mix the fruit juice(s) with water to get a refreshing drink.
What You Need
- 1 Ripe Seedless Watermelon
- 1 Large English Cucumber
- 2-3 Lemons
- ¼ cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- Blender
- Pitcher or container for storage
My Pen Collection – 2021
Posted in Fountain Pens
I’m a data hoarder. I keep track of my pen collection in an extensive AirTable database, full of delicious data. For fun, I put together this infographic of my collection from the day I bought my first pen through May 1, 2021. It’s interesting seeing the trends. To view larger, click on any section of the image.
Review – Pride & Perception
Posted in Book Blogger
Pride & Perception
by Sue Barr
Genres: Regency, Historical Romance, Pride and Prejudice, Adult
Release Date: March 5, 2021
Pages: 363
Purchase from: Amazon
My Rating: ★★★★☆
View ratings overview
☆☆☆☆☆ – Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ – Hated it
★★☆☆☆ – Disliked it
★★★☆☆ – Okay
★★★★☆ – Liked it
★★★★★ – Loved it
Read the full explanation of my book rating system.
What if…
The entail on Longbourn had been broken?
The Bennets owned Netherfield Park?
Jane Bennet had firm opinions?
Lizzy overheard the second derogatory comment Darcy made about her beauty? After the Bennets had dined at Netherfield Park, he said, “Her a beauty? I should as soon call her mother a wit.”
Yeah – that one.
This is a story where we explore all these beautiful what-ifs.
Bumbledore: A Continuous Joy
Posted in Cat
Two years ago, we adopted our rescue cat, Bumbledore. Last year, I shared his story, including how far he’d come, especially since the start of pandemic telework. Now, another year later, he’s continued to improve by leaps and bounds.
Any of you who follow me on Instagram already know he’s become a cuddle monster. Every morning, he sits on my lap anywhere from 10-30 minutes, just enjoying my company and some pets. I make sure to post a photo to my story each day. I often joke that Bumbledore pays rent through cuddles and social media content.
A Warning to the Pen Curious
Posted in Fountain Pens
“Hi Mrs. Smith!”
“Oh, hello, Jen. How many times have I told you to just call me Barb?”
“I couldn’t do that, Mrs. Smith, you’re around my mom’s age, and that just doesn’t seem right.”
“Well, the invitation is there, Jen. You’re in your 30s, it’s OK to call me Barb if you want.”
“I’ll think about it Mrs. Smith. By the way, you know about fountain pens, don’t you?”
“I do, I grew up with them. Why do you ask?”
“A friend of mine uses them, and I’m kind of curious.”
Mrs. Smith sighs and gestures to the chair next to her, inviting Jen to sit. “So you’re interested in pens, are you? Be warned, that’s dangerous territory, dear, dangerous indeed.” Jen’s eyes pop wide, and Mrs. Smith waves away her obvious fear. “Oh, perhaps not necessarily dangerous to your life, but to your wallet, to your interests!
Making Life Colorful
Posted in Personal
I’ve wanted to paint my stair risers in a rainbow for about a year now, and for the last 4-5 months, I’ve been thinking of painting the kitchen cabinets as well.
With our financial situation back in hand by the end of March, we went out to choose and buy paint. I’ve been industrially painting ever since.
Now that I’m done, I’m delighted with the results. It’s almost hard to believe we had a bland kitchen for so long.
This is a recipe I perfected in my early days out of college when money was tight. It makes for a fairly cheap, and super easy meal. Plus there are leftovers for lunch the next day (or two, depending on how many you’re feeding).
A Surprising Joy
Posted in Fountain Pens
It’s not often I write a pen review — let’s be honest, it’s almost never — mostly because there are so many reviewers out there. However, in this particular case, I feel impelled to share my thoughts.
About a month ago, I realized that I no longer had an orange pen in my “Under $250” category. I can’t have a pen rainbow without orange. To try to fix that issue, I solicited some suggestions from my lovely local peeps in the DC Metro Pen Crew.
I received a lot of suggestions, and the Pilot Custom 74 is the one I ultimately decided on. By sheer coincidence, I had a birthday coupon for Pen Chalet, so that’s who I ordered from.
Mrs. Perivale and the Blue Fire Crystal
by Dash Hoffman
Series: Mrs. Perivale
Genres: Fantasy
Release Date: March 1, 2017
Pages: 335
Purchase from: Amazon
My Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
View ratings overview
☆☆☆☆☆ – Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ – Hated it
★★☆☆☆ – Disliked it
★★★☆☆ – Okay
★★★★☆ – Liked it
★★★★★ – Loved it
Read the full explanation of my book rating system.
“People your age belong at home.” 73 year old Mrs. Perivale is told when she tries to volunteer. With her son grown and gone, and her community turning their backs on her, the gravity of no longer being needed sinks her spirits deeply. She wonders if she has outlived her usefulness until a mystical little creature sneaks into Alice Perivale’s home and begs her to come with him; there is a prophecy about her, and she must help save his world!
Finding herself in a magical place she had no idea existed, committed to a dangerous mission far more vital than helping out in her neighborhood, Alice dusts off her courage and bravery, rediscovering the feisty, sassy, powerhouse woman she is deep inside. She is determined to find the stolen Blue Fire Crystal before the imbalance between elements destroys all of the magical land of Corevé. Together with her extraordinary family of six cats and her skeptical-yet-devoted butler Henderson, she takes on the tremendous challenge.
With time running out and the world falling to pieces, Alice’s precious companions are pulled away from her, and she is faced with impossible choices. Does she choose what she wants most of all, does she rescue her family, or does she save the world that will not survive without her?
Monday Munchies: Elote
Posted in Monday Munchies
Elote technically translates to just “Corn,” but it refers to the street food. Typically, you get boiled or roasted corn on the cob on a stick, slathered with goodies, but, when corn on the cob is scarce, you can use frozen corn.
Alright, this should be my last Assassin’s Creed (AC) post for a while. Should as in I don’t have any other ones planned.
We’re five months out from Valhalla‘s release date, and the rumor mill is working overtime on “leaks” and theories of varying degrees of believability for the next entry in the series. While I have precisely zero insight into the next AC game, I do have several — *cough* many *cough* — ideas about what I’d like to see in a future game.
And so, I give you the elements that would make up my perfect AC game. Be aware, this post doesn’t take into account the likelihood of any of this actually happening.
Review – Mistaken
Posted in Book Blogger
Mistaken
by Jessie Lewis
Genres: Romance, Regency, Pride and Prejudice Variation, Historical Romance
Release Date: February 10, 2019
Pages: 585
Purchase from: Amazon
My Rating: ★★☆☆☆
View ratings overview
☆☆☆☆☆ – Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ – Hated it
★★☆☆☆ – Disliked it
★★★☆☆ – Okay
★★★★☆ – Liked it
★★★★★ – Loved it
Read the full explanation of my book rating system.
A tempestuous acquaintance and disastrous marriage proposal make it unlikely Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet will ever reconcile. Despairing of their own reunion, they attend with great energy to salvaging that of Darcy’s friend Mr Bingley and Elizabeth’s sister Jane. People are rarely so easily manoeuvred in and out of love, however, and there follows a series of misunderstandings, both wilful and unwitting, that complicates the path to happiness for all four star-crossed lovers more than ever before. Re-edited with new and extended scenes for 2019 publication.
I found this one on Cooking Con Claudia’s YouTube channel. You’ll likely be seeing her channel mentioned several times, as I really like her recipes. The recipe is slightly modified from her video How To Make A Refreshing Cucumber Water With Lime.
For those unfamiliar with Agua Fresca, think of it like lemonade but with other fruits. You mix the fruit juice(s) with water to get a refreshing drink.
What You Need
- 4 cucumbers
- ⅓ cup fresh squeezed lime juice (takes 3-4 limes)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¾ cup + 2½ cups + 2½ cups water
- Blender
- Small pot
- Nut milk bags -OR- fine mesh strainer
- Pitcher or container for storage
Día de Muertos, Pen Realized
Posted in Fountain Pens
I’m back with post three, so you know what that means. My pen arrived! If you have read my previous posts (1, 2), I suggest you do so to know how this pen came to be. Be forewarned, there is A LOT of pen porn in this post. And you can click/tap any image to view it larger. I take no responsibility for pen envy, pen lust, or pen purchases resulting from the content in this post.