SATURDAY SNIPPETS

It must be the summer.  The lazy mornings of sleeping in until past 8:00 am (YES!  My children are finally to the age where they will SLEEP IN! Can you see me doing cartwheels?).  Staying in pajamas until it's way past lunchtime.  Trying to decide whether to swim, play tennis, or watch movies in the afternoons.  Making homemade lemonade.

I have spent more time on my laptop the last 4 weeks just tooling around.  Finding fun crafts, interesting things to read.  Looking at amazing photos of how everyone celebrated the 4th of July earlier this week.  Learning about how others live.  How others choose to spend their days, how others make them meaningful.

Then I sit back and go hmmmm.

I could do that.

Then I use Pinterest to book the really cool stuff.  Then I promise myself that TOMORROW I will try one of them out, we'll get all crafty, or I'll do some more reading on a new life lesson to be learned.

Most often, I just pick and choose what the really cool stuff is to share with you (meaning that very few of the things I pin, actually end up getting accomplished or tried out)

... this week's Saturday Snippets?

Pocahontas and the Displaced Nation

The empty Reflecting Pool - a blogging friend of mine commented in passing that the Reflecting Pool was empty (I had NO idea!).  Construction is underway to replace the pool structure and water source for the very famous Reflecting Pool and boy, do those photos look SAD! 

Studio on Fire created this lovely thing .... isn't it a darling reminder of the Golden Rule ? (make sure you read the little blurb on how he created it!)

A yummy corn "recipe" from Kelle -  Drench corn in the following--a stick of melted butter with a couple teaspoons of honey, one finely chopped jalepeno and the zest from one lime. Heaven, I tell you. Dip your grilled shrimp in it, and you just done went and lost yo mind)

Last, but not least, THIS is a must read.  In fight for a better India, written by Anand Giridharadas, it's everything that I've wanted to say, but was afraid to because I am not Indian.  It's well written, informative and just well said.


Happy weekend!

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

It's a short one today ...

I've seen TONS of stuff this week on the http://  ... but am trying to stay a bit focused on some projects that need to be finished ...

Without ado ...

PAPER CALENDARS FOR EACH MONTH (these are precious and just pretty cool!)

Two videos that I love ::

Dear Sophie

SplitScreen :: A love story

That's it ... Happy 4th to everyone who is celebrating it ... and Happy Canada Day to all of you Canucks!!

PARACHUTE PROMISES and SATURDAY SNIPPETS

I love sharing cool and funky things that I hear about in blogland ...

First off ... Kat and her Parachute Promises ... 

I'm simply going to copy and paste from Kat's website, because that way I know more of you will read about her amazing product :: 

I often get asked what inspired me to create Parachute Promise, and I have really struggled with that answer, because it's such a deeply personal question. If I’d created something along the lines of a better light bulb, or a better way to wash your clothes, I could point to some eureka moment of which the product was the result.

I started out just wanting to tell a few people who were close to me how grateful I was they had helped me to just keep going through a very difficult time. They held my hand and kept reminding me that with some things in this life, the only way out is through. They reminded me that no matter what was happening, we could get through it together. There wasn’t anything I could give them to symbolize how vitally important their support was during that time, and so the first creative seeds of Parachute Promise were born.

At the time, I was working with a gentleman named Dean Baxter. Dean always wore this interestingly shaped piece of metal on a leather cord. It wasn’t anything I had seen before, and it just looked like it was significant. Dean was a skydiver. He said that particular little piece of metal had saved his life a little over 500 times. I was fascinated by it. He explained how the little pin was all about timing, that a failure of its function either too soon or too late would have equally disastrous results. Many members of the skydiving community wear these curved release pins, also called “closing pins,” and this tiny piece of metal quite literally saves their lives.

I am not a skydiver. I would never jump out of a perfectly good airplane on purpose. What I was hearing and seeing as he was telling me this story was how life is its own form of free fall. So much of it is about timing—the wrong or right set of circumstances on either side can have either beautiful or disastrous results. I realized that the friends I had were right on time and were, quite literally, saving my life. They were, in their own way, my parachute. I found a manufacturer of these closing pins and ordered five. Four were intended as gifts, and one was intended for me. After all, I had survived the free fall as well.

I tied a piece of suede to each pin and gave them to my friends while thanking them for providing me with a soft landing. One of those recipients was so touched by it, she called me the next day not only to thank me, but to suggest that I create these for others. That is what you see today, the results of those events and that conversation. My family, friends and I started making these necklaces, with a little parachute release pin and a powerful message of thanks we hoped would find its way into the world.

But this isn’t about a product, this is about ...  (NOW ... will you go click over to her website to read about the rest of the "about" story?)

I would seriously encourage you to check out the Parachute Promise keychains and necklaces, and think about who has given YOU a soft place to land ... this is a creative, unique and beautiful gift!

Check out her Facebook page for some inspiring stories about where the Parachute Promises have landed.

Onto the rest of the Saturday Snippets ::

As his mother, this makes me ABSOLUTELY cringe, BUT I suppose it's worth it for the cute little grin at the end.  This is Terran with my mom in Kenya.  They were on a matatu (public transportation) and it was so crowded (like they usually are) that he stuck his head out of the window.

(hey, will you do me a favor?  Today is my mama's birthday.  If you have a couple of minutes, would you jump over to her blog and leave a 'happy bday' comment for her?  

I WANT TO DO THESE ::

Project Life

Allie's Mini Books

INSPIRATION ::

This is quite possibly one of the BEST artsy websites I've seen in a LONG time.  I love El hada de papel ... and visit it DAILY.  Such simplicity ... but such love.  We are in the middle of THIS PROJECT.

WELL, DUH! ::

Noma shared this with me ... and I thought I'd pass it on ... you know how others make those cool Facebook symbols?  Now you too, can make cool Facebook symbols. 

WALL ART ::

Has anyone ever used Fracture?  The concept is kind of weirding me out ... but I'd love to see it in "real life" ...

Ok - that's it for this Saturday ... I have some photos (not many) but nothing to share particularly ... and the recipes we've used this week are all repeats ...  anything wonderfully brilliant that you've seen this week that you want to share?

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

THEY SAID IT ::

The Displaced Nation on an interview with Alice (from Wonderland, you remember her right?)  MUST READ!!  Classic interpretation on the similarities between the expat life and Alice in Wonderland

Kirsty on writing an instruction manual for yourself (intriguing .... you just have to read this one ... it's interesting ... this is one of my favorite parts of her writing) ::

Someone will be tired, someone will be excited, someone will be fragile, pay close attention, if you can read the signs early, your drive to school is going to be so much more enjoyable.

Tsh on what kids need (this is a powerful post!)

WE ATE IT ::

Blue Cheese Butter (topping for steak)

1/4 C butter

2 T chopped green onions (or chives)

2 T crumbled blue cheese

Combine all items, blending well.   Just before serving, spread blue cheese topping on steak.

(DIVINE!)

A MOMENT ::

One of my favorite photos ... this little baby was bare bottomed and oh so cuddly.

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

THEY SAID IT ::

Jess from How about Orange on making the mail pretty.  (How much fun would it be to receive an envelope like that?)

Karen on when it's not all gloriousness in your lovely foreign flat.

Emily on making frozen pizza for dinner because she was too busy playing with her kids all day (LOVE that!)

Gertie on a simple skirt to sew.  And what with all of the A-MA-ZING fabric here in India, and a whole summer of "nothing" to do ... I think I'll sew me some skirts ... (or maybe I'll try the 5 minute skirt?  ('xcept I don't have a serger, and I drink, so her 5 minute promise goes away)  Or maybe some of the Ruffle Skirts for Mia?

Susie on EXACTLY how I feel when it comes to all of these COOL things that I see.... that I want to duplicate.

And finally, Ashley and her great Sunday Scavenger Hunt blogs ... where she invites folks to share their take on the weekly theme of photos (as I type, they just finished Fresh, Classic Still Life, Lines, and others .... and next week's hunt includes Chores, Beads, Hot/Hot/Hot, and others).  What a great idea!

YOU TELL ME ::

What new blogs should I add to my reader this summer?  I like motivational, inspirational, creative, honest, funky, out of the box .... share the best of the best!

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

THEY SAID IT ::

Sarah on moving with the FS

Ms. Dropout on how to make friends.

Maria on how to define expat success

Britt on restoring herself (which happens to be something I'm doing myself ... but she said it all better than I ever could!)

Melinda Roos on saying goodbye

Did you know The Telegraph has a WHOLE section for expats? I learn something new every day ... literally.

I SAW IT ::

Check out Jason de Caires Taylor's work in Grenada.  It is absolutely stunning and just magnificent.  I spent WAY too much time messing about the internet in search of more images .... picked this one to share with you.

WE ATE IT ::

Delicious!  There is more of a post to come on this, for sure.  Susan is a mom from Ohio who has created weekly menus, complete with full recipes AND a broken down 'what to do on which day for what meal' spreadsheet.  AND IT IS 100% FREE!!!  For now, I'll share one of the meals we had this week ... definitely a favorite.

Courtesy of Dining Diva Dinners ::

Grilled Salmon

Marinade:

1⁄2 c soy sauce 

1T minced garlic 

2T honey 

1tsp ground ginger 

Small onion diced or 1tsp onion powder 

Salt and pepper to taste
16-20oz salmon

(Serves 4)

Mix together all ingredients for marinade. Put in a plastic bag and add salmon. Marinate for 30 minutes, 45 max. If you do much longer, it gets too strong.

Pesto Cream Sauce
4 oz cream cheese, cubed 

1⁄4 c milk 

2T pesto

Cook cream cheese and milk in saucepan on medium (2-3 min) or until cream cheese is completely melted and sauce is well blended, stirring constantly. Stir in pesto.

WHAT SAY YOU? ::

I've hit a bit of hump, you might say ... with what to write about on the blog.  I am perfectly fine with being still and quiet for the majority of the summer, but if you have burning questions or want to know about something ... ask!

Cheerio people!!

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

THEY SAID IT ::

on bribes

on not wasting money on first class airfare

on Robin retiring (what???  As she says, get to copying and pasting her amazing content!))

on learning about the Big Five and how it relates to being a happy expat (my results below)

	Your Results
Closed-Minded		Open to New Experiences
Disorganized		Conscientious
Introverted		Extraverted
Disagreeable		Agreeable
Calm / Relaxed		Nervous / High-Strung

What does this all mean?  First of all, it's just a test so I don't think it means a whole awful lot. However, it's pretty accurate -- my bottom line is that I (1) don't seek out new experiences, (2) am very well-organized and can be relied upon, (3) I am extremely outgoing, social, and energetic, (4) find it easy to express irritation with others, (5) probably remain calm, even in tense situations.


I SAW IT ::

QUOTE ::

“Service to others is the rent you pay for living on this planet.”
― Marian Wright Edelman



 

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

This is a quick version (short and sweet) of a Saturday Snippets .... ready, set, go ::

looking for the light with photography

no one cares about your travels

Caitlin on a pottery tour I recently went on, but haven't blogged about yet

 . . .

oh and one more ... because she totally made me laugh as I envisioned a similar exchange between the Husb and I .... Faiqa on 'THE Grocery List'

. . .

And my photo of the week ... I FINALLY beat Jill!  (Sometimes it's the small things in life)

Happy weekend, people!

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

THEY SAID IT ::

This chick is fascinating .... really cool (tell me you clicked the link and were NOT obsessed with looking through ALL of the photos in the series?) :: Irina Werning

If you live in the Delhi area and have children (or know of someone who does), check out Little Delhi.  Compiled by Victoria W., this is a treasure trove of information!

(Actually, there is some pretty good info here that's not just for children - check out the Recommendations tab)

I HEARD IT ::

I found this song via a friend's Facebook posting (a friend of hers had used the song for a goodbye video, as they are soon leaving Delhi).  It's beautiful.

WE ARE EATING IT ::

A friend of mine passes down her Real Simple magazines to me every now and then (SCORE!) and in their October 2010 issue, they featured a Four Week Dinner Plan -- DOUBLE SCORE.  I'm pretty sure that we will be able to source all of the ingredients here in Delhi and almost ALL of the recipes look to be family friendly for our happy eaters. 

This takes A LOT of work off of my plate when it comes to menu planning for the month ahead!

Note : only some of these recipes are veg.

I SAW IT ::

Someone needs to tell the poor cow that he's going the wrong way!

YOU SHOULD DO THIS ::

There are a lot of discussions these days about how to be best prepared for when disaster strikes.  Earthquake readiness is not an easy set of 1-2-3 steps, but one thing you CAN do with your children, to ease their concerns, is to make one of THESE.

I WANT TO DO THIS ::

I have so so so many photos that really deserve a spot on our walls.  So what's the problem you say?  Nailing walls into cement/plaster walls is a bit troublesome, BUT I have found new resolve to get this accomplished sometime soon.  Maybe during Spring Break?  (The post is a bit long, but just skim through the photos of their framing and hanging job?  Love it!)

FADING LADIES ::

See the image of the shirt to the right (up just a bit, and right of the cow photo)?  Click on that to learn more about our Fading Ladies t-shirt initiative.  All of our remaining inventory has been reduced to Rs 250 per shirt.  Email fadingladies@gmail.com if you'd like to get your hands on one (or 4 or 5) of these before they are gone!  Unfortunately, we can now only ship to the United States with a large bulk order of shirts (due to the reduced sale price).

CHALLENGE ::

I am in need of a graphic designer for a little project, developing a logo.  Anyone interested?  The only thing is, I can't pay you for the work ... and the logo would go into a pool of selections to be voted on by a group of people.  Your name would be credited to the image ... use the little envelope icon at the top/right of the blog for more details.

WHAT ARE WORDS

I have been watching American Idol, Season 10 (for some reason it seems the airing of the season here in India got discontinued mid-stream?) and was fascinated and moved by Chris Medina when he first auditioned.

Sarah recently shared this ... and it moved me even more.

THIS, folks ... is what love is.

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

THEY SAID IT ::

A wider world means a smaller me ... brilliance.

It's not about the lighthouse .... Miss Britt

PHOTO OF THE WEEK ::

Instead of a photo, I'm sharing my new SMUG MUG page with you.  I've taken the SmugMug leap and will be sharing all of our travel photographs here with you on this site.  Bookmark it if you want to stop back often to see new additions!  Thanks to Sarah for walking me through my manic attempts at getting this set up! 

RECIPE OF THE WEEK ::  (YUM!)

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 pint heavy whipping cream
1 C parmesan cheese
1 C shredded mozarella
2 T butter
1 pkg frozen spinach (Shanti used about two large handfuls of fresh spinach)
1 jar artichoke hearts (found at Modern Bazaar, or I'm sure at SPAR!!)
1 C pizza cheese

Cook spinach by wilting in a pan with butter.   Remove from pan and set aside.

In the same saucepan, heat and mix cream, parmesan, mozzarella and butter until bubbly.  Add cooked spinach and artichoke.  Pour in casserole dish and top with pizza cheese.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream and salsa.

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

They said it, not I ::

Karen on War Councils ... I've written my list ... you should too!

Egg Carton Gardening ... wouldn't this be great?  I had grand plans of starting a mini-garden at our house, but sadly, I don't think it will happen.

Also on the kid front ... Setting the Table.

Kim on Bangladesh ... she makes me smile.

Marina on innocence and the media.

Quote  ::

“Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.” ~ Douglas MacArthur

What moves me :: (Husb and I saw Adele live in concert back in Ohio and I LOVE her ... she is humble and gracious in concert.  Fantastic ::

Also to share with you ::

I dare you to listen through the end ... think on it ... and have a reaction ::

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

QUOTE ::

“I’ve never had a humble opinion. If you’ve got an opinion, why be humble about it?” ― Joan Baez

THEY SAID IT ::

Esther Havens is amazing ... I've linked you to her Asia photography page.  Take a look.  You won't be disappointed.  Esther also documents charity work, and features a little boy named Jean Bosco and the work of Toms shoes.  Very cool.

Kirsten posted about a very sensitive subject earlier this week.  It's good ... all about strict parenting vs. encouraging parenting (and other such dilemmas). If it strikes a feeling of response in you, I encourage you to leave a comment for her!

RECIPE ::

Chicken and Pepper Stew With Olives

Serves 8| Hands-On Time: 30m | Total Time: 1hr 00m

Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika, preferably smoked
kosher salt and black pepper
16 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 pounds), halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 red bell peppers, sliced
3 green bell peppers, sliced
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups pitted olives
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 cups long-grain white rice

In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat.  Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. In batches, brown the chicken, turning, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a plate as it browns and add more oil as necessary.

Add the bell peppers, garlic, ½ cup of the broth, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to the pot.

Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits, until the peppers begin to soften, 4 to 6 minutes.

Add the olives, raisins, and the remaining 1½ cups of broth and bring to a boil. Nestle the chicken in the vegetables and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.

Twenty minutes before the stew is done, cook the rice according to the package directions. Serve with the stew.

SONG ::

Idina Menzel is quite possibly my new favorite.  I was turned onto her by Sarah and since then have scoured the internet for her work.  Loveliness!

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

Coming back atcha with the weekly Saturday Snippets.  A favorite blog post or two.  A favorite quote.  A favorite photo.  This year, I'm also adding a favorite recipe or song to the mix.

This part of my blog is one thing that will NOT change with the new year, because I think it's important to bring some of the things that I read through the week to your attention ... and because it's a super easy way to share some new music that I love, quotes that move me and photos that capture moments without any need for explanation.  

It motivates me to keep my eyes open for things that are worthy of sharing with you.  I hope you all enjoy them as much as I enjoy sharing them!

QUOTE ::

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.”

― Louis L’Amour

SONG ::

Multiplayer by Voluntary Butler Scheme

THEY SAID IT ::

Karen, guest blogging for Expat Explorer, talks about why she chose to remain an expat even after a great loss.

Dan and Audrey at Uncornered Market, talk about data backup.  Something that is ON MY LIST to do this month!

PHOTO ::

Just another day, painting the outside of our flat.  The contraption that is rigged to lower the painter up and down the wall is downright scary, but he paints away and whistles while he works!

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

This one will be a quick one.  I haven't had much time to read the brilliance of other blogs lately (and my google reader is about to explode).

FAVORITES ::

Susie's brilliantly creative way to turn a coffee table into a craft-table-extraordinaire.

Sharell's recent experience and thoughts on beggars in Mumbai (note : I've been asked to write a post on this very subject, but I've been struggling with it.  Maybe her post will help spur me on.)

A SUPER cool way to document where you've been in the world.  AWESOME.  This is going on my "I want it" list.  (Except the website for purchasing won't load for me?  Wah!)

Stephanie's image that captures the potential of a place, idea or thing.

This wonderful piece on what it can be like to live in India, as an expat.

QUOTE and PHOTO ::

Mia takes ballet at a nearby local school and they always have such a great display of art, work and creations posted around the school grounds. They recently did a project about music and inspiration.  I loved this selection of quotes!

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

What I loved ::

Just Do It commercial via Kat at Inspired to Action

Maybe you aren't really the athletic type, but the message still applies to most any situation. What's your excuse for not taking action, making a change, doing SOMEthing out of the ordinary?

Chronic Independence from Marie Brice ... one of the all too typical phases/behaviors of an expat wife (but again, it applies to all of us in one form or fashion)

QUOTE ::

(had to share a couple this time ...)

Never confuse motion with action.  ~ Benjamin Franklin

You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.  ~ Les Brown 

A barking dog is often more useful than a sleeping lion.  ~ Washington Irving

PHOTO ::

Taken at the kids' school.  It is quite humorous to watch folks from different nationalities walk on ALL sides of the sidewalks.  In the United States, we walk on ONE side of the walkway ... and here, you should walk on the other side.  It is funny to me that they've painted arrows on the steps, hoping to help folks submit to the SAME path!

Which way are you heading this weekend?  Towards a goal, towards a restful couple of days? Towards something you're not very sure of?

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

LOVED ::

I'm a menu planner ...  I'm not always good at it, but I feel it made our life simpler back at home AND here in Delhi.  Check out this amazing set of varied templates from Ollibird.  Makes me want to go print/buy and start using right away!

Need to add some love, hugs and smooches to your kiddos' snack or lunch every day (OR get creative and use them for your spouse/grown up loved one!)  Printables ... straight to your printer ... and straight to a smile on their faces! (Note : if you want to download, click here)

What are your thoughts about this piece in The National recently ? Iman writes about her opinion that poverty and kindness co-exist in India.

I'm in a fall-ish kind of mood ... and besides the fact that I'm desperately missing college football and the fall festivals from back home, I think this recipe will be a HUGE hit in our house .... will save it for October (if I can wait that long!)

INSPIRED ::

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time” ~ John Lubbock

CAPTURED ::

From a recent "lunch with Tony" at school.  Precious watching all of the kiddos returning their trays for washing.

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

What I loved this week ::

Andrea Armstrong.  This girl is darling and it's the first "illustrated blog" I've ever seen.  Love it

Knowing when to say no from Kat

Quote ::

“Look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror.”  ~ Byrd Baggett

Photo ::

We drive by this spot several times a day.  I'm not sure who lives here, but it seems to be inhabited by only men.  I like the numbers painted on the doors and most often the residents are taking outdoor bucket baths.  I wonder if they are employed?  If they work for the city?  Where are their families?

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

SNIPPETS ::


Robin Pascoe, author of so many amazing expat books, is starting a video lecture series ... and it's FREE!  Check out Expat Expert and listen today!


THIS is a must watch ... make your teenagers watch it too.

Another one from Robin Pascoe, discussing the "expat society" :: "So you want to live abroad"

Aunnie Patton is traveling the world ... and this post is a fun little story about a train ride, a very long train ride.

QUOTE ::

Home is not where you live but where they understand you.   ~ Christian Morgenster

PHOTO ::

(Graffiti near our home.  I'm including this photo this week as a special "shout out" to several of you who are having a rough time of things ... you know who you are .... )

SATURDAY SNIPPETS

Some of my favorite snippets for the week ::

On the balance of wanting to help the world, but starting with just one ... from the New York Times

Again from the New York Times, a piece about slumdog tourism ... written by Kennedy Odede

(can you tell we just started getting the NY Times delivered to the house? Small problem, it's Saturday and when we receive the paper, it will be Thursday's edition, but it's still better reading for MY personality than the Times of India)

From Miss Britt (how did I just find her?) on the importance of having someone in your life to keep you going, moving and being genuine.

Great inspiration as I set to work packing snacks and lunches for the kids ... bento boxes.

Sonali's suggestion that you all watch six minutes worth of the 90/10 way of living.  It's worth the six minutes!

and ... if you make nothing else next week, make THIS !!

Photo for the weekend is silly, really ... but it's one of our kids' new favorite things.  When we FIRST got here, I toured Chandni Chowk's 'spice market' and found these fun little pasta shapes.  At least, I *thought* it was pasta.  It's itty bitty ... comes in all sorts of fun shapes and sizes ... and when you fry them ... they turn into this!

We're going to experiment next week with Parmesan cheese, chili powder, salt, powdered sugar -- among other "toppings" !!

Quote ::

"It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission" ~ Grace Hopper

Read more about Grace Hopper here ... she was one feisty lady!  She is credited with popularizing the term "debugging" for fixing computer glitches (motivated by an actual moth removed from the computer).