Bored? ~ Beans

Just have some time on your hands to spare? Well, then here is the perfect site. It's completely pointless and a bit entertaining...

Here, you squish screaming beans. All make a different scream/sound, and that's it. I wasn't making it up when I said it's completely pointless.  To see the beans click here.

Sweet Ride ~ BMW Concept Bike

From BMW, these concepts bikes are hot! In my opinion, these bikes need to be made this year! Not only are the bikes futuristic and transformer-like, they have features like no other bike. Check out the picture below and see the "dash," there is a navigation system. Look at more pictures. 

Be Green ~ b organic: Kitchen

Forget granite and Corian, these countertops are beautiful, unique and cheap(er). The countertops are molded and filled with concrete, then items can be added to create a visual texture and color. In this particular one, broken green glass is placed, one by one. After 25 steps, the concrete countertops are complete!

While constructing the countertops, not only can openings be made for the sinks, but also for innovative items. In this particular kitchen, a rectangle was kept open for butcher block.
To see the steps for both the countertops, butcher block, and more, click here. 

Bring in da funk ~ Funky kitchen tools

These sleek and futuristic kitchen gadgets are from Joseph Joseph.  They specialize in kitchen items, and prices range from under $10 to under $100.


If you're looking for some funky-looking or fun-colored items to spruce up your kitchen, here are the items!

Dreamy DIY ~ Fence Board Headboard

DIY projects are so fun, who wouldn't want to be able to say they made something, amazing, in their own home?
I really like this headboard. Normally, I wouldn't like something so country-fied, but I love it! Although, I wouldn't put "love" as the word on it. If I ever make this, I might experiment with different fabrics draped over, instead. Just a thought.

More ideas.

Perfect Paradise ~ Maldives

These islands are located in the Indian Ocean and formally known as the Republic of Maldives.

Just under 2,000 coral islands and spread around 90,000 square kilometers, this paradise is easy to overlook.

As you can see, the waters are beautifully clear and white sandy beaches make this a must-see-to-believe destination.

View more pictures and information.

Comic Commercials ~ A few of my favorite commercials

E*Trade Baby Girlfriend

E*Trade First Class

Target Elliptical

Target Running

Fruit Shot ~ Strawberry Margarita Jell-O Shooters

Strawberry Prep:

1. Cut the bottoms of the strawberry flat to get them to stand upright. When you do so, make sure that you do not cut off so much that there is a hole at the bottom.
2. Use a huller or apple corer to empty out the strawberry. 
3. Once the strawberries have been emptied, use a towel to pat the outside of the strawberries dry.
4. Check each strawberry and make sure there is not a hole in the bottom before you start filling.

Margarita Mix

• 1 box Strawberry Jell-O
• 4 ounces tequila, preferably reposado or blanco
• 2 ounce Cointreau
• Salt for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil one cup of hot water in a saucepan,  then add in Jell-o powder and whisk until powder is completely dissolved, about 2  minutes. Set aside.  Measure out 1/4 cup of cold water and set aside.
2. Combine tequila and Cointreau, in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add liquour mixture to cold water and stir to combine. Then add cold liquour mixture to hot Jell-o mixture and stir to combine. 
3. Pour final Jell-o mix into strawberries and chill overnight. Dip  your finger in water or use a moistened brush to wet the edge of the strawberries, dip and rotate the strawberries in salt to rim. Garnish with cut lime triangles to finish.

For the recipe and instructions, click.

No Words ~ "Book"

This "Book" was compiled by 4 artists, in 36 weeks. An artist had the "Book" for 5 days to design and create a spread in it. No communication was going on between the artists, and it would travel across the Atlantic Ocean to reach the artists. Starting in June 2003, it was finished in February 2004.

More "Book" photos and information.

S'more Snow ~ S'more Cupcakes

Being in the middle of winter, and the ground being constantly covered in snow, how do you fix those s'more cravings...

S'more Cupcakes Recipe

By Woman's Day Kitchen from Woman's Day

• Active Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

Crumbs 6 graham cracker boards (oblongs) 2 Tbsp each sugar and melted butter 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips Cupcakes 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/4 cups buttermilk 2 large eggs 1/2 cup each canola oil and water 1 Tbsp vanilla extract Marshmallow Topping 6 large egg whites 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp vanilla extract Small handheld butane torch

Recipe Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. 2. Crumbs: Process graham crackers in food processor until fine crumbs. Add sugar and butter; pulse until blended. Spoon about 2 tsp into each muffin cup. Top with 1 tsp mini chocolate chips. 3. Cupcakes: In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt until blended. In medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, oil, water and vanilla until blended; whisk into flour mixture until smooth. 4. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter into each muffin cup. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely. 5. Marshmallow Topping: Put egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a large metal bowl. Set over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and whites are warm to the touch, about 3 to 4 minutes. 6. Transfer to large bowl of an electric stand mixer. Beat 5 to 7 minutes, starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high, until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in vanilla. Spoon into a large ziptop freezer bag. 7. Snip a 1-in. opening off one tip; pipe topping onto each cupcake. Using handheld torch, lightly brown the topping, taking care not to burn the cupcake liners. Serve immediately, or store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Pea in a Pod ~ Nestrest

Paris designers Daniel Pouzet and Fred Frety have designed this "innovative hanging pod."


This over-sized birds nest looks like quite the dreamy relaxation location. I especially love the idea of suspending it over water. After getting over the idea of being over water, it would give a state of mind unlike no other.


This nest comes in 2 colors, and can choose from a variety of colors for the cushion and pillows.

Dedon Collections

B-Grade ~ The A-Team

The A-Team:

I am a sucker for action movies, and this fulfilled the craving, however it was a little dull near the end. Don't get me wrong, there was a lot of jam-packed action near the end, but the overall theme of the movie was repetitive.  The overall storyline was great, and drew me in. Maybe if they would have done a bit more editing it would have not been so dull? Just a thought.

Dancing in the Hail ~ Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day 

I love this picture for so many reasons; spontaneity, dance, feel, weather... 

1 = $$$ ~ 1 Sale A Day

 While scrolling through the morning television shows, I came across the Nate Show, where he was showing off items that are practically a steal from 1 Sale A Day. So, the frugal person that I am, I went to the site to see how practical these sales are. 

I'll let you figure out that last part on your own, but to give you a little nudge - the earrings below:

Sterling Silver, 1.2 Carat Gemstone with white Topaz Accents: retail for $119.99. 1SAD price: $7.99

Mucho Vino ~ XL Wine Glass

From the website Someone Spoil Me, there is a gift for everyone on your list. Including, the wine-enthusiast; this wine glass holds an entire bottle of wine.

You know, there really isn't anything left to say, that says it all. Now, where do I order...





More gifts.

Ticket Stubs ~ Reviewsx3

Since having some free time on my hands, I've been able to see some movies. These include Little Fockers, Despicable Me, and  Inception (I know, a little late on the last two - like I said, I have free time now)
Little Fockers:



I was a little disappointed in this movie, I didn't think it was as funny as the first two. There were a few good laugh parts, I'll admit. Not sure if the lack of comedic moments was because of the time difference between this and the first two, or that there are now kids. Overall, it was funny, just not what I had anticipated

Despicable Me:



This was absolutely adorable! It reminded me of "Up," how there were some sad parts, but I was caught laughing out loud multiple times. Whether you're a kid, big kid, or adult, I believe you will really enjoy this movie.

Inception:



WOW, could this be anymore mind-bending? Kudos to the writers, but I feel like I need to watch this a second, if not third time to fully understand it. I'm not going to go into detail, because I don't want to ruin anything, if you've taken as long as I have to watch this. Wonder if there is going to be a sequel??

Delicious App ~ Foodspotting

Foodspotting is, of course, an app for smart phones. As you see in there picture, their website has a link for Droid and iPhone. A little background on the app:
"Foodspotting began in 2009 when cofounders Alexa Andrzejewski (Adaptive Path), Ted Grubb (Get Satisfaction) and Soraya Darabi (New York Times) realized that while there were many restaurant review apps, there was no easy way to find or rate specific dishes."

This is a FREE app, I'm downloading it on  my iPod right now. :)  If you're a foodie, or just want to know where a good place is to find a burger or breakfast when you're on vacation, download it, too!

App

Ironic Items ~ "Bent Objects"

There are plenty more where these came from. I find them hysterical!


I don't have much to say about them, primarily because everything written about them is in a foreign language. I highly encourage you to get a giggle by viewing the rest of the "Bent Objects" art.

Geniusly Simple ~ Simple Ideas That Are Borderline Genius

 4 pages of (some) mind-blowing ideas. Some are cool while others could really make life a lot simpler. Take a look at these corner drawers. Don't you hate the corner drawers, where items get lost??!!?

I can just see myself sippin an umbrella drink with those ice straws. I would even go to freeze my drink as the ice straws,  so there will be no dilution.

I just had bananas on my Cheerios this morning, that slicer would have made it easier.

Mind-blowing ideas.

Chocolate Overload ~ Cookies ‘N Cream Oreo Fudge Brownies

 

How many delicious, chocolatey, (unhealthy) items can be packed into one brownie? Well these brownies have Oreo's, Cookie n' Cream ice cream and chocolate fudge!

Enough talking and drooling about it, here's the recipe:

1 box Brownie Mix
eggs & oil (as called for by the brownie mix)
1 heaping half cup (6 oz) Cookies & Cream ice cream
1/4 Cup hot fudge topping (chilled or room temp)
Preheat oven & spray an 8×8 baking dish generously with cooking spray. Combine brownie mix, eggs, and oil as directed on the back of the box, but do not add the water. Add ice cream and hot fudge to the brownie batter and stir to combine. Pour half of the brownie batter into the baking dish, layer with Oreos, then top with remaining batter. Bake for 40-50 minutes or as directed on the back of the box.

 To drool over more pictures.

Nailed Art ~ Nail Life Art by Vlad Artazov

Man at woman's belly with baby inside.

Vlad Artazov is obviously very talented, he is able to take the ordinary nail and create beautiful and emotionally-driven art with them. By manipulating the shapes of the nails he creates human-like forms.

I chose my 3 favorite, and shared them on here. They do not have titles associated with them (where I found these photos).

I find these photos to be very inspiring and makes me want to dig out the camera and see what I can create, in resemblance to Artazov's work.

TKO

Girl seeing herself as a ballerina.

Look at the rest of Artazov's photos.

Hello Hershey! ~ Hershey's Kitchen

 

Hershey's Kitchen. Enough said.

You doesn't love the delicious Milk or Special Dark Chocolates? Well, this website shows a variety of recipes used with Hershey's own chocolate, cocoa, etc. I think you will agree when I say I want to taste test them all! The recipe I want to share is the 

HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Truffle Brownie Cheesecake

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Ingredients

• BROWNIE LAYER (recipe follows)
• 3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)

Directions

1. 1 Heat oven to 350° F. Grease 9-inch springform pan.
   
2. 2 Prepare BROWNIE LAYER. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until brownie begins to pull away from side of pan. Meanwhile make cheesecake batter.
   
3. 3 Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs, heavy cream, vanilla and salt, beating until well blended.
   
4. 4 Set aside 2 tablespoons chocolate chips. Place remaining chips in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1-1/2 minutes; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted when stirred. Gradually blend melted chocolate into cheesecake batter.
   
5. 5 Immediately after removing brownie from oven, spoon cheesecake mixture over brownie. Return to oven; continue baking 45 to 50 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven to wire rack. With knife, loosen cake from side of pan. Cool to room temperature. Remove side of pan.
   
6. 6 Place remaining 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted and smooth when stirred. Drizzle over top of cheesecake. Cover; refrigerate several hours until cold. Garnish as desired. Cover and refrigerate leftover cheesecake. 10 to 12 servings.
   
   BROWNIE LAYER: Stir together 6 tablespoons melted butter or margarine, 1-1/4 cups sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 2 eggs; stirring until blended. Stir in 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt; blend well. Spread in prepared pan.

Food 4 Thought ~ 4-Bowl Cutting Board

 Ever chop up on the cutting board and then have to fight the piles of garlic, onion, peppers...? I came across this cutting board on Yanko Design's website and am just amazed by it! I could even see it be used as a serving tray, but for that I would remove the white cups and have the beautiful wood be the simple server. 

Yanko Designs

On the Soap Box ~ Bar Soap Dispensers

 

Nathalie Stämpfli has designed these two bar soap dispensers, to make using bar soap easier, because they are more eco-friendly. If bar soap were not so slippery or harder to use, they would be used more, resulting in less waste from the plastic bottles from liquid soap. Nathalie also states that the liquid soap has excess water and does not have the great space efficiency to travel in shipments. 

Both dispensers shave the bar soap to produce flakes that easily dissolve in the shower, for a more convenient use with bar soap.

More notes from Nathalie

Beauty Meets Beast ~ Harley Iron Guerilla

Harley Iron Guerilla by Rough Crafts

How beautiful is this bike?!!? It has enough class and edge for me. This  "2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 that was turned into a beast by a Taiwenese shop called Rough Crafts that likes to call it the Iron Guerilla. The bike comes with a chopped front end, new bars, bodywork and lighting, as well as a refined exhaust system."

Harley-Davidson Iron Guerilla tech specs

Fabrication: Rough Crafts
Welding: Winston/Shin Metal Works
Parts Design: Winston Yeh
Air cleaner: Rough Crafts
Exhaust: Rough Crafts
Mufflers: Rough Crafts
Frame: Stock with a little chop-off
Front End: Stock chopped/Rough Crafts Triple Trees
Tank: Rough Crafts
Fenders: Rough Crafts
Paint: Rough Crafts/BianChin Paint Studio
Graphics: Rough Crafts
Tires: Coker 5.10×16″
Foot controls: Stock Mid
Handlebar controls: Rough Crafts
Throttle: Neo Factory
Headlight: Rough Crafts grill-type headlight
Taillight: Rough Crafts grill-type LED taillight
Seat: Rough Crafts
Mirror: none
Gas caps: Rough Crafts

Every Bike Info

Easy On The Eyes ~ Tarte Cosmetics

get the look: smoky eye

start with eye couture day-to-night palette - use champagne nude all over the eye from base to brow. Next, mix a tinge of the shimmering copper with the champagne nude to the inner well of the eye and slightly towards the brow, as well as ¾ of the way on the lower lash line.

to create the sideways triangle, start by tracing the triangle first with emphasEYES™ black . fill triangle using black eye shadow.

to create the cat line use emphasEYES™ black so that there are no hard lines or edges. Start with a very thin line and go thicker as you reach the outer corner – extending the line outside of your natural lash line. Continue to wrap the line underneath your lash line, only a quarter of the way. keep the line clean – no blending required.

finish look with lights, camera, lashes! Clinically proven natural mascara


More Eye How-Tos

Eclecticity ~ Kaboodle

"File"s Flash Drive

Sushi Flash Drive 

Rock-On Flash Drive

 These unique flash drives are among 25 creative ones on Kaboodle.com. I just had to share! Others include Fruit, Chicken Drumsticks, Car, "Hacked", and so many more!
You'll have to see them to believe them!




This site is eclectic, to say the least, including items from funky shaped hand soap, to new make-up items, to disgusting treats. And, as the logo says, "Shopping for people, by people," Members are able to share items on the site. I guess you could say they are a crowd-sourcing based website.


Here are more items on Kaboodle that I wanted to share!

Weird and Interesting Products:

"Twisted" Furniture

This twisted design really adds a lively and playful element to essential furnishings. 

Talk about taking a turn for the the better—or bolder!

Most Expensive Gifts Ever:

Thierry Mugler Angel Collector Superstar Eau de Parfum ($3,000)

Sure, there are 14.2 ounces of perfume in the limited-edition bottle. But what the recipient of this gift is likely to smell is money, as in the $3,000 it costs to bestow her with an aroma encased in 250 gleaming Swarovski crystals accented with one honkin' 38mm Swarovski crystal.

Most Expensive Gifts Ever:

"Audrey" Stiletto Bathtub ($17,000 - $27,000)

It's a stiletto! It's a tub! No, it's both! Talk about the perfect gift for the shoe connoisseur. $17,000 - $27,000

 For more outrageous items.