I’m so excited how this turned out, and you’ll just have to believe me when I cross my heart and tell you it’s not rigged! I promise!
But I so wanted these awesome vegan-promoting undies from an awesome vegan company, to go to one of our awesome new veg*ns! In the birthday post, a few of you mentioned that Bonzai helped steer you towards adopting a more compassionate diet. That kind of statement is just the best birthday present ever! So I secretly wished that one of those fledgling veg*ns would win. And . . .
. . . Number 23 reads,
“Yay! Happy birthday bonzai aphrodite! I’ve been along for the ride since almost the beginning (I began reading your blog in March ‘09) I’ve enjoyed the tips and tricks to being socially concious, and totally fabulous. I actually became a vegan because of this fantastic community. 
You have helped me become a better and healthier person. Thank-you Sayward! <3"
So congratulations to Salekdarling, who I also recently thanked in the FFF (But I really really swear guys, no funny business here! What can I say? Kindness begets kindness, Universe-style!)
So Salekdarling, I’ve sent you an email and I’m just waiting to hear back. Congrats again on the win, and on the veg*nism!
Bonzai!
First things first, thank you guys so much for all of the wonderful Bonzai Birthday wishes – and especially to Salekdarling for the ‘birthday present’ in the tip jar! Your support is what keeps me going and it means so much to me. Thank you!!!
So, it’s finally the weekend (Happy Weekend!), and thank goodness for that. The next few days I’m all about massive productivity! Isn’t it incredible how the ‘little things’ of life (emails, phone calls, bills) become much bigger directly proportional to how long they *don’t get done*. Ha!
So what’s on your agenda for the weekend? What’s on your mind right now? And what do you want to see more of in the next year of Bonzai Aphrodite?!
Oh and FYI, for those of you who participated in the recent vegan bake sales for Haiti, I’m so happy to announce that nationwide earnings topped $25,000. That’s a ton of money guys! So thank you everyone who participated, whether through baking or buying. It really made a significant impact!
As usual, the Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all weekend, so if you’ve got an idea or a question or you just want to introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’, you can stop back by any time. This is your community, so get involved and have your say!
Have a peaceful (or productive!) weekend!
Um, wow guys. Seriously. See that not-so-good picture up there? That’s because I was like, “yeah whatever who needs a pic OM NOM NOM”
I devoured a plate, and then another . . . and then I had to get more! It’s pretty amazing stuff! This is the ‘you-won’t-believe-it’s-vegan’ dish to fool your omni friends. Or, if *you’re* the omni, this is an awesome way to get your rich creamy alfredo deliciousness, without the killer dose of cholesterol and saturated fats. Everyone wins – especially your taste buds!
Ingredients
1 lb pasta of your choice
small head of garlic, maybe 4-6 cloves
small-medium white onion
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 tablespoon cooking wine (I used dry vermouth)
1/2 cup Earthbalance™
2 cups alternative milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cooking wine (I used dry vermouth)
1 heaping tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to your taste level
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 12-ounce pack firm Silken tofu
5-6 tablespoons corn starch
1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450. Wrap the garlic cloves in tin foil and place them on the center oven rack to roast. They’ll need about half an hour or so – set a timer or remember to keep an eye on them! You should smell ‘em when they’re ready, mmmm.
While the garlic is roasting, dice your onion. Place a pan over medium heat and add the oil. Sauté the onion until glassy, then reduce the heat to low and add 1 tbsp of the wine. Continue to cook until the wine reduces and the onion has browned (NOT burnt! be careful!)
While garlic is roasting and onions are going, put all the other ingredients (minus the corn starch and peas) into a food processor or blender. When the garlic is done, remove it from the oven and unwrap. You’ll need to let it cool a bit or you’ll burn your finger tips. Carefully squeeze the mushy roasted clove goo into the mix. Add the onions. BLEND!
Put on a pot to prepare the pasta. I’m sure you don’t need instructions for this part.
Put on a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Transfer the sauce from the mixer to the pan and allow it to warm. Spoon the cornstarch into a small bowl and then add enough of the sauce mix to create a thick paste. Slowly stir this into the sauce to thicken it up. Allow it to continue heating, stirring frequently to avoid bottom burn.
When the pasta is done and drained return it to the cooking pot. Pour in the peas and the sauce, mix well, and serve! Eat until you’re blue in the face!
Happy Birthday to this no-longer-wee website, and Happy Birthday to all of you, who make up her heart!!! Part of me still can’t believe a year’s gone by already. I’m still getting the hang of this! I’m still just getting started!
Another part of me can’t quite believe it’s only been a year. Was it really just 13 months ago I was working my unfulfilling day job? Has it only been 12 short months of covering such diverse topics as gardening and urban farming, sustainable fashion and an ambitious manifesto, backyard chickens and indoor seedlings, tons of vegan sweets and savory treats, ten life-changing challenges, and so much, so much more? And of course, a year of inspired contributions from each and every reader – the blog comments and personal emails and dialogue with each other throughout the site. You all have grown this little seed of an idea into something greater than I’d ever dared to dream of.
For the first 6 months of Bonzai’s web life, I posted every. single. workday. (whew!) Since then, barring medical breaks, I’ve maintained a schedule of 4-5 posts per week. All in all I’ve written over 250 entries and articles. And we’ve received hundreds of thousands of visitors!
Articles I’ve written have been featured across the internet, most notably on sites like Lifehacker and Apartment Therapy‘s green blog Re-Nest. The most popular posts continue to be for DIY hygiene and cleaning recipes, like deodorant, drain-o, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and hair gel. Who’d have though!?
I’m so proud to say that I’ve done all of this without accepting any advertising offers! Bonzai Aphrodite operates free from external financial influence, and will continue to follow the PBS/NPR model of ‘viewer/listener supported’. You’ll never have to question my integrity – I can promise you that.
Finally, I must give some thanks. Firstly, foremostly, and foreverly, to my AMAZING HUSBAND who was the catalyst and carrier for all of this. Damian encouraged me over and over to quit my job and pursue my passion, and he has continued to support me unfailingly throughout this crazy, oftentimes incredibly stressful, process. It is absolute truth that this site would not exist if it weren’t for him (hell, he designed it!), and I cannot thank him enough for that.
And then, of course, YOU GUYS. Thank you thank you for making my dreams come true! You all amaze me and inspire me and make me excited to wake up and ‘work’ every morning, and I just can’t thank you enough for that. I wanted to show a little gratitude (and support one of my favorite local businesses in the process), so I’m giving away these adorable, special addition underwear from Herbivore Clothing Co! All you have to do to enter is visit the Herbivore site and then leave a comment here. I’ll randomly select one lucky winner next week. Boys and girls are welcome to enter (there’s boxer-briefs as well), and non-vegans can play too as long as you don’t mind sporting ‘Veganism is for Lovers’ on your bum! Good luck everyone!
So what’s next for Bonzai Aphrodite? BIG THINGS my friends! Damian and I are scheming to expand, and I have more ideas than I know what to do with. I always tell my readers to “Dream big – no, BIGGER”, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I hope you’ll come along for the ride!
On the first Monday of every month, we take on a ‘mission’ – a shift or habit or inspiration – to work on together. There’s strength (and support) in numbers! On the last Thursday of the month, we reconvene to see how far we’ve come.
#10
Today is the first anniversary of Bonzai Aphrodite (!!!), and it also happens to be the 1st of February. That means it’s time for our tenth Monthly Mission (ten already!). But I wanted to do something more symbolic this time, something very special to honor this little blog’s birthday.
What could we do to represent the values and ideals that we aspire towards here? What single step could epitomize :
Certainly not something as focused as composting or going no-poo. These are awesome acts, to be sure, but they’re too directed to represent an entire ideology.
Bonzai Aphrodite is all about simple changes; about understanding the truth that altering our actions can add up to impactful magnitude. So, here’s your challenge for the month – Start A Piggybank.
That’s all. Easy as pie. We’re all going to start saving our change, in order to make some change! I’ll tell you more at the end of the month but for now you’ll just have to trust me.
So start saving those coins! To move things along, get in the habit of breaking bills instead of fishing for exact change. You’ll hardly notice the difference in your wallet, but you’ll end up with a lot more weight in your piggy! Try to get change from each transaction, and aim to contribute to your bank every single day. Of course, you needn’t break dollars into quarters just for the sake of adding coins! You want this to be natural, to become a habit.
Stash your coinage at the end of each day. If you don’t want to invest in a ‘real’ ceramic piglet, that’s fine! There’s tons of other wonderful ways to stylishly save. You can custom-make a piggybank out of old plastic bottles, as evidenced above, or an old coffee tin, shown below.
As well, you can always just decorate a glass mason jar! Cover it with a favorite fabric, or decoupage it with lovely images clipped form magazines. Hell, you can toss your change in a cereal bowl if that’s what works for you! The point is to begin collecting ‘change’, in a mindful and meaningful way. Because we all know that ‘change’ is more effective, when it’s collective!
So, will you accept this mission and join in??
BONZAI!
*** I had a lot of trouble finding sources for these photos and I hate not acknowledging artists. I apologize, and if anyone can help me give credit where credit is due, it would be much appreciated. Thanks! ***
Let’s begin with a little gratitude, shall we? I want to offer a giant THANK YOU to readers Eden and Courtney O. Eden, for sending me (well, my son really) a lovely little hand-me-down gift package (#17!) and Courtney O., for hitting that tip jar over there on the right. Thank you ladies so much for your kindness and your generosity!
And, THANK YOU to everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes! You all helped to give me such a splendid birthday, and begin my 29th year just right (with lots of love!) So THANK YOU!
And now, as always, Happy Weekend! What’s on your mind, guys?! Let me hear what you have to say! What do you want to see more of here on Bonzai Aphrodite? (as we prepare to enter our second year live!!!)
As usual, the Feedback Forum will remain here at the top of the page all weekend, so if you’ve got an idea or a question or you just want to introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’, you can stop back by any time. This is your community, so get involved and have your say!
And now for a few announcements (quite a bit of business this week . . . )
1) Vegan Yummies for a good cause! Isa Chandra Moskowitz of the Post Punk Kitchen has done an amazing job of organizing a collection of vegan bake sales to benefit Haiti. We all know how much they need the money, so check it out and if there’s a sale near you, support it! I’ll be bringing a heavy wallet and a ready appetite to the Portland sale this Sunday!
2) Send me pics of this month’s thrift store finds! I want pics of your best pillages, submitted to info@bonzaiaphrodite.com Please include your first name and the city/country you found it in.
3) Send me the names and addresses of the BEST secondhand stores in your city, and maybe a brief description of why they’re so rad. I want all the top secret hot spots you know of in every city you’ve been to! info@bonzaiaphrodite.com, and please include name and addresses.
Okay, fin! Finis! Finito! Have a most marvelous weekend!
So, how was the *oh! horror!* of having a Monday Monthly Mission centered all around shopping?! Haha, who says going green can’t be fun?
Although my bed rest kept my thrifting to a minimum, I was able to pick up a few awesome items this month. And of course, all the clothes and baby clothes I bought were gently used. But it’s not about me – I want to hear about you guys!
How did this month go for you? Were you able to remain entirely secondhand? What kind of goods did you get and how did you have to alter your habits? And most importantly, are you going to try to keep it up indefinitely???
I’d really love to share the thrift store love, so please please please:
1) Send me pics of the pillage! If you scored something amazing that you’d like to share, email me a picture (you don’t have to be wearing it if you don’t want to) at info@bonzaiaphrodite.com Please include your first name and the city/country you found it in.
2) Send me the names and addresses of the BEST secondhand stores in your city, and maybe a brief description of why they’re so rad. I want to compile a list of the greatest thrift stores across America (across the world??). So send me all the top secret hot spots you know of in every city you’ve been to. Send your thrift stats to info@bonzaiaphrodite.com
By now we’ve all heard of the ‘amazing omegas’, those fantastic fatty acids that have all the scientists and supplement-makers squawking. We’ve been introduced to ‘good fats’ and lectured about the naughty ones and sold on all sorts of ‘superfoods’. And if one more person tries to tell me how healthy fish is, I may just do something very un-vegan!
But truly, it’s a lot to try and make sense of. So I’ll do my best to lay it all out, in straightforward scientific terms. Here we go!
Essential Fatty Acids
There are certain nutrients the human body is unable to produce. These are termed ‘essential’, like the essential amino acids that make up proteins. The fatty acids that fall into this category are termed the essential fatty acids (EFAs). There are two main types of EFAs: omega-6 and omega-3. Both groups are required for normal bodily functioning and both groups must be obtained dietarily. These EFAs are used to regulate inflammation, adjust mood and behavior, affect cellular signaling, and more. They are also used as transcription factors that act on DNA.
Omega-6
Omega-6s are unsaturated fatty acids, which means they are not bound to additional hydrogen (as opposed to saturated fats which are ‘heavy’ with hydrogens). They are critical for a variety of functions. Omega-6 deficiency may manifest as dry hair or hair loss, eczema, or slow-to-heal wounds. However, there can also be ‘too much of a good thing’. Very high levels of omega-6 are correlated to heart attack and stroke, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, depression and other mood disorders, obesity, and cancer.
The most prevalent dietary omega-6 is linoleic acid (LA). LA is commonly found in situ in the lipid by-layer of cells, where it plays a critical role in biochemical processes. At proper levels, LA may help prevent cancer, treat cystic fibrosis, and correct dermatitis. (1)
Omega-3
Omega-3s are also unsaturated fatty acids. There are three primary forms: alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). All of these are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which means there is more than one point where hydrogen could bond (so essentially, very unsaturated).
ALA is considered a short chain fatty acid, while EPA and DHA are both long chain fatty acids. These are EFAs and thus the body cannot produce them, though it can convert ALA into EPA and to a lesser extent DHA. Of all the essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA confer the greatest health benefits.
DHA is the most advantageous omega-3, and the FDA officially recognizes it’s importance in fighting cardiovascular disease. (2) Further, Canadian health officials state that DHA is important for developing the brain, nerves, and eyes. (3)
Omega-6 and Omega-3 In Action
Most scientists believe that the actual dosage of EFAs is less important than the ratio of omega-6 and omega-3. (4) This is because omega-6s (which can be detrimental in high doses) and omega-3s utilize the same enzymes for synthesis. It is thought that the ratio of LA (an omega-6) to ALA (an omega-3) is especially significant.
The omega-6 will compete with the omega-3 for the same limited enzyme. The single enzyme can catalyze multiple reactions (not simultaneously), resulting in different types of eicosanoids (hormones), depending on the omega involved. In the case of excessive omega-6, the rate of synthesis is greater than the rate of metabolism (you are processing more Omega-6 than you are using), and the extra hormones produced could be dangerous. These additional hormones are sometimes referred to as ‘pro-inflammatory agents’. The omega-3s EPA and DHA, on the other hand, form anti-inflammatory molecules.
The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is somewhere in the neighborhood of 4:1, with 4 parts omega-6 to 1 part omega-3. Unfortunately, the standard American diet (SAD) typically includes a ratio closer to 10:1.
It should be noted that recent research contradicts this belief, indicating that it is the definite amount of EFAs, and not the ratio, that matters most. (5) (6) (7)
EPA and DHA
The long chain omega-3 fatty acids are the ones that confer the greatest health benefits. Of these two, DHA is certainly the most ideal, though the virtues of both are identified in a number of studies.
DHA can increase circulation and reduce blood pressure. (8) EPA and DHA both play a significant role in reducing and preventing cardiovascular disease (9) (10) (11) (12) DHA levels are inversely proportional with breast cancer risks (13), although the link between DHA and cancer has not been sufficiently established. DHA also contributes to brain development and memory (14) including a protective effect in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. (15)
The short chain fatty acid, ALA, has not been shown to share these same healthful properties. Of course, EPA and DHA can be synthesized from ALA, but this is much less efficient than a direct source of EPA/DHA.
The metabolic conversion of ALA into EPA and DHA is believed to be quite limited in humans, and varies from person to person. (16) In one study, lactating women who showed low levels of DHA in their breastmilk were given very high doses of ALA. Still, they never showed a significant increase of the DHA levels in their milk. (17) Research shows that the conversion rate of ALA to DHA is even lower in men (18)
Getting Your Omega-3s
In America there is no ‘recommended dietary allowance’ (RDA) for macronutrients, so Omega-3s, which are fats, do not have an RDA. There is an ‘acceptable intake’ (AI) of omega-3s, which is 1.6 grams per day for men and 1.1 grams/day for women. There is no current ‘upper tolerable limit’ (UL) for omega-3s.
However the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids offers a recommended daily intake for omega-3s. They suggest 3 grams of ALA per day for men and 2.5 grams of ALA per day for women. They also recommend 500 milligrams of EPA/DHA per day.
Coldwater oily fishes are the most popular source of these essential Omega-3s, which is why everyone seems so obsessed with fish and fish oil these days. But there are botanical (vegan, non-animal) sources of Omega-3s.
Flax oil, sometimes called linseed oil, has a huge load of ALA – 55% composition – which is six time more than fish oil. Chia seed oil is similar in makeup. These two also have a good ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which is equally as important. Flax and Chia have three times more omega-3 than omega-6.
Other plant foods high in ALA include Butternuts (‘white walnuts’, not the squash), hempseeds and flaxseeds and chiaseeds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and acai fruit.
But remember that ALA is not efficiently converted into EPA and DHA, and these are the fatty acids that are truly beneficial. For this reason it may not be enough to simply include ALA-rich food in one’s diet. For those that suspect they are low in omega-3′s, and especially growing children and those that are pregnant, breastfeeding, or immunocompromised, a direct EPA/DHA source is ideal.
EPA can be found in brown algae (kelp) oil. The only non-animal source of DHA is microalgae, most notably the species Crypthecodinium cohnii and Schizochytrium. Algal DHA is just as bioavailable and just as effective as the DHA from fish. (19) After all, where do you think the fish get it?! Veg*n EPA/DHA supplements are widely available in health food stores and online.
So, To Recap:
- The essential fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-3, are required components of a healthy diet.
- Omega-6s are good, necessary even, but have negative affects when present in excess.
- There are three omega-3s, ALA, EPA, and DHA. EPA and DHA play a critical role in many areas related to health. ALA does not.
- ALA can be converted to EPA and DHA, but this is often inefficient. It’s better to take a direct source from microalgae.
- You do not need to eat fish or fish oil!
I’ve been on bed rest going on 6 weeks now, and let me tell you, I am cabin fevered! Putting on a dress and going out to dinner for my birthday was a huge treat. 29 years young (so happy to be here) and 33 weeks pregnant (also so happy to be here) (though it certainly limits one’s outfit options).
Apparently I only wear high heels twice a year : for Damian’s Birthday and for my birthday. What can I say? I’m 6’1” – I don’t need the height! And I have no experience walking in heels, so I just sort of wobble around and try not to totter over. It’s pretty ridiculous, but I have fun with it!
- Black Flowered Dress: Ancient. A relic.
- Black Long-Sleeved Maternity Shirt: secondhand by Gap Maternity
- Maternity Jeans: secondhand by Old Navy, dyed darker by me
- Red Faux-Patent Heels: secondhand
- Necklace: my wedding rings on a rope
- Bracelet: a cheap chain necklace
- Black Cardigan: secondhand by Banana Republic
- Scarf: handmade by my wifey
- Gloves: I got these at Urban Outfitters like 5 years ago for $2
- Purse: from Herbivore
Because there’s so much out there to enjoy! Why not seize a chance to celebrate life’s little pleasures!? In no particular order, and leaving out the big stuff (husband, friends, family, etc), here’s what’s getting me giddy these days:
1) Vegan Donuts. They are my pregnancy kryptonite.
2) The RadioLab podcast from WNYC. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a radio show done in the style of This American Life, but it’s all about the mystery and magic of science. Perfection!
3) Ethiopian Food. I’d never eaten it before I moved to Portland, and I can’t believe I lived so long without Injera and Berbere.
4) Learning that my son has hair (via ultrasound). WOW! Little wonderful wisps on his perfect little head.
[audio:http://dev.bonzaiaphrodite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/03-New-Resolution1.mp3|titles=03 New Resolution]
5) The song ‘New Resolution’ by The Heartless Bastards. I know it came out in like, 2006, but I’m completely enamored with it and can’t get it out of my head. It works so well for the new year and all.
6) The teapot I got for my birthday, which is lime green and lovely, and sure beats the little sauce pot we’ve been using for almost 6 months!
7) And speaking of, I’m drinking a ton of lemon ginger tea these days. I take it with maple syrup and real lemon juice. It’s medicinal and sooo relaxing.
Harley’s lower lip, which sticks out all funny-like. It’s hard to capture on film but I assure you, it’s *hysterical*.
9) Knowing that the crocus bulbs are ripening underground, all over Portland, and that soon they’ll be popping up from every sidewalk crack to tell us it’s springtime. The wee crocus is my favorite spring flower.
10) In the meantime, the Petrichor (which is also, as it so happens, my all-time favorite word)
11) Secondhand baby clothes! Especially those with animal ears and animal feet. I’m sort of obsessed. My son will end up wearing nothing but ducks and monkeys, I swear. Ha!
12) The Origin Of Love. Plato (yes *that* Plato) conceived of the myth itself, but Hedwig and The Angry Inch brought it to life! It’s so very beautiful. Incidentally, if you haven’t seen the film, WATCH IT. It’s in my top 5, easily.
13) Taquería Los Gorditos, which was our absolute favorite take-out food cart, recently opened a real restaurant. I’m not even kidding, I ate more of my meals from there than not, in the first 2 weeks they were open. Having a go-to eatery that brings you so much pleasure is PRICELESS. And these beans and rice are like gold my friends, gold I’m telling you. I swear this baby is built entirely of vegan burritos. (Damian want’s to make a baby blanket that looks like a giant tortilla, so we can wrap the baby up like a burrito. Genius, no!!? We’re gonna be millionaires . . . )
14) My ever-growing collection of houseplants. I want them everywhere, on every counter top and in every nook and cranny. So essential in winter – and they’re even good for you!
15) Baking soda. Need. I. Say. More? (I do need? Okay – lately I’ve been using my baking soda for heartburn relief, carpet cleaning, toilet deodorizing, and mildew scouring, among others)
16) Subversive artwork, a la Banksy. I don’t agree with everything he does or says, but I certainly appreciate his presence in the world! (and most of his stuff is just RAD, as evidenced above)
17) Getting packages in the mail! Ahhh, bed rest. It can be so terribly boring. But between the Holidays, the baby stuff, and my birthday, I’ve been getting bunches of boxes and it’s SO FUN!
18) Dreaming of produce. I can’t wait for late spring/summer and all the bounty that it brings. Overflowing farmers markets, eating a high-raw diet, and growing my own tomatoes. I like to flip through recipes and plan out all the amazing new dishes I’m going to develop. Yes, I’m a food geek! (and thus I want this so bad! HA)
19) Portland. I can’t even begin to tell you why, I don’t have the time.
20) Wearing my tutu. No joke, it brings me endless amounts of joy and reminds me of the ‘fairy slip’ I practically lived in as a child. I’m thinking of giving birth in it.
21) On the sartorial tip, lets include Big Clunky Boots and Stripey Long Socks. These classics will never get old and will alway make me happy.
22) Truly embarrassing reality TV addictions. I refuse to admit what I’ve been watching, but it is sinfully delicious and I am horribly hooked. I plead the bed rest defense.
23) Getting a ‘real’ hair cut. After years of drunken DIY snipping with friends, it’s somewhat of a luxury to go to a professional. Especially at my favorite spot, where the styling is super cheap and they give you free beer while you wait. (another reason for #19)
24) A precious sip of Damian’s Chianti. I actually had a whole glass of Syrah on my birthday, enjoyed very slowly over a long dinner. But those little tastes of my husband’s wine here and there, those have been such a treasure through this pregnancy.
25) Bertrand Russell. I’ve been reading his ideas and writings, which are still so relevant. What a mind, what a mind.
26) A good soak in the tub. I’ve always been a bath person, but with the big belly it’s just extra extra fun. Plus it takes the pressure off the ol’ back!
27) Tom Waits. Always and forever, no list of things I love would be complete without him. A primer: Damian had me listen to this song when he confessed his feeling for me. I walked down the aisle to this song (which is ‘our song’) at the wedding. And when our son is old enough for his own room, the lyrics to this song will be stenciled on the wall.
28) Finding out that Brian Greene, the quantum physicist and author I’ve had a total geek crush on for years and years, and maybe one of the smartest people alive, is A VEGAN!!! Oh, *swoon*
29) The impending birthday of Bonzai Aphrodite. I can’t believe it’s been a year already! And at the same time, I can’t believe its only been a year. I have worked so hard, and learned so much, and connected to so many amazing people here. This blog has grown into something more beautiful than I ever imagined, and in only 12 short months. Imagine what the next year will bring!
Now it’s your turn my dears – what little things are tickling you these days?
