Friday night links + A serene weekend

via imgur

Homemade Nutella. (via reclaiming provincial)

Gorgeous gorgeous ceilings and walls. (via flavorpill)

Cute boob necklace that also supports The Breast Cancer Foundation. (via Bonadrag)

Love the hair. (via everyday's a weekend)

If you're a chess player, enjoy this gif showing how a knight can move anywhere on the board. (via imgur)

I really want to make this hanging pot DIY. (via Design*Sponge)

Cute new dinosaur remains found. (via National Geographic)

SCOTUS is back in session. (via The Atlantic)

via imgur

Hopefully, we'll all get some rest this weekend. Have a good one ♥.

Imagination + Games we play

Minesweeper + Scratchers

via Fancy

My mind was BLOWN when I finally figured out how to play Minesweeper. Remember how we used to just guess our way to victory when we were little kids learning to use the computer? These scratchers are pricey at $10 for a one-time use, but they do bring back some fond memories.

Pop culture + Knowing that feel

Hilarious and witty drawings from tumblr Paperbeatsscissors. Here are a few several of my favorites. Can you name all the characters?

Imaginary friends

Expendable minions

Orphaned heroes

Lost their precious

Looking for a heart

Living in itty bitty places

via Paperbeatsscissors

Friendship + Pacts

via pretty peach peonies

A buddy and I have come up with an agreement (mentioned earlier) to slow our expanding waist-lines and keep resolutions. We have to stick to a specific exercise plan each week or be forced to pay for each missed mile. Basically, it's this pact, but without the gym and iPhone. Because finishing a gallon of ice cream is normally my kind of marathon, I've been very grateful to have such a good friend keep me on track. I find that the competition aspect as well as the idea of commitment really keeps me running. To ensure that the pact actually does what it's supposed to, we have some ground rules:

• Our exercise plans must be completed by Sunday every week.
• No rollovers.
• No canceling each other out (unfortunately).
• Find creative methods to pay each like buying lottery tickets (we're going halfsies when we win).
• Illness is the only valid excuse we'll accept for not finishing our miles.

It's been working out pretty well so far, and I hope we stick with it for at least a year. Have a good Thursday everyone, and be careful; it's the Ides of March ☺.

Friday night links + A super-duper weekend

via The Fancy

A couple of my friends have been sending me these really interesting articles/videos lately. I love the puppy videos (keep sending them, please!), but I also appreciate these discussions that have been springing up. This video by RSA is about our education system. It's worth watching just to see the very cool animation and drawings, but the speaker also brings up some interesting points. For the most part, I feel like he doesn't come up with any solid alternatives, but I do agree with most of the issues he brings up. What do you think? (via Youtube)

This article about ending friendship is also worth reading. It's kind of scary to think about, but I'm sure everyone has felt this way about someone at one point or another. (via A CUP OF JO)

The second Hunger Games trailer. You know how I feel about trailers. (via THR)

Every Tuesday this February, Currywurst is serving free sausages for 20 minutes and 12 seconds starting at 7pm. If you're in the area, tell me how they are! (via LA Weekly Blogs)

A zombie role-playing game. You can download it for free. Why not. (via Outbreak Undead)

If the Superbowl isn't your thing, Jason Wu for Target is released in stores and online this Sunday. Even if shopping also isn't your thing, you can probably sell them for profit you get your hands on some of the items. (via LA Racked)

If Giants vs. Patriots is your thing, these sound like appropriate snacks. Have a good one! (via Flavorwire)

via The Fancy

2011 Pretty Presents + For the lovers

The best gift is diamonds love, of course. But for those who like a little extra something something without breaking the bank, take a look at these options.

via Etsy

I find this so awesome. A duel between lovers for...spare change? There's no motivation like competition to save up for whatever you lovebirds are chirping (sorry) about.

Where: Charles&Marie
Price: $38.33
Alternatives: I haven't found any other piggy banks for two, but there are alternative uses for it. A serious battle between roommates maybe. Or siblings! Winner takes all...the quarters.


His and hers skincare sets to look all the more attractive for each other. They come every month like a magazine subscription for three, six, or twelve months.

Where: Birchbox
Price: $10 a month
Alternatives: The man version is sold out (of course it is), so you might have to get your guy a temporary tattoo subscription from Tattly's instead.


Speaking of temporary, the opposite is forever...which is scary. That's why these decals are perfect for the commitment-phobes who want to decorate their place together. You have something nice, pretty, and removable.

Where: Blik
Price: $39
Alternatives: I love this for a more urbane setting, but there are plenty of options on Blik and lots more on Etsy that are cheaper! 

But when you are ready for that first big commitment (I'm talking baby-serious), then make sure your puppy or kitten is living in style with this adorable teepee.

Where: Modcloth
Price: $24.99
Alternatives: This much fancier one from Etsy.


You know what's guaranteed to make your lovers' eyes light up?

via Pinterest

Tickets to support their favorite sports team.
Where: NBA Tickets
Price: A pretty penny
Alternatives: Concert tickets.

via Blik

Next up, something for your wonderful holiday host/esses!

Friday Night Links + A warm weekend

via We Heart It

This is funny because it's true. (via Society6)

This is sad because it's true. (via Etsy)

This isn't true (hopefully), but it's a little funny and sad. (via Etsy)

How to Google more specifically. This might be old, but it's new to me. (via The Frogman)

Obviously not NBA's best year. (via USA Today)

There are tons of gift guides out there right now. I like each of these for different reasons.

I read a not-very-serious article a while back about how J.Crew is the epitome of mid-brow. It explained that everyone is free to love the brand since it's disguised as part of high-brow culture. Considering how everyone I know would be more than happy to receive a gift bought at J.Crew, I'd say that's a pretty accurate statement. Still, there's nothing wrong with that, is there? This outfit and this guy are delicious. (via J.Crew Gift Guide)

Design Sponge's posts are always beautiful, and I love how they arrange the pictures (something I need to learn how to do!) Check out their gift guides, if only for the pretty. (via DesignSponge)

Okay, I'll admit that I probably wouldn't buy any of the items listed in here, but the way Joanna Goddard writes is just so darn relatable. (via A CUP OF JO)

I'll be finishing up my own gift guides next week. Wherever you are, have a warm weekend!

via We Heart It

December + Giving

Time is passing way too quickly. It's December already! But it's hard to be too upset when this month brings to mind the holidays with food and feasts! Gift-giving, sparkles, and cheery songs. Warm colors and warm hearts. While you're enjoying the season, I just wanted to share this simple game on Free Rice that donates grains of rice whenever you play. It's addictive, fun, and effortless. Best of all, it embodies the holiday spirit of giving and could be played all year long.

via design seeds

2011 Pretty Presents + For the easily bored

No matter how advanced our computer games get, board games will never go out of style. There's something about just sitting around, being ridiculously competitive with family and friends that brings out the most laughter. My personal favorites are Taboo and Cranium.

via Pinterest

Where: Anywhere online or at stores like Target
Price: From $10 - $50
Alternatives: For something a little more complicated, try Risk or Monopoly Deal. For something easy and fast, try Jenga!


That being said, the technology in games these days is very impressive. I hear Skyrim is the cracktastic game to have this season?

via Pinterest

Where: Amazon or at stores like Best Buy
Price: $60
Alternatives: Your gamer brother or sister will probably know better than me.


And after all that horsing around, if your friend is still bored, it's time to get serious. Get them a reservation for bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, canyoneering, paragliding, and more! I'm only familiar with a few places in California, but I'm sure they're readily available everywhere. Just make sure it's reputable and safe!

via Pinterest

Where: Bungee America, Skydive Perris, Kern Rafting, etc.
Price: Starting at $80
Alternatives: This. 


After that, it's time to remind them that things could be much worse with the famous drinking bird.

via Pinterest

Where: Amazon
Price: $7.20
Alternative: TV (Link is to King-Size Homer episode with the drinking bird)