London Rabbit

Finished.

2009-12-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New years all!

I apologize for my absence- not to sound conceded or anything. So much has been happening lately, it's complicated to say at the least. Thanks for all the wonderful, lovely supportive comments- I know it's said a lot around here but they are truly appreciated. :)

As this year comes to a close all of the memories approach me once again, the joy and the pain. I am sure all of you have dealt with similar feelings and events- all of this can be so overwhelming at times, it can get difficult to stay on top of it, balance out your life and control explosions of stress.

I feel quite conflicted about this decision but I think it would be best to take a break from blogging for a while, for me, personally- There is so much I must focus on and blogging is a pleasure but can also be a bit of a drag, as I'm sure you can all relate.

"Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!"
~Author Unknown

"Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget about everything except what you're going to do now - and do it. "

- William Durant

"It does not matter how deep you fall, what matters is how high you bounce back."
- unknown

"You don't have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you."
- Dan Millman

"The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul. "
- David O. McKay

"Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born. "
- Helen Keller

“If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”

"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Carve a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. "
Eleanor Roosevelt

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Eleanor Roosevelt

"Keep holding on "

-Glee Cast

Laci ;)

Fabreze Fresh.

2009-12-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a wondeful holiday! Whether it be,

Hanukkah...

Christmas...

And of course, the upcoming New Year!

I'm not sure why, I just really adore this picture. Perhaps it's the simplicity, the white back ground, the gentle, innocent smile lit in the baby's eyes. Remember, no matter how similar each day may feel, a new year is a chance to start over. To take the plunge, despite all the fear and butterflies in your stomach. To Just Do It beacause somewhere in your mind you know you are dying to. What ever it may be, in the end your life will benefit, no matter what your devil concious tells you. Angels always win.

"Change in the essence of life

He willing to surrender what you are, for what you could become"

Laci ;)

All I Want For Christmas

2009-12-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

Happy 6th day of Hanukkah for everyone who celebrates! :)

As the end of 2009 comes closer by the second, all of the memories begin to hit me and fade at the same time. Was this a good year for all of you? Was it a year of growth and progress, or a year of terrible events? I always want to believe those "horoscope prophets" , like the one about your golden year, which is supposed to be the day of the month your birthday is. If I was born on the 5th, would my year at kindergarten be the best year of my life? I don't know about that...

Anyways, I always make New Years Resolutions. But it always turns out the same; some are completed, some are partially achieved and some are left untouched. Maybe I set my goals too high? Or maybe I just don't try enough to reach them...

What is YOUR main New Years Resolution?

One of mine is to just be in a good mood most of the time...

And learn from my mistakes, but avoid them for the future despite the size...

What is the one memory that will stick to you from 2009?

I don't know about you all, but this season I have been in a total holiday spirit! The atmosphere is just so lovely... people, this is just one small of the many ways of why LIFE is so precious and must be enjoyed to the fullest!

A certain devil *cough* may make this place worth living for...

(but just to stare at, with cold, empty eyes :( )

But Remember way back, when you were very young, had no worries or obligations and lived for fun?

When everything not "boring" made you happy, maybe it was playing at the beach or video games with your friends... or maybe you even looked forward to lunch because after came recess? Ah, such innocent times I miss... :P

It's time to relieve some of those feelings! :D

Sure, life will never be completely care free again, and you will always have to take care of at least one thing (yourself) even in your retirement home, but all those memories of freedom and happiness can be relived... Forget self consciousness, self hate or anything including pain + your self... YOU deserve freedom and happiness! Time to relax, family love and lots of TLC...

This is what the holidays are all about!

Do you remember that magical feeling, believing Santa was actually on the way to your very own house, in a sleigh of reindeer with a sack full of goodies? Best. Feeling. ;)

Here are two recipes I will try to try this year: Hannah's tree cakes and cinnamon buns !

You need to and deserve to break free this holiday, this year, next year, as long as it takes... I am blowing you much luck and love :)

On a final note, I thought I would include something a bit more personal:

A couple days ago, I was with my family for hanukkah. Of course there was tons of food, my uncle's famous Latkes and loads of desserts, including these made by yours truly , cut out to look like this .

But what really got me was my little cousin B, who hung out with me and stuck to me for most of the time. We watched TV on my cousin's mac book. At the boring parts, she would run out to the kitchen and in a flash, be back with a chocolate covered pretzel. I used to love these things when I was little, a hanukkah treat? (what was your food as a child?) She would scarf it down in 5 minutes flat. After about 4 times she would be too full for dinner. But She would also bounce off of the walls, showing off her gymnastics tricks from splits to back flips. Hours later she would try bites of every dessert, then be all sugared up, bubbly and excited again. B is not a chubby girl. In fact, she is growing so rapidly it kind of scares me. I guess what I am trying to get at, is my cousin B is an example of a little girl who has not yet been exposed to the complex, cruel world. Who is still an innocent child. Who doesn't get the difference between two bowls of salad or two bowls of ice cream. I envy her for this.

Warning: cute kid alert!

This is a goofy pic of my beautiful, youthful cousin B, but she's just being he natural self! ;)

By the way, that blue circle is a pillow with turnable eyes!

Happy Holidays!

Laci ;)

P. S. Has a child younger than you ever taught you something valuable?

Just Do It.

2009-12-15T20:54:00.000-08:00

As much as I absolutely cannot wait for the holidays, and enjoy the spirit and season, I must admit life is not always so sugary sweet. I must remind my self my goals and dreams can only be reached by me, and as stressful as it becomes at times, I must keep taking risks and pushing through- above and beyond yesterday. There is no such thing as flawless, perfect or even 100% great 24/7. Sorry to burst your bubble :) But, you can do so many things to reduce the negative aspects of your life from the inside out. Whatever problems you are dealing with, keep holding on. Don't take it out on your self or something negative for your environment. Don't sweat the past, consider the long run but live in the now. Hope this post is somewhat inspirational for you all!

LIFE is a giant, scary, beautiful, complicated mountain...

Every morning, remind your self this:

Why is it that the most valued aspects society (from the media's perspective) are focused on crumbling one's life out of lack of control?

This is NOT perfection or happiness...

When you feel like an abandoned cottage...

And dream of being a beautiful mansion...

And can't take the pain, misery or lack of freedom any longer...

You just want to SCREEM!

No matter how many times it takes, keep reminding your self, "you have to keep going, there is a light at the end of the tunnel..."

Keep in mind that ecstatic feeling, the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you preform something you once loved, and still do...

Hope award. Passed on to: Eliza , Hannah , Katie , Meg , Maya and Sofia

Pass it on to at least 6 people! :)

"Keep Holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Just stay strong

'Cause you know I'm here for you, here for you" -Avril Lavigne

Laci ;)

the only unsinkable ship is friendship

2009-12-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings!
I hope you all are getting into the holiday spirit, strolling if the beautiful snow (if you have any yet), dancing to tunes, sipping warm beverages and baking cookies for loved ones <3 :)

Has anyone ever had a bloggy meet up? *can I hear a whoot whoot!* ? The other day I had the most amazing opportunity to come face to face with the most amazing, talented, adorable, beautiful girlies; Maya and Eliza . The instant I saw them in their stylish jackets, holding enormous bags it was love at first site. These girls are incredibly special and inspirational to so many of you out there- I hope to see them again some time in the future!

The most thoughtful, beautiful message and illustration hides inside this holiday card...

lovely LOVE <3 photo!

Can't wait to try heart thrive , honey sticks , oskri fig b a r or milk chocolate !

(right before throwing out the tissue paper, I found a heart warming, inspirational little silver stone the says,) BELIEVE!

The most beautiful and adorable bunny mug! (see the butterflies on the handle? <3!)

Used this amazing mug as a bowl for ice cream, hence the penguin!)

Thank you so much Maya and Eliza!

Once again, happy holidays!

XO
Laci ;)

Let it snow! :)

2009-12-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, as the holidays come closer by the moment, I find my self scatter brained trying to do everything at once. Whatever holiday you celebrate, let it be a wonderful year!

Play in the snow like you are 6 again!

This little girl sure knows her hanukkah history!

Avoid the flu!

Does your father make these by tradition? They're amazing!

Cuddle with your loved ones!

Pick up a warm, festive beverage!

Tea anyone?

Bake for family, friends and your self!

Buy tickets to classics!

What's better than finding out school was canceled due to the snow, right at 6:00 am?

Enjoy your favorite magazines! (My current fave, shown bellow)

Take long walks with friends/family, engage in deep conversations!

"... together we can build a snowman!"

Happy Holidays!

Laci ;)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-12-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Let's face it: holidays are the most exciting, hectic, dramatic and rewarding time of year. While every family celebrates their own religion in their own way, it is time to celebrate such a bright, crazy, loving season, full of joy, laughter, chilliness and warmth in the heart. Hope we all get to enjoy some of this seasons many pleasures, such as...

Bringing back childhood memories

Ice skating

Shopping through a crowd last minute for loved ones

Dancing to holiday tunes

Watching holiday movies

Cuddling by the fire

Plenty of festive treats, whether it be candy canes

or Hanukkah gelt

Sip some favorite beverages

Or make them into something even more special

Enjoy whatever you believe in

As long as it's spent surrounded by a loving family

don't forget that mug of hot cocoa

And please, stay warm!

Laci ;)

Ice cream review! :)

2009-11-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

Ice cream is one of my favorite treats all year round. Even in the winter, experimenting with the different flavors, opening each little specially designed pint and topping each bowl with a bit of whipped cream, sprinkles, caramel and a cherry, there's almost nothing more special than diving into a pool of chilling, sweet, creamy flavors. Immediately, when I spotted the slightly grand assortment of ice covered coconut milk ice creams in the freezer section of the grocery store, I knew I needed to try one- or so. ;)

Not only is coconut milk ice cream good for you because it is coconut based rather than dairy based, it also makes an incredibly delectable ice cream, as opposed to the lighter, less creamy soy or rice counter parts.

Coconut milk ice cream is

also:

-rich in healthful, plant based fats

-free of refined sugar and rich in slow digesting natural sugars

-vegetarian/vegan

-soy, wheat, gluten and dairy free

- cholesterol free

- HFCS and trans-fat free

- made with organic ingredients

Without further ado, here are my reviews!

Purely Decadent Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Rich yet light and fluffy, white, cool and creamy with specks of vanilla bean, this is an excellent vanilla ice cream base. It is lighter than dairy ice cream but richer and more decadent than soy/rice based ones. It melts fairly quickly though, and lacks luster without any toppings. A simple handful of summer berries, chopped banana or even sprinkles will brighten it up though. This is your typical vanilla base, that goes great with any baked good, from brownies to cookies to thanksgiving pie. Rating: 4 stars

Purely Decadent Mocha Fudge Almond Ice Cream

Ahhh, who doesn't enjoy the sweet yet bitter aroma of coffee in the morning to get your engine running? While there may not be as many coffee ice cream lovers out there as there are coffee lovers, if you enjoy dairy based coffee ice cream, this will not disappoint! Like the vanilla bean base but infused with a caramel-coffee color, also comes with sweet swirls of fudge and slices of whole, nutty almonds, this is sure a flavor to give a shot at. However, less suited for younger taste buds as coffee if commonly a sophisticated flavor. Rating: 4 stars

Purely Decadent Mint Chip Coconut Milk Ice Cream

In all honesty, I don't know why this is called mint "chip"- there are no chips what so ever to be found, just specks of chocolate flakes! Much like the vanilla, it is a pleasant white, creamy, chilly experience- kicked up a notch with the help of a strong, minty flavor and specks of non dairy chocolate! If you are a mint lover, or crave that neon green stuff, this is definitely a flavor for you to try! Rating: 4.25 stars

Purely Decadent Cookie Dough Coconut Milk Ice Cream

This was the first coconut milk ice cream that ever touched my lips. An intensely sweet but pleasant, sugar-cookie-with-baby-chocolate-chips flavor, this one's definitely a winner. There's something just so comforting, bringing back the memories of child hood with every whif and lick of the cookie-ness of this ice cream, even in a little bowl. This makes amazing sundaes, certainly one of my top favorites. Rating: 4.75 stars

Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge Coconut Bliss Coconut Milk Ice Cream

For all you chocolate lovers out there, if a rich, decadent bowl of ice cream with thick swirl of chocolate fudge and little bits of almonds running through out seems like your kind of ice cream, then this is the flavor for you. This review pretty much sums it all up. However, if you are not a big chocolate ice cream fan like me *gasp!* You might not be crazy about this. One thing I do love about Coconut Bliss though, unlike most non dairy ice creams, you can barely taste the coconut, it is super thick and creamy and melts very slowly at room temperature. Rating: 4.5 stars

Mint Galactica Coconut Bliss Coconut Milk Ice Cream

This flavor was very similar to the purely decadent's "mint chip" flavor, except it wasn't quite as intensely minty and, once again, was thicker, creamier, had less of a coconut taste and melted slower. Rating: 4.25 stars

Cherry Amaretto Coconut Bliss Coconut Milk Ice Cream

As a little kid, I loved fruity based ice cream. Not sorbet or italian ices, but fruity ice creams, like strawberry, cherry garcia or my all time strange favorite. However, I was sadly disappointed by this flavor. Seriously lacking cherry flavor, with few chocolate chunks or flakes, and being too thin/melting too quickly, I don't prize this as one of Coconut Bliss's top flavors. But don't let me discourage you- if you are a fruity ice cream lover, this may be worth a shot. Rating: 3.5 stars

Naked Almond Fudge Coconut Bliss Coconut Milk Ice Cream

If your idea of the perfect ice cream flavor consists of a vanilla bean base (minus the specks of vanilla beans) with super thick, rich swirls of chocolate fudge and hearty chunks of raw almonds, this is right up your ally. This ice cream melted slightly quickly, but was indeed rich, creamy and not full of too much coconut flavor. It was excellent topped with a dollop of whipped cream and other fixings, like any fabulous sundae. Rating: 4.25 stars

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Have a great Thanksgiving all, remember to bring along some pumpkin pie or apple pie and ice cream, hehe!

Laci ;)

Tea Time in Autumn

2009-11-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

Honestly, is there anything more comforting after a long day of stressful work to come home, curl up on the couch with your fury friend and with a delectable baked good in hand? Remember those mouth watering candies, bursting with two different flavors? Put together the more than perfect combination into a cookie, and you get nothing less than extraordinary!

Sound familia r?

Perfect for family holidays, these cookies fail to disappoint!

Reese's Cookies (animal friendly)

Ingredients:

- 3/4 cup + 2 Tbs. all purpose flour (whole wheat pasty flour may be substituted)

- 1/4 tsp. salt

- 1/2 tsp. baking soda

- 1/4 cup margarine, softened

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- 1/4 cup natural regular peanut butter

- 2 Tbs. unsweetened applesauce

- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

- 1 Tbs. milk

Also:

20 small symmetrical pieces of chocolate, like these (broken into squares)

Procedure:

1.	Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.	Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.

3.	Cream together the margarine, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the apple sauce, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well.
4.	Shape into 20 balls and place each onto a lightly greased pan.
5.	Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini piece of chocolate into each ball. Cool and carefully remove from pan. Enjoy! :)

As you can see, humans are not the only ones who enjoy these cookies with their warm, cinnamon spiced milk...

Laci ;)

Autumn Survey.

2009-11-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

1. Favorite Variety of apple? Fuji

2. apples dipped in? Almond butter with vermont maple surup

3. favorite way to enjoy pumpkin? Pumpkin Pie

4. favorite soup? with crackers or bread? Amy's split pea (like mashed potatoes!) with these krackers and sprinkled with this

(Just like Taylor Swift hehe! ;) )

5. do you eat orange foods all year round? How could I live without pumpkin cookies, sweet potato fries or witch's fingers? (carrots with PB and raisins)

6. most used spice in your autumn cooking: cinnamon (sweet) all purpose (savory)

7. you are baking some homemade bread, what flavor combination of bread would you like to make? cranberry pecan pumpkin bread!

8. favorite autumn vegetables and ways to eat it? baked winter squash, whole roasted yams with this or this

9. hot chocolate, hot cider, coffee or tea? Eggnog, or homemade hot cocoa with candy canes

10. favorite seasonal dessert? Gingerbread cupcakes or Apple pie

11. lets make a fall stew! pick any 6 ingredients to create your one: Chickpeas, carrots, tomatoes, onions celery and alphabets

12. pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts or almonds to snack on? Fresh pumpkin seeds after halloween with sea salt, cinnamon maple roasted almonds

13. popcorn flavor/seasoning? Kettle corn

14. bowl of hot cereal you have been wanting to try: Irish oats with dried pears with walnuts, chopped black mission figs and crystalized ginger

15. post a link to a recipe that you recently bookmarked. For christmas morning (or any special day!)

Hope you enjoyed! Pass it on! :)

Fly Away.

2009-11-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth."

John F. Kennedy

Innocence of Childhood.

2009-10-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

There's something I just love about the following pieces of art- perhaps it's the blending technique the author used, the way the shades of light and color correspond to the atmosphere of the final product. Each illustrates so much warmth, joy, curiosity and serenity- or maybe it's just how he portayed something deep down that gives us the warm fuzzies inside- childhood innocence.

Fall.

2009-10-18T19:39:00.000-07:00