Mingle Monday: My Musings

Hey guys! Long time no see!! It's Monday, so you know what that means. Today I have Hima from My Musings doing a guest blog. Here she is: 

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Hi there! I'm Hima, and I'm a 14-year old self-described optimist, and a proud Californian. I blog over at My Musings, and I'm unbelievably excited to be on My Latest Obsession today. 

1. What got you into blogging and how long have you been at it?

I started a blog in July 2011 at debate camp just for the heck of it, but I didn't really get into it until February 2012. Realistically, I'd say about four months, but I don't plan on stopping any time soon! I've always loved writing, but I never had the motivation to write for pleasure, i.e. things that aren't school essays. I thought that blogging would motivate me to write, and it obviously worked!

2. What does blogging mean to you? Business or pleasure?

Purely pleasure. I love blogging and I think of it as my relaxing time. I love to take pictures and document my everyday life as something special. My motto is that nothing isn't worth a picture. The other day at school, on of my teachers got an edible arrangement, and she was just about to eat a piece of fruit. I literally stopped her and said, "Wait! Miss Hamilton, take a picture!" She seemed happy to do so, but I hope she doesn't secretly hate me because I stopped her from eating her fruit!

So this is my little brother (8) and me! We fool around a lot, especially on the day this picture was taken. 

3. What do you mostly blog about?

I'm working on creating a focus write now, but it's hard because I blog about so many different topics. If I had to categorize it, I'd say that My Musings is a lifestyle blog. I really love music, so I try to feature one song, artist, or band in a post every Monday to help introduce people to new artists or find their new favorite song. I semi-frequently share recipes, fun DIY projects, but I mostly write about my life. My goal with my blog is to make anyone who reads it laugh and/or smile.

Tutorial on this coming soon! (Like, tomorrow!)

4.What do you besides blogging? What’s a normal day like in the life of Hima?

Well, I'm still only 14 so I have school everyday, but only 3 days left until summer! Other than that I play basketball, edit pictures, pine for a DSLR camera, do homework, take shameless self-portrait, surf around for no-sew DIY ideas on Pinterest (Learning how to sew is on my to-do list for summer!), fight with my 8 year-old brother, and try to convince my mom to let me cook something. I just got my first degree black belt in taekwondo, so I'm really excited about that!

5. Do you plan out your posts or just kind of wing it? Strict schedule blogger or go with the flow blogger?

I do a Monday Melodies post every Monday, but other than that, I pretty much wing it. One of the things I've noticed since I started seriously blogging, is that I think in terms of the blog now. Whatever I'm doing, I think about how I could make it seem interesting as a blog post. If we're out on a hike, or even just at the grocery store, I'll grab my mom's iPhone and take a couple of pictures of whatever seems interesting, and I usually end up writing about maybe 60% percent of the pictures I take.

6. Are you a daytime blogger or night owl blogger?

Well, I have school during the day, so I usually write in the afternoon or at night. Really, at whatever time is convenient for me!

Um, yeah. No words needed. 

7. Name a few of your favorite blogs and why?
Michelle @ On The Adventure because she's so adorable and takes pretty pictures.
Danielle @ Sometimes Sweet because she has the cutest kids and loves to read, like me.
Bri @ Breezy Days because she has a great sense of style and is the nicest person you will ever meet.
Kristin @ Kristin's Knook because she takes the time to go in depth about things she writes about. i also LOVE her Sunday Funnies.
Sierra @ Oh, Just Living the Dream because she can sing really well and she writes about things that really matter to her.

Go give these beautiful ladies a little blog love and tell them I sent you!

Thank you so much for having me Sam! Had so much fun :)

<3Hima

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Thanks for the guest post Hima! Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!!! I'll be back tomorrow to tell you all about my weekend. It. Was. So good. 

Girlish Garb: Beachy

I received this dress recently from She Inside and LOVE it. Seriously, it's so comfy, I love the color, and I wear it at least once a week.   Outfit Details: Dress- c/o She InsideBelt- Thrifted Necklace- DIY Bracelets- Thrifted
The last 2 days have been spent relaxing at the beach! The water has been really gross but we had fun playing in the sand and not having to work/being with friends. It's so nice to go to the beach where there is a shower too! I hate having to drive 40 minutes home feeling sticky and sandy, yuck! 
Also, while I was there, I did a little photo shoot for the store which I'm so excited about. I have to wait until film develops to see the pictures but I think it's going to be good. 
It feels like the weekend... but it's just Thursday? Which is awesome! Hope your week is going as well as mine (: 

P.S. I have a guest post over at Kitty Snooks today, check it out! 

DIY: Rock Ring

Today I will be busy, busy, busy so here's a short little tutorial for your Wednesday. 
What you'll need: 
These little ring bases. I used the ones on the right.   Some strong glue, this is what I used.  And some rocks (with one flat side for the ring base) Then, you just glue it on and wait for it to dry. Now wear that ring with pride!! (full outfit post coming later) 
I really like this ring. And I don't really like to wear rings. But it's like carrying a little bit of nature on my hand! Andd it only cost me like $2 to make, I'll take that! Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.

P.S. I also shared this tutorial over at The Random Girlies blog, check it out. 

Joy!

Tonight, I'm extremely happy. Partially because Brandon made me up a very strong Fuzzy Navel (with fresh peaches, um yes please!).... but also because there's so much goodness happening! So I thought I would do a joy post, it's long overdue. (If you're new to My Latest Obsession, Joy Posts are basically where I share the joys of my day and what is making me happy. Just a place where I can write down all the good things in life to avoid being a negative nancy!)
My joys tonight: 

• Brandon got the day off of work for memorial day so we got to spend some extra family time with him! During the week we don't get to be together with all three of us very often. 
• I had a really good/motivated day at work and I can't wait to get back at it! 
• A really big photoshoot is in the works right now and I'm super excited about it. Here's a little sneak peak.: 

I wasn't able to be there for the first part but the second part is on Wednesday and it's going to be so good. 

• Also, I've got another photoshoot in planning that will be in a few weeks. Collaborating with other extremely creative/talented people is something I'm really enjoying! 
• Freepress Summerfest is this weekend! We've got our tickets and camelbak ready to go! 
• My next vintage pop-up show is in two weeks, yippee!! 
• I've been re-inspired to do more upcycling and have so many ideas just waiting to be created. This summer is going to be great for the store
• Also, summer means a road trip is in order, I've got a few ideas in mind ;) 
• I officially have 200 gfc followers! That's kind of a big milestone for me! Just a few months ago, I was struggling to break 100 (: 
• Last month I was unable to contribute anything to our rent bill (luckily Brandon is awesome and had my back) but this month I really buckled down on store budgeting/taking money out for myself and made my share of rent! I haven't made my complete half of our rent in a while so I'm pretty proud of myself. 

• Also, a girl said this about my store the other day: A decently priced boutique that refurbishes vintage clothing and items toward a modern style. PERFECT! Exactly what I'm goin' for! So thanks girly, you kind of made my day (: 
• I've got a little vegetable garden going and almost have one ripe tomato!! It's really teeny tiny but hey, I'll take what I can get! 
• Brandon's been super supportive lately of my work. Not that he wasn't before but it's nice to see him really be interested in something I care about so deeply. It's nice to feel like I'm not in it alone. 
• Eliza's had "mommy" anxiety lately which is kind of sad but it's really heart warming. If I say "Eliza, we're leaving", somtime's she'll burst into tears thinking I'm going to leave her! And then I'll pick her up and she'll give me a giant, soppy hug. It's so cute and just makes me melt! Of course, I'll cheer her right up and remind her I'm not leaving over and over until she gets it. My baby (: 
• And last joy for today, I've been doing an extra amount of dreaming lately. I'll share more on that later but it's been both frustrating and liberating. I've been thinking about where I want to go, what I want for my life and the life of my family. It's so crazy to think how much I've changed in the last year and how my way of thinking about certain things has just completely changed. It's exciting? And I'm just as ready as ever to get on with life and do so many exciting things! I can't wait! 

Mingle Monday: Icing & Write

Finally on the right track with Mingle Monday! Everyone, I'd like to welcome Aizzing from Icing and Write. 

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1. What got you into blogging and how long have you been at it?

I've been online for as long as I can remember and have kept several blogs just as long. Name any blogging platform and my seventeen year old self has probably opened up an account there. I moved to Dubai from Manila early last year and decided to delete most of my previous blogs so I can start anew and be able to update my family and friends back home about what I've been up to here in the desert. From there, my blog has eventually evolved into an online vision board and diary.

2. What does blogging mean to you? Business or pleasure?

Purely pleasure. Homesickness is a daily battle, so it's good to have something on the side to keep me busy and entertained. This lil ol' blog not only fulfills my incessant need for self-expression, but has also brought me so much joy by introducing me to lots of wonderful and inspiring ladies all over the world who I now consider as great friends. 

3. What do you mostly blog about?

Anything goes! But in a nutshell, ICING AND WRITE is about my life (no matter how interesting or how boring it may get). I tried to stick to a theme in the beginning such as blogging about my baking adventures only, but it just won't work for me. I am passionate about a lot of things and have a lot going on in my life here that I really love to share, so you're bound to read not just about one topic, but also a huge variety of daily discoveries and things that inspire and make me happy.

4. What do you do besides blogging? What’s a normal day like in the life of Aizzing?

I am a media sales diva here in Dubai, working closely with advertising agencies and brands worldwide. I am part of a team who serves as middle man for those who want to place ads on various tv channels, radio stations, newspapers and outdoor media that our company represents exclusively. It's very fast-paced and I'm always swamped with tight deadlines, but being surrounded by all these creativity and exciting challenges can be very rewarding and fulfilling. I love my job and I wouldn't want it any other way. :)

5. Do you plan out your posts or just kind of wing it? Strict schedule blogger or go with the flow blogger?

I'd say I just wing it totally. I'm really bad with planning or scheduling posts. My blog reflects who I am as a person: spontaneous, fun and even crazy. The way I blog is highly influenced by my mood and what I'm experiencing at the moment. But I try my best to post a "Friday I'm in love" entry every Friday that sums up what I'm loving all week. That's how far I can go with regards to planning posts.

6. Are you a daytime blogger or night owl blogger?

Definitely a daytime blogger. My nights are always set aside for reading books, watching movies, experimenting in the kitchen and catching up online with my family and friends back home.

7. Name a few of your favorite blogs and why?

Tricia for her dreamy fashion sense, Valerie for her intricate art, and Kaelah for her fun and interesting life. These creative girls never cease to inspire me daily. :)

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Thanks so much Aizzing! It was great to have you. Hope everyone is enjoying their Monday! 

FOOD: Vegetarian Tacos

 So, lately we've been trying to reduce our meat consumption. Not only for our health, but for our environment! And the animals, of course. Now, I'm not sure I could ever be a vegetarian (I sure do love me some bacon and steak!) but I am totally down with eating more veggies. About a week ago, I was looking for some tofu and couldn't find ANY! But I went to the frozen food section and found this chicken substitute stuff. I'm not really sure what it is but I decided to try it out! I whipped up these tacos and they tasted awesome. And were probably the easiest/healthiest meal I've ever cooked. 
This is the "chicken" stuff I used. Found in the frozen food section.  I heated them up in a pan with a little vegetable oil and threw on some taco seasoning.... because I was making tacos!  And then I plopped a tortilla in the over to get warmed up with a little monterey jack on top. Topped that with some spinach, my "chicken", salsa, sour cream, and avocado! Mouthwatering. Seriously, you would never tell that this stuff wasn't chicken. I mean... maybe. It might even taste a little better than chicken! Because sometimes chicken can be bland. And this just tasted healthy. But doesn't it even look like chicken?!
This is a perfect, quick meal for when you want to eat healthy but don't really feel like cooking. It only took about 7 or so minutes to cook the "chicken" stuff.  Definitely one for the recipe book! 

Window Farm: Part 3, Planting!

Alright, last step in creating your window farm!!! You can see how to build it here, and how to install it/hook up the pump to it here.
So for this last part, what I used was these clay pellets.   Botanicare Pure Blend Pro grow (nutrient solution) and a General Hydroponics pH control kit. Those little blocks down there are rockwool. I tried to start some from seeds but didn't have much luck. I'll explain more later.   And then you're going to need little containers that will fit inside your bottles. I used a little fruit cup and then one of the cups that came with the plants I used. Drill holes in the bottom and sides so the roots/water can come out. Also, the fruit cup was a little wide so I made a cut down one side so that it would overlap and fit. If that makes sense. You can also buy "net cups" but I didn't want to and decided to just recycle something. And most importantly, plants! These two are basil and oregano. Shake off as much excess dirt as you can and then try to rinse more of it off. Be careful of the roots though!!!  So first, you need to rinse your clay pellets.  Then, stick your plant in your little cup and fill with clay pellets. Make sure your plant is nice and supported.   Then, fill your bottle with a layer of clay pellets.  Stick your cup in just below the bottom of the hole and fill in with more clay pellets. 
And you're done! All you have to do now is put water in it and turn your pump on! 
About the water. Every other time I fill it up, I'll put a couple drops of the nutrient solution in the water and then test the pH and make sure it is balanced (just follow the directions on the control kit). I turn my pump on during the day and off at night. I make sure my blinds are open as much as possible too. Also, to water, you can pour it in at the top or just pour in one of the plant holes (I do the latter). Just make sure you don't overflow it! I find the pump works better when the water reservoir is more than halfway full. 
Ok, so tips on keeping your plants alive! I tried to start some from seeds but didn't have much luck. 1. because I just have a hard time keeping seedlings alive (I forget to water them or eliza knocks them over or something) and 2. when you plant them into your hydroponic system, they need to be large enough so that they're not sitting directly under the stream of water coming from above. They do NOT like this. This may be a drawback of this type of system but you can just make sure you put plants in that are large enough to kind of stick out. Also, I may have been putting too much nutrient in them the first go around which will eat up the roots. So don't do that. 
Also, when you first plant them, make sure to water them a lot. Mine are now a few months old and I can get away with watering them only once every 3 days. Not that I do that but if I go on vacation (like Las Vegas) they won't keel over and die if I don't get to turn the pump on every day. 
I'll probably try again with the seedlings and let you know how that goes. But I'm pretty satisfied with this little project! Having fresh herbs at hand is so nice. 
If you guys have any questions about this, feel free to email me at samwish3@gmail.com. It can be a little confusing (trust me, I know!) so I'm here for the help if you need it. 
And happy Saturday everyone!!!