unsolicited opinions on random things
The Atlantic did a great piece on Monday, calling out 20 movies to see this fall. I’m looking forward to Looper (because it was written and directed by Rian Johnson), all the stars in Cloud Atlas (yep, from the book), and of course the new James Bond movie, Skyfall (did you know it was directed by Sam Mendes? crazy).
Which movies are you looking forward to seeing? Have you seen anything good recently?
My big desktop computer’s hard drive failed. No big deal – I have my files backed up, and it’s still under warranty. I had the drive replaced yesterday, so this morning I’m updating apps, syncing data, etc. It’s more of an annoyance than anything else.
It’s not getting me down though, ’cause I’m listening to a killer playlist on Songza. Songza is a music streaming service that features a bunch of curated playlists (ad-free). Best of all, it’s totally free, and you can access it through the website or download an app for your iPhone or iPad.
Right now I’m listening to the “Blogged 50” playlist. It’s pretty great. Are you on Songza? Which playlists do you like?
This past weekend was NOT one the best for my family. I have a nasty chest cold, and Clara has the stomach flu. Neither of us are seriously sick, but just sick enough to feel really out of it (or in her case, seriously cranky). So each night after finally putting her to bed, I would curl up with Jenny Lawson’s book Let’s Pretend This Never Happened. Humour can’t take away my throbbing sinus headache, but it can definitely help lighten my mood.
I loved the book, and am sad it’s over. I’ll have to just keep reading The Bloggess regularly (as I already do) for more sick, twisted, delightful Jenny Lawson humour.
I was perusing Airbnb yesterday, as I often do, looking at gorgeous places to rent for holidays. Not that I’m planning a holiday right now – I just like to look.
I came across this insane listing – rent an entire village in Switzerland for $60,000 a night. Crazy, right? I googled it, and found that it’s a company that rents out the town to companies and groups looking to hold a big event. Think corporate retreats or big meetings. Isn’t that a cool alternative to a nasty conference centre?
Here’s the listing on Airbnb, and here’s the Rent A Village website for more info.
I love these graphic posters that explain complex philosophical concepts with simple shapes, all by British graphic designer Genis Carreras.
[via Smashing Magazine’s email newsletter]
Lately I’ve been really into drinking americanos (espresso and boiling water – when combined, it tastes like the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had). I used to order cappuccinos or lattes at fancy coffee bars, but now I’m all about the americano.
When we were in the States last week, I saw a Bialetti Moka Express Pot (aka “stovetop espresso maker”) on sale at Target, and bought it on a whim. I’d love to learn to make a good americano at home. I’m already a little bit of a coffee snob (I don’t like drip coffee – I use a Bodum French Press most days), so I figure this is the logical next step. I’ve also heard that you can’t really get a real espresso maker for less than $500 (the silly little ones you can get for $100 or less don’t heat up enough for real espresso – apparently the steam needs to be a certain crazy hot temperature).
So I fully understand that a Moka Pot isn’t technically making espresso, but rumour has it, it gets pretty darn close. I’m now watching tutorial videos online to learn more about how to make a good cuppa with the Moka Pot. Any tips from you, readers?
PS – Have you hear about the Aeropress? That’s the next coffee toy I want to try.
No, I’m not having another baby! But I’ve been working on something almost as challenging, rewarding, and all-encompassing. I’ve launched a new business.
Building on the success of the WordPress and Photoshop workshops I ran back in the spring, I’ve created a separate business for tech skills training. I’m so thrilled to announce the launch of Camp Tech.
I’ve been working for the past two months on developing the brand (special thanks to the wonderful Ox Agency for help), and developing a roster of classes for the fall season. Camp Tech will feature a full lineup of classes and workshops with topics including WordPress, Photoshop, HTML & CSS, eBlast Creation, and Google Analytics & SEO. All the classes will serve Camp Tech’s motto of friendly, fun, practical and professional instruction.
You can read more about Camp Tech and see the full class lineup at CampTech.ca. I really hope to see you at an upcoming workshop!
We’re back from a lovely week in upstate New York. What a gorgeous part of the country – rolling hills, farms, rocks, islands… and small towns with yummy craft beer for sale. Highlights of the week included a trip to Boldt Castle (pictured above), and evenings spent on the deck of the cottage, watching the sunset.
It’s always nice to get away, but I am glad to be back home. I’ve been working hard on a new business project, and can’t wait to share the details with you later today. Stay tuned!
Today I’m running around tying up loose ends, so we can head out of town (again). This time we’re going cottaging – we’ve rented this lovely place on the St. Lawrence River, in the Thousand Islands. Cool thing is, it’s on the American side (yay US shopping!). I don’t know the area at all, and am looking forward to exploring small towns, watching the shipping boats go by, and falling asleep with the windows open and the river breeze coming in.
I’ll be back on August 20, which is when Clara starts fulltime daycare (gulp!). Have a lovely week!
