{this & that}
4 May
Make Everyday An Adventure
1 May
Have you ever thought, “If I was able to travel more and see more, my life would be different, better.”? Or maybe you have experienced life-changing adventures across the globe, and now you think you can achieve those feelings of ecstasy again only if you go far from home. I have often had these thoughts, but this weekend, on my drive from North Carolina to Florida, I realized short trips and even simple commutes can be just as impacting on my life as extended exertions to far-off destinations. I believe our lives can be different and better, and we can experience those feelings of youth, connectedness, and fulfillment everyday even if we don’t have the opportunities to travel as much, as far, or as often as we’d like.
My 3-day road trip included stops in Chattanooga, Tennessee to see a friend; Birmingham, Alabama to climb at Moss Rock Preserve; Pensacola, Florida for a wedding and to visit my parents; and Brevard, North Carolina to see the Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest (after getting lost for a couple hours in the backwoods of the North Carolina mountains). I traveled alone, listening to audio books and music along the way. I felt as if I was on a journey of self-discovery.
“I felt as if I was on a journey of self-discovery.” Isn’t that the feeling that makes traveling so rewarding and unforgettable, leaving us on a quest to find the same awareness again? I discovered this weekend I feel most alive while traveling, because I am not concerned with my past or my future in those moments. I am interested only in what is happening around me now: sounds, food, people, nature, coincidences. Absorbing everything in my direct path. I believe this is the key to experiencing the feeling of fullness not only on extended vacations but also on our way to work or on a quick weekend trip. Live your life as a traveler…seeking adventure by living in the present every day, every where you go.
via absolutely beautiful things (Anyone know the artist?)
Insert me {here}
26 Apr
I’m checking out early this week to head to my hometown, Pensacola, Florida, to see one of my childhood friends get hitched! I haven’t been back home in a LONG time (my family has all dispersed!), so I am VERY excited to visit. I decided to dedicate this insert me {here} to my good ‘ole Pensacola adventure.
wearing this outfit (photo by akila berjaoui)
carrying this suitcase
listening to this book
on my way to this city!
National Pretzel Day
26 Apr
Today is National Pretzel Day! Let’s celebrate by making pretzels!
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 4 cups hot water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt, for topping
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center; add the oil and yeast mixture. Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two tablespoons of water. Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in hot water.
- When risen, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape. Once all of the dough is all shaped, dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution and place on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes, until browned.
Photo by Blanc, Blanc, Blanc
Recipe from allrecipes.com
Music from Nature
25 Apr
All the sounds you hear were created real-time using instruments provided by Mother Nature herself.
via swissmiss
Drive Green
24 Apr
Spring and Summer always make me yearn for long road trips with my car windows down. With gas prices on the rise, it’s important we know how to be green and conserve gasoline while traveling for long distances or for an everyday commute. Here are some great tips to keep in mind when on the road:
• Get the junk out of the trunk. When you carry extra weight, your vehicle must work harder.
• Don’t go too low. Check tire pressure once a month and keep tires properly inflated.
• Slow down and save. Every five miles over 60 mph can cost you up to an additional 30 cents a gallon.
• Don’t be a jackrabbit. Abrupt starts and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by 40%.
• Idling is not ideal. Turn off the engine if you’re waiting for more than a couple of minutes.
• Be smart when you cool. At speeds less than 40 mph, roll down windows; more than 40 mph, use AC.
• Use the cruise control for more than 10,000 miles a year and save yourself 60 gallons of fuel.
• Let your car breathe. Clogged air filters can cut mileage by 10%.
• Don’t drip and drive. Tightening your fuel cap can prevent leakage of up to 30 gallons of gas a year.
Photo via Pinterest (Original source anyone?)
Tips from the NC Driver Handbook
Trend Alert: Portrait Art
23 Apr
via Keke
I’ve been seeing traditional oil portraits hung in interior spaces all over the web recently in lookbooks, Pinterest boards, and interior blog posts.They’re everywhere! Do you remember this post where I questioned the saleability of my own artwork? Well, apparently portrait art as home decor is coming back as a modern trend. Hooray!
In case you were thinking of hopping on this trend bandwagon, I do work on commission. Wink wink. Contact me!
via FRYD + DESIGN
♥ hello, world.
I'm Rachel Freeman: a designer at RH by day and an artist and blogger by night. tink makes art is a collection of things that motivate and inspire me as well as a peek into my own life and work.
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