Wacky Wednesday: Spotify.com

SO, today was my last day of classes for the summer, and now I get a week of some chaos before the next 10 weeks of chaos begins! WOO HOO! *in other news, coffee stocks are up due to one woman consuming so much*

ANYWAYS, since I have finally gotten a moment to sit down and actually WRITE, I thought I would bring up something that all of us have known about for a while:

Why is downloading music so expensive??!

Yes, there are some that download it illegally, then there are those that are honest and actually fork up the money to either buy on iTunes or another music downloading site. Or, if you are truly old school, you trek to your closet music retailer and buy the CD.

You can always log onto YouTube and watch the music videos, but who wants to go and look up every single song, and endure the endless amounts of ads that come with watching YouTube as well.

But, a few days ago, one of my friends actually introduced me to this thing called Spotify.

I'll admit it- I'm slow on the uptake. But hey, at least I learned now rather than later!

Anyways, Spotify is a cross between Pandora and Groove Shark, in that you can upload whatever songs you want and create playlists, but they still have to advertise some stuff (how else are they not going to go bankrupt??).

Completely legal, all while still getting to listen to that new Lil Wayne CD that just came out (Carter 4? HECK YEAH!). All you need is an internet connection, and know the titles of the songs you want to add to your playlists!

Music Video Fun

Hey guys. I know: I fail in the posting of blogs lately. But you can't blame me! Blame the craziness that is finals!


Anyways, I felt that posting something today would help to let you know that I am still alive. And to let you know that due to more craziness that is about to occur this week, I will not be able to post again for a while.

*prepares for the bludgeoning of rotten tomatoes and such*

But, here's a song that I have found pretty awesome, and have been listening to for a while.

Kotov Syndrome by Rise Against

Enjoy everyone! And I shall see you on the other side of this crazy wall of paper work and chaos!

Viral Video Night

Sorry for the delay in posts folks. The chaos of finals is upon us here at SCAD: Summer Quarter Edition. Along with work and an internship? It's a wonder that I haven't ridden the plotter down the hill next to where I'm staying.

Plotter: an output device that produces a graphicalrepresentation by drawing on paper, as with one or moreattached pens.


^Thank you dictionary.com^


ANYWHOS, it's viral video night, and I've got one in particular that can always get a giggle or two out of me whenever I see it. First time I saw it, nearly fell off the couch from laughter. I'm sure you'll all remember this commercial from two Super Bowls ago:

or, better yet:

Enjoy your Mondays everyone! NOW, back to the chaos
*puts back on headphones, continues work*

Tune Thursday: Goo Goo Dolls

Another band that I grew up on. The Goo Goo Dolls have been around for what feels like forever, but I'm not complaining anytime soon. This alternative band has been around since the 1986, started in the city of Buffalo, New York. They got their big break in 1990, and they have been plaguing the stereos, CDs, and iPods of people who grew up during this time period (at least those who were into alternative rock or had parents that listened to them).

Here are just a couple of the songs that I grew up listening to, and know plenty of people who listen to them today.

Black Balloon

Iris

Enjoy everyone!

Music Video Night

Alright, these two songs have been running through my head the last couple days, and now, I plan on plaguing your brains with those same songs as well. You can thank me later.

*This brainwashing courtesy of the musical talents of Anberlin and Breaking Benjamin*

Feel Good Drag by Anberlin

The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin

Both are amazing songs, and both are amazing bands. That is why they plague my iPod and takeover my Pandora account when I am busy working on work. Hope you all enjoyed the brainwash!

Wacky Wednesday: Threadless.com

The graphic designer in me says, "BUY IT DANGIT!"
And for $12? I just may!

Threadless.com has some of the most AMAZING t-shirts, hoodies, and even baby clothes! Personally, I have already gotten my surrogate nephew (I call him Cheese Doodle for personal reasonings) a couple one pieces, which my best friend proceeded to send me a picture of him in one of his new pieces of clothing when she received the package.

The designs are submitted by people (mainly art students or someone with some artistic ability), and then they are screen printed onto the items that the site sells.

Some consist of just type with different colors and in unique font faces, while some are colorful and awesome drawings. Realistic, or playful.

And with the clothes being fairly cheap to begin with (most go for about $12 for reprint t-shirts), it's a wonder I haven't spent half of my paychecks on this site yet!


Visit the site to start looking at some of the items they sell!

PS: They have a $12 T-shirt sale going on right now, so GO GO GO!!

Tasty Tuesday: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Personally, I love zucchini bread. Even more, I love chocolate chip zucchini bread. And Ms. Paula Deen, the queen of anything decadent, has a recipe that sounds as good as it looks.

You can watch a video and read the recipe here




Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease 2 9x5 inch loaf pans.

2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, spices, and baking soda.

3. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add sugar, and continue beating until well blended.

Stir in oil, vanilla, zucchini, pecans, chocolate chips, and orange zest. Stir in sifted ingredients.

Pour into prepared loaf pans.

4. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove

loaves from pans and cool. Chill before slicing. 

Serve with whipped cream and ribbons of zucchini (optional).

Definitely tasty, and definitely worth the time it takes to bake. Putting it together is pretty easy. The only thing that is tough is waiting out the time it takes to have the loaves cool before digging in!

City Sunday: Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina: a city of just over 400,000 people, it is the second largest city in North Carolina (following Charlotte obviously). Once the state capital, this city is still bustling, and one of the major go-to places in the state. With an international airport, as well as several private airports, the city is always getting new visitors.

So what is there to do in this city??

That's what I'm here for. Not just for the historical aspect of the city, but also for what other touristy things you can do, what the locals like to do, and- better yet- what is there to eat in this southern city??

-Take a Tour of the City

Whether by foot, trolley, or even Segway, there is no better way to get to know a city than by exploring around it.

Yes, it seems touristy, but when you have locals giving the tours, they will give you a history on the city, as well as point out big landmarks. Being on a tour will also help you to learn the streets of a city, so that you are less likely to get lost.

Here is a list of different tours that are offered in the city of Raleigh. So why not give one of them a try?

-Visit a Museum

Yes, it may still be summer (at least for most of you in the north), but going to a museum can be a lot of fun! At least for this art student.

With a good few galleries and museums in the city of Raleigh, you can choose from a bunch to go visit!

Here is a list of different art galleries that are just in the city itself! That's not counting towns AROUND the city!

And now *drum roll please*:

What to actually eat in this town!

The Pit

You want barbeque? They've GOT barbeque! This place has been around for a good long time, and has some good, down home North Carolina style barbeque.

Definitely worth the trip to it!

Here is their website, so you can go check it out yourself!

The Roast Grill

Like hotdogs? Then go visit The Roast Grill! They have been serving up hotdogs to the residents of Raleigh since 1940. Just remember one thing- they don't believe in ketchup here. Don't even try to ask!

But pop on in, and chow down on some tasty dogs.

Saturday Night Sweets: Creamsicle Cupcakes

Remember that delicious treat of orange and cream that was usually found in a paper wrapper on a stick? Also usually found in your freezer? Well, it's back- but in cupcake form. I don't know about you, but this is definitely one that I see myself making a good few times over the next couple months.

Hopefully you all enjoy them as well!

This recipe is courtesy of Katie Farrell on Dashing Dish.




Though the recipe tells you to use sugar free and diet, you can definitely substitute in the high sugar stuff (personally, I prefer the regular orange soda to the diet, as well as the full sugar vanilla pudding).

Ingredients
-For the cake
1 box Vanilla Cake Mix
1 (12 oz) can Orange Soda

-For the frosting
1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip
1 sm. box Vanilla Pudding Mix
3/4 c. Milk (whatever kind you prefer to drink or mix with)
Orange food coloring (or mix 3:1 yellow to red food dye)
Juice of 1 orange (and/or 1/2 tsp. Orange Extract)

1 orange to decorate (opt.)

Directions

1. To make the cupcakes, preheat oven to 350, and line 2 (12 muffin tins) with cupcake liners. Beat cake mix and pop together until batter is smooth and creamy. Pour cake mix into lined muffin tin, filling each cup about half way full. Place cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes.

2. While cupcakes are baking, mix together Pudding Mix, Milk, Cool Whip, and Food Coloring.

3. Squeeze the juice of one orange into the frosting mixture. (I like to squeeze my orange upside down, so I don’t get seeds in the bowl!) (Add in the orange extract for a stronger citrus flavor).

4. Beat until smooth.

5. When cupcakes come out of the oven, let cool completely before frosting. When ready to frost, turn a large ziplock bag inside out, and scoop frosting into the corner of the bag with a spatula. Turn ziplock bag right-side out, squeezing frosting down into one corner.

6. Snip the corner of the bag off with scissors.

7. To pipe frosting, begin by making a large circle on top of the cupcake, followed by smaller circles, and simply pull up at the top!

Store in the fridge until ready to serve!

Yummy yummy. Have fun!

Music Flashback: Nsync

Alright, this is some ancient stuff right here, but one of my friends on Facebook (thanks Pete) posted some lyrics from this song, and now it is running through my head, and won't leave.

SO, to pass this boy band song onto your minds (since my ADD brain is crazy right now), let us enjoy a fun little throwback:

Yeah, we all remember this song. Enjoy kiddies!

And I just threw this one in for good measure.

Tasty Tuesday: Banana Split Cupcakes

Just because it's Tasty Tuesday, and I think this comic is hilarious.

Anywhos, in the spirit of trying to cool down in the southeast, why not give these yummy Banana Split Cupcakes a try? Courtesy of Annie's Eats!

Banana Split Cupcakes

Ingredients

-Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
12 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
2½ cups sugar
6 eggs
1 cup plus 2 tbsp. buttermilk
1 1/3 cups mashed ripe banana

-Filling

1 lb. strawberries, hulled and diced small
2 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar
12 oz. crushed pineapple, drained

-Frosting

1½ cups heavy cream, chilled
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
½ tsp. vanilla extract

-Ganache

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp. light corn syrup

For Garnish, use multi-colored sprinkles and maraschino cherries (gives you that authentic banana split feeling.

Directions

To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F.  Line cupcake pans with paper liners.  In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt; whisk together and set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Reduce the mixer speed to medium low and add in eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Mix in 1 the mashed banana until well combined.  With the mixer on low speed alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing only until just incorporated.

Divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 to ¾ full.  Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20-22 minutes.  Allow to cool in the pan 5-10 minutes, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the strawberry filling, combine the strawberries and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl.  Toss well, smashing slightly with a fork.  Allow the berries to macerate at least 20-30 minutes.

To fill the cupcakes, cut a small cone out of the center of each cupcake with a paring knife or small biscuit cutter.  (The excess cake can be discarded.)  Add a teaspoon or two of the strawberry filling to the center of each cupcake.  Top with a teaspoon or two of the crushed pineapple, filling to the top of the cupcake.

To make the frosting, add the heavy cream to the chilled bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.  Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.  Add the powdered sugar and continue to whip until thoroughly combined and stiff peaks form.  Be careful not to over-beat!  Blend in the vanilla extract.

Add the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a large plain round tip.  Pipe a swirl of the whipped cream onto each filled cupcake, covering the filling.  Transfer the filled and frosted cupcakes to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.

To make the ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.  Bring the cream to a simmer over medium-high heat.  Remove from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate; let stand 1-2 minutes.  Whisk together until a thick, smooth ganache forms.  Blend in the corn syrup.  Let stand at room temperature at least 10 minutes so the ganache is not hot.

To finish the cupcakes, pour a spoonful of the ganache over the whipped cream topping of each cupcake.  Garnish with sprinkles and maraschino cherries before the glaze sets.  Chill the assembled cupcakes until ready to serve.

Viral Video Night: The Scary Maze Game

Happy Monday everyone! Hope your day went just about as well as any Monday can go. And, since it is Monday, that means it is Viral Video Night once again!





Here is something to put a smile on your face: some hilarious reactions to the Scary Maze game. Enjoy!

Have a great rest of your Monday! And remember, the weekend is just a few short days away

City Sunday: Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, North Carolina

Home to the USS North Carolina, and the home for filming of One Tree Hill, Wilmington is a little city located near the coast, and is surrounded by beaches galore. What is there to do in this place? Let's find out!

- Walk the Historic Riverfront
Just like any other old city, Wilmington has a wonderful, business-filled river front that every tourist, and local, walks on the weekends. With breath taking views of the Cape Fear River, and located in a mild climate, why not enjoy a little trot around the Wilmington Historic Riverfront on your next family vacation?

- Go visit the USS North Carolina
Got any history buffs in your family? Or do you just happen to be a history fanatic yourself? Then why not go take a look at the historic USS North Carolina, which happens to be in its permanent home right here in Wilmington! Home of the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company during WWII, this battleship was relocated back to the Cape Fear area after doing its time in war.

And this isn't the only historic site in the Wilmington area! Fort Fisher, the last Confederate fort to stand in the south, is located just across the cape. You can either catch the ferry, a beautiful ride of its own, or drive to the island!
Along with the North Carolina Aquarium (conveniently located on the same island as Fort Fisher), there is plenty to do with the whole family.

Of course, with traveling, there is always the undoubtable question: What will we be eating??

THAT, my friends, is where I come in. Here are just two of the amazing places that you can go eat at while in the Wilmington area!

Blackbeard's Oyster Bar & Grille
Located about 30 minutes south of Wilmington, in a little, almost non-tourist existent place called Holden Beach (it is GORGEOUS!), Blackbeard's is right across the causeway from the ocean, so you KNOW the seafood here is fresh. Friendly staff, great food- definitely worth the drive. And you can go walk off all that crab and oysters down on the beautiful beach and watch the sunset.

Yes, this is Holden Beach.
No, it is not deserted.

Olympia Restaurant
You like greek food? We GOT greek food! With the classic greek dishes like gyros and kabobs, you will feel like you are taking a step into Greece. Located in Wilmington itself, you won't have to travel too far to get there. They also have a children's menu with chicken nuggets and pastas, so even your little ones will be able to enjoy dinner with you at the same place!





With such a diverse culture in the area, you will be able to find almost anything to feed your family!

Saturday Night Sweets

Yep, it's Saturday night again. Time to party it up Van Wilder style! Or just kick back and watch whatever movie happens to be available on Netflix, or is playing on the tube that night (50 First Dates in my case).

So, if you're coming back from the club late at night, or enjoying Ryan Reynolds, why not have something sweet to enjoy that night? Like these!

Lemonade Cupcakes  courtesy of AngelaTN



1 (6 ounce) can of Frozen Lemonade Concentrate, thawed

1 (18 1/4 ounce) box White Cake Mix

1 (8 ounce) carton Sour Cream

3 ounces Cream Cheese, softened

1 (12 ounce) can Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Preheat oven to 350º.

2. Remove 2 Tbsp. lemonade concentrate from can and discard or reserve for another use (mix those 2 Tbsp. into the frosting for a lemonade frosting!)

3. Combine remaining concentrate, cake mix, sour cream, cream cheese, and eggs in a large bowl.

4. Beat with mixer until well blended.

5. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin tins, filling about 3/4 full.

6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

7. Cool completely before frosting.

Definitely tasty, and something to have around for when that sweet tooth comes lurking around again, or that random lemon craving hits. Make for birthday parties, to share with friends and family, or to have stored in the kitchen when that 3 AM fridge raid occurs. Enjoy!

Brownie Sundae Cheesecake

Facebook finally won and made me click on one of those annoying ads that pops up in the sidebar. Why? Because this just looked amazingly AWESOME, and I had to see what recipe it was that was making me drool all over my keyboard.

Courtesy of Debby Wright on justapinch.com, I bring you:

Brownie Sundae Cheesecake
What a better way to enjoy two amazing desserts than by combining them into one, even MORE amazing dessert?!

1 bx	brownie mixed and baked according to directions
CHOCOLATE CRUST
1 1/2 c	crushed vanilla wafer(about 45 cookies)
6 Tbsp	powdered sugar
6 Tbsp	cocoa powder
1 stk	butter melted
CHEESECAKE
4(8oz) pkg	cream cheese, room temperature
1 c	sugar
4	eggs
	choclate sundae syrups in a bottle..or any kind
1 tsp	pure vanilla

1. Make brownies and allow to cool.

2. Preheat oven to 350º F. Mix crust ingredients.
Press into a 9-inch spring form pan. Bake 8 min. and allow to cool slightly.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
Gradually add eggs (1 at a time). Pour batter into crust.
4. Cube up about half the pan of brownies.
Sprinkle the pieces over the top of the batter, and push them down.
Drizzle chocolate sundae syrup on top, then swirl into mixture with a butter knife
to get the marble effect.
5. Bake 50 to 55 minutes.
6. Loosen from pan after cooled. Cover and refrigerate.
Better served cold.

I believe I have died and gone to chocolate and cheesecake heaven. Give it a try! Know I will be doing so!