Hi guys!
I've been vlogging quite a bit the past few days, but it seems like there are a few technical problems which I hope to resolve soon!
In other news, there's been a lot going on in the world of Muslim bashing. Brian Kilmeade, a Fox news host claimed on Monday that, "All terrorists are Muslim".
I love how it's become completely acceptable to spew garbage that attacks a minority and encourages others to be hateful.
The whole thing just continues to astound me.
The Tides Foundation has finally decided to take action again Glen Beck and Fox news by sending out an open letter to his sponsors pointing out him hateful violent speech, and that it was his words that encouraged an assassin to go after the Tides Foundation.
I'm glad they're doing something about it, though I doubt the advertisers will drop their support.
After all Glen Beck has his cult following.
That's it for now.
Hopefully I'll be able to get a few vlogs up soon!
Lots of love,
Lyla.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
I love Pepper.
Good morning!
Missed you guys a boatload over the past few days.
So since I last blogged, I've come to terms with Pepper's (that's right, we finally found a name!) blindness.
Now that we've figured out how to keep him active (he loves playing with tin foil... runs around like a mad man after it), we're now able to see him for what he really is- the cuddliest kitten ever.... rather than some poor blind cat.
I never thought I'd be ok with it on a deep level (now I'm being honest here), but the past few days have really made me see past that.
He's adorable, and can follows my voice with gusto, hopping around everywhere.
It's been so amazing having him in the house.
Our other two cats Soda and Baby are having a really hard time coming to terms with it... they keep hissing at us, but I guess it's to be expected.
Pepper is pretty little at the moment, but for some reason all the pictures I've been taking makes him seem like a monster, but hopefully this picture will show you how tiny he really is!
Anyway, I should run, but would love to hear from you guys if you're still following!
Lots of love,
Lyla.
Missed you guys a boatload over the past few days.
So since I last blogged, I've come to terms with Pepper's (that's right, we finally found a name!) blindness.
Now that we've figured out how to keep him active (he loves playing with tin foil... runs around like a mad man after it), we're now able to see him for what he really is- the cuddliest kitten ever.... rather than some poor blind cat.
I never thought I'd be ok with it on a deep level (now I'm being honest here), but the past few days have really made me see past that.
He's adorable, and can follows my voice with gusto, hopping around everywhere.
It's been so amazing having him in the house.
Our other two cats Soda and Baby are having a really hard time coming to terms with it... they keep hissing at us, but I guess it's to be expected.
Pepper is pretty little at the moment, but for some reason all the pictures I've been taking makes him seem like a monster, but hopefully this picture will show you how tiny he really is!
Anyway, I should run, but would love to hear from you guys if you're still following!
Lots of love,
Lyla.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Loving an Imperfect Kitten
Hi Guys!
So today I'd really like to ask for your help.
My dad brought in the cutest little kitten yesterday, and we've only just found out he's blind.
The doctor's have recommended putting him to sleep, as he won't be able to survive outdoors, or live a 'normal' life.
Finding out the news was much more difficult than i'd anticipated.
It's definitely hit me hard, and made me realize how often we think of ourselves instead of the animals we're trying to help.
Being heartbroken over this kitten's situation may seen silly to some, but it's made me aware how much we value sight in this society. Not having this sense seems to be enough to make the decision to kill a defenseless creature.
I don't know.
Just food for thought.
Other than that he's super frisky and playful, and absolutely loves hugs and kisses.
If anyone out there knows of a family (in Bahrain!) who can care for such an adorable guy (he's amazing) please please please let me know!
Anyway, thanks for listening (it helps!),
Lyla
So today I'd really like to ask for your help.
My dad brought in the cutest little kitten yesterday, and we've only just found out he's blind.
The doctor's have recommended putting him to sleep, as he won't be able to survive outdoors, or live a 'normal' life.
Finding out the news was much more difficult than i'd anticipated.
It's definitely hit me hard, and made me realize how often we think of ourselves instead of the animals we're trying to help.
Being heartbroken over this kitten's situation may seen silly to some, but it's made me aware how much we value sight in this society. Not having this sense seems to be enough to make the decision to kill a defenseless creature.
I don't know.
Just food for thought.
Other than that he's super frisky and playful, and absolutely loves hugs and kisses.
If anyone out there knows of a family (in Bahrain!) who can care for such an adorable guy (he's amazing) please please please let me know!
Anyway, thanks for listening (it helps!),
Lyla
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Wow.
I can't believe it's been so long.
I have to admit the past 6 months have been pretty rough, and I've sort of shut down on the whole YouTube/blogging thing. I promise I'll get back into the full swing of things, and let you know how I've been doing!
So I was asked recently why I vlog about the US news, and US issues instead of things closer to 'home'.
I think in a world like today, especially in the Gulf, almost everything that happens in the US is a really big deal here. So yeah. Why not hit two birds with one stone, AND v/blog about something I love.
*
It's pretty rough getting back into this after such a long time!
Let's see....in the past six months I've:
1. Almost been deported (nothing too serious, don't worry!)
2. Been baking up a storm.
3. Seen the-new-(and-not-improved) Dubai.
4. Had surgery.
5. Started up a jewelry line.
6. Been to Cairo and the North Coast.
7. Started taking Brazilian JiuJitsu classes.
That's it for right now!
Can't wait to hear from you soon,
Lyla.
I can't believe it's been so long.
I have to admit the past 6 months have been pretty rough, and I've sort of shut down on the whole YouTube/blogging thing. I promise I'll get back into the full swing of things, and let you know how I've been doing!
So I was asked recently why I vlog about the US news, and US issues instead of things closer to 'home'.
I think in a world like today, especially in the Gulf, almost everything that happens in the US is a really big deal here. So yeah. Why not hit two birds with one stone, AND v/blog about something I love.
*
It's pretty rough getting back into this after such a long time!
Let's see....in the past six months I've:
 |
| From Top: Aquamarine, Ruby, Red Jade |
1. Almost been deported (nothing too serious, don't worry!)
2. Been baking up a storm.
3. Seen the-new-(and-not-improved) Dubai.
4. Had surgery.
5. Started up a jewelry line.
7. Started taking Brazilian JiuJitsu classes.
That's it for right now!
Can't wait to hear from you soon,
Lyla.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Let's Kill 'Em!!!
Hi guys,
So sorry for not putting something up in a while.
The internet here has been down for the past few days, coupled with YouTube having some technical issues= no vlogs (or blogging) for a while.
Over the past few days quite a few remarkable things have happened.
The US barely passed the new (and historic) health care bill.
The real story though, was how the Republicans, some of their supporters and some individuals from the Tea Party Movement took it upon themselves to endorse and support acts of hatred, intimidation, vandalism and violence towards those they disagree with.
Over the past few years, we've seen many issues on which the country was completely divided. The Iraq War, how to save the US economy, and sending aid abroad, (to name a few) but I genuinely never thought that we'd collectively get to a place where directing homophobic chants at senators whose policies we disagreed with was encouraged, or where violent acts and cases of vandalism were somehow acceptable because of differing political views.
When did all this become ok?
I understand that there will always be those that are more extreme in their views than others.
And that there will always be one or two who will act out violently.
But seems like a sizeable portion of the population is headed in that direction, and what's even more dangerous than that, is that they think violent action is an acceptable response to an outcome they don't like.
I guess when history looks back at this time, the warning flag would have come in the form of the man who flew his plane into the IRS building.
While it appears that he had long standing issues with the agency, and certain political views, what is most disturbing is that very few people condemned his actions, and some even appeared to understand his motivations.
It is the beginning of a very slippery slope.
And though I acknowledge that I am a pessimist at heart, it seems as though the US is headed in a very dangerous direction.
*
In an effort to rein in on the madness going on in Washington, and the apparent encouragement by some Republican members of some of their supporters' more radical actions, the DNC has asked the RNC to join them in signing a 'civility' statement calling on "all Americans to respect differences of opinion, to refrain from inappropriate forms of intimidation, to reject violence and vandalism, and to scale back rhetoric that might reasonably be misinterpreted by those prone to such behavior.”
This statement comes at the end of a week which saw acts of vandalism and threats of violence directed at members of Congress from both parties, but mostly aimed at Democrats who voted “yes” on the health care bill. [POLITICO]
Now guess what the RNC response was?
Hell no.
I guess one can't expect too much from a party that thinks its acceptable to depict Nancy Pelosi surrounded by flames or who distributed racial songs aimed at the President.
To be honest with you guys, the whole thing makes me sick.
What's worse though, is that the RNC isn't even willing to make the symbolic gesture of condemning attacks against those you disagree with.
The GOP has truly gotten out of control.
Just some of my thoughts.
I should have a few vlogs up soon!
Hope you're having a great weekend.
Lyla
So sorry for not putting something up in a while.
The internet here has been down for the past few days, coupled with YouTube having some technical issues= no vlogs (or blogging) for a while.
Over the past few days quite a few remarkable things have happened.
The US barely passed the new (and historic) health care bill.
The real story though, was how the Republicans, some of their supporters and some individuals from the Tea Party Movement took it upon themselves to endorse and support acts of hatred, intimidation, vandalism and violence towards those they disagree with.
Over the past few years, we've seen many issues on which the country was completely divided. The Iraq War, how to save the US economy, and sending aid abroad, (to name a few) but I genuinely never thought that we'd collectively get to a place where directing homophobic chants at senators whose policies we disagreed with was encouraged, or where violent acts and cases of vandalism were somehow acceptable because of differing political views.
When did all this become ok?
I understand that there will always be those that are more extreme in their views than others.
And that there will always be one or two who will act out violently.
But seems like a sizeable portion of the population is headed in that direction, and what's even more dangerous than that, is that they think violent action is an acceptable response to an outcome they don't like.
I guess when history looks back at this time, the warning flag would have come in the form of the man who flew his plane into the IRS building.
While it appears that he had long standing issues with the agency, and certain political views, what is most disturbing is that very few people condemned his actions, and some even appeared to understand his motivations.
It is the beginning of a very slippery slope.
And though I acknowledge that I am a pessimist at heart, it seems as though the US is headed in a very dangerous direction.
*
In an effort to rein in on the madness going on in Washington, and the apparent encouragement by some Republican members of some of their supporters' more radical actions, the DNC has asked the RNC to join them in signing a 'civility' statement calling on "all Americans to respect differences of opinion, to refrain from inappropriate forms of intimidation, to reject violence and vandalism, and to scale back rhetoric that might reasonably be misinterpreted by those prone to such behavior.”
This statement comes at the end of a week which saw acts of vandalism and threats of violence directed at members of Congress from both parties, but mostly aimed at Democrats who voted “yes” on the health care bill. [POLITICO]
Now guess what the RNC response was?
Hell no.
I guess one can't expect too much from a party that thinks its acceptable to depict Nancy Pelosi surrounded by flames or who distributed racial songs aimed at the President.
To be honest with you guys, the whole thing makes me sick.
What's worse though, is that the RNC isn't even willing to make the symbolic gesture of condemning attacks against those you disagree with.
The GOP has truly gotten out of control.
Just some of my thoughts.
I should have a few vlogs up soon!
Hope you're having a great weekend.
Lyla
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Perching Cookies, Little Pies & Flowery Kittens!
Hey Guys,
So this morning I got the urge for some more pastry baking.
I find myself drawn to more to conceptual desserts, than based off of how it's going to taste.
The more unusual (or miniature) the dessert gets, the more I'm interested!
It all started a few moths ago when I spotted this adorable little gingerbread house perched on a side of a mug at not martha.
It is so unbelievably cute, and simply irresistible.
The only problem is I lack the patience and the ability to make sure each one fits absolutely perfectly.
So yeah.
A few weeks later I saw this over at Reader's Digest.
It's official.
Having things perched on the side of (or floating in) your drinks is the cute culinary thing of the moment.
So this morning I decided to finally get around to making my own (way way way simpler) version of this trend.
Basic sugar cookies with your tea.
As usual, by the time I went to get my camera (and to leave them to cool off for a minute or two), all the best ones for perching had mysteriously disappeared.
I ended up making some bird cookies (which I thought would look the best), some angel ones, and a few hearts. I then just cut a slit in the cutout!
Easiest thing ever! (and I can guarantee your visitors will love them!)
After completing these cute cookies, I decided to tackle another backing prject on my to-do list.
Little 'Pielets'.
You know little pies..
These cute little pies were very easy to put together if you have everything prepped from before.
Earlier in the day I had already made the crust [scroll to bottom] and left it to chill in the fridge, and I also had quickly whipped up some crumble topping by mixing some flour, sugar, butter and cinnamon.
For the filling, I rummaged through the fridge and happened to stumble across some pear and lemon jam I had made two weeks earlier after my mum had come home with an insane amount of pears.
That's what I happened to have in the fridge, but I'm pretty sure almost any fruit or jam with the crumble on top will work.
To start things off I just rolled out the pastry, and cut out circles using the top of a mug.
Fitted them in a cupcake tin, and started filling them up with jam!
To test the best combination for future pielets, I decided to make 3 with crust tops, 3 with crumble and crust stars, and the remaining 3 just with crumble topping.
In the oven for 15 minutes, and you have the cutest little dessert!
As these were in the oven, my Mum was doing some gardening outside, and called me over to see the antics that Baby was up to!
Can you spot him?
So this morning I got the urge for some more pastry baking.
I find myself drawn to more to conceptual desserts, than based off of how it's going to taste.
The more unusual (or miniature) the dessert gets, the more I'm interested!
It all started a few moths ago when I spotted this adorable little gingerbread house perched on a side of a mug at not martha.
It is so unbelievably cute, and simply irresistible.
The only problem is I lack the patience and the ability to make sure each one fits absolutely perfectly.
So yeah.
A few weeks later I saw this over at Reader's Digest.
Having things perched on the side of (or floating in) your drinks is the cute culinary thing of the moment.
So this morning I decided to finally get around to making my own (way way way simpler) version of this trend.
Basic sugar cookies with your tea.
Easiest thing ever! (and I can guarantee your visitors will love them!)
After completing these cute cookies, I decided to tackle another backing prject on my to-do list.
Little 'Pielets'.
You know little pies..
Earlier in the day I had already made the crust [scroll to bottom] and left it to chill in the fridge, and I also had quickly whipped up some crumble topping by mixing some flour, sugar, butter and cinnamon.
For the filling, I rummaged through the fridge and happened to stumble across some pear and lemon jam I had made two weeks earlier after my mum had come home with an insane amount of pears.
That's what I happened to have in the fridge, but I'm pretty sure almost any fruit or jam with the crumble on top will work.
To start things off I just rolled out the pastry, and cut out circles using the top of a mug.
Playing with leaves...
...and basking in the sun!
Just as this picture was taken, my Mum had moved to the other end of the garden and started raking some fallen flowers, and he was right behind her!
I happened to take this short clip before the sprinklers came on!
Oh and I've been trying to upload the latest vlog for the past two days... this 11 sec clip took 50 minutes... so yeah. Hopefully the internet will pick up tomorrow!
Anyway, sorry for such a long post....
Hope you're all having a great weekend!
Lyla.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
