Awesome things at Target.

Target never fails to tempt me.

This bow is $3. Worth it? Maybe.

How could I not love this?

This is legit mayo with no dairy. 

Happy tasty food. Too kawaii!!!

I am really trying to be a minimalist so I'm posting these here instead of buying them for my home haha. I am also trying to use reusable bags only. Both are such a challenge but better for the earth... and my wallet! 

Lately M and I haven't been blogging regularly. We are both doing well and are spending our time exploring other outlets, even dabbling in the digital world of coding. We still may show up from time to time. 

Wishing you all the very best! 

<3 KM

Genius James Bay

If faux gospel folk like the jaw dropping Hozier is your thing you may already listen to James Bay. He's pretty mainstream now. I am just mesmerized by his music.

Just about anyone who has fallen out of love with someone at one point or another will resonate with this song. When I am in a mood it brings tears to my eyes haha. This is the song that got me into James Bay. Keep pulling on them heartstrings!

This song is nearly as popular as the first. The chorus is so fun to sing. Extra drama with some melody for good measure. The bridge that starts at 2:14 is everything.

"Lonely water, lonely water, won't you let us wander
Let us hold each other." Lyrics from Google Play Music

These two are the only widely published James Bay songs I like right now but they are so amazing that I still wanted to write this post. Those songs alone are worth it. So good.

Scars just doesn't get me. It's starts to slow and my attention drifts away before I get to the chorus. I feel similarly about Move Together.

Best Fake Smile is not my speed. It sounds all right but it's not something that I can relate to. The lonely water lyrics make up for it all. One things for sure, Bay is an amazing writer/composer!

<3 KM

Tetra Pack Beans! @target #BPAFree

Being somewhat environmentally aware I have learned that most canned goods have BPA in the lining of the cans. To avoid this I use fresh or glass jarred items as much as possible, but sometimes convenience wins and I grab a can of beans or tomatoes. With these new strange beans I can avoid one more canned convenience food. Score!

I was pleasantly surprised with the tenderness of the beans. Sometimes kidney beans can be a bit tough, which is the worst. I had maybe two tougher beans in my pasta but it was better than some other organic brands I've tried.

Tetra packs still contain some plastic so ultimately it is better to cook your beans from scratch. Since that doesn't always happen these are a good alternative. Tetra packs are easily recyclable in most areas, Portland included!

<3 KM

Pokemon Go - the Easy way to reload a frozen iPhone app #FixTheGame

Despite server frustrations I am a huge fan of Pokemon Go. I have played it since the beginning as a little kid and to me this is just the most amazing app ever. Also, it encourages me to get over my fear of random people. Win win!

When I first started playing the game I restarted my phone every time the game froze. Then I learned this little trick for iPhone users that is so much easier. Check it out!

As I speak the server is back up. Thank goodness! Time to go into the forest and claim my space at the gym.

<3 KM

Brainless Funfetti Cookies

These cookies are way too easy, extremely cheap, and just fun. I wish I could tell you that they are healthy too, but sadly they are not. Make sure you have lots of people to share them with.

Ingredients:

• 1 box Funfetti Cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut or vegetable oil
• 1-2 TB star Sprinkles (not optional, according to Z)

Extras:

• Sparkle Gel for cookie faces

Method:

Put all ingredients into a bowl. Mix together with a fork until all dry mix is combined. Sprinkle lightly with colored sugar if you'd like. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 on an un-greased cookie sheet. 

There is plenty of oil in the mix so the cookies shouldn't stick to the pan. The bottoms will probably brown excessively if you use cooking spray. Parchment paper may be a good alternative. 

<3 KM

Classic Digital Watches ft. Casio, Timex and Neff

I can't stand analogue watches. I can read them, promise! I just think that it takes way more time to figure out the actual time than it does to just look at a digital watch. I'm actually good with numbers but I am directionally challenged, and a touch dyslexic, so clocks just aren't my strong suit.

Also analogue watches are often not as waterproof or sturdy. I am not the type to diligently take off my watch off before I jump in the water, go for a hike or do the dishes. Delicate things are not going to survive on my wrist.

The problem with this is that analog watches are so much prettier than digital watches. Most digital watches are clunky, hideous or they scream "I shop at Walmart!!!". Nothing against the last by the way, you can probably find some of these there :P. Classic Casio and Timex watches are unisex, which means they are smaller and they come in all sorts of colors. Yasssss!

Colorful Casios by kmfern featuring Casio

These Casios are currently only available in the UK. I have the mustard and turquoise. Totally wish that these were carried in the US because they rock, and I don't like to pay shipping. At least they are unique!

Neff Watches by kmfern featuring neff watches

I haven't tried this brand but these are totally rocking. They remind me of M!

Timex Collection by kmfern featuring digital watches

Timex's indiglo function is boss. I wish they carried more pastels though.

Casios by kmfern featuring a gold wrist watch

This lot is perfect if you are looking for something a bit more presentable. I am waiting for the last to come in the mail. It's reviews aren't the best but I love the color combo. It seems that some people find the white numbers to be hard to read in bright light. Hoping this is not a deal for me.

I really wish there was a classier line of digital watches. I'd totally drop $200 for an elegant, waterproof, indestructible, adorable digital watch. Until then these are totally great. Since they aren't too expensive I have a few different types to go with my mood. I've been feeling turquoise lately apparently.

Happy summer!

<3 KM

Finished Pepper Pots + Free Stencils

My pepper plants' new homes are done! I think they look like cool hot sauce bottles. The only one without a pepper is the atomic bomb. I just couldn't sully the name-sake of my design. 

"The Atomic Age"

The Pink Flamingo is for the rise of the middle-class suburbs because I think that a contributing factor in suburban growth was the fear of bombs targeting major cities.

The Ray Gun is a toy popularized by sci-fi TV shows in the 50's, obviously influenced by rockets that were made to deploy atomic weapons.

The Gas Mask were stocked in bomb shelters, so if the unthinkable happened people wouldn't breath in radioactive particles.

The Angler Fish is because deep sea exploration was reaching it's peak during the time, and because deep sea creatures might be some of the only things to survive the nuclear apocalypse. 

The Mushroom Cloud is self explanatory. 

The DNA is for the damage and cancers that radiation from detonations has caused around the world.

The UFO is for the first sightings that coincided with the development of nuclear missiles and new airplanes.

The Bomb Girl was painted on planes and bombs in WWII.

Sputnik was launched using rocket technology originally meant to carry the bomb into enemy territory. 

The Atomic Symbol is the symbol of the age.

I still need to spray these suckers with some sealant. I hope they don't get damaged before then.

If you want to see how I made these pots:

Designing

Painting

8 Free Stencils Below!

I just used an oval for the atom symbol and did the pepper DNA freehand. The UFO is a little different than the one on the planter.

(the last two are a little tricky, but I'm sure you can figure them out)

Have Fun!

Philosophy Poem #1

Philosophy has always been a big part of my life. I share my strange thoughts with friends and family but today I figure I'll save them and share here instead. Lucky you :P! Here is today's little revelation:

Being

The decisions that we make

What to give

What to take

What to keep 

What to free

What to do 

Redo, undo

What to leave undone 

Makes us all
It's who we are

one
alone

One
Together

<3 KM

Painting Pepper Planters

I painted trippy new pots for my hot pepper plants! Don't worry - the strange black-hole look is not the final product. That's where The Atomic Age stencils go.

I got the 5 gallon, black pots from Amazon. I also got 1 inch painters tape. I sanded the pots a little and started taping. The ovals are just packing labels, which I do not recommend because the spray paint aerosol made them peel a little during painting.

On the striped pots I used other pieces of tape in-between the pieces that stayed to keep it all even. I peeled the measuring pieces off, of course. The checkered pots were taped all over then then cut with a box cutter parallel to the tape lines. The little squares took forever to peel off.

I used spray paint that is made for plastic. It took the whole can to paint 5 pots. I peeled off the painters tape about an hour after painting. It turned out super well!

I didn't really remember to take pictures of the painting process of the designs. I was concentrating too hard. I made stencils for the main designs and painted the peppers free-hand. It took a few coats of acrylic paint, which I mixed to match my designs. 

The doggie helped, too.

The Design Process

The Final Product 

Ridiculous Snacks I Want To Try

I am a sucker for adorable, colorful packaging and sugary stuff so I have a hard time resisting the snack aisle. Most of the time I remind myself that candy isn't food and I try to pick healthier treats so I don't feel so awful about my food choices but these are so tempting! I get really bummed out if they don't taste good though. Sugar is only worth it if it's amazing. 

These are probably the strange chewy type of fruit snack. I like the ones that taste more like a gummy bear than fruit roll ups. That box though, so cute!

I love birthday cake ice cream, and birthday cake in general, but I am super skeptical about these. 50/50 chance they taste like sugary cardboard. May be worth it for the sprinkles. Possible cupcake substitute for a school birthday treat?

I just can't bring myself to pay for these but I am so curious. I did try the confetti cupcake and I was so sad because it does not satisfy a funfetti craving. 

This stuff looks dangerous. Was this around back in the day? If so I totally missed it. I wonder if it tastes like Waffle Crisp. Nom.

I'm sure the marshmallows are good but the cereal is probably awful lol.

Same here, but it is so cute! Mornings are not my favorite so happy looking cereal is a plus.

Happy snacking!

<3 KM

Pepper Pot Design

I decided my peppers needed new homes. Their old pots were starting to discolor and crack. I wanted the new pots to be something special, so I started designing. 

I have always liked the stark contrast of black and white geometric shapes, so I tested some out on some digital trapezoids. I also tested out a color scheme, but I lost the original file where I tested all the colors next to each other. 

I thought just the stripes and checkers would be a bit boring. After much thought and research I settled on "The Atomic Age" as my theme, because I love the bomb, of course. I ended up only using half of the ideas.

As you can see, I toyed with making the frames for the drawings fancy, but decided on plain black frames. 

Next Up:

Painting

The Final Product

Frozen Scrap Stock

I collected a bunch of veggie scraps in the freezer and made a stock out of them yesterday. It was really easy, except for my burned hand. I grabbed the searingly hot handle of an empty pot not once, but twice. I'm crazy that way.  I put my hand in water and that seemed to help. When I woke up this morning it was weirdly purple like a bruise, but it looks and feels fine now. 

Anyway, I mostly kept the ends and peels of carrots, onions, leeks, and celery. I added some sage, rosemary, and thyme for a bit of extra flavor.

I melted two gallon bags of frozen vegetables and then added a dozen cups of water. I boiled it all for about an hour, stirring occasionally. I strained out the veg and tried to reduce the liquid in my wok, but I don't think it actually reduced much before I burned my hand and gave up with that.

I tried to do a second batch with the wilted veggies but I learned that the stock should not boil for more than an hour or it will get bitter. 

I put the broth in ice cube trays and back into the freezer. Simple, easy, and a little dangerous. You should try it. Kitchen waste is basically free, so free broth for all!

Seattle Finds - Magic Mouse Toys and more

Many Portlanders seem to have a hate/love relationship with Seattle. Some think it's the worst place ever while others like just about everything about it, other than the traffic. Before this weekend I didn't have a chance to explore the city much but now I must admit it's pretty awesome! Here are some of the cool stores we discovered while wandering around Seattle.

This is a picture of the window display at Revolution Books. I wasn't quite ready to venture inside but overall it is certainly an interesting place. Glad it exists! Bookstores are the best. It's a different experience than Powells. Good place to go if you're looking to become an activist.

Magic Mouse Toys is a two story toy store full of awesomeness. We spent quite a bit of time in here exploring all of the goodies inside. Of all the things we could have gotten my boys settled on fart bombs. Note to self: never, ever set one off in an apartment. We had to evacuate for a few hours :P.

Here we have Shotgun Ceremonies wedding chapel. Now you no longer need to drive to Vegas for a quickie marriage! Best of all there are plenty of fun dives within walking distance for the reception party.

This lovely iridescent dragon currently lives in the Children's room of the Seattle library's central branch. The library is beautiful outside and in.

Out of all the cool pictures I could have taken at Pike's Place Market this is the only one that I have. The market was insanely crowded. We managed to get a good meal in while weaving through the crowds but I certainly recommend coming here on a weekday rather than the weekend. It was unfathomably crowded. I feel like it was worse than Disneyland due to the small aisles. Still yet, this market is amazing. I'll have to do a whole post on Pike's next time I go.

We also went down to the wharf to meet up with family and had some amazing clam chowder. I got the New Jersey style, which is red and white mixed together. I could basically live off of that stuff. That alone was totally worth the drive. 

Happy travels!

<3 KM

Joe Boxer's Awesome Prints

Joe Boxer always has super cool prints featuring skulls, eyeballs, dinosaurs, and plenty more of my favorite things. The quality is not bad for box store stuff, too. I've had a pair of their sleep pants for over 5 years and they have yet to develop any holes, which is great because they are inexpensive. The best patterns are always in the little boy's section, unfortunately. They totally need to make grownup stuff with the cool little boy designs. Who can deny a print featuring pizza and flying saucers?

Joe Boxer is only sold at K-Mart and Sears. The problem with that is that both of their websites suck. The sites are not fun to navigate and say things are in stock when they are not. The K-Mart near me closed, so I have little choice but to go online. I was super disappointed that I couldn't buy my favorite designs.

Pizza Dip Fail

When I was little my Mom used to make pizza dip for football parties. I have watched her make it so many times but somehow I messed it up. Don't use this recipe, try a different one.

Failure Pizza Dip

1/2 Block of cream cheese

1/2 jar of pizza sauce

2 different kinds of pepperoni 

Munster cheese slices

Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper 

Warning: I do not recommend this recipe. This is just here for scientific purposes. Will try to get Moms recipe soon.

1. Mix cream cheese with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Spread on bottom of glass smaller rectangle Pyrex dish. 

2. Pour some sauce over the cheese mix.

3. Layer with muenster cheese slices. 

4. Cover with lots pepperoni.

5. Be sadly disappointed that it doesn't taste the way it's supposed to.

If anyone has a good recipe for pizza dip let me know! I mostly followed a few different recipes other than the cheese recommendation. The Munster I get basically tastes like fancy mozzarella and I use it on pizza and pasta so I don't think that's the culprit. Maybe I used low fat cream cheese on accident. That stuff is never as good.

Hubby thinks I may have used to much pepperoni but I didn't think that would be possible. Come to think of it my Mom doesn't put pepperoni on hers... At least the kids liked it lol. 

<3 KM