Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Basic Chocolate Chip Recipe:

1 cup softened butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
3 cups flour
3 cups chocolate chips (amount is optional)

1. Mix butter and sugars till fluffy
2. add eggs
3. add vanilla
4. gradually stir in dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda
5. add in chocolate
6. make tablespoon sized cookie drops on a baking sheet
7. preheat oven to 350F
8. Bake in oven for 8 - 10 minutes

Serve fresh from the oven & with a glass of milk (preferably soy)!

That kid Tasha

Thoughts in the Rain

A mix of grey and blue, the smell of wet pavement and the whispering breeze.

Here's what I'm listening to on this rainy morning...

Adanowsky - Si Aún Quieres

Radiohead - No Surprises

The Civil Wars - Sour Times (live)

Sia - Breathe Me

Guaranteed SMILE on your face

Kid President is my new favourite. Listen to his pep talk, it'll make your day :)

"If life is a game, aren't we on the same team?.."

 

Monday Quote

"Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old."

- Franz Kafka

Music Brings People Together

Music is often referred to the universal language, which breaks through cultural and personal borders. 

Studies show that when you sing or create music with others, this strengthens relationships and greatly improves mood. These positive sensations are caused by the release of dopamine, prolactin and oxytocin hormones throughout your bodily system. Dopamine and prolactin are recognized as the "happy hormones," which impact your mood and reward receptors in the brain. Oxytocin is sometimes referred to the "love hormone," which promotes bonding and trust between members of a group; the same hormone that is stimulated during sex, childbirth, breastfeeding, and of course, singing in groups. These hormones trigger a natural high, which feeds our human addiction to music and expression. Music brings people together, in more than one way.

"To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable."

-Aaron Copland

Play it loud!

That kid Tasha





Further reading:

High on Dopamine  

Music Improves Mood
Oxytocin

Stuck in my Head: Everyday

Somehow this classic tune always finds its way back into my brain. Buddy Holly and the Crickets released the song, Everyday, in 1957 and since then has been listed in the Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It has been used in various commercials and films in popular culture, including one of my favourite movies: Stand by Me (1986). 

That kid Tasha

Snow (fri)Day

Despite it being about -10, I still took pictures in the snow.... Dedication, or a cold waiting to happen? 

Hope you all have a great start to your weekend.

on me: thrifted, scarf knitted by me, f21, handmade jewellery by me/kensington market

TGIF!  

pax

- Tiara xx

Stuck in My Head: I Heard it Through the Grapevine

Most people recognize the Marvin Gaye version of, I Heard it Through the Grapevine. But like most Creedence Clearwater Revival songs, I just can't get those rock rhythms and growls out of my head. Check out CCR's 1970's cover and wail along to the lyrics.

That kid Tasha

Stir it up

Just a random outfit post. 

What I'm wearing: levi's cut offs, thrifted mesh cardigan, black thigh highs, top shop bustier, h&m bowler hat 

I leave you with Stir it Up by Bob- because it happens to be my go to happy song haha. Happy Wednesday, half way there!

Pax

- Tiara

Chamomile 101

Chamomile is the name of several flowers in the daisy family and has been used medicinally since ancient times. Most popularly consumed in a tea, it has numerous benefits; from healing skin conditions to easing anxiety.

Here are some health benefits from Chamomile:

Better sleep: Have difficulties sleeping? Chamomile can help you get a good night's seep with its soothing and relaxing properties. In all, it also relieves your mind from anxieties.

Stomach aches: Just as Peter Rabbit's mother gave him chamomile, after he ate too much of Mr. McGregor's vegetable garden, chamomile is very helpful in relieving many stomach problems. It helps conditions such as IBS and assists in overall digestion.

Menstrual Cramps: It calms muscle spasms during menstrual cramps.


Fights colds: Similar to green tea, chamomile is full of antioxidants; cleansing your body with its antibacterial properties.


Heals wounds & skin conditions: The ancient Egyptians, Romans & Greeks would use Chamomile flowers in a poultice over wounds, to escalate healing time. In addition, when used as a lotion or an oil (in baths) it can soothe skin rashes, sun burns, and even eczema.

Home remedy for migraines: Once you notice symptoms of a developing migraine, drink a cup of chamomile tea. *works best if used before the headache gets severe.

Reduce dark circles around eyes: Don't throw out your chamomile tea bags right away! Let tea bags cool to room temperature and place them on your eyes as a night compress.

- Cheers!

Tiara

Stuck in my Head: The Goonies 'r' Good Enough

Despite it being a film from 1985, The Goonies played a huge role in my childhood. In addition to the many familiar faces in the cast - Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and company - the music was by another familiar icon: Cyndi Lauper. 

Not only does this song embody the heavily electronic and rhythmic music of the 80's, it is highly infectious. I don't know about you, but this song is good enough for me ;)

Goonies never say die!

That kid Tasha

Stuck In My Head: Les Passants

source

After buying Zaz's album Sans Tsu Tsou, I've been playing it on repeat. The song Les Passants, is a reflection her brilliant style and vocals. In addition to the francophone spirit in her music, she performs  her songs with a strong jazz influence and natural air. 

Zaz has been stuck in my head! Check her out.

That kid Tasha

Monday Quote

"It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done."

- Vincent van Gogh

Dream Interpretation

Dreaming is a natural occurrence that graces our minds with something extraordinary, absurd and otherworldly. We suddenly see ourselves in such vivid scenarios, that sometimes make us question our understanding of reality. In our dreams we become a part of the madness that lurks in our human minds; the secrets, the visions and deep desires that we keep within. If we dare to look into the meaning or context of our dreams, we may find the answers and truths we've been looking for.

source

Dream interpretation dates back throughout history. In ancient times people heavily relied on prophetic and clairvoyant dreams, which they believed to be guidance sent from gods or spirits. Modern psychoanalysts see dreams as a gateway to understanding the mechanisms of the human mind. 

Personally I hold dream interpretation as a helpful and insightful part of my daily routine. Every morning I have adopted the practice of recalling my dreams from the night before, then writing them down in my notebook for future reference. Gradually I have noticed a personal improvement in this skill, as I find myself recalling dreams with more ease and detail. If you want to start interpreting your dreams here a few things to keep in mind:

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1. Know the difference between a meaningful versus a meaningless dream. For instance, a reoccurring dream is likely to have more significance in comparison to a short, scattered dream. 

2. Your dreams are heavily influenced by what you do before going to bed. If you watched a movie, read or done something in particular before sleeping, that can greatly impact the dream. Take note of this to eliminate misinterpretation. 

3. Having a good night's sleep improves your chances of having a deep dreaming experience. It is important to complete your sleep cycles in order to be well rested and relaxed; this will help channel your dreams more clearly. Most dreams that you recall occur around 2:00 am - 7:00 am, for the average person. 

source

4. The things that are focused and most remembered from the dream, hold more significance. For example, if a specific colour, person or object stands out the most, then prioritize that symbol for interpretation.

5. To help improve relaxation and sleep, take the natural route and drink chamomile! 

Sweet dreams,

That kid Tasha

7 Sage Solutions

Sage (salvia officinalis), also called garden sage or common sage, is known for its many health and mental benefits. You can easily grow this herb at home for easy access! Here is a list of seven sage solutions that will enhance your green lifestyle:

1. This herb is popularly used to season sauces and dishes - use it in your food to add some of its distinct flavour.

2. The wise sage - this herb is a great brain food and helps boost memory

3. Whiten your teeth: using a grinder or mortar and pestle, grind up 2 tablespoons dried sage and 2 tablespoons sea salt. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet then bake at 250F for about 15-30 minutes. remove from oven, cool, blend, then brush your teeth using the mixture.

4. Soothe your cough or irritated throat - Soak a few sage leaves in freshly boiled water. You may use this as a throat rinse or you can add some sage in your favourite tea for a similar effect (add honey if you have a sweet tooth!)

5. Sage protects DNA from disease - read about it here

6. Sage helps improve circulation, hormonal imbalances/ PMS symptoms, and insomnia

7. Aromatherapy: use essential oils or scents to promote healing and balance. Always dilute essential oils before using them on your skin; you may want to mix some oils in your bath, shower gels, or massage oils. Sage is also known as the herb for cleansing and purification.

Happy Herb-ing!

That kid Tasha

Happy hump day.

Tiara xx

90s Nostalgia

It's that wrenching feeling in your gut and a sudden jolt in your heart. You're passing by a store when you see an old toy you had growing up, or you see a trailer for a movie based on your favourite children's book. You know it's ridiculous to feel this waft of melancholy, but you can't help it. There's this momentary sense of longing that keeps lingering in your mind. You suddenly realize how much time has passed since your childhood. Since simpler times. Since times of afternoon napping and sleeping in pillow forts.

Whenever I get this feeling, I remember temporary tattoos, girls wearing dark lipliner, and light-up sneakers. I grew up in a time when we'd still play board games on friday nights, the coolest kids had Tamagotchis, and teens would stay up late playing Tomb Raider.

Cowabunga dude! I've got a case of 90s Nostalgia.

That kid Tasha