Fish!

Fish are very hard to photograph, so you will have to take my word for it that we have two of the most gorgeous fantail goldfish ever. Tigger and Goldie are getting a housing upgrade tonight (the new tank is doing it’s 24 hour prep). They are moving from a 10 gallon to a 25!

Goldie and Tigger

So, here are some things you should know about goldfish. Those little bowls so many put them in are way too small (don’t do it please, even with only one fish). In fact, even for only two fish, 10 gallons became way too small very quickly. These little buggers are great growers! If you are going to get goldfish, spring for the biggest tank you can afford right from the start.

Other things that are fun about fish? You can train them (check out this fish training school from ThinkGeek). They like to throw rocks around, the sound of which gets our bird kind of happy. They like to look at people, a lot. They are also known to be a symbol of prosperity in Feng Shui. Yes, I have them in the money corner of my office, can’t hurt right?

Connections

Thank you to Yahoo! Mail for sponsoring this post about staying connected. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Oh email! You wonderful, wonderful thing! When I was asked to post about keeping connected, especially in relationship with email, it was hard to narrow it down to just one story. However, I knew that I would have to share my first real experience with email, because it was kind of a big deal! Continue reading

Hoopers 4 Japan

Japan is still in great need after the earthquakes and tsunami. The worldwide hoopdance community has been coming together to help raise funds for charities in Japan. Today I have two big announcements for fundraising efforts to share with you dear friends!

First is a collaborative effort from nineteen hoopers in Japan. They came together to create 20 new hoop tricks to share with the goal of raising funds for relief efforts. To learn about the project, and see individual hoop trick videos please visit Spin Matsuri.

Secondly, we have opened a CafePress shop called Hoopers4Japan. You will find all sorts of fun shirts and other items to buy, with all proceeds from sales going to Japan Red Cross. I’ve got my eye on the cute tank that will be perfect for summer hooping!

As always, for hoop related events that are raising funds for Japan please visit the Hoopers 4 Japan blog. If you are a hoopdancer and have an event planned for Japan, please let me know, I would be happy to add it to the blog!

Giveaway: DIY Cocktails

Are you looking for something fun for your next party? Or even just for a night in? Love mixing your own cocktails? I have the perfect book for you. DIY Cocktails: A simple guide to creating your own signature drinks has everything you need to know for creating your own cocktails at home!

Black Rose, Blood Orange Tequila and Soda, Kentucky Apple Sour: the newest trend in cocktails is creating your own! Now, the editors of DrinkoftheWeek.com have concocted the only guide that teaches you to create your own infallible thirst-quenchers. Using a simple system of basic ratios, you will learn to:

  • Mix new flavor combinations for the perfect new blend using the Flavor Profile Chart as a guide
  • Master advanced mixology techniques from infusing liquors at home to creating custom-flavored syrups
  • Serve the perfect drink every time, whether it kicks off a rowdy party or winds down a romantic evening!

With only ten ratios to master, you’ll shake, stir, roll, and build literally thousands of unique and exceptional cocktails. All you need is a good thirst, an active imagination — and DIY Cocktails! And I have a copy of DIY Cocktails: A simple guide to creating your own signature drinks for one lucky reader! Could it be you?

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before midnight Sunday May 15th, 2011. Tell me what your favorite drink is (doesn’t have to be a cocktail). You may comment daily until the giveaway ends. I will pick a winner at random after the giveaway ends and contact them by email. Good luck, and happy mixing!

*This giveaway is now closed, congrats to lucky #4, Erin.*