Themed Scrabble Mania

Happy Wednesday Lovely!

Who doesn't love the infamously exciting board game Scrabble? It's great for get togethers and makes for some fun word trivia. That being said, it can get somewhat monotonous in time so I found a great addition to the game: Themed Scrabble! Pick a theme and then start the game trying to find only words that describe said theme. Its pretty awesome if I do say so myself! My sister and I played the first round of themed scrabble ever! The results are below and our first theme was "Town". I decided to write a poem with all the utilized words (bold words). Enjoy and go play some Scrabble!  

Town Themed Scrabble

In a far away town where pearls are found

And beautiful pink pigs aimlessly wander around 

Where people are kind and warm

To each mon or animal, they do no harm, with or without a heavy summer storm 

Where young children play with swag and run with their super excited feet 

Where all live happily and all love to eat

And after they eat whole foods they go out to dance outdoors in the summer deg weather

They are loved by each other, encouraging personal growth, content because they are stronger 

together

When all the dancing is done and the musical hits have stopped playing, they go to sleep 

They slumber in a peaceful state of REM without a little peep 

XOXO- Lusciously Levi

February Favorites

Hey lovely,

February is the month of love (technically every day is the day of love but according to the greeting card company, we get an extra large dose of it on Valentine's Day), so that being said, here are my February Favorites! 

Favorite breakfast:

 homemade banana oatmeal pancakes, to perfection!

There are those wonderful Sundays where you have some family time with brunch or whatever meal you choose to share these memories with. I found and improvised an amazing and healthy homemade pancake recipe that is so quick to make, it's super exciting! Here it is:

- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 banana
- 4 eggs
- pinch sea salt
- 3 tablespoons coconut flakes
- 1 Tablespoon flax seeds

*This serves about 2 people, so if you want to make them for your whole family or group of friends, double the portion size.

After you place and mix all of the ingredients in the blender, leave the batter in the blender for a few minutes, (the longer you leave it in, the more time it has to get a thicker consistency as it eventually absorbs all of the goodness of the ingredients into one luscious blob more or less). Then time for the flipping (get out your handy dandy: spatula) I like to use coconut oil on the pan. When they are done, you can eat them like that or top it off with fruits (I like grapes or strawberries) and butter or sour-cream. Have them with a cup of green tea with lemon, it is truly the best breakfast/brunch idea!

Favorite show: 

Three's Company 

This classic TV show is super funny, creative, family oriented, and silly with a purpose. These great actors play so well together as well as with the words in an intelligent manner that just creates a great sense of joy and unity in addition to the constant laughter! What was awesome was the fact that on Antenna TV they had a marathon of Three's Company all day on Valentine's Day. Can you feel the love?


Favorite movie

Out-of-Towners (1970) 

This hilarious comedy film (starring Jack Lemmon) is perfect for any family get together. This couple goes on a journey throughout the film and through all of the hurdles and challenges, they stick together. It is a great message, as the only thing we can rely on is the people we love to get somewhere in life. Two is better than one, and that daily support, inspiration and devotion to one another is what drives us all to achieve greatness.

Favorite Quote:

"Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Mind. Body. Spirit."- Anonymous

I saw this quote somewhere and don't know the original author, but it makes sense. The most important task for us all is to truly and honestly fall in love with ourselves, our lives, and our journeys. Each so special and so different, we owe it to ourselves to respect our truth on a daily basis. That means, focus on the good in your life, make choices that feed your heart and soul, and don't necessarily be molded by traditions or concepts that you grew up with within society. Formulate your own authentic way of living life so that it makes you calm and at peace within yourself.  
 
Favorite moment:

 The 2015 Oscars

Lady Gaga sang Julie Andrews songs from the Sound of Music and it was so overwhelmingly perfect. Her voice is powerfully angelic and her performance was a shock to many. It was just such a beautiful moment.

Favorite tea:

Red Clover Tea 

Love this tea. It is yummy and good for you. I usually drink it with a little sweet something like my homemade truffles or pancakes.

Favorite dessert:

Chocolate Truffles

This awesome dessert is not only raw, it is healthy, delicious, and the first dessert I made myself! All that you need is a great blender, a good freezer, some simple ingredients, and some love :) Here are the ingredients: 

- 1 cup of walnuts

- 3 Tablespoons of raw cacao powder

- 1 teaspoon coconut oil

- 4 Tablespoons coconut flakes (shredded and unsweetened)

- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt

- 4-5 dates

- cinnamon * (optional) 

Mix all of the ingredients in the blender. Put the dates in first and then the walnuts, then the rest of the ingredients and mix until sticky. Form little balls and put in freezer. In a few hours you will have a delicious treat that is amazingly tasty!

May Moments

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

May is not Mundane

1st pic: Playing fun card games over the weekend, which consisted of spit, stupid, and piggy-wiggy on a stick. I know, the titles of these games is a bit odd, but they are fun and enjoyable once you get the hang of it. Time to get pumped up, competitive, and psyched!

2nd-3rd pics: The trees and flowers and blooming beyond control, as spring is surmounting! Almost overnight we see these little buds extend into full blown beautiful wild pink flowers.

4th pic: A huge storm came out last night and today early morning, so much so that all of the pretty flower pedals from the trees fell down. There was a lot of wind and that must have blew all of the pedals off of the trees. They are so delicate and appealing, I decided to gather some images of them. There is a certain scent and feel in the air after the rain storm. It seems effervescently soothing and relaxing. Plus, we haven't gotten much rain storms here, so it was about time!

5th-6th pics: Beautiful clear blue sky with marshmallow-like clouds.

7th-8th pics: Picked some wild flowers growing in the garden and put them in a base with water to sustain their elegance and vitality. Spring has sprung with these gorgeous scented yellow flowers blooming among the green green grass from the ground.

Birthday fun, family and food!

When there is a birthday coming up, we get ready with lots of yummy homemade food, desserts, drinks, loved ones, and presents, cheers! ❤

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mothers Day! ❤

Happy Mothers Day! Today is just a reminder that every day we must appreciate all of the unconditional love that our moms keep giving us! ❤

Cartoons, not just a Network, but a Family/Community!

Doug!

Hey Arnold !

~~Cartoons are not just distractions for children. They are a template for the future. Depending on which cartoon you discuss, typically older cartoons including Rugrats, Hey Arnold, Doug, etc., evoke positive characteristics and create a strong foundation for children's minds long term. In essence, these cartoons promote positive well being, family oriented living, moral interactions, and diversity galore. One common effect here is the underlying comrade feeling within the characters. Each possess his/her own role in the family, community, neighborhood. The characters represent real life contribution to society. With patience, understanding, and common courtesy, these characters develop and grow up to portray positive role models. Children growing up with these shows, in retrospect, should ultimately embody this proposition. Having grown up watching these shows, I can reminisce about them and evaluate how they altered my way of thinking. They are positive, with a sense of levity, and overall appealing charisma. I appreciate these cartoons and applaud them for their unique way of bringing children, adults, and everyone in between together to appreciate them, and learn from them as well.~~

Arthur!

Arthur is a rational, exceptionally caring and giving character, thoroughly examining life. This cartoon overall basis its' predominant purpose on searching and diversifying life. Each friend is a different animal, a bear, a rabbit, etc. The kids learn to grow and learn about life and each other. 

Scooby-dooby-doo! This unique gang with a dog on their side went on adventures as a united clan, typically mysteries that had to be solved. It was a team effort, each equally contributing to any given set of crisis. The common denominator here was that they worked together, fought together, and ultimately surpassed the evil monsters, together.  It can teach us a simple tactic in life's navigation: People need to stick together for the better good. Friends and family are only as powerful as they put in the effort. This is an "actions speak louder than words" concept. One that stresses communication, understanding, care, and appreciation for each other.  

A true Classic, this cartoon to this day identifies with the trajectory of progressed time. As much as Tom & Jerry appeal to myself and the younger  generation, it equally generates excitement for my parent and grandparents. The mischief, co-reliability, co-dependance, unique relationship between the silent cat and mouse, represent constituent forces that us Americans often times experience on a regular day to day basis.  

Disney Movies are also cartoons, but they are particular in that they tell a story of journey and destiny. Two of my favorite Disney Movies were on recently, so I thought I would share! 

 

Rugrats was one of those family cartoons most kids grew up watching. It had family values, morals, ethics, and adventure.  



A Whole New World-Aladdin

All you kids ready for some Aladdin tonight? Time for some fairytale fun and adventures with this magical love story. They are playing it on cable tonight. Just shows you the importance of happiness, freedom, choices, options, and chances. Time shows you when you're ready for any adventure you want to take. Enjoy! 

The Glass Slipper, also known as Cinderella is playing on television right now! It takes me back to childhood memories. When good and bad were so easily disputable and clearly identifiable. Ah so simple and enjoyable.

Through these kinds of magical movies we come to realize we all have challenges to overcome and need to become a better version of ourselves.

Cinderella ❤

Poems, an outlet to expressing a little thing called love ❤

Poem about the rain

Oh rain, you make an incredible feeling
An internal rhythm, so sleepy, so endearing
The drips the drops the sound of calm
Like a feather falling on top of your palm
Time for some warm tea and a comfy couch
A family get together, so tight, some had to slouch

The music was on, dancing amid the air
Movement and smiles, circulating our hair
Forward and back, we followed one another
turning down the lights and adding candles, done by my mother
This created serenity, a sense of unadulterated peace
As raindrops kept falling, the tree branches rattling piece by piece

As the sun was not present, it was time for a nap
For us, for all, together, we heard the windows tap
Sounds of the rain, aspiring to forgo
To expose a certain tranquility, for us it does not show
We only feel the touch of the weather instigation
An appreciated phenomenon, almost an intensified denomination


I found this adorable Love Poem on one of the Pinterest boards❤ 

Simple words have the deepest meanings.We take love for granted. Either we spend a lot of our time with people who know nothing about love or we spend time running away from people who are giving us the love that we need and deserve. That being said, love is natural and real. If you feel it, give it, expand yourself, and stay true to the love you can give.

We know that love makes the world go round. When we know and understand the true value and meaning of giving love, anything is possible. Love is easy when it comes from the heart.

Delightful December

Clementines for sale

These juicy fruits are delectable yet so small!
Squirrel Eating Quietly
On a warm Wednesday, this cute little squirrel went near a broken tree (due to Sandy) and peacefully decided to munch on his or her lunch (nuts, preferably).

 A piece of nature

Sometimes you need to take a step back and enjoy the view.

 Trying is the first step 

Gain inspiration from within when there is momentarily none on the external surface.

It is warm out today! Almost feels like summer

Grandma's Farmer Cheese

This old fashioned farmer cheese seems to continue and thrive exceedingly and implicitly adheres to serving the current generation of hungry people. They do have a unique and everlasting traditional saying that grandmas make the best (combination of healthy and tasty) food!

Christmas Decorations are in full swing on balconies!

 Quote of the Day

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

Easier said than done, I contest that these wise words are truly a valuable imaginary keepsake for every individual to contain.

 

Laundry Day

Time to get busy with the laundry! Soap, money, and all of the clothes. Homemade chocolate bread 

December calls for some good eat'n! Here's some nice comfort food after a long, cold day.

Homemade borscht

A Russian delicatessen, borscht is a traditional homemade soup served either in a red or green color. You could also choose hot vs. cold. Sour cream is another option to add to the soup for extra flavor as well as adding a slice of crispy bread with butter to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy

 

Nutcracker

Time to get your nutcrackers out! A majestic symbol in the ballet, "The Nutcracker" and one that I performed in many many times at the New York City Ballet with The School of American Ballet. So fulfilling and rewarding, performing for all of the excitedly awaiting children. Do they really crack nuts though?

Santa is coming to Town

Amidst the holiday festivities, many children's stores have added a traditional Christmas tree and the good ol' Santa Claus in the front main window so that all the fellow onlookers would enjoy and appreciate the atmosphere with their kids.

A taste of the holidays, literally!  

-Here are just a few of the yummy Christmas desserts that are beautiful to look at, they automatically get you into the spirit of family and love!