crave. this. now.

Every now and then you crave something. Something you just have to have or have to do.. This blog explores the things I crave -- from foodie adventures, both on the road and at home, DIY craft projects, things for the home, tech gadgets, and sprinklings of random, WTF cravings..

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2020-04-03 -- Just your daily friendly reminder to check your camera when you’re on a conference call, professional and personal. 

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Coronavirus Comic for Kids

2020-04-01 -- NPR recently posted an article about what kids might want to know about coronavirus. They created the comic below that is based on a radio story by NPR education reporter Cory Turner. There are even instructions to print and fold a zine version of this comic. 

[cravethisnow]

What are you streaming?? 🤔🎞🍿

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2020-03-30 -- Good morning! These are crazy times, but we can take a moment in the calm of the jellies. 

Live Jelly Cam - Monterey Bay Aquarium

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Let’s Take a Virtual Trip Together

2020-03-28 -- Virtual tours are all the rage these days in the world of social distancing and staying at home. A simple web search on “virtual tours” will provide a wealth of information, but TravelZoo offers a solid list of museums, zoos, parks, and experiences that can be visited virtually. 

As part of our homeschooling curriculum, I have incorporated weekly virtual field trips on Fridays. Last week we visited the San Diego Zoo. I wanted to make it more interactive so that the kids were moving from one area to another to simulate walking through the zoo. I set up different devices around the home and displayed a live streaming camera on each. The kids had fun visiting the different animals and enjoyed the whole experience. 

This past Friday, we took a virtual field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Moon jellies, shI stuck to the same set up and had a live cam up and going in every room. 

I was particularly proud of the Moon Jelly cam I set up in the darkness of the bathroom. Small victories. 

I particularly enjoyed the penguin cam myself. Too cute! 

Where will we take a visit to next week? I’m not quite sure yet, but I do know that I am planning a trip around the world for Spring Break which is the following week. What a treat it will be to visit a different part of the world each day. 

Safe (virtual) travels! 

[cravethisnow]

2020-03-20 -- This daily schedule has gone through multiple iterations throughout the course of the week. We’re all still learning and adapting to life at home during the week. This schedule fits for both my 2nd grader and preschooler. We obviously adjust activities as needed but for the most part it works. It will go through changes again as my daughter’s elementary school moves to remote learning next week. Thank goodness for all of the resources out there that are making this shift to homeschooling manageable. 

[cravethisnow]

Oh, hello there!

2020-03-20 -- Wow. Nothing like a pandemic to pull you out of your writing slumber, amirite? 

COVID-19 has brought a lot of changes into our lives. It’s a global situation that will define our generation and one that is evolving constantly. With California  (and many other states) under a “Shelter in Place” order, our day-to-day lives are drastically altered. The biggest impact of sheltering in place for families is  homeschooling and working from home. AT. THE. SAME. TIME. 

And while it’s a difficult change to make, it’s also a necessary change to make towards flattening the curve. We can. We will. Watch us. (I totally stole this from Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour). 

We’re all in this together. Cue music. 

[cravethisnow]

Happy Groundhog Day, folks!  

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The official trailer for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life just released today. Huzzah!  

From the Netflix US & Canada YouTube channel: 

Gilmore girls makes its much-anticipated return with four memorable chapters from the lives of Lorelai, Emily, Rory and countless more Stars Hollow stalwarts. Picking up nine years after we last ​dropped in on the whimsical Connecticut town, Gilmore girls: A Year in the Life finds each of our ​leading ladies at a major crossroad: Lorelai’s relationship with Luke is at an unnerving standstill; Rory’s budding journalism career in New York has stalled before it's even begun; and Emily’s world is turned upside down following the untimely passing of her beloved husband, Richard. Gilmore girls: A Year in the Life is told through four 90-minute chapters -- each spanning one season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall -- and brings back to life everything from the quaint corner diner to the dreamy Dragonfly Inn to a fast-talking, quick-witted mother-daughter love story unlike any other. Gilmore girls: A Year in the Life launches Friday, November 25, everywhere that Netflix is available.

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From the folks who brought you Exploding Kittens... 

Bears vs Babies - A Card Game - A monster-building card game from the creators of Exploding Kittens - http://kck.st/2doP49S

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'The Phantom Of The Empire': You Guessed It, Musical And Star Wars Combined

Turning Tydes, a musical theater troupe in San Diego, does musical mash-ups that spoof Broadway shows. Ahead of Comic-Con, they're performing a mash-up of Star Wars and The Phantom of the Opera.

2016-07-20 -- Just another reason I wish I were at Comic-Con this year... A mash-up of Star Wars and The Phantom of the Opera?? Yes, please!

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Binge-watching Korean dramas calls for the appropriate snacks. Kimbap, kimchi, and ddukbokki, FTW. #nomnom #kdrama #answerme1988

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2016-05-31 -- Welp, it’s officially summertime in our household. What dictates that, exactly?  The fact that my eldest daughter isn’t in school anymore.  Not the change in season, nor the date on the calendar.  Preschool is out and summer session has begun. 

We’ve elected to have both kids at the same daycare, which logistically works out great.  This morning was the first day of wrangling the kids, getting out the door and on the road, drop off at daycare, and into work... all at a reasonable time.  And by “reasonable”, I mean in the office by 9am.  

What’s the verdict today?  Out the door by 7, drop off at daycare without a fuss, and into the office by 8:30.  Boom.  *mic drop*

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2015-05-04 -- Happy Star Wars Day!  May the Fourth be with you, always.

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2015-05-04 -- MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU! 

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Brekkie with the hubby... Veggie scramble, homemade English muffin and a decaf pour over. #nomnom (at Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen and Coffee Bar)

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Oh myyyy.. Ice cream stuffed donuts?? Yes, please. Salted caramel + Stinky Pig (maple ice cream with bits o' bacon). #nomnom #cravings #themixcreamery