Abstract City

I've you've never seen this NY Times blog, you are in for a real treat! Christoph Niemann is an artist who works in a multitude of media to produce humorous blog entries about his life, the weather, even physics. The topics, visuals and comments are so inventive and beautiful. It has been providing entertainment for the last 45 minutes.

Jim's Pancakes

If you haven't seen this website you are missing out. The idea is simple: a father making awesome complicated pancakes for his daughter (and now that his son is eating solid foods, him, too!). Pancakes range from American Flag to Candy Canes to Bridges to many others. It makes me hungry to look at but mostly I just think it is totally cool. And the kids are adorable!

Helpful Bike Shop Guys

I don't know too much about bikes and I always feel a bit nervous when I go into bike shops and need something. I'm afraid the person helping me will ask me a really basic question about my bike (eg. What size is it? What size are your tires?) and I won't know the answer (eg. No idea and 700? Maybe? Or 20 something.... I don't know, which number sounds more right?). Today I went into the shop to get a special trainer tire so that my trainer won't destroy my regular road tire. The guy asked what type of bike I ride (phew, I know that one!) and then grabbed a tire. Next he said, "Would you like me to put it on for you?" I tried to sound nonchalant, like puttinghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif on a new tire is NBD for me, so I said "Oh, sure, that'd be great! You know, while I'm here, and my bike is also here..." I think he saw right through it but it was really nice anyway. So thanks, Guy at Wheelworks!

Really Good Apples

I love when you bite into an apple and it is sweet and crunchy and right from then you know you have a really good apple to enjoy for the next few minutes. A really good grape or blueberry doesn't have quite the same impact because it's gone before you can even appreciate it. But with an apple, you really have something to look forward to.

Humidifiers

My skin doesn't love the winter so that's why I love humidifiers. It helps keep my skin from completely drying out. I also don't particularly like being shocked every time I get off the couch, and the humidifier helps reduce static. And for some reason I find the noise it makes very soothing.

Soft Blankets

Today is the first truly bitter-cold day. According to the internet, currently it is 29 degrees but with the 25mph winds, it feels like 15. It was quite unpleasant being outside today but it was then especially nice to come home and crawl under this super soft blanket I have from Bed Bath and Beyond. Anyone who gets to know me will learn that I love soft fabrics, and this blanket is especially soft and cozy. It makes me very happy and never want to move from this couch!

Paper Snowflakes

I know these can be lame, but some websites have patterns so that they look beautiful and delicate. We put them up on the window in the office and they look so festive. And best of all, they don't get black from the traffic or slushy in warmer weather.

Calming the Baby Beast Video

This is a video of a young child dancing to Florence and the Machine's "Dog Days are Over" while in his car seat. It is SO adorable. You won't be able to stop yourself from smiling.

Catalog Living

My friend shared this website with me and it has been cracking me up for the last 20 minutes. Basically they take pictures from furniture catalogs and add hilarious captions. My favorite is the one about the gingerbread family in danger.

Funny Comments from Random People

I like when random strangers say really funny things. Example: This morning I went to the gym but I got inside and realized I had left my membership card in the car. I turned around and went back outside and as I did, a man walking in said, "Well that was a quick workout!" I just thought it was funny.

Christmas Decorations

I love the first few days after Thanksgiving when people start putting up Christmas decorations everywhere. They look so pretty and make everyone feel festive and happier. Well, maybe not everyone, but definitely me!

Hershey Kisses

Hershey Kisses make me happy. They're delicious, just the right amount of chocolate for a little pick-me-up and perfect for sharing with friends.

Heated Walkways

These are not exactly energy efficient, but I love when it's really cold out to walk by a fancy hotel and pass under their heated walkway. Even if it only warms you up for 2.5 seconds, that brief time is still so lovely. I bet the doormen see people smiling all the time because of it. And also walking slowly to get as much warmth out of it as possible.

Giving Thanks

As a vegetarian, Thanksgiving isn't high on my list of favorite holidays, but one thing I do love is going around the table and hearing what people are thankful for. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's really nice to take a minute and think about all the good in your life.

I Like Your Jacket

ilikeyourjacket.com is a website dedicated to giving compliments. Some of them are fairly specific like, "How do you get your hair to look that great?" or "You have the best laugh ever." Others are more general in what they are complimenting: "You're #1 in my book!" and "You're tremendous!" Either way, it's a pretty nice website to visit when you're having a tough day. You can even submit your own compliment. I'm waiting to see if mine pops up some day. That will definitely make me happy.

Walking by Dryer Vents

I love when I'm outside walking, especially if it is a slightly chilly evening, and passing by a vent for a dryer in use. I guess I just like the smell of clean laundry, and it's such a little welcome surprise to find that smell outside.