The Girl and Her Dog

We’ve known it for years, but Ginger is a HUGE fan of Lenny Kravitz. So much so that she sings along to his well-known and classic tune, “Fly Away.” Gets me every time.

This summer has been the summer of zucchinis. That may be because it has been the only vegetable to grow from my plot, but it has allowed for some delicious recipes. This past weekend I tried a slight variation on my standard zucchini bread and opted instead for zucchini cake. While they tasted awfully similar, the cake allowed for frosting. #winning.

The Middle East crisis has been all over the major news outlets for months. You hear about the thousands of displaced residents, the prisoners killed by military corps and the psychological warfare, but rarely do you read about the many animals who have been negatively impacted by the civil unrest in Libya.

But that’s exactly what’s happening at the Tripoli Zoo. In late August, during an intense round of fighting in Tripoli, the animals were left to fend for themselves and weren’t given food or water for seven days, so says this article from Global Animal.

Last week, however, the zoo received funds from the International Fund for Animal Welfare to provide food and water to the animals. While there is enough fresh water for the animals to drink, there isn’t enough to clean the enclosures.

It is expected that the zoo will need close to $100,000 to function properly for the next six weeks. To help the IFAW send resources to the Tripoli Zoo, click here to donate.

Photo via

What began with drinks, pizza and friends at Gullivers Pizza, turned into a relaxing weekend that ended with making my much anticipated zucchini cake for the very first time. Verdict: it basically tastes like zucchini bread. Oops.

Missed you Seebs! (And Bets and Caitlin and Mons!)

It had been far too long since my last Dunkin’ Donuts blueberry muffin.

Thanks for the tamales, Gramps!

First pumpkin spice latte of the season

Thinking about her bro, Fray, perhaps?

My now (self-imposed) infamous zucchini cake

On September 11, 2001 I was in 8th grade. As media coverage of the tenth anniversary of 9/11 has grown, it has made me realize how much I was unable to grasp on that fateful day. So in the last few days, I’ve read and learned more than I have in the past 10 years. While I was lucky enough to not know anyone who was killed that day, I’ve grieved for the victims with each story I’ve read.

Below, a small compilation of the stories that touched me the most.

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.”
— Mahatma Gandhi

In Memory Of Sirius, Only Police Dog Killed In 9/11 Attacks

A simple gift on 9/11 saves the life of an office worker heading to the twin towers

The Falling Man

Letters to the Lost: A Tribute to Those Who Died in the September 11, 2001 Attacks, From the Family and Friends they Left Behind

The 9/11 Tapes: The Story in the Air

9/11: The Reckoning