Posts

Something To Celebrate: World Pulses Day

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Background photo by Sara Cervera (@foodphotographermx) Happy World Pulses Day, everyone! Did you know that today, February 10th, is dedicated to celebrating those unsung heroes of the pantry – pulses? Yes, we’re talking about beans, lentils, chickpeas, and all their delightful, versatile cousins. For a quiet soul like me, pulses aren't just food; they're the building blocks of a perfect cozy evening. They're the unassuming star of a hearty soup, the creamy foundation of a comforting dal, or the secret weapon in a surprisingly satisfying veggie burger. They just *get* it – nourishing without demanding too much fuss, always ready to lend a hand when culinary inspiration (or energy) is running low. It's a lovely reminder that there's always something to celebrate, even if it's not a flashy, confetti-strewn event. Sometimes, the most meaningful acknowledgments are for the quiet, consistent goodness in our lives – like a bowl of lentil soup on a chilly d...

What's For Dinner: Vegetable Korma

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What's For Dinner: Vegetable Korma February often feels like a gentle murmur in the year's grand symphony. The vibrant bustle of the holidays is a distant echo, and the bright promise of spring is still a whispered hope. For these quiet, often introspective days, I find myself drawn to meals that offer more than just sustenance; they offer warmth, comfort, and perhaps a moment of gentle reflection. It's in these moments, stirring a fragrant pot on the stove, that I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the simple blessings — a warm home, nourishing food, and the quiet rhythm of the everyday. This time of year, when the world outside might be a palette of muted grays and crisp air, a bowl of Vegetable Korma feels like a soft embrace. It's not about rushing or achieving culinary feats, but rather about the peaceful process of bringing good things together, letting flavors meld, and creating something truly comforting. It’s a dish that patiently builds its comple...

Last-Minute Valentine's Magic: Thoughtful Gifts You Can Find (or Offer!) Online

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Last-Minute Valentine's Magic: Thoughtful Gifts You Can Find (or Offer!) Online Photo by Tayla Kohler (@taylaktictacphotography) Valentine's Day has a funny way of sneaking up on us, doesn't it? One moment you're planning, and the next, it's just around the corner. But here at ArtInScienceDesigns, we believe that love isn't about grand gestures or perfect timing; it's about genuine connection and showing someone they matter, even with a thoughtful, last-minute touch. The beauty of our digital world means there's still plenty of opportunity to find (or create!) gifts that truly resonate, all from the comfort of your home. Let's shift our focus from panic to possibility. For those looking to buy a special something, and for the makers and creators wondering what they can still offer, here are a few ideas centered on small joys and heartfelt intentions, easily accessible online. For the Gift-Giver: Thoughtful Digital Delights The ...

Something To Celebrate: National Toothache Day

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Background photo by Joshua Hoehne (@joshua_hoehne) Did you know February 9th is National Toothache Day? Yes, it’s a thing. While "National Toothache Day" might sound like the most un-celebratory holiday on the calendar, bear with me. It’s one of those uniquely human days that makes us reflect on the small, unsung heroes of our bodies – our teeth! When they're doing their job, silently helping us enjoy everything from crunchy apples to whispered secrets, we barely give them a second thought. But oh, when one decides to stage a protest, suddenly they're all we can think about. And that’s where the peculiar brilliance of National Toothache Day comes in. Because really, there's always something to celebrate. Today, maybe it's the sheer joy of *not* having a toothache. Or perhaps it's celebrating the incredible human capacity for resilience, or the simple comfort of a soft food diet enjoyed in quiet contemplation. So, on this slightly peculiar h...

What's For Dinner: Coconut Vegetable Ramen

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What's For Dinner: Coconut Vegetable Ramen February often feels like a gentle pause, doesn't it? The bustling energy of the holidays has settled, and the vibrant burst of spring still feels like a distant whisper. It's a time I find myself drawn to quiet corners, to the gentle hum of the refrigerator, and to the comforting promise of a warm bowl. There's a particular kind of grace in these days, a subtle invitation to slow down, to breathe, and to simply be present. Lately, my kitchen has become a sanctuary for creating meals that nourish not just the body, but also the spirit. It's not about complex techniques or rushing to get things done, but rather about the mindful act of gathering ingredients, the gentle sizzle of vegetables, and the incredible aroma that fills the home. It's in these moments that I often feel a profound sense of gratitude for the simple blessings: a roof over my head, warmth from the stove, and the sustenance to carry on. T...

The Quiet Powerhouses: Why Introverts Naturally Shine at the Puzzle Table

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The Quiet Powerhouses: Why Introverts Naturally Shine at the Puzzle Table Photo by Annie Spratt (@anniespratt) As February gently settles in, blanketing us with its quiet charm and perhaps a few more gray days, there’s a lovely invitation to embrace indoor comforts. For many of us, this means curling up with a warm drink, a good book, or even better, a delightful puzzle. And if you've ever watched an introvert at a puzzle table, you might just notice a certain quiet confidence, a serene focus that seems perfectly at home amidst the scattered pieces. Here at ArtInScienceDesigns, we believe in the gentle power of slowing down. In our always-on world, it’s easy for our minds to get caught in a whirlwind of tasks and plans. A jigsaw puzzle, or one of our calming digital downloads, offers a beautiful bridge, guiding our busy brains toward creative rest. It’s a space where "Being" truly triumphs over "Doing." The Introvert's Natural Hab...

Raising a Daughter With Room to Be Her — Not Just a Reflection of Me

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Raising a Daughter With Room to Be Her — Not Just a Reflection of Me Photo by Aaron Burden (@aaronburden) The late spring air is finally settling in, bringing with it that scent of fresh cut grass and blooming lilacs. It’s a season of growth, isn't it? And lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on growth, not just in my garden, but in my daughter. It’s funny, isn't it? When they’re little, we see so much of ourselves in them. A certain tilt of the head, a shared love for a silly joke, or even the way they organize their tiny books (definitely got that from me). We nurture them, guide them, sometimes even secretly hope they’ll avoid our missteps and embrace our strengths. It’s natural, I think, to want them to be a better, shinier version of us. But then they grow, truly grow, and something shifts. My daughter, now a young adult, is undeniably her own person. And sometimes, that person is wonderfully, beautifully, maddeningly different from me. Her ap...