Today with Tiff

We recently had a couple of rainy days. In fact, as I write this now, the skies are overcast and the temperature cool. It's a rare change for this Southern California girl. Lovin' it! So, as I think about the upcoming weather changes and the holidays that come with it, I also think about the perfect ideas for those rainy days. Here are some of my favorites for those days that come far too rarely and stay far too short. Favorite Rainy Day Film © 2005 - Focus Features Pride & Prejudice is a great movie for those days when it's pouring outside and you're curled up on the couch in your favorite pajamas. The classic love story washes and cleanses your cynical soul from the realities that may surround you. Or is that just because I'm single? Regardless, with its beautiful cinematography and flawless acting by all those cast; Pride & Prejudice is the ultimate go-to for those cozy days spent lying on the couch with absolutely nothing t...

Chocolate? Vanilla? Strawberry? Those three flavors are the basis for any great dessert - especially ice cream. But if you really want to tickle my taste buds, combining the power of peanut butter with chocolate is near heavenly. When I asked my class of children (ranging from ages 7 - 12) what their favorite ice cream flavors were, the answers varied, but were surprisingly traditional. When they asked me the same question, without hesitation, I replied with my heavenly duo. Their response? Groans of disgust. I was a little surprised at their lack of imagination - them being kids and all. However, it makes sense when you think of their ever-growing palette. Heck, I'm still picky and in my thirties. But chocolate and peanut butter?! Mmm. Yes, I am writing an entire post about chocolate and peanut butter. In fact, I'll share a recent find of 20 mind-blowing recipes of the all-too-perfect flavor combo. One of my favorite places to go and enjoy these two flavors toget...

It's that time of year when the glitz and glamour of Hollywood awards shows and their accompanying parties grace our small screen celebrating the attendees' accomplishments in film and television. First out the gate is the 73rd annual Golden Globes. Votung members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association have done exactly what I will do here...only it will make a difference. Though, I tend to believe my opinions matter as well - regardless that I'm doing this the day of. A girl can dream, right? Here are my predictions in film: Best Motion Picture - Drama The nominees: Carol, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant, Room, Spotlight Who Will Win: Spotlight Who Should Win: Mad Max: Fury Road This race has been Mad Max's to take until Spotlight stole the....well, spotlight. The visionary prowess of George Miller and his extraordinary work in the colorful and character-driven post-apocalyptic action film, Mad Max, took my breath away - tis why I think it should ...

In school, I wasn't quite like Hermione Granger, but intoxicated enough by the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and cloud of dust from childhood chalkboards to enjoy school and learning. Okay. I admit, I was a teacher's pet. However, all it would take is one conversation with my favorite teachers and, you too, would find every possible way to please them academically. Their love of passing on knowledge was something I still treasure. It made school and the entire process of education FUN. I'll also admit that I had some rotten teachers that cared more about how many seats were filled instead of how many brains were receiving the information taught. Their classrooms cluttered and their attitude often unchecked, it was frustrating to be their student...to say the least. However, the rotten ones (thankfully), were few and far between in my years going to school. The best ones stood out and forever imprinted an indelible mark that led me to the kind of work I still...

Image credit: Ben Hall It's the age-old question: Why do bad things happen to good people? In times of helplessness, it's easy to look around and ask where God is in all of this. We often question why things happen to good people while bad people get away with stuff. That kind of fruitless thinking will certainly drive you mad! God is not a respecter of persons. He does not play favorites; he does not show favortism. Instead of focusing on the negatives that you come across or the injustice in the world, focus and rely on Him. It may be difficult when that's all you really can do, but ultimately He'll direct your path and you'll be rewarded when you seek Him - in total trust and abandonment. A portion of scripture I've come to really love and understand is Psalm 10. It asks all the questions one does in times of helplessness, reveals the injustices of this world, and then flips everything around and looks to the Lord with praise and a cry for help -...

Why do I have a picture of Ben Affleck, you ask? Read on to find out... I thought it best to switch up my daily writing challenge to something a bit more fun....especially since I missed yesterday's post. The topic was favorites, so I scoured the web for a fun list to fill out about one's favorites. Feel free to do this exercise yourself! Take the time to learn something new about yourself or gain a new perspective. Then, scroll down for my answers! The Favorites List Favorite word: Favorite phrase: Favorite thing that flies: Favorite thing to do when I’m nervous: Favorite planet: Favorite reason for laughter: Favorite children’s book: Favorite smell: Favorite location: Favorite author: Favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings: Favorite food topping: Favorite type of weather: Favorite soda: Favorite presidential candidate: Favorite season: Favorite class in college: Favorite holiday: Favorite cereal: Favorite car you’ve owned:  Favorite song: Favo...