Should be called Keen Things 19 1/2...

I went to Building 19 1/2 yesterday to stock up on my favorite Recession Cereal, Jerry O's, a fabulous Cheerios knockoff that has the ridiculous price tag of $1.75. While cruising the isles for stuff.n.such I stumbled upon these lowball glasses. A whopping $.49 each. Needless to say I brought home four. And some socks. And a waterproof sun-blocking hat for when I go to the lake to kayak. Which I will be doing in my birthday present to myself. Why, how very Keen!

Also Keen, this song, which is burned into my head these days...

Your Daily Dose of Cool Things:

SERIOUSLY COOL

Debranded Home: Reclaim Your Space

"Our objective is to provide you with the tools and information you need to de-brand your home. We want to change the way people think about and buy products. Advertising is everywhere and, granted, does serve a purpose, but we want to show you how to can reclaim your space. Once a product has made it off the shelf, its label has served its purpose.

It's freeing to not be pressured to dole out extra cash to buy that product with slightly nicer packaging. And you can feel good about recycling your bottles and either buying in bulk or learning to make things yourself."

Your Daily Dose of Wonderful Design:

Tumbleweed Houses

Flower Pot Lamps by Design My World

Your Daily Dose of Inspiring Words:

"Do not think that the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open to receive others' viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout our entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times." - Thich Nhat Hanh

Your Daily Dose of Wicked-Good Food:

Arugula and Smoked Chicken Salad with Grapefruit Dressing

serves 2

2 halves boneless, skinless chicken breast

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

cracked pepper to taste

(grill stuff:charcoal or propane)

smoking chips

1 large grapefruit, juiced

1/4 cup walnut or canola oil

1 handful of arugula per person

I put my smoking chips in the microwave in a bowl full of water and cook for 3 minutes. This cuts the soaking time from half an hour to minutes. Get your coals/grill going, and when they are covered in white ash toss in a handful of the soaked wood chips. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and brush with the olive oil. Place on the grill and cook, about 4 minutes for the first side and depending on thickness, 3 minutes or more on the other side. Be sure to leave the top ON the grill to keep in the smokey goodness. When the chicken is done bring it in to rest a few minutes to redistribute the juices. Slice the chicken in thin slices and place it on top of the arugula on a plate.

Take the juice of one grapefruit (I use Ruby Reds) and whisk in the light oil making an emulsion. That is all that you need to do. The smoke from the chicken will be all the flavor you need. Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad and enjoy!