Don’t read if you are on a DIET !!!

Oh. My. Gosh !

I can’t even believe what I’m seeing. This is why i LOVE StumbleUpon !!! This recipe was posted in March of 2011, and yet it was just offered to my eyes.

I had to share, and I have to say that as much as I love summer, I love eating even MORE ! So I can’t wait for the colder temperatures to be here so I can enjoy this baking wonder in the perfect setting !

Scrumptilicious !

Needless to say, I think this blog is going to unravel tons of delicious recipes, so I’m going to keep an eye on it. And so should YOU !

The Fun Theory

This is a brilliant project, initiated by Volkswagen, to see if behaviors can be change by a fun interaction.

Looks like it’s a YES !

 

And this is only one of their projects. Check out their website, and their Facebook page for more cool initiatives.

Travelling, travelling… The Cool Hunter !

When I’m bored like these days and I don’t feel like wandering around the city, I just passively surf the Internet in search of something dazzling.

Thanks God, someone created StumbleUpon, which basically feeds you with unrelated, random pages based on the categories that you enjoy.

Well, my latest discovery is The Cool Hunter, a British blogsite about anything and everywhere… Pretty much a trends analyzer, or something like that.

The Cool Hunter

I actually stumbled on a post about Amazing places to Experience Around the Globe, and I was just dazzled at the view of thoses incredibly marvelling sites that I only wish I could see them all, but I know better…

Anyhow, you should have a look for yourself: Click here !

From Rome to Rio. And everywhere in between.

So I recently stumbled upon this fantastic travel planning website: Rome2Rio.com

It surprisingly allows you to plan a travelling trip by giving you the different routes possible, the airlines, the days that you can travel on, the prices, etc. Add to that the world map illustrating the options, and if you are as visual as I am, your trip planning just became a lot simpler.

Take me. I’m from a tiny island in the Indian Ocean, called Reunion. Quite far away from the US truly. And I’ve always had a hard time figuring how to go back there without having to stop a dozen times and suffer hours of layover. Also I’ve always wondered if there was any other way to go than the typical US > Europe > Reunion. Well YES, there is ! And I happily learnt that thanks to Rome2Rio.com !!!

Charlotte, USA to Saint-Denis, RUN

I have unfortunately not had the chance to book my trip home, but hopefully it won’t be long! Although It might get costly…

Stops details + Price range

I strongly recommends everyone to try this little baby for your upcoming trip. It gives a much clearer idea of what’s possible and what’s not affordable!

Enjoy !

© Pictures: Screenshots by me of Rome2rio.com

Simplicity

… is the ultimate sophistication, said Leonardo Da Vinci !

I was feeling a lot of confusion/depression/tiredness/laziness towards writing elegant, illustrated, well-thought posts on this blog, when I realized it should not be about beauty, structure or even entertainment ! It should be about simplicity, and interest, and uncomplicated sharing of opinions !

So, I’m going to follow Leonardo’s advice and do it simply to do it well !

Back to basics…

 

The cuteness factor

This post is inspired by all the commercials and other advertising tools that use the young and the restless to make us smile, laugh or even cry.

> Let’s start with a right-on-target, clever commercial: Evian. A few years ago in France, they decided to show us the effects of their spring water onto human organisms…

Clearly surrealist, but oh so cuuuuute ! Don’t you think ? And well, as I said, “right-on-target” because who wants their babies to be happy and healthy ? Mommy does ! And “Mommy” is a very sensitive kind of consumer

> Switiching to a more unexpected but amusing choice, the US award for most popular/funny/cute campaign using babies could (should?) be bestowed on E*trade ! You see where I’m going, now ? The Superbowl commercials with infants talking stocks and investments… duh !

“It’s so easy” … a baby can do it ! They kept a very consistent campaign and to me, it does the trick (although I don’t buy stocks, and am not planning too !)

> Alright, now here is a very recent one: Ally, the bank that believes it’s not cool laying rules and limitations and expecting people to follow without a complaint. Here is how they use the “cuteness factor” in their campaign…

In their own different way, they succeed in delivering a very simple message: If kids understand it’s wrong, why can’t you?

And now, to end this little post on a cute note, here are the “pépites” (gold nuggets) of French kiddy commercials…

Translation for non-French visitors: Maurice the Goldfish is accused by the little kid to be eating all the ChocoSui’s (chocolatey frothy dessert = chocolate mousse). The kid is calling the RSPCA to denounce Maurice since he ate 3 ChocoSui’s at once ! (Tagline –> “Tu pousses le bouchon un peu trop loin, Maurice !” = “You are pushing the envelope way too far, Maurice !”)

Nestlé again, chocolate mousse again… They probably wanted to keep with the naughty-cuty kid idea ! This time, the little girl is giving you a good-manners lesson. “My dad always say you should not eat chocolate mousse before dinner… Otherwise, you deceive the trust that your parents have put inside of you !!“

Et voilà !!!

© Evian, E*Trade, Ally, Nestlé

Travel + Generosity = Couchsurfing

Couch… what?

That’s usually the answer I would get from my friends when I would try to introduce them to Couchsurfing.com. In our world of endless possibilities, where everything can be shared, displayed, posted and published, it seems to have become the norm for most to doubt the generosity and genuine kindness of others. It was thus hard for me to describe the Couchsurfing project without getting weird looks and puzzled expressions.

“CouchSurfing is a neologism referring to the practice of moving from one friend’s house to another, sleeping in whatever spare space is available, floor or couch, generally staying a few days before moving on to the next house.

The term couchsurfing was adopted by The CouchSurfing Project in 1999 for what is now the world’s largest hospitality exchange network. With over 2 million members in 237 countries and territories, CouchSurfing is the most visited hospitality service on the Internet, averaging around 40 million daily page views July-December 2009.” – Source: Wikipedia

With our media constantly broadcasting news about the worst crimes committed by the craziest characters, it’s no suprise people don’t feel like blindly receiving or staying with strangers.

For all of you who feel that way, it’s time to STOP WORRYING, and START LIVING !

Being careful certainly remains a proof of wisdom. However, the Couchsurfing creators took every precaution possible, so that your travel experience does not end up a catastrophe. They developped a verification system, to ensure that members are providing actual physical address and existing contact information. Moreover, when you sign up, they insist deeply on the importance of respecting a few rules regarding yourself and other Couchsurfers.

For instance, when preparing a trip…

• CouchSearch with care. Choose your host carefully by reading her profile thoroughly…
• Make plans. Both you and your host should be clear on when you’re arriving and where you’ll meet…
• Always have a back up plan. If something comes up last minute, be ready to find a hostel…
• Come prepared. Bring groceries or enough cash to eat out…
• Discuss your schedule. Agree on your arrival and departure date ahead of time…

My own experience with CS started in 2009 by word-to-mouth… I checked the website, became a member, and as my brother was planning to visit me for 2 weeks during the summer, I started planning a CouchSurfing Road Trip. We went from Rock Hill, SC to Atlanta, GA, New Orleans, LA, Panama City Beach FL, Orlando FL, Savannah GA, back to Atlanta, GA, and finally Rock Hill, SC. We ‘surfed’ four couches in four cities — Our sister lives in Atlanta — and each of them was a ‘success’: welcoming people, comfortable sleeping arrangements, unique discoveries thanks to the hosts, and irreplaceable memories !

After our trip, my brother Rémi became a member of CS too. Shortly after he went back to Grenoble (France), he was asked to host a guy for a couple of days. Turns out, the guy came back to live in Grenoble and became my brother’s roommate !!

I recommend to everyone that likes travelling and socializing to be a part of this project, offer their couch and go surf others’. There are no words to describe these experiences. And clearly, Couchsurfing is MUCH more than just free accomodation and hospitality.

You can learn more by visiting the Couchsurfing.com, or the Couchsurfing Wiki.

© Wikipedia, CouchSurfing

To like AND to dislike

Should Facebook add a ‘dislike’ button?

Interesting debate, isn’t it? Who has never heard a friend say: “I wish I could dislike this status/photo/post !”

Well,  I found an article that helps you understand why Marc Zuckerberg will consider adding the ‘dislike’ option (or not!). Pete Cashmore from Mashable (excellent Social Media Blog) wrote the article this week for CNN.

He gives pros and cons, which can be resumed as pros = it would benefit Facebook users’ feelings explicitation, and cons = it would disadvantage brands and companies that don’t want to get ‘bad’ publicity. Even though Marc Zuckerberg, recently interviewed by Diane Sawyer, acknowledged the possibility of creating the (in)famous button, Pete Cashmore does not believe that it will ever occur.

To make it short, here Cashmore’s conclusion:

Like buttons are about connection; Dislike buttons are about division.

In short, Facebook will never add a Dislike button because it would damage the company’s relationships with brands, businesses and web publishers — these groups are essential for building both web traffic and ad revenue.

Like it or not, Dislike buttons aren’t coming to Facebook anytime soon.

So what do YOU think? Is it ok to spare your feelings for the sake of capitalism and big companies? In a pretty general opinion, everyone should be given the right to agree or disagree (like or dislike) with something. This article makes me realize (even more than I was aware of) that even though I enjoy sharing news, receiving some, chatting, watching, listening, and the rest, I don’t like the idea of being ‘manipulated.’ Because that’s what it is ! If you’re not given anything but one option, then you end up with two choices: clicking or not clicking…

And frankly, who does NOT click these days?

© Article: Pete Cashmore, Mashable, CNN – Pictures: Inc.com, Google.com, Fastcompany.com

I ride with Surfrider…

I recently bought a car for myself and this is why I’m talking about Surfrider Foundation today. Odd, I know, but you’ll get it, I promise !

Surfrider Foundation is a world-wide non-profit organization that vows to protect and sustain the oceans, shores and the living beings concerned by it. It all started in California in 1984, with a group of “visionary surfers.” They now count 50,000 members internationally.

I have been aware of the existence of this organization for several years now. It all started back in France, when I was educating myself about what could be done to protect our beaches, waves and oceans (European SF website). Additionnally, I grew up on Reunion island, located in the Indian Ocean (that will probably be another story in another post) and have always felt sympathy and an urge to take care of the nature I was able to enjoy. Plus, I clearly feel in my element when I dive, swim, surf, snorkle, or just wade !!!

I had to !

SO… when a few months ago, I realized I was getting close to the point of buying my first car (yes… mine !), I looked up tags on the South Carolina DMV website, and miraculously found a Surfrider piece. I decided I would HAVE to buy it for my car. It’s done now ! So i hope my $65- donation is sent to you guys (By the way, I ride a Chrysler Sebring Convertible… just to let you know how well this tag fits with my cool ride !)

I follow them on Facebook, receive their newsletter called “Soup,” and try to keep up with all the events and initiatives they take to make the Ocean a better place.

Well, this is about it, here are some cool advertising campaigns they did… Please check out their website, and register with your local chapter ! There’s nothing like helping Mother Nature out !

© Photos: Surfrider Foundation USA, Surfrider Foundation Europe, Myself

Twilight Tide

Drive-in Twilight session

I’m BACK to the blogosphere !!! I’m very excited because I wasn’t sure what to start with… Here is what inspired me:

Last night, I finally finished ‘Eclipse’, the third book of the Twilight series. I have obviously seen the movie itself (twice actually… in a drive-in theater the second time)

but I had not yet reached the end of the book. I’m much more of a book-fan than a movie-fan when it comes to adaptations (such as ‘Harry Potter’). However, it is always nice to help the imagination with different images than what you have imagined in the first place. Now, I clearly want to start reading ‘Breaking Dawn’ right away…

BUT an issue popped up ! A minor one, but still… I want the book in paperback and not in hardcover. It sounds silly, but I like to be able to bend, fold and twist books as I get intense while reading them. Anyway, I start Googling “breaking dawn paperback” but I can’t find it online either (nothing else than the chinese, spanish, large print, etc versions)… so I give in not sure that it’s really available yet… but I keep looking at my Google page and what do I see ?

The Official Website of Stephenie Meyer… I gotta say I’m a Twilight fan, but I never thought of frenzily looking up stuff online. So I click and I start reading, going through the pages and I decide I really like this website…

Here are some really cool stuff you can find on there

–> All the books, movies and related novels are listed on there

–>Playlists that Stephenie Meyer selected as the songs she listened to while writing the books on.

–> Lists (with pictures) of all the cars featured in the books (and movies for the most part)

–> Other projects that S. Meyer work on,

–> Original covers for the books,

–> Links to the Forks tourist information website that allow you to better visualize the setting of the Saga (Twilight Point Of Interests in Forks). Forks has definitely earned a lot of reputation from the books and movies and the inhabitants have adapted to the story: Dr Cullen parking spot at the hospital, Cullens’ house, LaPush First Beach, etc…

And much more… I want to keep a little suspense for those who will actually go have a look at the website for the first time. There is a very surprising addition in the related novel type… I’ll let you guys find it. S. Meyer explains how (unfortunately) this addition came to light, but it’s all good and everyone should enjoy it now !

(Nothing to do with Twilight, but here is one of the videos for a project Stephenie Meyer completed)

© Stephenie Meyer / Jack Mannequin / Noble Jones / Myself