It's Not Summer Until the First S'More

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1fggXCr

Oh summer, the magical, mystical time of year. The sun is out and the shorts are on and anything feel possible. I love it, don't you? For me, summer is official after  I've roasted a marshmallow over a real fire and then eaten it's crunchy, fluffy goodness and repeated the process five or six or twenty times (I really like marshmallows). Two weeks into the summer vacation, I finally got to have my s'more. Now I'm ready to blast off into a whirlwind of summery stuff. 

This year, I've decided to approach things a little different than my usual relaxing vacations. I want to use this summer to grow as a person, and so I've complied a list of goals for things I want to do before August 13, my first day of school stuff. My list is as follows:

1. Learn to love to eat healthy. No more relying on chips and McDonalds to survive the day. I know s'mores are counter productive to this, but sometimes you have to enjoy a treat too. The key is balance.  Which leads to my next goal. 

2. Learn to cook more than just chicken and potatoes. Seriously, I can't survive  on chicken and potatoes forever.

3. Learn to run. I've wanted to do this forever, and I figure if not now, when? This will probably be my toughest goal, but it's the one I'm most excited about too. 

Most of these goals are in the general direction of getting fit and hopefully staying that way once school starts. I love myself, and I know my husband loves me, but I want to feel good every day no matter what. I want people to look at me and think: She works for what she has. I also, someday, want to be able to feel good doing cosplay because I think that would be badass. Despite all of this, my last goals are totally unrelated and mostly for fun. I'm very excited about them:

4. Learn to take photographs. I'm not saying  going to be a great photographer, but I have a pretty nice camera and I want to learn to use it and use it well.  

5. Learn to quilt, and finish at least one quilt. Hopefully the ugly duckling quilt, which is well on its way to completion. 

So, that's what the ducks and I will be up to this summer. Care to join us? Happy summering everyone!

Badass restaurant in Utah serves a "Duckie Death Star"

So, when I read the name "Duckie Death Star" I didn't think it could be that bad. It literally involves rubber ducks in the title. Then they brought out these monstrosities and I realized I was very,  very wrong.

I don't really drink. It's just not my style. But I'd do pretty much anything for a rubber duck. So I ordered myself a Duckie Death Star with the intent of sharing it with a friend. We both ordered meals and showed the waitress our IDs and then patiently waited for everything to come out. 

AFTER ordering I looked at the drunk menu to see what was in my Duckie Death Star (it's really fun to say, okay). NOT A SINGLE THING IN THERE WAS ALCOHOL FREE. I was literally about to drink a fishbowl of alcohol. For a rubber duck. What is wrong with me?!? So I had about three drinks from it and noped out, passing it on to my friend. After eating all my food, I had a few more drinks. I figured that was good, I barely drank half but I still felt I had earned my rubber duck. 

Imagine my surprise when everything started to feel a little weird. I stood up to go to the bathroom and it all hit me at once. It was not pleasant! But at the end of the day, it only took a few glasses of water to feel normal again. AND I got two uniquely adorable rubber ducks!

The morals of the story are as follows:

1) Being drunk is definitely not for me. 

2) Always check the drink menu before ordering. 

3) The rubber duck is ALWAYS worth it in the end. 

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1QraHD9

A Mystery Solved

Sherlock and Dr. O.J. Patterson came to a conclusion about Betty's murder a few days ago, but they were so shocked with the results they had to test and retest before an announcement could be made. Finally, when they had undeniable, irrefutable evidence, Sherlock called everyone together for a meeting.

The ducks have gathered for an important meeting. 

The doctor and detective duo began to explain the mystery to all.

Betty went out with her friends Billy, Jack, Frenchy, Martha and Frank. Soon after arriving at the party, Billy had to leave. Martha and Frank were busy being a couple, so Betty, Jack, and Frenchy spent a lot of the night together. They did some dancing and had some refreshments. Martha and Frank joined them for a bit, then the group split up. Frenchy and Betty were going to have a sleep over, they couldn't stop talking about it.

This is where things got a little muggy for Sherlock. Since Frenchy refused to cooperate, the detective had to piece together everything. From what he could gather, Frenchy and Betty left the party and headed into town in search of a little more fun before hitting the hay. While walking around, the girls apparently ran into some "unfriendlies", and Frenchy took off. Betty either didn't follow or was too slow, because Frenchy didn't see her again. 

Martha was so upset, because she feels had she spent the night with Frenchy and Betty, the ladies would not have ran into trouble. She essentially blamed herself and would not be convinced otherwise. Which is why she was PISSED when Sherlock announced that Betty was, in fact, quite alive.

Here she is, alive and well.

Yes, you read that right. Here she is, alive and well. Now you must be wondering how on earth Dr. Patterson examined a dead body if there was none? Well, in the world of ducks, rubber ducks get along with zombie ducks (also known as dead ducks and devil ducks) in a tentative friendship. But occasionally, zombie ducks like to play a "prank" on rubber ducks. These pranks are designed more to remind everyone that zombie ducks are still around and less to be funny.

For this particular "prank" the zombie ducks approached Betty and Frenchy, and Betty eagerly agreed to be part of their little plan. She gave the zombie ducks all of her identifying information. Since rubber ducks do not have DNA, all  they had to identify Betty was her stuff. They just had to give it to one of their ducks, and place them where Betty was last seen. To make sure the zombie replacement stayed "dead", she took a heavy duty sleeping medication that lasted for several days.

Sherlock and Dr. Patterson questioning the zombie duck.

The zombies did not account for Dr. Patterson's excellent knowledge of the rubber duck body. He soon realized that he was not looking at a rubber duck, but a zombie duck. When Sherlock couldn't get any answers from Frenchy, he assumed something was up. Since they are notorious for their little reminders, Sherlock assumed zombies were involved.  He told Dr. Patterson who used an anti sleep serum to wake up the zombie and get some answers. 

Chaos and outrage after the announcement.

Many of the rubber ducks are outraged with Betty. How could she do this to them? However, most are relieved that there is not a murderer among them. Betty mean while feels awful for the trouble she called and is on probation until further notice. Since zombie ducks are technically their own community, all Sherlock could do was to ask them to please play less traumatizing pranks.

A Distraction

The duckies are all debating over what happened to their friend. Tomorrow will be the memorial service for dear Betty, and hopefully the reveal of what happened. Sherlock and Dr. Patterson have been conferring and seem to have come to a conclusion and finished the investigation.

In the mean time, the ducks went out to visit Pet Smart today. They found one of their friends has found a home amongst slightly furrier companions.



Doesn't he look regal?

Dr. Patterson

Dr. Patterson is on the case! He has been reviewing Betty's body looking for clues. He has found some very strange findings! Tomorrow the doctor will confer with Sherlock. Soon enough they will blow this case wide open.

The Investigation Continues

With no new leads, Sherlock decided to interview all of Betty's friends who were with her Sunday night.




First he talked to Billy. Unfortunately, Billy had been called away soon after the party started, so he didn't know much. He told Sherlock to talk to Jack.



Jack was very cooperative, talking Sherlock through the entire night. Betty spent most of the night with Frenchy, and when everyone left, Betty left with her.




Frenchy wouldn't say anything. Sherlock told her silence looked suspicious but Frenchy is keeping her mouth locked up tight! Since there is no evidence, Sherlock had to let her go.



Finally Sherlock tried to talk to Martha. Poor Martha is still so upset, though. She couldn't make a coherent sentence, so her boyfriend Frank had to be explain for her.

After interrogating everyone he could think of, Sherlock is finally feeling like he might have a break in the case! It should be wrapped up soon.

Tragedy

Today is a tragic day for the Maurice Rubber Duck Clan. A disaster has struck. You may remember Betty from the challenge. She was the original smallest duck, until my grandma gave me another one the last day of the challenge.



Last night, Bitty... I mean Betty went out to a party with her friends. However, when all the rubber ducks awoke this morning, Betty was no where to be found. A search party soon found a gruesome sight, and Sherlock was immediately called to the screen.



After a tireless investigation, Sherlock still has no leads! He has sent all evidence to Dr. O.J. Patterson for analyzing. Some curious things were left behind, but none of it seems to be connected yet.



Its not much to go on, but if anyone can solve this case its Sherlock and the doctor! In the meantime these poor duckies have been encouraged to live life like normal.

As the details become clearer, we'll let you know.

How to Make a Delicious Dinner

Featuring Frenchy, the Pink Ducky.

First, choose your ingredients and prepare them for cooking. Frenchy choose chicken and potatoes. Here she is searching for ingredients!



Excuse the messy fridge. That's the hazard of living with three men!



She defrosted the chicken and diced the potatoes. Then placed the chicken in the frying pan and the potatoes in a baking dish.



Next, season like crazy. Or at least until it looks good. For the potatoes, Frenchy added red pepper, parsley flakes, onions, and a little bit of garlic. On the chicken she used chicken base, onion powder, and garlic salt.



Once you begin cooking, be sure to check your food frequently for doneness!
*Note: Its only acceptable to eat off cooking utensils if you are cooking for yourself! And never okay to eat raw meat!



The chicken is done when the outside looks white, and you can cut through the biggest piece and find no pink. Be sure to taste for flavor, Frenchy needed more!



Put your food on a plate and top it off with a nice salad and a cold glass of water. Everything tastes better when you eat like a civilized person!



Finally, don't forget to have some desert!

Real Talk Wednesday

"Real Talk Wednesday" is going to be a new feature on the blog where one of the ducks as a question and several people answer it, or a series of questions that one person answers. If you would like to be featured on the blog feel free to take this survey or to comment/message me your email address. Seriously, please get involved with this!

 Okay, on to today's edition of Real Talk Wednesday. As promised, we are going to talk about the who's what's where's when's and why's of my collection. Our interviewer is Jack, the first duck!

Q: When did you first start collecting rubber ducks?

A: I started collecting my first year of college.


Q: I know that I was your first duck, (and who could resist me?) but why did you decide to take it from one duck into a collection.

A: To be honest it wasn't really a decision I made. It just sort of happened. I would be at the store and think, "Hey, this is cute. Taking it home with me!"


Q: Well, it seems to be more of a serious thing now. Why did you really get into your collection?

A: I started having a really hard time my second year in college. Coming home to my duck friends always cheered me up. I love having them out. Getting a new duck is always a little adventure to me. I got really into it when I noticed how happy such a little thing could make me. Sometimes you have to do something for yourself.


Q: Where do you see the collection heading?

A: As long as there are new ducks out there, I will probably keep collecting, I don't think it's going to get crazy like some of the collections I've seen out there, but I don't really plan to quit collecting. It's too much fun!


Q: What made you decide to start a blog about your ducks?

A: All of these ducks are so unique, they must have their own story. I just wanted to have a good time sharing those stories.

Something Different: Last Day!!!

Hooray! Its the last day of my challenge. I have had so much fun with this challenge. Before I post my whole collection, I want to say thank you to Kristina for setting this all up for me! I loved it.



Here we go, all 35 ducks. Check for a blog post coming soon about why I started collecting and what my plans are for this collection.



Also, you may have noticed the tiny duck in the middle. He is brand new, courtesy of my grandma's garden! He's now the smallest duck I have. I didn't have him when I posted it, so I thought I'd let you know.

Something Different: Day Six

Today's challenge is my biggest duck. Most of my ducks are one of two sizes so I wasn't sure I had a "largest", but after a close race between a mad scientist and a detective, I've decided that Sherlock is my largest duck.




Sherlock is pretty new to the flock. My husband and I picked him up at this awesome store called Cabin Fever at Trolley Square. If you've never been there, GO!!! Its so fun. There's a little something for everyone. Well. Every adult.

Something Different: Day Five

Today's challenge is smallest duck!



Jordan and I won this little guy at a random fair in South Jordan one summer. The rides and everything were ridiculously expensive, but we played one of those duck pond games. I had never seen a duck like this before, but now I see them everywhere!

Something Different: Day Four

Today's challenge is my most colorful duck. This was difficult because most of my ducks are one color with another color accessory. But I finally decided on this little fairy princess duck.



I honestly don't remember anything about this duck other than I bought it when I having a really bad day and she was so cute she cheered me up immediately! I love fairies (well Tinkerbell) so she was a great find.




I also have this duck that I made. I got a bunch of blank rubber ducks in the reddit gift exchange, and they came the first day we stayed in our new apartment. So this is the key to my apartment traced all over the duck.

Something Different: Day Three!

I'm dong excellent at keeping up with my challenge!



Today is day three, most wanted duck. I took it in two parts: The duck I want most but don't have, and the duck I wanted most and got.




First up, the duck I most want to add to my collection. This litter quilting duck is AMAZING! I haven't quilted yet, but I love to sew and craft almost as much as I love rubber ducks. Definitely looking to purchase her.
I found her on this website: http://itsarubberduckieworld.com/get-your-quilting-rubber-duckie/




Next is the duck I couldn't live without! This pumpkin duck is so cute! Halloween us my favorite holiday, and I love when October rolls around and the decorations pop up everywhere. I saw this little guy and HAD to have him. It took a little convincing, but eventually Jordan let me get him.

Something Different: Day Two

You may recall that the ducks are taking a week long vacation while I do this challenge:



Today is my first duck. Everyone, meet Jack!



Jack is the duck that started it all. I don't know why, but I saw him and l HAD to have him. It was so insanely important to me. I was at Smith's with my mom and I REALLY wanted this duck, so she bought it for me. It seriously made me SO HAPPY. I displayed it on my dresser at home, which my grandma thought was weird. Then I took it to college and displayed it there. Somehow it went from one duck, to three, to ten, to however many I have now.

Something Different

This week instead of my regular posts, I will be doing a photo challenge. Here are the daily challenges:



For today's challenge, my favorite duck, I'm bringing back my friend Abby!



I love Abby because she was given to me by the sweetest third grader ever. A reminder that children are good, and that there are parents out there who teach their children to be good and do good. I also love Abby because she is adorable and I've never seen another one like her!

Origin Story Sunday

I spent all weekend working on ordering, making, and packaging gifts for the July reddit gift exchanges. This month I signed up for keychains, ninjas, and.... Pirates!!! To celebrate I'm bringing Peter the Pirate out to play.



Peter is a very important rubber duck. Long ago he was captain of an all duck pirate ship, called the Rubber Roger. Peter and his crew of scurvy scallywags sailed the world in search of the dearest treasure out there. They searched high and low, near and far. They pillaged and plundered, frightened and fought. They searched endlessly to no avail.


As their treasure chests filled up, their hearts felt more and more empty. These rubber rascals didn't need more gold or jewels. They had grown tired of terrorizing towns. Peter recognized his crews dismay, and set out to make it right. What each of his rubbery mateys was a place to settle down. A place with love and warmth. A family.


So the Rubber Roger set off on its last trip. At each port, Peter found the perfect family for a crew member or two, and he would send them on their way with a little gold to live a life of luxury. Finally, no one was left but Peter. What would he do? Where would he go?

Peter sailed on, in search of a new life for himself. Occasionally he would stop to stock up on supplies. That's how I found Peter, and I knew what he really need was a new crew. Now he lives happily with his own family and he hasn't missed pirate life once.

Okay. Maybe a little. But he's still happy. Look at that face!

Summer Colds

Little Scott has caught one of those awful colds. He hasn't been adventuring because he's snuggled up at home, napping. Forgive him, he'll be back soon! Or he will be sending one of his friends to adventure.

Scouting the Grocery Wildlife

Safari Scott is scouting out the local hunting grounds. So far, nothing edible has been found.

The Rest!

After the fireworks there was a fair with lots of vendors and some big blow up rides and tons of delicious food. There was also a concert on the lawn. I didn't get a picture of those, but trust me it was awesome. Uncle Sam enjoyed sitting around with the free flags they handed out.



The fireworks started at 10 PM, with a sound track of some patriotic songs. I seriously love this part. Fireworks without music are just not as magical anymore. Uncle Sam loved the songs. Here are some of Uncle Sam's very favorite fireworks.










That's all folks! We hope you survived your Monday and that it ended well. Cheers to a good week!