Picking a Ripe Melon

There are many old wives tales about how to tell if a melon is ripe.  The only one I have total confidence in is that cantaloupes should no longer be green under that webbed upper rind surface, should smell like cantaloupes, and not be at all mushy.

When it comes to watermelons, I try to go by looks, as I never figured out what thumping noise is desirable.  Winter is not the best time for watermelons, but my kids love the miniature ones, and I thought I had a winner a few days ago.

That is, until I picked it up off the counter later that same morning.  Now, I have heard of thumping, and tapping, and smelling… but did you know sometimes it might be a good idea to shake a melon?  Okay, maybe it’s not a good idea, but I highly recommend no one buys the ones that slosh.

Our seemingly perfect melon sloshed.  At first I thought, “Well, I’ll give it a chance.”  Then I thought, “I do not want to return a watermelon.  I’m going to take photos so I can show the store and get a new melon without taking anything back.”

It was a decidedly BAD melon.  Now, I can be a bit picky about texture with melons—unable to tolerate anything under or overripe.  Once I brought a bunch of cantaloupe to the park to share with friends, and Carter’s buddy Luke didn’t like it.  His mom chided him, saying, “It’s good!”  I tasted it, and agreed with Luke.  YUCK!  So yeah, I can be a wee bit picky.

I’ll leave it to a vote.  Does this look like I was being picky?

So far, so good!

Hmmmm…..

Oh my.  I have never seen such a thing!  The fruit looked like raw fish or maybe ceviche.  Blech.  I know you’re on the edge of your seat worrying about our melon situation, so you’ll be mightily relieved to know our next melon was perfect.  And I didn’t even shake it.  :)

Perfection Salad

Perfection Salad, originally uploaded by MADsLucky13.

I just had to share this feast for the eyes.

Many, many apologies to anyone who's not wanting dinner after looking at this. Unless you're looking to skip a meal. Then, you're welcome!! :)

Yay, another bad idea!

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Well fear not, now there is the Catapult Spoon. This baby is spring loaded to ensure dinner time is F-U-N again! Who wouldn't enjoy ducking for cover during the witching hour? For only $9 per spoon (plus shipping!!!), you'll be the coolest mom ever, and the kids will squeal with delight as they launch peas, mashed potatoes, you NAME it! Whee!

Daily Randomness

Lunch poaching is an age old sport in some offices. It's a common problem, though I was lucky enough to not suffer from it; I like to think it's because my office was an honest lot, but perhaps my lunches were just not all that appetizing. ;)

However, there is a solution that is both ingenious and revolting at the same time! (And who doesn't want that?!?) Enter the moldy sandwich bag. It's a perfectly clean sammich bag that has been doctored to look like its contents are inedible--or perhaps contain the cure to pneumonia. I'm not kidding. Here, see:



I guess it'd be effective. Unless you forget about it and leave it overnight or have an overzealous fridge cleaner in your midst. Then your lunch is trash!

Personally, I am not sure I could get over the appearance of this. I would just keep an insulated bag at my own desk if it were that big an issue.

I never needed to know this existed.

I believe I have mentioned before my odd fascination with Japanese schwag. I find the way popular culture there is manifested to be both oddly compelling and, well, just plain damn odd. I used to collect stationery sets, but having kids limits my actual letter writing nowadays. I fiddle around with bento, though I have not gotten up the nerve to go to the Japanese dept store to buy real-deal bento boxes; I just fake it with Pack & Pack containers. Anyway! This I never want, nor do I ever want any-effing-one aside perhaps from an ENT specialist helping me clean my ears. Gag.

http://www.jbox.com/PRODUCT/FY377
Hello Kitty Ear Pick

The Japanese love cleaning their ears, and it is often a sign of love if your partner will clean your ears for you. It is not an uncommon sight in Japan to see a man with his head on his partner's lap while she scapes out his ear wax with the precision of a surgeon. This Hello Kitty mimikaki (ear pick) will help you recreate the uniquely Japanese experience of having your ear wax cleaned out. Made of wood with a tiny ladle-like scraper at the end, it is made to be inserted into the ear (but not too far!) and scoop out the ear wax. On top of course, is a incredibly cute figurine of Hello Kitty, usefully weighted for balancing the delicate instrument. There is a whole subculture in Japan dedicated to ear picking, find out why with this high-quality Hello Kitty Ear Pick. 5" (12cm) long. Of course, always excercise common sense when inserting anything inside your body -- these ear cleaners are used throughout Asia but should be used with caution in a sturdy place, like your girlfriend/wife's lap. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)