Caprese Salad (tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, a little olive oil, salt & pepper) looks impressive if you take a little time to arrange it.

Roasted Beet Salad (roasted beets, a little goat or bleu cheese, toasted nuts & vinaigrette)

Homemade Hummus with warmed pitas, olives and some pickled veggies.

Toasted Pound Cake (homemade or bakery-bought) with Vanilla Ice Cream and Homemade Raspberry Sauce... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 10:47 AM on June 11, 2008

I thought this happened to me, but it turned out it was just this.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 12:58 PM on June 9, 2008

Hidden Villa Ranch in the Los Altos Hills. You get a bucolic farm and gardens, hiking trails and a hostel if you decide you want to stay the night.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 4:34 PM on April 10, 2008

Some of these things could be interesting to the 2 year-old now, others would have to wait until the kids are older, but I'm thinking:

- stories, images and animated shorts about themselves as superheroes
- funny stories or illustrations of their parents, family, house, pets, etc.
- quizzes or challenges that they could accomplish for small prizes or treats when you visit
- have them tell you stories and then illustrate them and vice... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 9:27 AM on February 22, 2008

Police, fire fighters, paramedics and 911 dispatch positions all have lengthy exams.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 10:03 AM on January 24, 2008

Salon.com had an on-going series about internet dating (if you consider that "blind") called Match Made in Heaven Made in Hell. There are more here.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 12:36 PM on December 19, 2007

Seconding Happy Dave.

I used to be a museum intern/slave and I found that gloves like these (I really liked the ones with the vinyl tips) saved my hands from dehydration and cuts. Not only will you avoid paper cuts, but if you apply lotion before putting them on, you will have beautiful hands.

They are more noticeable than finger condoms, but less fussy to wear.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 12:27 PM on December 19, 2007

It'll make me feel grinchy if it's just an ad for a ski resort.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 2:53 PM on December 13, 2007

it's just a little holiday fun and silliness

Hooray!
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 3:36 PM on December 14, 2007

Ooh that sounds fantastic! Now I want Spicy Squid Bits!
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 11:38 AM on December 12, 2007

I'm in love with the majority of the dog stuff at Obey the Purebreed, but they have awesome baby stuff too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 9:45 AM on December 7, 2007

tonsils
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 3:36 PM on November 28, 2007

Whatever you decide, I recommend submitting it here. Your feline appears to be highly snorglable.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 11:40 AM on November 28, 2007

I heartily second cheese soufflé (it's so good with shallots and Gruyère cheese), but it can be a bit time-sensitive.

My absolute favorite vegetarian holiday recipe is Anna Thomas's Cheddar-Walnut Balls with Orange Cranberry Sauce (from The Vegetarian Epicure). They're tasty, comforting and forgiving if they need to be reheated. Meat-eaters love them as well.

Mefi Mail me if you'd like the recipe.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 12:58 PM on November 27, 2007

Great, now I want one!
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 2:15 PM on September 28, 2007

I started exercising every frickin' day, I got out and met people, I made new friends, I accustomed myself to a morning and evening routine, I got a hobby, I read new books, I found unconditional love, I rediscovered my neighbors and neighborhood, I took classes and I started to find humor in the smallest of things.

In short, I got a dog.

It's not the answer for everyone, and you have to be ready for the responsibility, but it was one of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 11:49 AM on September 18, 2007

I highly recommend checking with your vet and seeing if Kelsi's aggression could be connected to a health problem or if it's abnormal for a dog with pups.

If it's not a physical problem, there are a lot of good resources out there for dealing with aggressive dogs. My dog has been responding really well to the positive training techniques in these books:

How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong
How to be the Leader of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 9:53 AM on August 10, 2007 marked best answer

I can't tell where you're located, but some large auction houses like Bonhams & Butterfields and Doyle have Appraisal Days where you can have your items appraised for free.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 4:05 PM on June 14, 2007

I second A189Nut's suggestion and add: make a mix CD of songs by his favorite artists for their children. A whole bunch of examples here.

A friend did this for a baby shower and everyone agreed it would be a lovely gift for any parent.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 3:51 PM on June 14, 2007 marked best answer

Two words: mud pit.

Even better: rope swing and mud pit.

Maybe part of your dirt area could be sectioned off?

In my experience as a caretaker of occasional herds of young boys, this is the surest way to ensure an afternoon of outdoor bedlam, indoor peace and an early bedtime.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 12:36 PM on May 24, 2007

Go the library and check out vegetarian cookbooks. There will be a lot of asian-inspired recipes, but there will also be many others. I'm seconding lil' earsrecommendations. I love The Vegetarian Epicure (she does use a lot of butter, olive oil and cheese) and the Moosewoods Cookbooks (they have a lowfat cookbook).

You can also modify almost any recipe with meat by removing the meat and/or replacing it with soy products (tofu, tempeh, TVP), eggs, dairy or beans.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 10:54 AM on April 27, 2007

Though you could argue there is one scene of self-reflection/self-pity, Jake LaMotta's arrogance and violence is pretty consistent throughout Raging Bull. On preview, I second phaedon.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 4:25 PM on April 26, 2007

Cute Overload.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 3:46 PM on April 11, 2007

Allergy shots combined with food avoidance can be a great solution.

With shots, you can often move to less frequent visits and adjust your serum for the best possible results. With the exception of the first dosage of a new serum, I have never experienced the waiting that chairface describes. In fact, many allergists (at least in the US) will provide you with serum and prescription syringes (similar to those used for insulin) to administer shots at home.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 3:39 PM on April 4, 2007

Botswana: Though I'm sure there are "heavier" works, Andrew McCall Smith's Precious Ramotswe stories are illuminating and thoroughly enjoyable.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 12:46 PM on April 4, 2007

I have to second amyms. Deciding to use Meals on Wheels does not make you a lesser caregiver. Even though both my mom and I lived in town, my grandmother had MoW. I would come over every other evening and repackage her meals into more manageable servings (one meal was enough for two dinners) and make sure they were fresh. I would often add fresh or frozen veggies to the meals and take out anything I knew she didn't like.

In addition, the volunteers are usually... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 10:49 AM on February 15, 2007

I second Red Rocks. It is so nice to get a break from all the noise and people and take a nice walk/hike in the desert. There are plenty of walking trails and a little visitor's center.

If you are at all interested in cars, I recommend checking out the The Auto Collections at the Imperial Palace. They're usually giving out free passes and it's a good way to kill a few hours. Plus, it's also adjacent to clean restrooms and a meeting room with an amazing antique... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 11:28 AM on January 17, 2007

I've got ants in my pants. They make me do the boogie dance all the way to France.

This is a useful little ditty. I have found that it is nearly impossible for a small child to continue crying when this is sung while shaking your booty.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 10:02 AM on January 11, 2007

A little cream cheese and a dab of pepper jelly on a water cracker.

1 part Bleu cheese, 1 part cream cheese, 1 part sour cream (light works just fine) and a little minced onion. Spread in endive leaves and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.

For something hokey but very tasty: A Cheese Hedgehog.

Also, Lil' Smokies are the hit of any party. People suck these down like nothing else, buy twice as many as you think you need.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 1:24 PM on December 20, 2006

I second the Mango with Sticky Rice, it's so good.

Mango with sour cream. Flavor the sour cream with a little honey and grated lemon or lime rind.

Chop mangoes into a green salad as you would apples. It's especially good with avocados in the salad.

Can or freeze your own Mango Chutney. Serve it with meat, chicken, curries, etc. Personally, I love it on a Pear and Brie sandwich (thinly sliced pear, gooey brie, greens... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 4:13 PM on December 4, 2006

"Dear Colleagues"
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 1:42 PM on November 13, 2006

I have met about a dozen people who went on the JET program. Every single one of them loved it. Almost half of them decided to extend their stay and most of them cite it has the best thing they ever did.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 9:09 AM on November 9, 2006

It might not be exactly what you're looking for, but the photo of Truman holding the "Dewey Defeats Truman" headline always reminds me that "it ain't over 'till it's over."
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 2:45 PM on November 2, 2006

French Catholics sometimes use blue for girls because it's a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 3:27 PM on October 24, 2006

Because I am obsessed with the place, I offer the Soane Museum.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 11:30 AM on October 3, 2006

I agree with muddgirl. Don't answer the question and don't mention why unless asked. Though you are in the right, pointing out their error might be taken the wrong way. If you want to notify them of the inappropriate question, do it after the selection process is complete.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 11:23 AM on October 3, 2006

I'm also interested in movies that explore themes of men being afraid of something inherent to women, such as a vagina dentata theme or perhaps something involving the maternal instinct gone wrong.

The Wall.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 12:40 PM on October 2, 2006

If there is an anxiety component to your depression (and maybe even if there isn't), I highly recommend the community at TAPIR. They have a boards on all kinds of topics and a chat option as well. I have found it to be a great place to go when I'm feeling at my worst.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 12:54 PM on August 28, 2006

I've always had good luck with peace lilies. They droop when they are getting dry, but perk right back up. I even get them to bloom a few times a year. They are poisonous to some pets.

On preview, I second the recommendation for aloe.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 11:51 AM on August 2, 2006

I will fight anyone who says "toothsome" is obsolete.

I'm kidding jamjam . . . well kinda.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 1:03 PM on July 25, 2006

I found Peter Gay's The Education of the Senses interesting with a good number of original sources and I second jack_mo's recommendation of Judith Walkowitz.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 4:38 PM on July 24, 2006

A crafty vixen has created a pretty nifty tribute to TLSG.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 1:25 PM on July 21, 2006

Ramen salad, here's one example. At a recent BBQ it was a big hit among a large group of foodies.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 3:02 PM on July 20, 2006

anonymous, the questions you're describing sound the same as those asked of a friend of mine who applied to be a 911 dispatcher.

She was repeatedly advised (from other emergency personnel, including police) to tell the truth. None of the situations you described sound like they would automatically disqualify you, but it depends on the department. However, if they discover that you lied (or clearly avoided answering a clear question), that would be a problem.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 1:18 PM on July 13, 2006

My dog is named La Chienne Nikita, an alternate name was Chi Chi Dogriguez.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 3:35 PM on June 21, 2006

It sounds like this might be a short-term arrangement for you, but a lot of communities offer Landlording 101 courses. Not only do they provide all kinds of good info to protect you, they outline your responsibilities as a landlord. Different communities have different laws about deposits, evictions, etc. It will help you protect yourself and keep happy tenants.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 2:07 PM on May 9, 2006

For anything that doesn't sell, try freecycle. You won't make any money, but it's likely you'll find people who are interested in coming and picking up your leftovers.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 2:31 PM on April 29, 2006

Duct tape.

It was invented to keep water out of ammunition casings.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 1:55 PM on April 17, 2006

I have another possible option that worked when I was in school. When there were two major shows on at the same time, dorms would host different shows. For example, one dorm would show "Gilmore Girls" and the other would show "Friends."

It made it more of a social event and resolved the issue when there were two popular shows at once.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 4:20 PM on April 13, 2006

Brussel sprouts with anchovies. Steam the sprouts until they're just done. Put one can of anchovies in a hot skillet and add a couple crushed garlic cloves. When the garlic is just starting to turn golden, throw in the sprouts. Saute until everything is coated. Serve piping hot with a little fresh-ground pepper on top. Sooooooooo good.
posted to Ask Metafilter by annaramma at 11:31 AM on March 27, 2006