Wake Me Up When It's Spring, Please

MelBivDevoe

I bet many of you were hibernating during Winter Storm Nemo, though probably not by choice.  Storms like that are precisely why we moved south, although I do miss the joy of a good snow day every now and then.  Check out the snowfall totals and pics of the storm here.  (USA Today)

Pinky shared this link recently and I think it's worthy of passing on.  If you've ever wanted to volunteer your time but feel you don't have much to give, this site is perfect for you - it lists "microvolunteering" ideas that you can do from home.  (Help From Home)

I knew Lay's was holding a contest to create a new flavor of potato chip, but I didn't realize they'd started making the finalists already.  Here are three flavors that have already hit some shelves around the country.  I will just stick to the salt & vinegar chips, thanks.  (Laughing Squid)

Here's some macabre (and expensive) bling, just in time for Valentine's Day.  I dig it.  But do the joints move or do you have to hold your hand like that while you wear it?  (Geeks Are Sexy)

Are You Making Your Lists and Checking Them Twice?

MelBivDevoe

Is There a S.P.E.W. for North Pole Elves?

Today marks exactly two weeks until Christmas Eve!  Are you surviving the crowds and whittling down that list?  Here's an idea for your Lego-lovin', Whedon-worshipping friends.  (io9)

If you're trying to find the perfect presents for your foodie friends, Food & Wine has you covered.  Love the mason jar shaker!  (Food & Wine)

Meanwhile, Barbra Streisand is considering gifting the world with her plans to cast Lady Gaga in her  upcoming film production of "Gypsy."  I just want to know if Babs is going to play mama Rose.  That'd be a hell of a double bill!  (AV Club)  (h/t Case)

T-Minus 4 Days 'Til Turkey Day!

MelBivDevoe

I'm with Grumpy Cat on this one - let's put the Christmas decorating on hold until after Thanksgiving, shall we?  One holiday at a time, people!

I mean, even Black Friday is encroaching on Turkey Day, too.  Some stores are opening on Thanksgiving night as early as 8pm, so people can spend even less time with their families and more time fighting the crowds to save a 10-20% on things they don't need and will probably forget about a week after Christmas.  Retail workers, you have my sympathy!  (CNN)

I Am the Girl of 100 Lists... Er, 10, Actually

MelBivDevoe

Happy Monday!  I'm recovering from the second of two weddings two weekends in a row, so today's links will be a bit different - nothing but lists of good things to get your week off to a great start!

Still need some homemade costume suggestions?  How about 25 ideas?  (The Gloss)

Or why not dress up as one of these 10 badass women from history?  (The Mary Sue)

Nothing brightens my day like a good Photoplasty contest:  here's 19 ways to make great movies even better.  (Cracked)

Don't Be Scared, It's Just Link Time

MelBivDevoe

If you're in need of a quick laugh this morning, check out these photos of terrified "bros" from the Nightmares Fear Factory haunted house in Niagara Falls.  Lots of hugging and hiding going on!  (BuzzFeed)

Huh.  I kinda dig Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's coordinating tattoos, both portions of a famous speech.  You'll never guess the source of that speech.  (The Gloss)

I don't care what the authors of this piece think, those zombie Martian Muppet costumes are pretty fantastic.  (Vulture)

Baby Got... Self-Respect

MelBivDevoe

Pretty sweet sign, right?  You've gotta check out the rest of the lyrics, though, to really appreciate it.  (So... That Happened)  (h/t Resa)

This list of foods to avoid at fast food restaurants might have you avoiding those restaurants altogether.  I suppose that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing... but who could give up the sweet, artery-clogging deliciousness of a place like Five Guys (for example)?  (Business Insider)

I can't believe it, but these might be the most unappealing cupcakes I've ever seen.  I didn't even know it was possible to make a cupcake I wouldn't want to eat!  (Who Killed Bambi)

Here's a recipe for Sriracha Ice Cream Sandwiches, if that's your kinda thing.  They do look pretty yummy, but I haven't the buds for such a spicy treat.  (Laughing Squid)

Apply Water Directly to Burn

MelBivDevoe

Yesterday, the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, called out another politician for being a misogynist and a hypocrite, and you can see the whole thing here.  It's a bit long, but pretty damn fantastic.  Give 'em hell, Prime Minister!  (Business Insider)  (h/t Replica)

Here's a multi-step guide to building a remixable wardrobe.  This stylish blogger makes it look easy to build a large wardrobe without having to blow your budget (or find more closet space!).  (Putting Me Together)

Stand Back, It's About to Get All Science-y Up in Here!

MelBivDevoe

Morning, y'all.  How's your Tuesday going?  Better now that you're on Hot Ink?  Well, aren't you sweet!

These creative, eye-catching science museum ads have me wishing I could visit the Science World museum of Vancouver.  (BuzzFeed)

Plans for the Tesla Memorial are now underway!  Are you already planning your trip?  (NY Times)

So you meant to buy apple cider but accidentally got apple juice instead?  No problem!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn your juice into cider in minutes. (Gothamist)

Too Much Pumpkin? No Such Thing!

MelBivDevoe

Today is definitely not the day that I tire of pumpkin anything.  Like this recipe: pumpkin chai oatmeal blueberry muffins.  That's a whole lotta deliciousness in one muffin!  Oh, and they're vegan, which I'm sure will please some of you.   (LunchBoxBunch)

In need of a good laugh today?  These photos from "Young Me, Now Me" should do the trick.  It's nearly impossible not to laugh at adults trying to emulate the expressions they made when they were toddlers.  (Pleated Jeans)

Good news if you grew up loving "Tiny Toons" (and if you didn't, I kinda feel sad for you): You can now catch the epic "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" movie on YouTube in its entirety!  (Gizmodo)

Are people needlessly sexualizing little girls if they wear leopard print?  Look, if leopard print automatically equals "sexy," then someone better tell these Hello Kitty dolls to clean up their acts.  I don't see anything wrong with young girls wearing fun prints, but I think the pink bikini on this page is cut rather skimpily for an 8 year old, no?  (Jezebel)

Elementary, Dear Blue!

MelBivDevoe

Trying to figure out how to convince your friend/loved one/coworker to watch your favorite show?  Maybe this guide can help.  (Pleated Jeans)

Look, I'm proud of being a woman and I celebrate the beauty of my ladybits and all that, but this t-shirt is just weird.  It's WEIRD.  (Bridgette Raes)

Here's a fun DIY project that can bring some color to your walls - a paint chip calendar!  (Maple & Magnolia)

I thought finding a pregnancy test for sale at the dollar store was odd, but this is even stranger.  Would you take a pregnancy test from a vending machine at a bar??  (The Mary Sue)

Joo Heng Tan makes incredible sand sculptures that must be seen to be believed.  (HuffPo)

Too Sleepy To Think of a Clever Title

MelBivDevoe

I think the cute little guy over there has the right idea.  Tuesday afternoons are just perfect for napping... if only one had the time!

You know what'd be amazing?  If my home had a secret door in it, like these homes do.  Check out #12 - it leads to a secret theater!  (The Chive)

Homemade Nutella recipe.  'Nuff said.  (David Lebovitz)

Oh, Here's Monday Again. Joy.

MelBivDevoe

Image of the author, hard at work

At this point, I could start a blog called "Stupid Sh*t Politicians Say" and every day I'd probably have a dozen new stories to share.  Like this one.  Can these people not hear themselves when they speak?? (Care2)

I'm not the only one getting sick of the stupid, sexist, and sometimes homophobic vitriol these politicians spew.  Chris Kluwe, punter for the Minnesota Vikings and all-around awesome dude, wrote an eloquent, hilariously biting response to a Maryland delegate who was offended that an NFL player supports gay marriage.  He even edited that response when readers complained about his use of naughty language.  My new goal is to work "Alas and alack my top hat has fallen!" into everyday conversations.  I love this man.  (Out of Bounds)

Birds Do It, Bees Do It, Even Educated Fleas Do It

MelBivDevoe

Ah, nature.  So peaceful, except for all the animals constantly trying to do it.  

Not that we humans aren't always trying to do the same thing.  Trojan did a study recently of the sexual habits of the citizens of several major US cities.  Turns out Atlanta is the freakiest city and has the highest libido, while Dallas/Fort Worth has the lowest libido.  Yeah, you know why Dallas isn't trying to get some?  Because most of the time it's too damn hot to breathe, let alone get your freak on!  (HuffPo)

Boop! Here Comes Monday Again

MelBivDevoe

Well, this is odd, but kinda neat, too, if you're a fan of "Parks and Recreation."  Nick Offerman is putting his famous mustache up for auction for charity.  That's right, you can own Ron Swanson's actual mustache!  (Vulture)

On Friday, I shared with you a video of Lauren Conrad hacking apart some books to make a stylish box.  The books she destroyed were from the popular "Series of Unfortunate Events" line by Lemony Snicket.  Here, Mr. Snicket himself responds to Conrad's horrific actions.  Well played, sir.  Well played.  (Slate)

As American As Appletini! Bonus: Guess Which Hot Inker Gave Which Recipe!

Via

May The Luck (And Alcoholic Tolerance) Of The Irish Be With You!

Kolby

We've got a two-fer of a pick me up for youse today.  Today is Friday! Yay!  Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!  Yaaaaay!  And, try to contain your excitement, here are your Hot Links!  OH MY GOD I CAN'T EVEN TAKE IT.  Ahem, carry on.

St. Patrick's Day is the yearly celebration of the day before the worst hangover of your life.  Let's get the party started with some not at all puke-inducing green cocktails.  (Matador Network)

And after you tie on a feedbag of bad decisions, and then inevitably wake up promising the gods to never drink again, pamper your tummy with this (really delicious looking) Hangover Casserole.  (Chicago Tribune)

In honor of the yearly bracket frenzy inspired by March Madness, Bleacher Report gives us the Bracket...Bracket.  (Bleacher Report)

It's Friday. Try To Contain Your Excitement.

Kolby

I don't know, man.  That was the first image to pop up when I searched for "Friday."  I'm not saying I love it, I'm just saying....I'll have what she's having?  Oh, just check out the links.


For those of you who loved everything about the Harry Potter book series but the lack of sex, here's a bit of good news:  J.K. Rowling has decided to write her first adult book.  Adult means more sex, right?  I need to know...for a friend.  (E! Online)

Here's one more reason why I'll always love Timmy Tebow, though I'm sure I didn't need another one.  (Yahoo Sports)

This is a sweet little story - Leonardo DiCaprio helped the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences obtain one of the four existing pairs of ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz for their new museum.  Awwww.  (The Hollywood Reporter)