Back from “Spring Break” (because we like to think that adults still have that), it’s another installment of FINER LIVING!

I’ve been feeling a little dismal lately because people keep throwing around the “R” word. (Some old guy on The O’Reilly Factor said that we shouldn’t really use that word because it causes panic—very similar to “pregnant” and “declined.”) So with all my monies gone and gas per gallon finally as expensive as a cup of premium coffee, there’s only one thing to do. It’s time to do a little shopping. Forget retailers and their bargains that are a desperate attempt to boost sales. Forget spending money on domestic goods to boost the economy. I want some expensive, cool shit from France!

This week, it’s all about DIY! (Because if you want something done well, you’re probably just going to have to do it yourself)

Iron Chef is one of my favorite shows. (To be honest, Food Network is like one of the only networks I watch, but we can get into that obsession another time.) Anyway, if you’re familiar with the show, you know about the badass ice machine they use. Every time they bust it out, I go: “Damn, I like that.”

Well, my day has finally come. Check out this Cuisinart soft serve machine. When I saw it, I literally gasped. I can’t tell you how freaking excited I am about it. You can add fresh ingredients and in about twenty minutes, you’ve got some delicious ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet. To make things even sweeter, there are three built-in dispensers for your favorite sprinkle toppings. How awesome is technology? I want to make interesting flavors like vanilla chai or chocolate blackberry. I want to pour rainbow sprinkles on everything. I want this—bad. (And it comes in pink, which is the perfect match for my pink mixer!)

For $100, you can make it happen. Check the features and then place your order.

Product Features
• Adds favorite mix-ins into soft serve ice cream as it’s dispensed!
• Pull out tabs to add one, two or all three types of mix-ins
• Pull down handle to dispense soft serve ice cream directly into cones or bowls
• Makes 11⁄2 quarts of frozen dessert in as little as 20 minutes
• Fully automatic – just add favorite fresh ingredients and turn the dial
• Cone holder holds a stack of pointed or flat bottom cones
• Double-insulated freezer bowl holds temperature for fast results
• No chemicals, salt or ice required
• Removable parts for easy cleaning
• Instruction Book and Recipe Book included
• Limited 3-year warranty

In a moment of fashion greatness, Diesel and Adidas have teamed up to create a premium denim line for Spring 2008. While I love my Diesel jeans more than some members of my family, I have say that I’m honestly more smitten with the collection’s interactive ad campaign than the collection itself. 83 Ways to Waste Time features inspiring, beautifully shot images of well, interesting ways to waste your time.

06 Start a Secret Society
15 Go on a Mission
55 Picture Everyone Naked
68 Have A Secret Crush
83 Direct A Rap Video

Visitors can post theirs comments on the pictures and even upload their own pictures of time wasters. My favorite? Number 67: Take a nap!

Go check it for yourself!

Editor’s Note: We’ve been pondering for a while, what we should do with this girl we found on a My Little Pony ride outside a store in Arizona. We knew there was greatness, locked somewhere inside — the challenge was getting it out. So we decided to put her to work as a writer, and this is what she decided to write about. Let her know what you think, positive reinforcement is good for everyone.

michelle’s note: My plan is to keep these short and delightful. No one wants to read some long, drawn out, blah-blah, about anything. They want the information and then maybe a witty comment, or some good old fashion berating. So I’m here to facilitate that each week with a new Finer Living. I know, exciting.

Finer Living: It’s not just music, it’s a lifestyle.