thoughts caught on a web

{the bloggy oscars}

2011-05-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited and honored that one of my favorite bloggy friends (who lives all the way across the Atlantic Pond from me) nominated little ol' me for, "The Versatile Blogger" award!

This is so cool and so kind of The Secret Life of an Unknown Housewife! She is absolutely fantastic! If you don't already follow her blog, you should change that! She's clever and funny and beautiful and not to mention she has been a loyal bloggy friend for a long long time.

Thank you so much!

much love <3

the art of 'just sitting'

2011-04-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

{photobucket}

Phew! What a day!

Spent the morning in the office- the phone ringing off the hook and a lot of students visiting! I'm not complaining, it's actually kind of fun when it's busy. Time sure does fly.
Anyway, I jetted home onto my next task... clean house! I have been procrastinating like never before- so it was way over due for a freshen up and sparkle up over haul. Vacuum the rugs, dust the living room, change the sheets, launder the sheets and bath towels, sweep the kitchen floors, scrub and mop kitchen floor, wipe down counters, organize bedroom/office area ( we live in a small duplex-about 620sq.ft), so everything has to function double :), wipe from ceiling to floor in the bathroom, take out trash, wash rags.... woooo! it never ends! And now it's just about time for me to hit the road for Zumba class! I can't wait to get home and sit! Just sit!

Does anyone else appreciate the art of just sitting?!

breathe.

flowers!

2011-04-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I made a trip to the Original L.A. Flower Market.

I didn't have any idea what to pick up.... just was going to get what inspired me and spoke to me in that moment among hundreds and hundreds of flowers.

I wish I took more photos of the actual market. Next time I visit I'll make it a point to shoot some.

yellow!

Don't ask me what the flowers are called: I have no idea. the flowers on the bottom just reminded me of sea anemone. The greenery looked like a miniature vertical version of lilly pads, and the yellow round flowers on top just screamed antenna... definitely a funny bunch. I am quite happy with how it turned out altogether though. ^_^

I love that flower market..... it's set in the middle of down town Los Angeles on the border of the fashion district. It smells amazing and everyone seems to be in a joyful mood! It's a place full of inspiration, not to mention amazing prices for the amount you can purchase!

I mean, you can get a rather large orchid plant with at least 8 blooms for ten bucks! Usually, a plant like that goes for $25-30! It is definitely worth the trip.

The hubs and I enjoyed rolling out of bed, grabbing a java from Starbucks, and cruising south to the market on a Saturday morning. A wonderful way to start the day. :)

I can't wait to go back!

for the love of {container gardens}

2011-04-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

It's finally built! The Saturday Project done. check!

Next Step: Soil and Seeds!

baby steps for now..... actually, forget baby steps... this is the biggest step into gardening I have ever taken. I have taken the homegrown veggie movement koolaid and I wouldn't have it any other way! I can't wait to see where this journey in the dirt takes me. Who knows?! .... roasted organic carrots, summer arugula salads, refreshing sparkling refreshments with crushed mint, oh and basil.... the ideas are infinite!

step one- screw together the box and staple down heavy duty screen
hehe.... yellow finger nails

step two- screw in 2x4s to support the soil and screen

step three- flip box over and screw in corner blocks to seal the corners and for extra support
hehe... there's the hubs helping(top of photo)

step four- line the bottom with burlap to help keep the soil in the box but to let the water drain through too

step five- step back and enjoy!

Just have to fill it with soil and seeds!
I'm so excited!!

*Supplies*

~3inch wood screws or drywall screws
~drill
~staple gun
~(nail gun) optional
~patience

~two- 2x10 redwood boards

cut- two- 5ft long

two-2ft long

~two- 2x4 redwood

cut- 2 foot lengths

9 (2 ft) 2x4s screwed into the box for the best support

~heavy duty plastic screen

found at HomeDepot where the chicken wire is sold

~burlap fabric- found in the gardening section at Home Depot, but you can also find it at fabric stores or even walmart.

** tip: make sure you pre-drill holes using a drill-bit where you are going to screw.... it'll save you a lot of time. Also, if you have a nail gun-- it makes things a lot easier since you can basically construct the box quick and then screw it all together.

I LOVE MY WOODEN CONTAINER GARDEN!

{thought-provoking thursdays}

2011-04-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

"Religion is man searching for God; Christianity is God seeking man, manifesting Himself to him, drawing Himself unto him."

- Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones, The Puritans: Their Origins and Their Successors

Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones
December 20, 1899- March 1, 1981
-protestant minister, preacher, and medical doctor-

Aloha

2011-04-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

Oahu, in 18 days!

Oh, it's going to be so good to relax. Grab a lounge chair, a shaved ice, and a good book. I cannot wait!

springin' into the warmth

2011-04-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

the supplies to build a 5x2 container garden

yellow ranunculus

orange bistro table, aqua and yellow damask printed outdoor rug and a royal blue lantern

It's in the 70s here at the home of 'thoughts caught on a web" -- time to start eating dinner outdoors, BBQing, planting new flowers, sowing seeds, and just soaking up the sun. Here's a little peek into my little patio and container garden life..... it's just the beginning....

happy gardening patio-lounging couple

for the love of {mail}

2011-04-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

I came across this humorous interpretation of the postal service when driving down a curvy road. It's lilac season (well, toward the end of it now) so the hubs and I were headed north toward a ranch to pick up those pretty light purple and sweet-smelling flowers when we passed this! .... made me chuckle....

Air Mail

{peep!}

2011-04-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

so cute!

ohdeedoh

a2z

2011-04-13T13:25:00.001-07:00

A. Age: 25

B. Bed size: Queen

C. Chore you dislike: putting clothes away… don’t mind folding or doing the laundry….

D. Dogs: I want a Welsh Pembroke Corgi puppy so bad!!!!

E. Essential start to your day: Bold coffee

F. Favorite color: orange

G. Gold or silver: silver

H. Height: 5'6"

I. Instruments you play: piano and air guitar

J. Job title: receptionist at a graduate school / cleaning machine-expert of organization
K. Kids: eventually

L. Live: just north of Los Angeles CA

M. Mom’s name: Mom

N. Nicknames: V, peach, v-dizzle

O. Overnight hospital stays: never

P. Pet peeves: bad drivers on the freeway, an unmade bed, toilet paper rolls placed underneath style, being late

Q. Quote from a movie:
"You could always tell what kind of a person a man thinks you are by the earrings he gives you. I must say, the mind reels."- Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany's

R. Righty or lefty: Right

S. Siblings: nunca

T. Time you wake up: 5:45AM..... no fun!

U. Underwear: every day

V. Vegetables you don’t like: beets!

W.What makes you run late: I'm never late but if I have to be late there has to be a good reason for it. I can't go against my own pet peeve- I would drive myself crazy!

X. X-rays you’ve had: both ankles, wrist, foot, teeth.... I have broken just a few bones :P

Y. Yummy food you make: Parmesan Chicken, Roasted Veggie Lasagna, Sole Meuniere

Z. Zoo animal favorites: Pandas

for the love of {wish lists}

2011-04-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

These are a few of my favorite things.......

corgi puppy

Le Creuset square grill skillet in flame

Le Creuset

shopping spree at Monsieur Marcels Gourmet Market

Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market

Thayer's sample pack

Thayer's Natural Remedies

the newest barefoot

the barefoot contessa

Anthropologie candles

anthro

Ikebana flower arranging book

Tretorn Skerry boots

shop terrain

chalkboard jam pot

shop terrain

distressed wooden cabinet

Terrarium

Schwinn bicycle
schwinn bicycles

a new day

2011-04-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

beep beep beep beep ((((SLAM)))))
I have finally woke up from blogging sleep! I'm back and wide awake and ready to write! Oh, how I have missed writing, venting, sharing inspiration, stories, thoughts, and interacting with my bloggy friends!

My old white MacBook is resting in peace in the Mac Graveyard. It has been replaced with a brand spankin' new and not to mention shiny MacBook Pro!
Oh how I looooove Macintosh Apples! They are the best fruity techno notebook out there! :) My little apple is glowing and I am a happy caretaker of this new piece of genius hardware.

I could spend a loooong time updating what has been going on in my tiny world for the past several months, but I'd rather just put all that behind me and start fresh! A new beginning, a new day to proclaim new things on this invisible, global web!

So.... HELLO! ((((((((((((LET"S SEIZE THIS NEW BEGINNING!)))))))))))))))))

Road-trippin'- Portland OR and NorCal.

2010-08-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hello world!

This post has been a long time comin'!!

So much has happened! I went on a 12 day road trip from Los Angeles all the way up to Portland OR, I got a new car, a new job, I found 20 dollars, visited San Diego, tried my first recipe with scallops (delicious!!), and tried breathe amongst all the daily chaos of life!

The Roadtrip vacation was so necessary and completely over-due.
My hubs and I haven't been able to vaca together( and I mean, a "just together") since our honeymoon almost 4 years ago. So, yea, it was time.

We both for whatever reason have always wanted to check out Portland OR. The pictures I have seen are gorgeous, not to mention, it's incredibly green!! (something we don't experience here in SoCal- and something that I sincerely miss from my New England days!) So, I guess you could say that I was needing a serious green fix. So off we went! We stuffed our car with our hiking boots, camping gear, and backpacks and hit the road!

On the way up on The 5, we stopped in Ripon CA-visited family(awesome cousins), then rolled up to Chico CA and stayed with good friends- and Daniel got to stroll down memory lane from his college days, and finally sped up the last stretch to Portland!
Portland is a city to see- it's incredibly welcoming to the pedestrian and the cyclist, there is an incredible array of architecture( from colonial to modern, to the abstract), there is such variety in the different neighborhoods surrounding urban downtown. We stayed in the SouthEast side ( Hawthorne/Burnside District)- it definitely has a funky vibe... the gingerbread houses are adorned in bright, bold colors. The districts main drags are filled with little locally-owned boutiques, coffee shoppes, and delicious restaurants and cafes that take local, in-season food very seriously- everything tastes deliciously fresh. Mount Tabor Park was just down the street where you find yourself feeling very small and shaded amongst the redwood trees. Oh, and there was a community garden too!
One of the best parts about our stay was where we laid our heads to catch some Z's!
We found the cutest little cottage studio ( bed,kitchen,dining area, and bathroom) through AirBnB, a website that lets you 'travel like a human.' Our hosts were the sweetest, most hospitatble people... they gave us fresh eggs from their chickens for breakfast and blueberries from their garden. They also gave us a ton of tips on what restaurants and shops to hit up. They really contributed majorly to our enjoyment and over all fun time in Portland and I can't thank them enough! I know where I'm staying if I ever go back. :)

What else did we do? Gosh, so many things! We visited the Chinese Gardens downtown, The Japanese Gardens, The Pittock Mansion (finished being built in 1914 and beautiful!!!), Forest Park (5,000+ acre park), The International Rose test garden ( it smelled amazing there!!!I felt like I was Alice in Wonderland), Powell's Used Bookstore ( so awesome and so HUUUGE! I'm talking at least 5 stories huge!!) (Daniel got one of his text books, a biblical sytax book that at new price would be over $100, but he got it for $38 and it is in exceptional condition.), we visited a bunch a farmer's markets and tasted the best local honey ever! Visited a few antique shops and malls.... I found a 1940s suitcase that I just adore! We went exploring and drove along side the Columbia River and hiked out to see waterfall after waterfall... it was beauitful.Portland is such a photogenic city- it was so fun playing with my NikonD40! I didn't want to leave.

After our Portland extravaganza we pushed the pedal down to Cresent City CA to find the big green giants aka, REDWOOD TREES! We camped in the Redwood National Forest and climbed trees the whole time!!! It felt like I was in that movie, Honey, I Shrank The Kids!!! I think I can now say, I know how it feels to be an ant!! This forest was on steroids!!! Enhanced height, width, and beauty! It was incredibly lush. Around every corner, there was a babbling brook and eye-catching plant life.... from the tallest tree to the smallest fern it was awe-inspiring beauty.
God's creation seriously blows my mind and what a gift that we can find such joy in his handiwork.
There are so many breath-taking places to experience on this earth with the time that has been given to us.
I want to see it all!

We had such a blast- just being together and making memories.

I have pictures to still upload onto my computer.... so I will be following up this post with photos from the trip! :)

on a deserted island

2010-06-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

If I was magically transported to a deserted island, what three things would I take with me?

1) my bible with a pen attached
2) my piano
3) my husband :)

So, those are the first three things that popped into my mind... and now that I look back at them, well, they aren't the smartest of choices when it comes to survival. I mean a gps, satellite phone, and a pocket knife would probably come in more handy.

However, I said my bible because it is my number one source of comfort and joy, plus if I didn't have any sort of reading material on a deserted island I think I would go mad. I would have to bring a pen ( even if I knew the ink would run out eventually) because writing keeps us human.

I said my piano because I could not imagine life without music. And well, if I was on an island with no one else I would have A LOT of time to spare to make up songs and sing my little heart out.... plus music keeps good company....

And lastly, I said my husband, simply because I love him and I want to experience this life with him even if we ended up on a deserted island together. At least we would be together.

The following verse we dedicated to each other when we got married:

"Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." ~Ruth !:16-17

I would love to hear what others would bring with them... feel free to comment. :)

for the love of {refreshment}

2010-06-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

Whew! It's H.O.T outside!

Here is a tasty way to cool down and refresh your taste-buds!

From Giada de Laurentiis.....

She makes the most refreshing and delicious slushy beverage.

It's called MELON AND MINT SLUSH.

I think it's fantastic, light, and fresh! Everything I want when it comes to summer tastes!

Ingredients
1/4 (about 1 pound) honeydew melon, peeled and seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces (to yield about 2 cups)
3 cups crushed ice
1/2 packed cup fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 cups ginger ale
1/2 cup sugar

Directions
Add the melon, ice, mint, ginger ale, and sugar to a blender. Pulse until the mixture becomes slushy. Pour into 4 glasses and serve immediately.

It's super easy to make!

Who doesn't like yummy honeydew, minty deliciousness!?

for the love of {dogs}

2010-06-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is the Cubix Dog Mansion by Best Friend's Home, a Germany based company.

very sleek....

I think it's awesome.

Personally, I'd rather build my own dog house and make a project out of it.

this just made me smile....

got organic?

2010-06-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

Taking on the ORGANIC side of things.....

Going organic, well, it's seems to be an overwhelming switch to make, but worth it.

Slowly I have been incorporating organic produce into my grocery adventures along with pasta and yogurt. These three categories have not appeared to be diminishing the coins in my wallet too much, but I have found other categories such as meat and hygiene products to have expensive price points that over time seem to add up to eye-popping amounts! However, that is the question exactly....

Is the higher price point worth it? Is grass fed meat, free-range poultry and all natural hygiene worthwhile for our bodies and over all health?

I have just begun to start research on this topic, but I'm leaning toward YES....

I mean honestly, to look at the simple truth... WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU WANT ANYTHING BUT NATURAL IN AND ON YOUR BODY? I for sure, don't like the idea of having a product with man-made chemicals and fillers that I can hardly pronounce in my system or on my skin!
It seems like common sense to me.

So, we're all on a stricter budget these days... (here's where my cash goes: rent, car payments, gas, car and health insurance, food, hub's grad school tuition, the list goes on and on) ....with these harder economic times we are in, we have to make wise choices on where to spend our dimes.

But why compromise our health because of the economy. It's about making little changes over time.... slowly merging healthier choices into our weekly/bi-weekly grocery shopping routines...

Here is my progress so far in making the full switch:
1. I buy all organic fruits and veggies
2. whole wheat organic pasta
3. vanilla organic yogurt
4. I buy free-range poultry / grass-fed meat when on sale
5. all natural based tea tree oil based shampoo/conditioner
6. when on sale I buy natural body-wash
7. This week I am trying natural toothpaste.... ( Jason PowerSmile)

Goals:
to eliminate meat and poultry that is NOT grass fed/free-range and if not on sale, menu plan for more vegetarian based meals.
to switch over to organic milk
to weed out frozen meal options and get back to making meals from scratch on a regular basis.

So, going completely Organic may seem a little overwhelming at first, but taking small steps makes the process a lot easier on you and your wallet.

As complicated and as picky it seems- going completely organic is really just going back to the basics. Back to farming with an emphasis on the quality of food not quantity... an emphasis on the health of people, not the health of the wallet.

NATURAL -ORGANIC PRODUCTS / BRANDS I LIKE:

Jason - everyday natural care
Burt's Bees
Mrs. Myers Clean Day
Bon Ami - natural cleaner
Whole Foods - Natural and Organic Market

{ from the real health truth blog }

I would love to know everyone's opinions on 'going organic/natural'.
Do you have any suggestions or tips you'd like to share?

{have a lovely weekend}

2010-05-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

Bad Things Happen Sometimes But They Don't Last from Karen Abad ♥s Dinosaurs. on Vimeo.

have a lovely weekend everyone. why not kick off the weekend with dinosaurs.... i couldn't think of a better way to start! :)

don't forget to press pause on my playlist on the right side margin. Ciao!!

Get Cookin'!!

2010-04-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ina Garten a.k.a The Barefoot Contessa a.k.a my favorite!

I absolutely love her recipes.

When I got married 3 1/2 years ago I could hardly make scrambled eggs- I mean making Kraft macaroni and cheese was a risk for me in the kitchen. Well, I have to say 3 1/2 years of marriage whooped me into a cook!

At one point I wouldn't go near an oven, let alone a microwave, I hated to cook. However, I have since developed a huge interest in the art of cooking. See, that was my first problem. I was walking up to the oven with the mind-set that cooking was a chore, a laborious task which was an exact formula to create another dreaded chore, washing dishes.

Well, I didn't really have a choice in the matter- I had to take on the kitchen! ... here I was, a newly-wed and I had a new hungry husband, whose favorite question is "what's for dinner?" I didn't know the answer!

So what did I do? I ran! Ran to my mother-in-love, that is.
She was the light at the end of the tunnel! She taught me the ART of cooking- that cooking could be fun and a creative process. She introduced me to The Barefoot Contessa.
I cannot thank my mother-in-love enough for saving my husband's hungry stomach and my wits!
The kitchen is my favorite spot in the house now, I sometimes refer to it as my art studio because I love creating new dishes, trying new recipes, and experimenting with food presentation ( the funnest part!)

Food really can be art- the sense of color you choose to incorporate and the use of different textures. Plus, shape, size, and structure of the presentation.

If you're looking for some new inspiration in the kitchen pick up one of Ina Garten's cookbooks. Her Paris cookbook and her Back to Basics are my top two picks, but you really can't go wrong with any of them.

Get cookin'!!

This is on my menu this weekend ....

From Back to Basics, Ina Garten:

"Sole Meuniere"
1/2 cup all purpose flour
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 fresh sole fillets, 3-4 oz.ea.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice ( 3 lemons )
1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley

-------
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. have 2 heat-proof dinner plates ready.

1. Combine the flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper in a large shallow plate. Pat sole fillets with a dry paper towel and sprinkle with salt.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large (12in.) saute pan over medium heat until is starts to brown. Dredge 2 sole fillets in the seasoned flour on both sides and place in hot butter.
3. Lower heat to medium-low and cook for 2 minutes. Turn carefully with a metal spatula and cook for 2 minutes on the other side. While the second side cooking, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to the pan.
4. Carefully put fish fillets on the oven-proof plates and pour sauce over them. Keep the cooked filets warm in the oven while you repeat the process with the remaining 2 fillets.
5. When they're done, add cooked fillets to the plates in the oven. Sprinkle with parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.

YUMMMMMMM! so easy, super quick, exceptionally delicious!

I think some roasted parmesan asparagus would compliment this dish perfectly!

Bon Appetit!

Here are some pics of Ina's kitchen....

and here's her store in the Hamptons on Long Island...

Laundry, a spa like experience? I think so...

2010-04-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

Over at A Nantucket State of Mind, I found inspiration in the oddest of places. The laundry room!

Now, currently I do not have the luxury of a laundry room in my little house, but oh, I can dream a dream!
Tons of counter-space to fold and sort, a deep sink for soaking/pretreating, cabinets to hide detergent and dryer sheets... oh it just keeps getting better and better!
A special room to make the drudgery of laundry a therapeutic experience just by surrounding yourself with a beautiful and inspiring room!

Let the folding begin!!

{lovely weekend}

2010-04-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

wishing you a lovely weekend!

Waves from Alex Hamlin on Vimeo.

We send the Wave to find the Wave

We send the Wave to find the Wave --
An Errand so divine,
The Messenger enamored too,
Forgetting to return,
We make the wise distinction still,
Soever made in vain,
The sagest time to dam the sea is when the sea is gone --

by Emily Dickinson

Boston, I love you....

2010-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

A few things I love and miss about Boston Massachusetts.....

Make Way For Ducklings! My favorite childhood book! and there they are! :)

The Boston Science Museum is awesome. yea, I'm probably a nerd, but I really do miss it!

really really good clam chowda at the union oyster house

The Garment District.... yes, clothes by the pound!

Newbury Street

good ol' irish music

I miss the T

American History ( I hart the north end)

The Common

Faneuil Hall

GO SOX!!!!

FORMSPRING . ME !!!!

2010-04-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

just signed up!

Formspring me !

A place to ask any question you're curious about, anonymously.....

you should sign up too! and post a little formspring widget on your blog! see what people are curious about you?

So, go ahead, ask away!!!!! :) looking forward to answering some questions!!!!

that is the question.....

2010-04-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

1. What is your occupation? why is this the first question? organization expert
2. What color are your socks right now? white, how boring
3. What are you listening to right now? Duke Ellington tunes
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
5. Can you drive a stick shift? The only way to drive!
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? my hubby
7. Do you like the someone who sent this to you? I sent it to myself, I'm a dork.

8. How old are you today? 24
9. What is your favorite sport to watch? baseball! go red sox!
10. What is your favorite drink? Arnold Palmer
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? I have only put in chocolate brown lowlights to my natural goldy locks :)
12. Favorite food? gourmet french cuisine
13. What was the last movie you watched ? Alice in Wonderland
14. Favorite day of the year? July 4th, I love outdoor BBQs, good weather, and fireworks!

15. How do you vent anger? I write it all down, ink and paper style
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? my popple
17. Favorite Season? Definitely Autumn
18. Hugs or Kisses? HUGS
19. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries
20. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? um, you can copy it to your blog if you want!

21. Who is the most likely to respond? not sure
22. Who is least likely to respond? (shrug)
23. Living arrangements? My hubby and I
24. When was the last time you cried? I can't remember
25. What is on the bottom of your closet? a bin of beachtowels actually... oh and my uggs!

26. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Emily
27. What did you do last night? went to bed early since I wasn't feeling well.
28. Favorite smells? Vanilla Tobacco in a pipe... reminds me of my grandpa :)
29. What inspires you? good interior design, amazing food, art, and a good book!
30. What are you most afraid of? living alone
31. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? CHEESE
32. Favorite dog breed? Welsh Corgi
33. Favorite day of week? Sunday!
34. How many states have you lived in? 2, Massachusetts and California

social networks... a deceiving friendship?

2010-04-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Finally I have a moment to post an entry! Life has been so busy lately!

So, even through my busy schedule, be it social events, running the normal errands, cleaning house, I have found that I feel isolated. I'm not sure why...

All these social networking sites promise connection, but I find that in the end even if you know your friend across the nation is going grocery shopping, or having a baby shower from a status update- you're really just seeing their life through a looking glass... facebook, twitter, etc is just a tiny reflection of the bullet points of life. It seems no matter if you're finding connections with your college room-mate from five years ago, nothing can replace face-to-face interaction. I mean, do you ever wonder, maybe there was a reason you two lost touch? So, that sounds slightly pessimistic, huh. I know it's human nature that we crave social interaction on one level or another, but when it ends with a quick wishful line, " hope we run into each other in the future."- it seems like a sad ending to a reconnection of a long lost friendship. I'm just saying maybe these social networking sites that promise connection, and reunion of those who you were involved with in your past life just aren't delivering satisfaction. However, there are pros for instance, it's really easy. It's easier to just log on for five minutes, drop a line, "connect" and then move on to your next thing to do, but social networking websites will never ever replace a handwritten letter or a phone call.

Now, as much as I believe what I wrote above is true, I am a failure at keeping in touch with those who I really care about and love. So, in result, I'm the first to admit that Facebook is my silly excuse to "stay in touch" with many old friends who live far away. And I hate it. I know I need to be more accountable and a disciplined friend, but I continually fall short.

Maybe I could use some advice from my bloggy friends.... what is your strategy to keep in touch with old friends? any tips?

What are your thoughts of social networking websites??

for the love of {cupcakes}

2010-03-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

Cupcake= a little dose of happiness.

I mean you may be unhappy before the cupcake and you may be unhappy after the cupcake, but never during the process of eating the cupcake :P

My husband and I a few days ago finally took the time to try the famous Los Angeles Cupcake Shoppe, Sprinkles in Beverly Hills!

We were driving toward to valley and on a whim decided to try it out!

AMAZINGNESS! It was the most delicious cupcake I have ever had in my life!

My hubs tried the milk chocolate and vanilla ( milk chocolate frosting with vanilla cake) and I tried the "black and white" -chocolate cake with white frosting and chocolate sprinkles. YUMMMMMMMMM!

If you're in the LA area and haven't checked this place out yet... put it on your top priority list! haha.

today is a gift, as is tomorrow

2010-03-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Sunrise ~ Monet

Today, another blessing to behold, another fresh start.... a gift displayed by the morning sun in the East....

Sitting here in my favorite chair with my favorite bright orange throw blanket I listen to soothing classical piano and the rustling of the leaves on the trees outside my window. The small and quiet moments can speak volumes of how beautiful life really is. Put away all the chaos of day to day life and routine and just take a minute, meditate on all the gifts displayed in your life. Gifts of love- from your family, your children, your husband or wife. Do we really cherish this gift or did it lose it's appeal since it's an everyday occurrence?

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! Psalm 127:3-5a

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. Proverbs 17:6

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack in gain. She does him good and not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, show honor to the women as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. I Peter 3:7

What about the gift of creation? The exquisite, perfect, and intricately designed nature we live in everyday of our lives. When we are so wrapped up in getting to work on time, getting the project done, getting the kids to school- I find it's so easy to get tangled up in our daily duties that we forget to stop and smell the flowers or even look at them when we are running to our next 'to-do list' bullet point. "Gotta get it checked off so I can get to this next bullet!!!" Now of course I'm not saying don't be busy, be late for work, and by no means procrastinate, but instead in all you have to get done on a day to day basis, enjoy how beautiful the journey is from 'bullet point' to 'bullet point" , from one 'check' to the next.

'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.' And it was so. God called the land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 2:3

The Grass

The grass so little has to do, --
A sphere of simple green,
With only butterflies to brood,
And bees to entertain,

And stir all day to pretty tunes
The breezes fetch along,
And hold the sunshine in its lap
And bow to everything;

And thread the dews all night, like pearls,
And make itself so fine, --
A duchess were too common
For such a noticing.

And even when it dies, to pass
In odors so divine,
As lowly spices gone to sleep,
Or amulets of pine.

And then to dwell in sovereign barns,
And dream the days away, --
The grass so little has to do,
I wish I were the hay!

~Emily Dickinson

Enjoy the gift of today

Sign Language- A short film

2010-03-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

this made me smile....

please press pause on the playlist at the bottom of the page to enjoy the film!

Sign Language - a short film from Oscar Sharp on Vimeo.

Think think think

2010-02-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few random thoughts that I just felt like writing down...

* it took so much effort to get out of bed this morning.. it felt like my whole body was made of solid iron...

*I woke up before my alarm buzzed... grr.

*I'm home alone right now and I hate it.

* I feel like baking, but I don't want to make a mess of my kitchen ( I know, it's sad)

* I just started the most interesting book, The Great Influenza, the epic story of the deadliest plague in history- by John M. Barry.... I'm only in the first chapter and I'm already completely facinated!

* I adore my orange Le Crueset teapot- it really makes me smile when I look at it sitting on my stove. :)

* My husband is on his way home from school, yay!

* I think I'm going to draw myself a hot bath with bubbles tonight- that sounds like a perfect way to end the day....

Well, this was a pointless blog entry- I'm sorry if you had to endure reading that... I'll make it up with my next post, I promise!

Ta ta for now! Much love!

Happy List

2010-02-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to A Nantucket State of Mind for the tag! You surely brighten my day as well! :) much love!

Here are the rules:
List 10 things that make you happy. (try to do one of those things TODAY!)
Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day.
Make sure to link back to the person that tagged you!

1. music, be it singing, playing piano, or listening

2. getting lost in a good book

3. cooking french gourmet food, trying new recipes, food presentation

4. traveling - exploring new countries

5. recently I have taken up gardening... I really enjoy it! It's a beautiful hobby. :)

6. throwing dinner parties for friends and family

7. a sparkling clean house

8. new shoes and english breakfast tea

9. Cape Cod... I miss it so...

10. most importantly, my husband.

Bloggy friends that brighten up my day...

*Living*Loving*Learning
An Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living
BeDecent
Hibby and Hubby
J&A
Le Petit Hibou
Slappy's Adventures
The Secret Life of an Unknown Housewife
Emily's Chicken Pot Pie
Cape Cod Memories

~ lovely weekend ~

2010-02-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

Oh, Valentine's Day....

Be it if you're spending this 'lovely' weekend with your honeybunch, sweetheart, or your whole family-celebrate the love that binds each of you together.

The love that sticks around for better or for worse, through sickness and health.... sound familiar?

If you have ever attended a wedding you've heard similar words proclaimed. However, these vows don't just have apply to a marriage... this kind of proclamation of unconditional love should be lived out in friendships and familial relationships.

true love casts out all fear.

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy,it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil,but rejoices in the truth.
It always protects,always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres."
I Corinthians 13:4-7

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Much love to you!

for the love of {saturday mornings}

2010-02-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

These are perfect for a bright and cheery Saturday morning....

I am absolutely making these this weekend!!!!

all credit due to: I AM MOMMY , Amanda's Diner

for the love of {home}

2010-01-30T17:02:00.000-08:00

Ina Garten's Paris Apartment

country living

country living

Freshly picked lemons piled up in a bowl on the kitchen table...
Buttermilk buscuits baking in the oven...
Fresh flowers in a pretty vase in the living room ...

the little things that make a house a home.

Your home should feel like a big bear hug when you walk in the door- a place where you feel safe and free to be yourself. A place to relax and unwind from the craziness of the world.

A place where love is prevelant and where your mind can be put to ease...

Your home, a sanctuary to display your favorite treasures and collectibles... a structure filled with words of kindness and affection, be it to your children, your husband or wife, to God, or to your journal...

Home Sweet Home.

What makes a house a home to you?

It's raining, it's pouring!

2010-01-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

I love the rain and we are getting poured on here! It's about time... this 4 year drought has gone on long enough!

It's predicted to rain for 5 straight days!!! woohoo! this is amazing!!!!

"'...He is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings the grass from the earth.' " II Samuel 23:4

weekend warrior

2010-01-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

What are you planning on doing this weekend? Big plans or plans to lay low and relax?

I'm planning on enjoying my extremely clean house- there isn't a speck of dust anywhere, this make me happy.

Saturday morning I'm thinking .... sleeping in, home-made pancakes, and Orangina!
Later a few friends are coming over our neighbors/friends house (we live in a duplex) to watch the football game.... which I could care less about since The Patriots are not in the playoffs. ( grrrrr )

Our neighbors just purchased an elliptical exercise machine and it came in a huge box. ( The size a refrigerator could fit in) and me, being a child at heart couldn't wait to play with the box! Fort? ... nah, Toboggan? YES! Since here in Southern California snow never graces our ground, we are forced to get creative.

Big Hill + big long cardboard box + friends = GOOD TIMES!

I can't wait!!!!!

mwah ha ha ha..... this is going to be ridiculous!

Anyway, whatever your plans are, enjoy yourself.

for the love of {swiss-miss}

2010-01-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

I heart SWISSMISS!

No, I'm not talking about Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate....

I'm talking about:

A design blog run by tina roth eisenberg, a swiss designer gone nyc.

This blog is full of inspiration and things that just make me smile.

For example, an oldschool flip clock screensaver. I just downloaded it today! You should too! :)

Tick Tock Tick Tock

2010-01-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

Two-thousand ten or rather 'twenty-ten' or maybe I'll go against the grain and say 'Two- K- Ten.' Whichever way floats your boat .. it's a new year!

Where did all that time go? I was always told when I was a wee one that the older you get the faster the years go by... I thought it was all nonsense. For when you are a child time doesn't matter. You spend your days living in your imagination... pretending the school playground is your personal magical castle and your rule your kingdom until you get home from school and start climbing trees and imagining you're caught in a jungle trying to escape giant tigers til your story changes again in a blink of an eye and the once treacherous tigers trying to eat you for dinner turn into your pets while you march about in your garden... arms flailing and whistling a new tune.

However, now, with 24 years under my belt, time seems to be zipping by without the ability to grasp even a moment before it slips away... Gosh, I mean in the past 8 years I graduated high school, moved cross-country to California, got married, moved 7 times and now I'm in Los Angeles which is really the last place I would have ever thought I would live. Absolute insanity. I've been speeding down a windy, hilly, bumpy road and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

So what's in store for this year... God Only Knows...... but I'll take what He has in mind, that's for sure-- couldn't imagine taking any other way, any other plan, any other road but His.

Hear,my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
When you walk, your step will not behampered,
and if you run,you will not stumble.
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her,for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of the wicked
and do not walk in the way of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of evil.
Avoid it;do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
For the eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.

My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Put away from you crooked speech,
and put devious talk far from you.
Let your eyes look directly forward,
and your gaze be straight before you.
Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
Do not swerve to the right ot to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4: 10-27

wish list

2009-12-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

WISH LIST

le creuset dutch oven (orange)

Mrs.Myers Cleaning Products

Anything from Anthropologie- my favorite store of all time

a subscription to Real Simple magazine

a welsh corgi puppy

revel8 skiboards

cast iron skillet! i want to make skillet cornbread! :)

Julia Child's Famous Cookbook

Barefoot Contessa, Paris -Ina Garten

L'Abri-Edith Schaeffer

another trip to Paris,hehe

Fade

2009-12-13T22:14:00.000-08:00

sometimes I wish I could just fade into the background and disappear for a while...

"He chose the lowly things of this world."- I Corinthians 1:28

2009-12-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

"He chose the lowly things of this world." -I Corinthians 1:28

Walk the streets by moonlight, if you dare, and you will see sinners then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the picklock is grating in the door, and you will see sinners then. Go to the nearest jail, and walk through the cell blocks, and notice the inmates with heavy overhanging brows, people whom you would not like to meet at night, and there are sinners there. Go to reformed schools, and note those who have betrayed a rampant juvenile depravity, and you will see sinners there. Go across the seas to the place where a person will gnaw a bone upon which is reeking of human flesh, and there is a sinner there. Go where you will, you don't need to ransack earth to find sinners, for they are common enough; you may find them in every lane and street of every city, and town, and village, and hamlet. It is for such that Jesus died. If you were to single out for me the grossest specimen of humanity, who, nevertheless, had been born of women, I still would have hope for him because Jesus Christ has come to seek and save sinners. Love which singles out an individual has picked out some of the worst to be made the best. Pebbles-in-the-brook grace turns into jewels for the royal crown. He transforms worthless dross into pure gold. Redeeming love has set apart many of the worst of humankind to be the reward of the Savior's passion. Effectual grace calls forth many of the vilest of the vile to sit at the table of mercy. Therefore, let none despair.
Reader, by that love looking out of Jesus' tearful eyes, by that love streaming from those bleeding wounds, by that faithful love, that strong love, that pure, disinterested, and abiding love; by the heart and by the gentle pity of the Savior's compassion, we appeal to you not to turn away though it were nothing to you; but believe on Him and you shall be saved. Trust your soul with Him and He will bring you to His Father's right hand in glory everlasting.

Morning & Evening, Charles H. Spurgeon

Monday Monday, so good to me...

2009-11-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

I slept 12 hours last night.... crazy! I went to bed at 8:15 and didn't wake up once in the middle of the night! Let's just say I'm refreshed to say the least. My body can finally stay asleep for the entire night since I have been home from Ethiopia (which is 10 hours or so ahead of California.) Victory!

Back in the daily routine of American life... which I must say is bittersweet. I miss Africa and I long to go back... I have yet to post my experience-- I am still tinkering with the perfect words...

-Today I started thinking about Christmas gifts... a little late some may say, but early for others...

I would jot down my ideas, but I don't want to ruin any surprises-- all I will say is, "It's going to be a home-made Christmas thing year." :)

Christmas on Cape Cod- I couldn't pick a more perfect spot.

My family and friends of old are there...
The weather is chilly and it might just snow :)
Main Street is quaint and cheerful with twinkling lights in the shoppe windows.
Hot Cocoa just tastes better over there cozying up in front of a warm fire.
My childhood hometown... a perfect place to reminisce of Christmas' past and to cultivate new memories of Christmas present.

Song of Africa

2009-11-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

If I know a song of Africa

If I know a song of Africa,
of the giraffe and the Africa moon lying on her back,
of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers,
does Africa know a song of me?
Will the air over the plain quiver with a color I have had on,
or will the children invent a game in which my name is,
or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me,
or will the eagles of the Kagulu Hills look for me?
~Isak Dinesen (1885-1962) from Out of Africa

* note: please press pause on the playlist located at the bottom of the page to enjoy the videos posted. thank you.

OFF TO AFRICA!

2009-10-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

TODAY IS THE DAY!
I"M OFF TO AFRICA!!!!!
SEE YOU ALL BACK HERE IN TEN DAYS!!!!

for the love of {orange}

2009-10-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

{ORANGE}, the color of a sweet citrus fruit, the shade of the sinking sun under the horizon, the burst of brightness with a smile carved sitting on the front porch during Harvest time....

Tocar Interior Design

interior design dot net

ohdeedoh dot com

west elm

crate and barrel

"Would you please call me Cordelia?" {Anne Shirley}

2009-10-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I have been consistently watching Part one and Part two of the (1985) film Anne of Green Gables.

The film was created from the bestselling novel, Anne of Green Gables, written by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, published in 1908.

A book full of childhood imagination, coming-of age love, biblical values, kindred spirits, life-long friendships, and beautiful descriptions of Prince Edward Island... - no summery I could write would do it justice.

A story about a red-haired orphan from Nova Scotia with an abundant imagination. Her adventures growing up on Prince Edward Island are something that must be experienced through the brilliance of Montgomery's quill.

"I thought nothing could be as bad as red hair. Green is ten times worse."-Anne Shirley

I have yet to watch the 1934 black and white version directed by George Nichols Jr starring Dawn O'day as Anne Shirley, but I hope to see it soon.

I saw this series when I was a little girl and just loved it and now as an adult I can dive back into the innocence and magic of precious childhood memories and appreciate it even more.

"Farewell, my beloved friend. Henceforth, we must be strangers living side by side... but my heart will be ever faithful to thee." -Anne Shirley (after she was forbidden to see Diana)

Green Gables, Prince Edward Island

"I think I would probably come to the conclusion that I'd like it for a while... but in the end, I'd still prefer the sound of the wind in the firs across the brook more than the tinkling of crystal." -Anne Shirley

"I know I chatter on far too much... but if you only knew how many things I want to say and don't. Give me SOME credit."-Anne Shirley

Gilbert & Anne

Gilbert Blythe: "Well, I figured you can give me a hand with my work, and we'll call it a fair exchange."
Anne Shirley: "Aren't you worried? I'm liable to break another slate over your head."
Gilbert Blythe "I'm more worried I might break one over yours, carrots."

pics from: here , here and here

remember to turn off the playlist at the bottom of the page... enjoy the sneak peak!

Raindrops are falling on my head...

2009-10-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

It is a gloomy day here in the canyons just North of Los Angeles, and it's positively wonderful. I couldn't ask for a more beautiful day. I woke up this morning to the sound of raindrops softly tapping on the leaves of the bushes and trees outside our window. The calming sound of rain collecting in the gutters... there is something so peaceful about tiny drops landing on tin. Today is a gift. As of this moment I am looking out our bay window and watching the branches of birch and pine trees dance to graceful gusts of wind. How serene, the world seems today.

A poem by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

Part Two: Nature

XXXVII

The wind begun to rock the grass
With threatening tunes and low,—
He flung a menace at the earth,
A menace at the sky.

The leaves unhooked themselves from trees 5
And started all abroad;
The dust did scoop itself like hands
And throw away the road.

The wagons quickened on the streets,
The thunder hurried slow; 10
The lightning showed a yellow beak,
And then a livid claw.

The birds put up the bars to nests,
The cattle fled to barns;
There came one drop of giant rain, 15
And then, as if the hands

That held the dams had parted hold,
The waters wrecked the sky,
But overlooked my father’s house,
Just quartering a tree. 20

The Autumn Leaves

2009-09-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

The summer heat-wave has broken! Time to celebrate the arrival of Autumn (FINALLY!)

Now if only the leaves would change color here.... (sigh) I miss my New England trees....

The falling leaves drift by my window
The falling leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Music by- Joseph Kosma

Here's a treat from Nat King Cole....

*Please press 'pause' on the playlist at the bottom of the page if you would like to listen. Enjoy....

Dreaming of Wine Country

2009-09-22T13:09:00.001-07:00

Next Weekend Get-away? Napa Valley? I think it's a wonderful idea, don't you?.... hmm, reasons to go.... ah HA! Anniversary in November, perfect!!! Now to drop some hints... hehe.

Short blurb

2009-09-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Dinner last night out on the patio:
(please disregard the fly swatter, 'ahem' the bees wanted to accompany us while we ate)

Today I went thrift store shopping intending to purchase long skirts for my trip to Ethiopia, well, no such luck. Instead I ended up with a little wooden purse for a friend of mine, a Colin Ross designed vase, and a funky chunky orange beaded necklace! I got everything for a steal of a deal- gosh I love the fun of a good bargain hunt! :) Who's with me?!
I really need to find some skirts ASAP though!!!

The Road Not Taken

2009-09-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Road Not Taken -

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same, 10

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back. 15

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 20

-Robert Frost (1874-1963) Mountain Interval, 1920

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Countdown to Ethiopia

2009-09-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

40 days until I fly to Ethiopia, Africa.
I am so so excited!!!

here is a video that captures what I will be doing over there-- this video takes place in another part of Ethiopia while I will be in Arba Minch, but it sums up the mission.

Are you interested in missions?- check out e3 Partners - Equip, Evangelize, Establish

Fresh Strawberry Jam -Barefoot Contessa

2009-09-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

Ina Garten's Strawberry Jam

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Directions
Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly. Cook until a small amount of the juice gels on a very cold plate. (I keep one in the freezer.) Pour carefully into 2 pint canning jars and either seal or keep refrigerated. Use immediately, or follow proper canning guidelines below.

Tips on Sterilizing Jars:

Properly-handled sterilized equipment will keep canned foods in good condition for years. Sterilizing jars is the first step of preserving foods.

Sterilizing Tips:

Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic, or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum seal when processed.

To sterilize jars, before filling with jams, pickles, or preserves, wash jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and arrange jars and lids open sides up, without touching, on a tray. Leave in a preheated 175 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Or, boil the jars and lids in a large saucepan, covered with water, for 15 minutes.

Use tongs when handling the hot sterilized jars, to move them from either boiling water or the oven. Be sure the tongs are sterilized too, by dipping the ends in boiling water for a few minutes.

As a rule, hot preserves go into hot jars and cold preserves go into cold jars. All items used in the process of making jams, jellies, and preserves must be clean. This includes any towels used, and especially your hands.

After the jars are sterilized, you can preserve the food. It is important to follow any canning and processing instructions included in the recipe and refer to USDA guidelines about the sterilization of canned products.

Barefoot Contessa

for the love of {yellow}

2009-09-16T23:00:00.001-07:00

coming home

design sponge

apartment therapy

apartment therapy

cb2

Donna Wilson Designer Sofa

Metropolitan Home

Surroundings

2009-09-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

My goodness it has been a while.

I've been neglecting posting because of a serious case of writer's block. -- I just haven't been in the mood and to be honest I'm still in a rut. (help me!) So, my solution is to post a few pictures of our new dwelling spot.

Just a few photos of the surrounding area.... (for now)

our street

my favorite mailbox, if one can have a favorite mailbox

sunflowers by the pumpkin patch

our view out the living room bay window

the tire swing near by

Wildfire in the Neighborhood

2009-09-01T11:16:00.001-07:00

California is on fire!

Los Angeles is a valley of smoke.

The Station fire which is roaring through the Angeles National Forest is creating monstrous black clouds of smoke and ash. What looks like flurries of falling snowflakes out my window currently are bits and pieces of ash falling from the sky.

The fire so far has burned more than 120,000 acres and is still burning.--With a 5% containment stat now- Firefighters don't think it will be contained totally until September 15th!!!!!!

Our neighborhood hasn't been called for evacuation yet, but I am getting ready anyway. Better safe than sorry.

What to pack, what to keep.... photos, computers, my piano keyboard, the hub's guitar, files, clothes?

Link up with more info about California Wildfires
and link over to here also

Cheers!

2009-08-24T16:42:00.001-07:00

A delicious menu all planned out for this week! Mmm, mmmm!

Tonight: Lime Garlic Chicken with a green salad and oil and vinegar dressing
Tomorrow: Leftovers! served with brown rice
Wednesday: Traditional Mexican Tacos
Thursday: Taco Salads with Spanish rice
Friday: Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina.... YUM!

Can't wait to cook in my new kitchen! Slainte!

Planning on taking photos of our new place in the country soon-- Once I hang the last of m art collection :)

It is truly beautiful out here... sigh.

Ciao!

Sparkle Fresh Shine

2009-08-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

*Sparkle *Fresh *Shine

Take on the kitchen with these great tips!

Purifying the Home.

2009-08-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

Gee Golly, for a one bedroom apartment we sure do have A LOT of STUFF!

I feel like I have been packing since the beginning of time!

Is there a light at the end of this packing tunnel?

I hope so! And really, the only thing that will help shine some light in the dark dismal packing experience is to PURGE!

I have filled up 4 kitchen sized trash bags full of clothes, knick-knacks, books, magazines, and shoes! And I have another pile emerging....

I can't believe it... I'm not a pack-rat by any means... I can't stand clutter! I'm very much a minimalist. I like interior design to be sleek and simple. So,where did all this extra stuff come from? So, as much as it's a hassle to bag all this stuff up, it is freeing! I'm happy to see it go into someone else's closet or bookshelf. The weight of possessions has become a little lighter around here and I love it!!!

I have tried to make a routine of "if I buy something new then get rid of something old." However, when it comes to clothes I haven't been keeping up with my own philosophy. Errr. So, moving has pushed me into a purging corner and now I'm a donation machine! Salvation Army here I come!

Do you have any purging/donating habits or philosophies? Please share!

A Classic

2009-08-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

"Art always serves beauty, and beauty is the joy of possessing form, and form is the key to organic life since no living thing can exist without it." - Boris Pasternak

Last night I spent the hours falling in love with a classic movie all over again....

Doctor Zhivago.

The musical score alone is heart-wrenching - it paints the story with sound. A story of love, pain, romance, and revolution.

That famous melody of the russian Balalaika... i find myself humming the tune over and over...

The novel written by Boris Pasternak was first published in 1957 in Italy after the book manuscript was smuggled from the Soviet Union by an Italian publisher. After it was published in Italian, it was translated into Engish and was made into a film in 1965 by David Lean. The film won 5 Oscars. The novel Doctor Zhivago was finally published in the Soviet Union in 1988.

So, what are you waiting for, dive back in time to 1917 and experience the story of Doctor Zhivago, medical doctor, poet, lover....

"I have been expelled from the Union of Soviet Writers so that I shall starve. No one publishes my poetry or my translations anymore, which was my daily bread. The first payments from my editor have been confiscated by order of the authorities."
Boris Pasternak

"The aim of art is self-discharge
And not the clap-trap of success.
It's shameless to be looming large
For merits which are but a guess."
Boris Pasternak

Summer in the City

Soft exchanges fill the air
And in some fervent rush,
From the forehead, strands of hair
Were gathered with a brush.

Helmed, she casts a single glance
Upon your face and waits,
Throwing back her head at once
With her dangling braids.

While the humid, muggy night
Insinuates a storm,
All the passersby outside
Quickly scatter home.

And the thunder can be heard now.
There, resounding, it rings.
By the widow-frame, the curtain,
In the crosswinds, swings.

All is silent, all is hushed now
And it’s humid all the while,
And the lightning’s golden flashes
Are still groping in the skyline…

But the sunrise will ensue
With a breaking light, so stifling,
And dry the puddled avenues,
From the downpours and lightning.

You will then discern a stagnant,
Wearied look, still quite sedate,
On those age-old and those fragrant
Limes that simply will not fade.
-Boris Pasternak

Words of Wisdom

2009-08-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths."
-Proverbs 4:11

So, I clicked the 'new post' button, not having any idea what direction I would take down the writing road, when it then occurred to me that instead of me, sharing my thoughts of the day , I would share some of my favorite quotes of men who are full of wisdom and brilliance! Enjoy!

"Indeed, man wishes to be happy even when he so lives as to make happiness impossible."
-Saint Augustine

"Patience is the companion of wisdom."
-Saint Augustine

"Love is the beauty of the soul."
-Saint Augustine

"Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness."
-John Calvin

"There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice."
-John Calvin

You must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completion of joy.
-John Calvin

"If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair."
-C.S. Lewis

"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become."
-C.S. Lewis

"Telling us to obey instinct is like telling us to obey 'people.' People say different things: so do instincts. Our instincts are at war... Each instinct, if you listen to it, will claim to be gratified at the expense of the rest."
-C.S. Lewis

"The best, most beautiful, and most perfect way that we have of expressing a sweet concord of mind to each other is by music."
-Jonathan Edwards

"Acquaint yourself with your own ignorance."
-Isaac Watts

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."
-Charles Spurgeon

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."
-Charles Spurgeon

"No one is so miserable as the poor person who maintains the appearance of wealth."
-Charles Spurgeon

"None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves."
-Charles Spurgeon

"Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite."
-Charles Spurgeon

"Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of."
-Charles Spurgeon

"Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom."
-Charles Spuregon

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" -Proverbs 9:10

The End of the Week

2009-07-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Where the Sidewalk Ends

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
-Shel Silverstein

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend...

Ciao!

ouch

2009-07-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I have had the worst headache all day long. ugh.

Mint Elixir

2009-07-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

This book is full of interesting concoctions, elixirs, salves, and herbal medicines...

Lately I have been picking it up and reading a chapter or two... some of the recipes are really fun to make... it's entertaining to experiment!

My Grandma always said if you eat the crust of your bread it makes your cheeks rosey. (wink)

Here's a recipe for a refreshing elixir for a hot day:

MINT REFRESHER:

Boil together 1 pound sugar and 1 quart water.
Meanwhile, chop 1 to 2 cups mint leaves very fine, then grind with a mortar and pestle, adding about 1/4 cup sugar to the grinding process.
Once the boiled sugar water has cooled slightly, add the mint mixture and the juice of 3 to 5 lemons.
refrigerate until ince-cold and serve on a hot day.

Hoppin' homes

2009-07-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hoppin' hoppin' to another place to call home....

Currently my hub and I are living in a LARGE, LOUD, URBAN, apartment complex that never seems to sleep.... and as much as we love the inside of our place, it's not enough to keep us here.

Quaint cottage in the country here we come!!!!!

The surroundings are the following:

Beautiful Ranches
Horse Stables
Huge trees
Tire swings
Hiking trails

We're going to have a back patio, a vegetable garden, volleyball court, indoor pool, a wood stove, and a front yard!!!

Sign me up! Right?

We move on the 15th!!! If only I didn't have to PACK! I'm a little overwhelmed looking at all of our stuff... but it's worth it!

Every good and perfect gift comes from above. James 1:17

Posting pics once we're all settled into our new home! :D

2009-07-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

An amazing opportunity has presented itself to me.

" Would you like to go to Ethiopia?"

So very nonchalantly I was asked, just as you would hear the standard polite beginning phrase between strangers-the good ol'
" Hi, how are you doing?" or " How about this weather?"

Would you like to go to Ethiopia? the tone was the same, but the content was heavy.

A first trip to Africa ...

Wheel chair distribution to those who have been disowned from their families, shunned from their neighbors, and kicked out of their villages. Worthless in the eyes of their culture.. I would have the privilege to take part in giving them hope... in their suffering emotionally and physically I would not only ease their current situation of mobility, but have a chance to give them real hope- the hope and love found in Christ. To share the good news of Jesus and share the pure joy that is found when you have a personal spiritual relationship with the one true God.

This is a short post of what could become a dream come true! Me, a missionary, what a gift!

Before anything is finalized, there needs to much prayer.... if God wants me to go on this trip in October, He's going to have provide the funds, and will have to help me along the way with all the preparations including all the medical requirements and travel paperwork like passports and plane tickets.

I am so excited!

Free Wheelchair Mission

e3 Partners Ministry- the missions organization I am teaming up with

Southern California Oven

2009-07-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

Summer is here in Los Angeles California.

IT"S 93 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT!!!!!!

And this is just the beginning.... it only gets HOTTERRRRRR!!!!

I am so not a Summer kinda girl.

I really enjoy my wool peacoats, boots, darkwash jeans, scarves, mittens, and hats.

Well, cheers to sunshine, sweat, and sunburns.

Photo Challenge

2009-07-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

While I was surfing the blogsphere I came across a blog worth mentioning... Lux Venit. As I was scrolling up and down I decided to jump on the photo meme challenge that was posted.

Here are the rules:

1.Go to your photo files. Select the 6th folder or album.
2.Select the 6th photo in that folder/album
3. Post the picture and the story behind it
4. Challenge some bloggy friends to do the same.

I'm not going to tag, but if you feel so inclined to jump on this challenge as I did then leave a comment to let me know!!! :)

This photo was taken in Oceanside CA on the Oceanside Pier. My husband and I have both grown up with the ocean close by. When we lived in San Diego, we lived about 45 minutes away from the coast which is 40 more minutes further away then my childhood ocean days. Point being, we both have salty air, sandy toes, crashing waves withdrawals. This photo was capturing one of those moments during the winter of 2008.

LA to Cape Cod to New York, New York, back to LA

2009-06-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

I blinked and I was back in blazing hot L.A. California.

Last week I flew back to Cape Cod with my husband to visit my family and friends!!

And all last week it RAINED!

Now, normally on any other vacation rain every single day would be a total drag, but I miss the rain since it never really seems to come here, the only other coastal desert besides Australia, Los Angeles California. So I was loving every raindrop and the fact that I got to rock my bright green rain boots!

So, Cape Cod in the Summer, there's nothing like it! Clam Chowder, Lobster Rolls, Crab Cakes, Oysters on the halfshell. SKRUMPSH!

Then we went to the BIG APPLE for two days. We stayed in Times Square where all the action is. And for two days we toured the Concrete Jungle on DoubleDecker buses! It was awesome!!!
Times Square
The Flat Iron Building
Wall Street
Broadway
The Famous Bull
Ground Zero
Central Park
Lady Liberty
Little Italy
Greenwich Village
The Dakota ( the apartment building John Lennon lived and died)
Harlem
FAO Schwartz
Rockefellar Center
Radio City Music Hall
The Apollo Theater
5th Ave (shopping galore)
and so much moreeeee

Oh, and we ate and ate and ate!!! Hot dogs, pretzels,bagels,pizza, Italian Food in Little Italy..... New York classics!!!!!YUMMY!
Here are some photos from our trip!!!

my backyard back home on The Cape
A Colonial Garden next to the Historical Society Building, Falmouth MA
New England Clam Chowder @ The Captain Kidd,Woods Hole,MA
Eel Pond, Woods Hole
Times Square, NY,NY
The Empire State Building
THE BULL!!!
The Statue of Liberty
Rockefeller Center... behind us you'll see a lot of umbrellas, well, in the winter that is where everyone ice-skates!! :)
What else can I say other than, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S!!! <3 Audrey Hepburn
FAO SCHWARTZ!!!! The "BIG" Piano!!! Seen the movie BIG with Tom Hanks?? There it is!!!
Central Park!
Back home on the Cape,I cooked dinner for my family. Cape Cod Chopped Salad, Grilled Salmon, Roasted Tomatoes, Wild Rice, and navel oranges cut like a grapefruit with lemon sorbet served on top with a lime side.

What Is That?

2009-06-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

--please click the pause button on the playlist at the bottom of the page. Thank you. Enjoy.

What is that? (Τι είναι αυτό;) 2007 from MovieTeller on Vimeo.

...powerful.

West Coast to East Coast for a week!!

2009-06-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

I think I have lost my mind. Packing for vacation drives me crazy.

I don't have any idea why I get so overwhelmed, but it happens every time!

I write a list out of all the outfits, accessories, shoes, and toiletries I have to bring with little check boxes after each item, and even though in theory it sounds like an organized process- I still get stressed out.

Maybe freaking out directly before vacation isn't too bad since you appreciate all the double, I mean triple-checking, you did when packing to make sure you had everything planned, but I'm not on vacation yet... I'm in the moment!

Writing this blog is giving me a break ....phew!

I just can't wait to be on the plane to read a book for 6 hours!!!!!

I am so so so looking forward to seeing my family and good friends back in Cape Cod. I miss them a ton!

I can't wait to visit the Big Apple (NYC) with my husband for the first time! I can't wait for him to discover all the amazingly delicious food New York,New York has to offer. I can't wait to see the smile on his face! NYC to me is like an old neighborhood I used to hang around because I would visit it so much when I was younger, but my San Diego Californian hubby has never been!!! I'm so happy to experience a huge checkmark on the bucket list for the both of us!!! YIPEEEE...

So, yea, the packing insanity is all worth the new memories we will experience!

I will be away until the 28th of June....
Photos from this trip will be posted when I get back!!!

Virtual Tea Party

2009-06-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Tea Time!!!

Virtual Bloggy Tea Time at Farmwife's Blog!!

There's nothing like a hot cup of tea and good conversation! Can't beat it!

Please introduce yourself and tell us how you became a visitor here at Farm Wife.

Greetings! My name is Vanessa and I have traveled afar from the blog Thoughts Caught on a Web to this lovely virtual tea party hosted by FarmWife! I stumbled upon this Tea Party via A Secret Life of a Unknown Housewife, her photo was too delicious not to taste what this tea party was all about so I do hope you don't mind me crashing the party. :)

What book is currently on your bedside table (or coffee table) and are you really reading it?

Oh gosh, so many- On top of the pile, there is a book called, 'Are the Miraculous Gifts for Today? 4 views' --I just started this book and it's quite deep- I'm taking it in small doses. As for other books, "The Hidden Art of Homemaking" by Edith Schaeffer which I finished, but I loved it so much I pick up once in a while for some inspiration.-I highly recommend this book. ( I have a post dedicated to it on my blog.) I also have The Farmers Almanac for Traditional Home Remedies- it's very interesting. And lastly, "Francis Schaeffer, An Authentic Life" by Colin Duriez- I have yet to start this one, but I'm looking forward to diving in- Francis Schaeffer is my favorite author, philosopher, art historian, and theologian!

Is there anything you would like to accomplish this summer?

Get HEALTHIER! I'm starting to tweek my diet slowly... first, no sweets! This is so hard since I love to bake!

Did you take any lessons as a child? What kind and did you retain anything you learned?

So many, ballet, tap, gymnastics, painting, clarinet/music lessons, choral group... the list goes on and on. I am so thankful my mom had me so involved in such a large variety of activities. I still love to dance, and I do it every chance I get. Music plays a huge part in my life. I don't play clarinet anymore, but I do play piano and I'm starting to record some songs of mine... Music is like candy, I can't get enough of it! it's so sweet!

If someone had told you ten years ago what you'd being doing today, would you have believed them?

Ten years ago, well, I was 14 and very confused about life... it wouldn't seem believable if someone told me I would be living in Los Angeles and married for a good 2 years already because when I was 14 I was living in Massachusetts with no desire to live in California.... but I'd probably say "sign me up!"

What are you making for dinner tonight?
Mandarin Orange Chicken served on top of fresh Arugula with sparkling lime-ade for refreshment! Can't wait to eat!

photo: google.com

Dumpr.net- fun time wasterrr

2009-06-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Modern Art Museum by dumpr.net

What is your favourite colour? Blue. No, YELLOOOOOWWWW

2009-06-05T18:30:00.001-07:00

The Questions:

What is your current obsession?
Reading Edith Schaeffer books and discovering new teas

What is your weirdest obsession?
When I am in traffic or even walking in a huge parking garage I look at every single license plate and do mathematical equations in my head to find patterns.... it's so weird, and I recently let my hubby in on this secret obsession and now he does it!!! We're crazyyyy!

What are you wearing today?
Banana Republic skinny jeans, gap brown and white striped tee, navy blue button up cardigan, and my gladiator sandals

What's for dinner?
Chicken stir-fry with red peppers, asparagus, water chestnuts, Asian lettuce,and mushrooms served on top of brown rice.

What would you eat for your last meal?
my Mother's lasagna, a glass of Cabernet from France, and strawberry Mochi ice cream

What's the last thing you bought?
straw beach mats

What are you listening to right now?
the wind blow

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
French Silk.... it is AMAZING

What do you think of the person who tagged you?
I cheated and just took on this survey with out being tagged. ;)

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
PARIS

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Thailand

Which language do you want to learn?
French and Hebrew

What's your favorite quote (for now)?
"Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom." _ Charles Spurgeon

What is your favorite color?
muted green and burnt orange

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
my bright orange pea coat

What is your dream job?
professional interior designer

What is your worst habit?
hitting the snooze button too many times

If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?
art supplies

Do you admire any one's style?
too many to name... I admire those who are willing to create with all their heart and form something beautiful even if it's risky or edgy or the complete antithesis of expectation.

Describe your personal style?
eclectic, global, modern

What are you going to do after this?
going to the theater to watch UP with my hubby

What are your favorite movies?
Barefoot in the Park, Once, My Fair Lady, Schindler's List

What is your favorite fruit?
a tie between watermelon and peaches

What inspires you?
good interior design, good food presentation, and extremely creative music

Your favorite book?
How Should We Then Live? Francis Schaeffer

Do you collect something?
I started collecting magnets from everywhere I travel.. I collect antique classic books, and currently I am collecting interesting vases for a centerpiece I hope to do soon!

What is your favorite smell?
Star of Jasmine flowers

What is your fave HGTV show?
Divine Design- Candice Olsen is a miracle-worker

TAG 8 PEOPLE

BeDecent

a Nantucket State of Mind
The Secret Life of an Unknown Housewife
Living Learning Loving
The Inner Circle
Cassandra Marie
Emily's Chicken Pot Pie
At The Farm

Copy and Paste, answer, and tag 8 more!

Good Old Cape Cod

2009-06-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

I keep catching myself daydreaming of a Cape Cod Summer. There's nothing like it in the entire world. You really can't explain the feeling you're filled with when surrounded by the historical quaint cute colonial towns, the damp scent of salt in the air, the sights you see of pearl colored sandy beaches, swaying beach grass, sailboats floating along the current. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to remind myself that this was my childhood town... a town full of priceless memories of family outdoor dinners at Grandma's house, family croquet championships, soaking up hours of sunlight on the beach with friends, driving with your best friends with no destination in mind-just driving to enjoy the gorgeous environment with all the windows down letting the wind wisp through our long locks of hair. It doesn't seem true, but it is!!!

I am looking forward to flying back to summer memories. Can't wait to create new ones....

Sixteen days til Cape Cod....

Interested in visiting The Cape some day? I recommend staying at the Copper Beech Inn in Falmouth, MA. It has a fantastic location( a 5 minute walk to Falmouth Village, a short drive to Woods Hole, where you can take the ferry to the Vineyard, and about a 10 minute walk to the beach!) and very cute decor.... simply beautiful! And oh the food, delicious!!!!

*images found through google

Surprise Party

2009-06-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Monday Monday.....

Well, Monday here is not very exciting, just the same ol' same ol'. So, Instead of blabbing all about Monday I'm going to blab all about my awesome weekend.

First off, I have the best Hubby in the WORLD!!!!

My birthday was May 3rd, so that night we went out for sushi together and Daniel had a change of heart or rather change of taste buds towards sushi. I was very very very excited since I absolutely LOVE sushi! Anyway, we were talking about getting some friends together to celebrate my birthday after we got back from holiday in Hawaii.... but really the whole idea was up in the air.

So we go to Hawaii, have a great time, arrive back in LA get busy with 'real' life and well, I just thought to myself, there is no way anyone has time this month to get together and plus, it was getting further and further away from the beginning of May- so it was making less and less sense to call it a birthday celebration. I just forgot about the idea and went on living...

However, little did I know, my husband was being so sneaky.

He got all our friends email addresses and planned a little get together without me knowing!

So last Saturday, we headed down to Santa Monica. He wouldn't tell me where we were going to eat.... which actually isn't out of character since he likes to plan dinners so it didn't bug me too much that there was a huge unknown... I know he has good taste in restaurants and I was HUNGRY!

Once we hit town, we parked, and walked across the street... it was a Sushi Place!!!!! I was so excited and impressed at his sense of adventure once again! So, I thought that sushi was the surprise... but once I walked in the door ...

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!"

All our friends were there waiting!!!!

I've never had a surprise party in my life! It was so so so FUN!!!!
Good food, good friends!!!

Wall Decor Dilemma Solved!

2009-05-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

For the past year I have been staring at a blank white wall in my dining area of my apartment.

This wall has been silently screaming for some love and attention, but no matter what ideas popped into my mind, nothing seemed to work.

You see, I have a very large piece of art hanging on the only other wall available in the dining area and well, I couldn't figure out the appropriate decor idea for the blank wall without stealing the focus from the huge Paris photo.

First I was thinking floating shelves with cute collection pieces displayed, but visually that would have been too much drama in one corner. Then I was thinking, another picture or even a gallery set up of smaller pieces of art, but then I ruled that out because there would be too much competition going on for the main focal point... Then I thought of hanging a big mirror, but the rule about mirrors (besides necessary mirrors in the bathroom) is when hanging mirrors you want what ever they reflect to be beautiful... almost displaying their own 'backward display of your decor.' So, I crossed that idea off since the mirror would be reflecting ugly 1980s vertical blinds!!! UGH, I hate them!! I wish I could tear them down, but I want my deposit back :)

So, when I was about to completely give up because of "decoration frustration" (hehe) I found these AWESOME fabric panels!!!!!

THANK YOU IKEA!

I hung two long thin panels on the back wall. The panels have birch tree trunks printed on them.... they are perfect since my dining area is all black, grey, and white!!! I am so so so excited. They are the perfect statement and a great alternative to painting, since I already have two walls to paint white before I move out of this apartment. :/

---Before I come back with a posted photo... I give you this link to inspire you... apartment therapy

Hidden Art

2009-05-26T10:06:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the book! Oh, I enjoyed it so much I could pick it up and read it all over again.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer- the wife of one of my favorite authors, theologians, and philosophers and also founder of L'Abri Fellowship, and art historian, Francis Schaeffer. Brilliant! Francis and his wife.

I have yet to read any of her other books, but I have only heard amazing reviews. I am very curious to open up another one of her works because of how pleased I was with this book, Hidden Art.

Hidden Art of Homemaking is not JUST for the wife, or Homemaker, it's for anyone who has a passion or interest in any of these pleasures: Music, Painting/Sketching/Sculpturing, Interior Decoration, Gardens/Gardening, Flower Arrangements, Food, Writing/Poetry, Drama, Creative Recreation, Clothing, the Environment.

It is hands down, exploding with inspiration! Creative ideas for everyday life.

She makes the practical daily routine beautiful and let's you in on all her secrets.

She delivers amazing , but simple ideas that give you great outlets to deepen your sense of creativity in everyday occasions.

What is Hidden Art? ......

" I would define 'Hidden Art' as the art which is found in the 'minor' areas of life. By 'minor' I mean what is involved in the 'everyday' of anyone's life, rather than his/her career or profession. Each person, I believe, has some talent which in unfulfilled is some "hidden area' of his being, and which could be expressed and developed." " All art involves conscious discipline. If one is going to paint, do sculpture, design a building or write a book, it will involve discipline in time and energy- or there would never be any production at all to be seen, felt, or enjoyed by ourselves or others. To develop "Hidden Art' will also, of course, take time and energy-- and the balance of the use of time is a constant individual problem for all of us: what to do, and what to leave undone. One is always having to neglect one thing in order to give precedence to something else. The question is one of priorities." ~ Edith Schaeffer.
-Some quotes in her explanation of what hidden art really is.

Pick up her book ASAP!! You will have a lovely time reading it and experiencing her ambition to make life beautiful.

Morrison Madness

2009-05-20T21:29:00.001-07:00

I wanted to link all of my bloggy friends to the other blog I post on.

It's called Morrison Madness- it's mainly a blog to record the adventures my hubby and I find ourselves on and well, other random life experiences....

So, if you're currently browsing the blogsphere, check it out! :)

Aloha Paradise

2009-05-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Aloha friends!

Back from a lovely holiday in Hawaii. My time was full of relaxation and beautiful views of the crystal clear ocean, gorgeous sunsets, sea turtles swimming near the shoreline, delicious food and drink, hawaiian jungle hiking trails that led to breathtaking waterfalls.... paradise at its best.

A dose of escapism for a week was necessary, but I am happy to be home once again... reality check! Things to do, people to see....

here are a few photos from my trip!

The Resort

Sea Turtle!!!!!

roadside market, North Shore

gorgeous beach!

our feet!! hehe

Luau! hula hula

beautiful sunset

Hello Hawaii!

2009-05-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'm hittin' the road to the airport!!!

I'll be lounging in the Hawaiian sun rays for a week! :)

I'll write when I return from Paradise!

ALOHA!!!!!

hi

2009-05-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hello there.

Today feels like it has been the longest day of my life, well, besides the days you're stuck at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). What's funny (well, not really funny, thats giving me too much credit) is I didn't have an overly-packed day. I guess exhaustion decided to fall upon me for reasons I don't understand...

My morning consisted of toast, a cup of English Breakfast tea with cream and sugar and some exploration through the blogsphere I follow so loyally. After breakfast I picked up around my apartment, emptied the dishwasher, did a few loads of laundry. I then realized the morning was slowly dwindling... I jumped in the shower and got ready to seize the day! I finished up a spray-painting project that I had to complete for an event on Saturday, hopped in my little car and hit the road. I delivered the massive spray-painted vase.... on the road again.... weaving through treacherous Los Angeles traffic I somehow survived and parked at the Sherman Oaks Galleria.... Hair-chop appointment here I come. Oh, I was so over-due for a hair cut. My hair was starting to take 'lampshade" form. NOT GOOD!

So, a few snips and cuts later I had light bouncy blonde hair with dark brown chunky low lights... so fun. I needed to funk it up a bit.

So, as soon as I was all smiles because of my new hair... I slowly crept onto the 405 freeway and found myself in the Guiness World Records Largest Parking Lot. I HATE THE 405!!!!!! Banish that large expanse of concrete!!! All it does is create headaches and unhappy people. However, one upside to the traffic was right before the 405 merged onto the 5 interstate there's a short tunnel to drive through - a car 2 lanes over started to honk in a distinct rhythm which at first I didn't find funny at all, but then another car started to sing-along, I mean, HoNk-along, and slowly one car at a time began to honk honk honk... I tooted my horn along with the beeping ballad. It was quite an amusing few minutes... it was fun to look through the other car windows and spy on all the genuine smiles.

A few unforgettable moments spent with a gathering of total strangers with completely different destinations...

So, finally I reach my apartment, pull up the e-break, sigh, laugh a little to myself, step out and walk into the future...

The future held ... LOTS OF PACKING!!! Hawaii here I come!!! MAY 10th-16th!!

Sparkle Fresh Shine

2009-05-05T23:56:00.000-07:00

Introducing.....my new house cleaning blog.

SPARKLE FRESH SHINE

check it out! teehee!

I heart cleaning!!!!!!

24

2009-05-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday today!! woohoo 24!!

Goin' out for sushi with the hub! yummy!!!

images found through google.com

apartment therapy... a dose of colorful inspiration

2009-04-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

los angeles, chinatown, california

vancouver,bc

chicago, illinois

1. adventurous 2. exquisite, 3. classy

apartment therapy

Barefoot in the Park

2009-04-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Barefoot in the Park is one of my top favorite films of all time. Classic Comedy!

I had a lovely GIRL"S MOVIE NIGHT OUT over my friend Christiana's house with a few friends . We ate a delicious dinner and scrumpcious sweets for dessert and watched Barefoot in the Park. I couldn't have asked for a better time!

If you're in the mood for a good ole laugh or need a pick-me-up,cheer-me-up, watch this movie. Slap it on your Netflix Queue or run down to your local video shop. You won't be disappointed. It's a real crack-up!

Here is the original 1967 film trailer:

Food Glorious Food!

2009-04-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

I found the best chicken recipe... I made it last week and I was very happy with the results and so was my husband which is what really matters. teehee.

Balsamic Sesame Dumettes...
and for sides I threw a green salad together with a home-made vinaigrette, wild rice, and sesame bread.
For drinks: Fresh squeezed grapefruit spritzers with crushed mint.
It was a delicious meal!
5 stars in my book, I recommend it highly.

The vinaigrette is from Barefoot Contessa, my favorite on the food network. I would make this dressing again in a heart beat, it was so good. It balanced out the sweetness of the chicken with some tang and the wild rice was a great neutral to cleanse the palette.

I have made many of her recipes and have yet to not LOVE one. Most of her recipes are relatively easy, but they look for the most part very gourmet.. her presentation is amazing. Presentation is the part I enjoy the most.... Food Art!

The Balsamic Sesame Drumettes were a recipe from Glada de Laurentiis. I have watched her show a few times and always thought her food looked good, but just never tried any of her recipes, but this Balsamic Sesame Chicken has prompted me to discover more of her food secrets.

Pablo Picasso

2009-04-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Picasso, Accordionist

Picasso, Nu (Nude)

Picasso, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon

Picasso.

Pablo Picasso,
a boy from Spain
a rebel at heart
equipped with a deep fascination with art.

A child prodigy matured into a extraordinary artist who's style cannot be summed up in short.
The Blue Period, The Rose Period, Cubism etc etc - it would take pages and pages to explain and analyze his works.

His influences, Greek classical art, Iberian sculpture, even African masks and sculptures.

Cubism, if I dare say is what he is best known for... I would even say he paved the road to this abstract style.

Picasso, not being alone in this quest for a new movement, but definitely a leader, aimed for a new expression, a new art, a new world-view or perspective.
A perspective that severed the age old humanism of western society.
And in doing so, erased the person, erased God, erased personal human connection which led to humans, nature, animals, things, everything being the same.
So, if everything is the same then there should be no basic difference in how they are portrayed or depicted.
Cubism, an aim to depict the true reality behind the appearances.
Although the expression of cubism in a simple description would be made up of words such as geometrical, mathmatical, hard forms, there seems to be an underlying theme of the irrational, the unruly, the unreasonable, lostness, and violence.
An art form screaming chaos with no voice.

Picasso's quest was to depict the universal, the generalized image. Take the human out of humanity, nature out the the natural, scratch the specific, what is left?

Shapes.

If there are no absolutes, then this world is absurd, devoid of any meaning.
All that is left is the irrational, the nonsensical, lawlessness, turmoil, and utter chaos.

Now don't get me wrong, these are my observations (with some help from an amazing book I'm reading at the moment, Modern Art and the Death of a Culture) on the artistic expression in plain words. I think Picasso is a legend, a man with unprecedented and exceptional talents. Talents that I hope are observed and appreciated for ages to come. It's what is behind the paint that intrigues me- the thoughts and motives that create the art displayed on the canvas.
It truly amazes me how a person's perspective about the world, humanity, and spirituality are the route motivation to create the art they express.

grapefruits galore

2009-04-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

so many grapefruits so little time... fresh picked by a client of mine.

Fennel and Grapefruit Salad
2 large fennel bulbs
2 ruby red grapefruit
3 bunches fresh arugula
1/2 cup black olives, pitted
1/2 cup Newman’s Own® Lighten Up® Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Cracked black pepper to taste
Ground sea salt to taste

DIRECTIONS
Trim and halve the fennel bulbs. Cut them paper thin with a sharp knife or mandolin.
Peel and section the grapefruit so that only the fleshy fruit remains.
Stem, wash and dry the arugula leaves.In a large bowl place the arugula and dressing. Toss until coated and then add the fennel, grapefruit and olives. Pepper and salt and toss again

Grapefruit Spritzer
-Combine fresh Grapefruit juice with club soda and crushed mint leaves.

Grapefruit Recipes

Clair de Lune - breathe

2009-04-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

Out of the wide variety of music that I love and listen to on a daily basis this piece stands alone. Alone far above any other song. I could listen to it over and over and over... and it's more beautiful to me than the time before. I really am in great awe every time this gorgeous sound caresses my ears.

I can close my eyes and dream of another world, a perfect world...

Claude Debussy's Clair de Lune clears my mind and gives me a moment to breathe, I set my troubles aside, and rest for what seems like an eternity in a moment's time.

Each note paints a shade of color in a dream landscape of sound....

this is simplicity at it's best....

How often do we as people listen to lyrics of songs and read ourselves into each word said, we try to mold the story of the song into some situation we ,personally, have gone through in life. This may be too bold, but it almost seems there is a natural tendency to want to relate to the musician's words so we can find a connection with him or her, but Clair de Lune, even though absent of words or lyrics, there is a mood slowly created, a picture slowly and steadily painted with each singular note played.... I can't even begin to attempt to mold this song to me... this song molds, chips away, sculpts the person. It's very refreshing and stimulating to the mind when you let music guide your thoughts and emotions.

So find a quiet place, close the door, sit in a comfy chair, put your feet up, put your headphones on, turn the volume up, shut out the world for a moment, and close your eyes...

tell me what you think...
what pictures did your mind paint while listening...
I'm so curious about how other people are effected by this piece.

Oh, New England, My Home

2009-04-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Boston Common

The North Church

The North End

My home street back on The Cape

It's a quiet day here...
I am a bit disappointed in the scheduled precipitation not following through. I wish the rain fell from the dark clouds I saw looking out my window this morning. Rain is a gift here in this arid coastal desert of Southern California. The absence of routine showers slowly peels away layers on the inside which reveal a homesick heart. It's April now, and it's been summer since February. You would think I would be used to this slight seasonal change by now since I have been living out here for about 4 years now, but I refuse to enjoy it.... The New Englander can't fade away... it won't be replaced by a Summer all year long California love. The past four years seem to have been one long vacation, not in terms of rest and relaxation, but in terms of I have been away from home. Home is where the seasons change. Where the leaves turn shiny gold, rustic red, and fire orange- where the quick chill of the first frost lets the leaves fall to the ground covering the earth in a brown textured blanket- where the first signs of Spring come in daffodils and crocuses fighting with all their strength through the tough soil- where you pack away your coats, hats, scarves, and mittens to replace with skirts, tee shirts, flip flops, and sun dresses- Where you can see our country's history come alive. Oh, how I miss New England, my home.

zippin' through the clouds

2009-03-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

Countdown to Oahu, Hawaii.... T minus: 25 days

and
Countdown to Cape Cod, Massachusetts/ The Big Apple ... T minus: 66 days

Hope time flies!!!! I can't wait!!!

updated countdown April 15th.

Steam Engine

2009-03-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

chugga chugga choo choo....... steammmmmmmmmmmmmm

Love is smoke raised with the fume of sighs

2009-03-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs

Being purged, a fire sparkling in lover's eyes,

Being vexed, a sea nourished with lover's tears.

What is it else? A madness most discreet,

a choking gall and a preserving sweet.

-William Shakespeare

Pasadena and San Diego

2009-03-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday....

all my troubles seemed so far away....

Now it looks as though they're here to stay

Oh, I believe in yesterday...

Pasadena CA, Colorado BLVD in 1929 just after Route 66 was commissioned

Yesterday I went to Pasadena with my girlfriends and had a wonderful time....

We went out for ice cream.... I had the Espresso flavor... YUM!

We wandered around shops on Colorado blvd and then went out for tea at Bird Pick- Tea Bar and Shop. I absolutely adore this place. They have every tea you could think up and more and the atmosphere you can't beat. It's more of an Asian theme then English tea shoppe.
--- I wish I would have taken more pictures of the place.

I had licorice root tea-- it is AMAZING. It doesn't taste like licorice at all.... it's a very light tea with a natural sweetness. You have to experience it!!!

On sample they had Matcha Green Tea, iced. I'm going back there for more! It is so delicious and refreshing!!

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disclaimer: Monday was supposed to be the day that my friend and I were going to finish the egg carton flowers, but because of certain circumstances it wasn't going to work out so, pictures of the finished product will be posted at a later date.
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I'm going to mesh two different trips together in one post. So Monday (yesterday) was Pasadena, but over the weekend my husband and I went to San Diego.... here are some pictures from the farmer's market I went to .... beautiful....
I heart San Diego.

it was a rare overcast day in San Diego when I went to the Farmer's Market, but despite the dreary weather, the winery continued to be beautiful in it's rustic state. I love it there....

grass

2009-03-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

A Minuscule Exploration Through Regenerated Beams Of Sunlight from Karen Abad loves Dinosaurs. on Vimeo.

i heart grass... nature's shaggy carpet. :)

tip: pause the playlist at the bottom of the page! :)

joy in the littlest things

2009-03-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

When I grow up I want to be a little girl...

a kid at heart

laugh a lot and smile even more

smile at a stranger

break down the barrier of american individualism and reach out through kindness

love despite being unloved

find joy in the little things

wonder at how seriously amazing trees are :)

collect a library amount of books in my home and read every single one...

sit in an art museum all alone and watch time pass by quietly

play piano on a huge stage with no one in the theater

paint what comes to mind

send a stranger a valentine

give into my weakness, chocolate, every time

never grow up

make every day beautiful

pay it forward

hold the hand of the one I love

plant a garden

watch it grow

marvel at creation

take big risks and never look back

never regret

forgive and forget

love, hope, and have faith

arm myself with truth

learn something new every day

challenge the mind intellectually

keep it real

say I love you more often.......

i just liked this

2009-03-06T20:23:00.001-08:00

NINA KINERT & ANE BRUN from Diaspro on Vimeo.

good food found in los angeles

2009-03-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my friend Natasha and I went to the Los Angeles Farmers Market. There is an explosion of good food there. Fresh baked loafs of bread, delicious produce, premium meats, and any dish from any country! ... sushi, jewish food, alligator from New Orleans, Chinese food, Korean food, French food!!! The list goes on and on!!! I love this place! And it's a historical landmark, I believe it's been around since 1934! A' must see and experience' in my book of LA!

Today, I was struck with a huge urge to bake! So, I made blueberry muffins and chocolate chip cookies!!! It was a lot of fun!
And I can't wait to make this Stonewall Kitchen Box of Brownies. Thanks Mom!! I heart Stonewall Kitchen- they have the yummiest things on earth!!!! I definitly recommend requesting a catalog from them... just go to their website!

I am Second- testimony

2009-03-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

This is Brian Welch a former member of the band Korn. This is his testimony of how God saved him from his sins, saved him from destruction, eternal damnation and now counts him as righteous through Christ's death on the cross.

Simply amazing... God is SO good! He does amazing works!!! Praise Him!

Brian Welch is second because Christ is FIRST in his life!!!

If you are curious about anything that has been expressed in this video, please feel free to contact me via email or you are welcome to comment if you would like.

I AM SECOND --check out more videos like this one here.

I too am second...

charcoal squares

2009-02-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

our bedroom in our little apartment in Los Angeles. I heart decorating.

I can't wait to start taking classes in Interior Design!!!!!!!

I love transforming the mood, theme, color, texture, or tone of a room. It's exciting to me!

I love the brainstorming process
The challenge of shopping and/or making your idea...
The rearrangement of furniture
The remix of the reason for the space altogether...

I love it all...
but mostly I love the reveal of a new space with all the final touches in place. It puts a smile on my face.

:)