My World

Wire Rings

2012-01-15T15:22:00.000-05:00

Oh my! It's been months since I've posted. Sorry! Here are photos of the new rings I made after taking a jewelry class. Need to practice a bit more, and then I'll be able to make them in silver wire.

Some of my favorite things: jewelry, tomatoes, flowers

2011-09-28T22:34:00.001-04:00

From top to bottom: jewelry I made for my mom while in Seattle (her design, my labor), my parents' tomatoes (LOVE) and flowers.

Back from Denver

2011-08-30T13:42:00.002-04:00

I'm back from Denver. Had an amazing time.

I can't believe how long it's been since I've updated this blog. So here are some of the things that happened during the trip (just in case some of you will ask for suggestions)

Friday:
late lunch/early dinner at WaterCourse
Salsa at Opal

Saturday:
Breakfast at Sam's No 3
Civic Center
Blue Bear
Capitol
Denver museum of art (military gets in for free!)
Dinner at Rioja: AMAZING
Salsa at La Rumba

Sunday:
Breakfast at Pete's Kitchen
Farmers' market
Botanical garden
Tattered Cover Book Store
Dinner at Sushi Sasa
Movie

Monday:
airport, 6 hours in Kansas City, home sweet home

When I came back, I got an email from Snapfish saying my account will be deleted unless I order something within 7 days. So I decided to order the 3 prints below and hang them in my bathroom. The photos are from the Botanical Garden.

This week's flowers

2011-06-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

Scenes around Capitol Hill

2011-05-26T20:13:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I served as a photographer for the Eat Write Retreat. I will be posting about the food blogging conference on Mango & Tomato, but wanted to share with you some photographs I snapped around Capitol Hill while touring the area with the DC Food Tours and sampling amazing food.

Perhaps this last photograph was a sign: have courage, do things that slightly scare you and move forward!

Peonies & a new orchid

2011-05-10T15:55:00.000-04:00

Know what I believe in? Buying myself flowers! This goes along with cooking for myself and surrounding myself with people and things that make me happy. There is no need to wait for a man to give you flowers!

Here are a few of the peonies I bought and my brand new orchid.

Basil & Ranunculus from Penn Quarter Farmers Market

2011-04-24T16:33:00.001-04:00

LOVE flowers. This past Thursday I picked up some gorgeous ranunculus at the Penn Quarter Farmers Market (and a min basil plant).

This was a minor casualty: somehow I managed to snap off this flower once I got home :(

Weekend in New York City

2011-04-02T22:06:00.000-04:00

This past weekend Anna and I met in New York City to start off our birthday celebration. We stayed with my good friend Jenny. It was a relaxing weekend of eating out and in, going salsa dancing, walking around Brooklyn and just catching up. I'll be posting food updates on Mango & Tomato, but here are a few of my favorite non-food photos ;)

Spring Flowers and Cherry Blossoms in DC

2011-03-21T16:40:00.000-04:00

Enjoy these pictures I took over the weekend. Spring is finally here!!!

Flowers

2011-03-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

It feels like Spring! Here are a few photos I took today at Pound Coffee in DC.

Scenes from Puerto Rico

2011-02-24T17:37:00.001-05:00

I'm back from a vacation in Puerto Rico visiting Laura and her family with Jenny. Here are some of my favorite photos. Click on each for more detail.

Fabian & Carlos Manuel

Trip to the Caves

At a local pirate-themed restaurant

My friend Jenny

Fabian concentrating on eating his fries

me, Laura & Jenny

A bunch of flowers, etc :) {From Laura's parents' 'farm'}

mango!!!!

back to reality: on the flight back to DC

A walk during lunch

2011-02-14T19:45:00.000-05:00

It's been AGES since I posted here...although I think my mom is the only one who looks at this blog. If it's not true, please leave a comment and let me know!

Today was an unusually warm day, so during lunch I decided to take my camera out for a walk :)

It's snowing, plus photos of my new plants

2010-12-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

Shadows

2010-12-02T18:24:00.002-05:00

Right...at first I don't post for a month, and then I post two things in the same day. I miss Shadow Sundays, so here's a photo I took at my parents' kitchen today:

Happy Hannukah!

2010-12-02T18:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Hannukah! I'm in Seattle and thought I'd take a few photos of a menorah Anna and I brought back for our parents years ago. It's one of the most beautiful menorahs I've seen, and I love how you can change up its look.

A gorgeous fall day

2010-11-14T15:36:00.001-05:00

Looks like I haven't posted in a month! Here are a few photos I took today to capture a gorgeous fall day in VA. Enjoy!

Photo Essay from Boston

2010-10-12T17:14:00.000-04:00

I just got back from a 3 day trip to Boston. I haven't been to Boston in six years and had a great time getting to know the city again, eating out, visiting a few museums and just walking around.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the trip.

These are the photos I took at the Holocaust Memorial in Boston. I know they are somber, but that's life sometimes.

Let's change the mood: I saw these planters and took a photo for Anna because she finally bought her first pair of rain boots.

Here's the only one photo of me: that's what happens when you travel solo.

The next set of photos is from Beacon Hill.

Fall was in the air!!

I really like this set of photos. There was a motorcycle on the street, and I decided to take photos looking in its mirror. LOVE the architectural details.

Meet my new orchid

2010-09-04T11:48:00.000-04:00

A while ago, I donated my knife skills class. The lucky winner was Melissa, who as a thank you gave me a gift card. Here's what I purchased:

Newish plants

2010-08-05T21:25:00.000-04:00

...so the power was out again! 2nd time in two weeks, which makes me one unhappy girl. Instead of smashing everything in site or crying, I decided to take a few practice shots with my 50 mm lens. I still need a ton of practice, because I just don't really get how it works. Also, keep in mind it was 8 pm...so no natural light.

Here you go:

Chihuly in Nashville, TNa

2010-07-23T11:30:00.000-04:00

A few photos from my 4th of July trip to Nashville. One of my favorite parts was the Chihuly exhibit at the Botanical gardens.

Nashville vacation in photos

2010-07-09T16:45:00.001-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite photos from my trip to Nashville:

clouds: the view from the plane

practicing my depth of field technique

taking advantage of my new Tamron 18-270 mm lens

lion man?

blue sky

Tennessee flags

steps to the Capital

more steps

Belmont Mansion

blue bird

Pantheon

my new cowboy boots!!!

Nashville Roses

2010-07-07T20:38:00.001-04:00

Wow, looks like I pretty much have abandoned this blog. Sorry!

Here is a post for all of you who like flowers. I went to visit Kenny for 4th of July in Nashville and snapped these photographs of roses. Enjoy.

A book for B

2010-06-05T12:15:00.001-04:00

My friend Cindy has a little boy who turned 1 in May. She asked me if I'd like to make him a book. I said YES. Here is the result. My friend Laura helped me, so she's the official editor :)

Happy birthday, Mom!!!

2010-05-29T22:47:00.000-04:00

{My mom's bday is not till June 2nd, but she just opened my present, so I feel like I can post it :) }

My mom is really hard to shop for. I really very rarely know what she'd like. But this year, I lucked out. She's mentioned several times that she'd like earrings with red stones. That's something I could do!!!

I love making jewelry, and so I decided to make my mom a set of red earrings and necklace. I bought a strand of red coral at Beadazzled in Dupont Circle and set out to work. So that I would not waste my time, I decided to call my mom, tell her what I was up to and ask for her approval on the design. With the design approved, I was ready to go.

The result is below:

Pink & Yellow Flowers

2010-05-16T18:10:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love having flowers in my apartment. Check out my newest bouquet:

New flowers from me to me

2010-05-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

Photo Safari at Adams Morgan

2010-05-02T20:32:00.001-04:00

I took a photo safari class today. The weather was hot and humid, but I think I got a few good shots. Here are some of my favorites. Check out the rest here.

Which one do you like the most?

Earrings for my mom

2010-05-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a very long time since I've updated this blog...maybe because I started posting most of my photos on Facebook?

Here is a pair of earrings I made for my mom: coral and silver (will post it once she receives them in the mail, of course). [My mom received the earrings yesterday and liked them!!! I'm so glad.]

More flowers: Spring is here!

2010-04-06T22:05:00.001-04:00

Earlier this week my friend Laura and I took a walk around our office building and I snapped some photographs. These are the best ones--trust me, I deleted quite a few!

It is 90 degrees here in DC: where did Spring go, and why is Summer already here?

Enjoy these photographs. I'm loving seeing all the cherry blossoms and tulips.

Raspberry Colored Pearl Jewelry

2010-04-04T22:55:00.000-04:00

My awesome friend Radha gave me a strand of raspberry colored pearls for my birthday. I decided to make a bracelet and earrings from it. Below is the bracelet. I yet need to decide on the design for earrings. I'll post them once I make them.

Meet my new orchid: Almodovar Orchid

2010-04-04T20:22:00.001-04:00

Best belated present ever: meet my new orchid! This is the first time I've ever had an orchid with two blooming stems. And the color is absolutely gorgeous.

It's Spring Time

2010-03-27T17:23:00.002-04:00

Orchids, Orchids, and more Orchids (cont...)

2010-03-21T15:51:00.000-04:00

This is the last set of orchid photographs. The very last photograph is not of orchids, but I absolutely loved those poppies, and so decided to include them.

Orchids, Orchids, and more Orchids (cont...)

2010-03-21T15:42:00.000-04:00

Orchids, Orchids, and more Orchids

2010-03-21T13:54:00.000-04:00

This blog has been abandoned for a while. Sorry! To make it up, I'll be posting a zillion photos of orchids from the Botanical Garden I took last Friday. This is the first set. Hope you like them.

Amethyst pendant for Wendy

2010-02-18T12:00:00.002-05:00

It was my friend Wendy's bday earlier this month. I decided to make her a pendant with amethyst, her birth stone.

Here comes the funny part: I put wrapped the present into a box of matches from Evening Star Cafe. Wendy actually thought that's where I bought the pendant ;) I guess I make professional looking jewelry :)

Shut up! I'm actually smiling in a photo!?

2010-02-16T12:10:00.002-05:00

Here's a photo of me from dancing on Saturday. It will shock many of you, but sometimes I actually do smile!

Sunshine on a snowy day: yellow gerber daisies

2010-02-14T20:11:00.001-05:00

Thought I'd post a few photos of the yellow gerber daisies I bought a few days ago. I love buying flowers for myself: such a simple purchase can bring so much happiness!

Snow weekend in DC area, Feb 6-7. 2010

2010-02-07T20:50:00.003-05:00

Well, this has been one interesting weekend. Friday I was allowed to leave at noon as the DC area was awaiting a snow storm of ginormous proportions! I went to the grocery store, and was happy to see that all the things I needed to buy were there, although I did have to stand in line for 30 minutes.

I was mad at the snow because it canceled pretty much everything that I have planned to do this weekend, and was really looking forward to. Oh well.

Well, when I woke up on Saturday morning, my "mad" state went through the roof. Why? Well, because there was no power in my apartment building. So I cleaned the kitchen, cooked a few things, read, took a nap, snapped this photo of a couple walking outside (I took it from my apartment on the 7th floor).

And then when there was still no power at 3 pm, and then at 5 pm, and then at 9 pm, I was beginning to go insane. I honestly cried. It was miserable. I had dinner by the candle light (I know, insanely romantic), and went to the gym, because the gym actually had electricity. At 9:40 pm I was done with my workout, but did not want to go back to the darkness. So I sat on one of the bikes and watched a movie (the gym at my apartment has TVs on bikes and ellipticals). And then, just as the movie was finishing at 11:30 pm, I saw the lights back on in my building. I was so happy, I almost cried (yes, I cry often I guess). It was amazing to have light and power and tv and Internet and hot water again!

Today I did a bunch of cooking (you'll be able to check it out on Mango & Tomato later this week), and then took a walk outside to capture some of the snow still remaining.

If you know me, you know I'm so not an animal person, but I could not help but take a photo of this squirrel.

And a great end to this weekend: no work tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An orchid update

2010-02-05T19:19:00.001-05:00

We are supposed to get up to two feet of snow in DC area this weekend. I'm sure you will see a zillion snow photos, and I might even take a few with my new camera too on Sunday.

But for now, I wanted to give you a few photos on the progress of my "Laura" orchid.

A tiger orchid

2010-01-31T14:46:00.001-05:00

Yet another orchid is re-blooming in my apartment. Doesn't it look like a tiger? LOVE.

I found free yarn

2010-01-24T17:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday after my photography class, Stephanie and I went out for lunch, and on the way back to the Metro I spotted a basket of yarn sitting by a garbage next to a house.

I LOVE free things. And the yarn was so pretty. But Stephanie said it might not be free because there was no sign. Sigh. I decided to be brave and knock on the door of the house. A nice woman answered and said that the yarn was free!

So now I have 4 "rolls" of soft and fluffy and beautiful purple Italian yarn! I think I'll have to find some free time in my busy schedule to knit a scarf.

Photos from Photo Class Field Trip

2010-01-23T18:57:00.004-05:00

Today we went on a field trip for my photo class. Here are my favorite photos (unedited). Click on each for more detail.

I used a polarizing filter on my lens (sort of like sunglasses), and it made the sky super deep blue: I'm a happy girl.

Let me know which ones you like the most :) The photos are taken around Union Station, The Capital Building and the US Supreme Court Building.

More principles of photography

2010-01-15T20:56:00.004-05:00

Here are a few more photographs I took for my photography class that demonstrate Principles of Composition:

Change of Perspective/Point of View

Framed Subjects (aren't these shoes gorgeous?)

Full Frame

Principles of Photography

2010-01-11T18:57:00.000-05:00

I'm taking an intro to digital photography class to learn the ins and outs of my new Canon Rebel SLR. I learned quite a few things after the first lesson. Here are some of my photos.

I can control which part of the photo I want to be in focus, and which one I want to be blurry (depth of field)

This is one of the concepts: repetition of elements

The next two photos show the leading line concept. Where you use a line of elements to draw a viewer's eye where you want it to go.

"Laura" orchid is blooming

2010-01-10T18:45:00.002-05:00

My "Laura" orchid, the orchid I bought 3 years ago when visiting Laura in Miami, is blooming again! (The photos are taken with my new Canon Rebel SLR camera!) The last two photos are of an orchid bloom from a drink I had last Thursday.

My new black pearl necklace

2010-01-03T15:57:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I got together with a few of my friends for lunch and then some chatting and crafting. Below is a necklace I made using black pearls, wire and silver crimping beads. I'm in love with it!

The pearls and the crimping beads are not completely stationery, so they'll move from time to time, but I think it makes the necklace more organic. I wish I could say I invented this design myself, but I did not: I saw it at Beadazzled and decided to replicate it. I think I succeeded.

My new love

2009-12-26T16:05:00.001-05:00

Let me introduce to you all my new love: a miniature orchid Jenn gave me for our holiday gift exchange. How precious is it??? LOVE. My orchid count is now up to 6. Yep, I'm an orchid girl.

SNOW

2009-12-19T16:39:00.004-05:00

It's a snow weekend here in DC area. Snow, snow, and more snow.

I'm so glad I went to the grocery store last night to get the food. But the salsa event has been canceled for tonight, and I'm not sure if this weather will prevent me tomorrow from meeting up with Radha and Jenn for dinner and a gift exchange...that would be oh so sad!

Earrings for me, Anna and Jenny

2009-12-19T14:10:00.003-05:00

A while ago Jenny came to DC for a business meeting, and I went shopping with her to help her find a few accessories for an upcoming wedding. She chose beautiful chandelier earrings that I've been meaning to replicate for a while.

Then after our trip to Puerto Rico to visit Laura, Jenny lost her earrings! Oh no!

Below are acquamarine-colored earrings I made for myself, and topaz-colored earrings I made for Jenny and Anna. I'm in LOVE with how they turned out.

Why I love orchids

2009-12-06T20:04:00.004-05:00

How can you not love these gorgeous flowers? Orchids are my favorite flowers. Here's one that's blooming for probably a 5th time: I've had it for years.

Gorgeous! Don't you agree?

Puerto Rico

2009-11-30T19:54:00.007-05:00

I'm back from Puerto Rico. Jenny (she's on the picture on the left) and I went to visit our good friend Laura (she's on the photo below with me) last week. We all started working within a week from one another 8 years ago.

Since then Laura has moved to Florida, and then Puerto Rico with her husband and had two adorable boys. Jenny has moved to NYC, earned MBA and is now living in NYC.

And I'm still here...

This was my second and Jenny's first trip to Puerto Rico. I was so looking forward to seeing Laura and her family again and soaking in a bit of Puerto Rican sun.

Unfortunately Jenny could only stay a few days, while I stayed the entire week! I got to see Laura's oldest son play soccer, we made several delicious dinners, went to her in-laws for Thanksgiving, baked a chocolate flourless cake (YUM), went shopping, painted our toenails and watched Nip/Tuck and Glee. On my last night in Puerto Rico, Laura and Carlos took me out for Argentinian food and I got "a bit" tipsy on white sangria: what a perfect end to a fun vacation!

We had a fabulous time together. I did not take a ton of pictures because we mostly just hung out and did everyday "stuff." But here are a few from our day trip to the Old San Juan and one of the forts.

These gorgeous orchids live on a tree right outside of Laura's house. They only bloom for a day, and I was lucky enough to witness this rare event! They even had a very mild, but sweet scent.

And these are the gorgeous views of the clear blue water. Don't you just want to jump in?

I will blog about food later this week on Mango & Tomato.

Orchids and Jewelry

2009-11-15T20:59:00.003-05:00

Hi, All.

Here are a few photos of my once-again-blooming orchid and the new green jade necklace/bracelet set I bought in San Francisco. Toodles for now :)

Orchids & Photos

2009-11-01T19:19:00.003-05:00

It looks like I've pretty much abandoned this blog: sorry, things have been busy with cooking, making travel plans and stuff.

Here are a few photographs of my new orchid. Whole Foods was having a sale on orchids (9.99), and I just could not refuse :) This beauty is nearly 3 feet tall and has 7 unopened buds--meaning I will hopefully enjoy it for quite some time. (click on the photos to see better detail)

And here is an orchid I've had for probably 5 years: this is at least the 4th time it will bloom (yes, I'm proud of myself for keeping it alive).

And finally, here is a display of some of the photographs that I did not manage to sell during the gallery showing: I decided to hang them above my TV: you like?

Another baby gift

2009-10-08T23:27:00.003-04:00

One of my food blogger friends is having triplets! Three boys!!! So I decided to make her a little painting using the pattern of her nursery decor as inspiration. I think it turned out well, and she loved it! I'm so happy!!!

Fingers and toes crossed that everything goes well and the boys enjoy this picture in their nursery.

Shopping Time

2009-10-02T10:48:00.007-04:00

I've all but abandoned this blog. Sorry...lately there just hasn't been much going on.

I have, however, been feeling like shopping a lot. Everything from a trip to Puerto Rico for Thanksgiving, to food bloggers' festival in San Francisco...below are some of my latest purchases.

1) White Franco Satro bag--I got mine at DSW and know will have a really hard time waiting for next Spring/Summer to start carrying it. I can't really pull off a white bag in Fall/Winter, right?

2) I also bought a few things at Ann Taylor Loft, definitely one of my most favorite stores:

a. a ruffle top, b. a few camisoles (in deep pink and bluish color...and now am tempted to get the other colors on line)

3) A pink Toshiba netbook for my travel! (Special help to Misha for finding the color I wanted)

4) I also bought a matte black plate in World Market and a pretty white teacup (I'll post those photos on Mango & Tomato later next week)

5) Two new dresses from Macy's, which I bought a few weeks ago during my shopping time with Jenn (note that the first one has a different pattern from what is pictured)

I think that is about it for now :)

A necklace redo

2009-09-11T12:30:00.006-04:00

A long, long, long time ago I bought a necklace at Ann Taylor Loft. It had pretty beads and a gold-toned chain. I wore it for a bit, but then the chain began to discolor and looked horrible. No more jewelry buying for me from Ann Taylor Loft: sorry, but I do still love their clothes.

here is the photo of the original necklace

Anyway, I decided to redo the necklace using new silver wire and silver chain and the original beads. Here is what I came up with: the necklace can be worn long or doubled up. I'm quite a fan.
Click on images for better detail!

More Roses

2009-09-02T15:24:00.004-04:00

Last Friday I took the roses that I bought on Monday home because they were still "alive," and I did not want them to be alone in my cubicle over the weekend :)

Saturday morning I decided to take a "few" shots of them. Thoughts!?

Roses

2009-08-26T10:57:00.002-04:00

It's been ages since I've updated this blog! I apologize...I guess I haven't really bought anything new, haven't had any strange "Say What?" stories and haven't made any crafts.

I promise, this will change :) In fact, this Saturday I'm getting together with a few friends to make jewelry, and I hope to finish a necklace I started in Seattle and will post photos then.

For now, here a few photographs of white roses, which I bought for myself last week. Whenever I have a five day week at work, I like to treat myself to pretty flowers for my desk. They cheer me up and add a nice fragrance to my cubicle.

This week I have deep pink colored roses. Not sure if I'll take photos of them, so just use your imagination :)

On a slightly sad note, none of my photographs from the gallery exhibit have sold. And there are less than 2 weeks of hope left.

2nd Gallery Show

2009-08-10T13:59:00.004-04:00

Friday at Touchstone Gallery in DC will be the second time that I'll be showcasing (and maybe even selling!) some of my photographs. Below is a picture of how my photos look on the wall of the gallery (labels will be added later)...hopefully they'll make my "name tag" a bit nicer :) [Please click on images for better details!]

Below are beautiful oil paintings by my friend Radha. Our spaces are right next to one another!

And here are all of our masterpieces.

I'll update you on our success!

August 12 - September 4, 2009

“My Space on 7th”

NON-JURIED GROUP EXHIBITION

featuring 90 local artists

Opening Reception: Friday, August 14, 6 - 8:30pm

Touchstone Gallery

406 7th Street NW

2nd Floor

Washington, DC 20004

Phone: 202.347.2787

Fax: 202.347.3339

Earrings for my mom

2009-08-09T11:20:00.004-04:00

While in Seattle, I made these earrings for my mom from a strand of turquoise beads she bought and the yellow crystal beads I had left over from my other projects. She LOVES them, which makes me super happy!

In Seattle

2009-07-31T15:29:00.000-04:00

Lavender in my mom's garden: this is for Paige!

How I ended up at a rock/metal concert

2009-07-21T14:57:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I was at Jenn's house for her birthday party. Her friends James and Melinda were visiting from Baltimore with their super cute daughter. We were all chatting, eating, etc.

James, who is a drum player for Division, mentioned that his band will be playing at a club in Virginia. I asked Jenn if she was going to go. She said yes. That's when for some bizarre reason I told her that I would come too.

As soon as the words came out of my mouth I was horrified. Me at a rock/metal concert!? Who was I kidding? That is so not my scene! I think Jenn was shocked just as much as I was.

Then, to save my "little" behind, I said that I'll go unless I'd have a hot date. Right. That was very smart of me. A week later, with no hot date (or any date) in site, Jenn picked me up on a Friday night and we drove to Springfield, VA to see James's band in concert.

First, however, we had to pick up ear plugs. Turns out, you have to wear ear plugs the entire time you are at the concert (the only time I wear mine are when my neighbors are too loud or the person next to me breaths too loudly or snores!).

Well, I survived my first (and probably last) rock/metal concert. It was definitely quite an experience. I felt like a fish out of the water, but it was entertaining none the less (nonetheless?). Unfortunately, it's still legal to smoke in clubs/restaurants in VA, so I came home reeking of smoke.

I'm glad I tried something different. I'm sure many of you who know me are quite surprised by this...after all, I skipped a night of salsa for this :) It was amazing to see how many people were "into" this music and how dedicated the band members were! It takes a lot of energy to play for 1.5 hours, not to mention the hours it takes to practice, etc.

Hmm, what should I try next?!?!?!?

A little bit of everything

2009-07-14T15:55:00.003-04:00

So my Monday dancing nights at Lucky Bar have been anything but lucky lately. Instead of taking a chance of making myself miserable again, I decided to start a mini boycott and spend the next who-knows-how-many Monday nights away from dancing (at least for now).

Instead, I decided to buy some wine and make pasta at home. I was so excited about this! Alas, when I opened my pasta maker, I was horrified to see that the cutting rolls had rust on them. Crap!

I immediately went and tried to research solutions to this problem on Google. Alas, using rubbing alcohol and white vinegar (separately) did not take all of the rust off. (I still managed to make pasta and will post the results on Mango & Tomato later this week.)

It was then that I decided to consult the manual for my pasta machine. Turns out, you are not supposed to wash the machine or let water anywhere near it!

If only I was like my dad...he's an engineer, and doesn't even attempt to start using a new appliance before reading its manual cover to cover! I, on the other hand, just jump into things and hope to figure them out as I go.

You should have seen him teaching Anna and I how to drive: there were diagrams involved, and he even took Misha's toy cars to show us how the wheels worked. As if I cared: I just wanted to drive :)

Anyway, I will try to see if I can return/exchange my pasta machine.

Oh, and the earrings in this post are the ones I made for Jenn's birthday: she looks adorable wearing them :)

Jewelry Re-do

2009-07-12T11:53:00.005-04:00

A while ago I made some sunny yellow jewelry.

I've gotten quite a bit of wear from the bracelet, necklace and earrings, but last night decided to re-do the bracelet. Let's face it: I was bored, couped up in my apartment for the last 4 days and did not go dancing. (On the positive note, I'm finally feeling better!).

before

For the after, I used silver tone beads in-between the yellow ones. Alas, I was missing one silver tone bead, so this bracelet is not perfect, but then neither is life.

4th of July Fireworks

2009-07-07T10:32:00.003-04:00

Here are a few photographs from 4th of July: I went to the Mall with Laura and some of her friends after pigging out on awesome food :)

The views were gorgeous, the fireworks were amazing, and we had a ton of fun listening to patriotic music on an ipod hooked up to mini speakers provided by David & Sarah.

(click on images to see better detail)

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned....

2009-07-06T10:27:00.002-04:00

Well, maybe sinned is too harsh of a word, but I did break my vow of not buying any jewelry/clothes/shoes for two months!

Yesterday I met Anna's friend from Birmingham, Angela, and some of her friends at Eastern Market. And let me tell you, you cannot go to Eastern Market and not buy anything!

I happened to be wearing a yellow skirt (I actually wore it as a dress) and my turquoise necklace, which took me several years to find (I finally purchased one in Dallas a few years ago). While looking at some jewelry stands, I saw a pair of turquoise earrings for $5!!!!!!!! Now, how could I have passed that by? I could not: so I bought them. I think they match so well!

As far as "What I am Eating," I haven't been writing things down, but I definitely keep track of my food intake in my head. So far I've been doing pretty well. Of course, there was quite a bit of eating at Laura's bbq for the 4th of July, but overall I haven't had any of the let's-eat-everything-in sight episodes!

WIAE

2009-06-26T16:34:00.002-04:00

So I haven't updated my progress in the last few days. I can't really remember what I ate on Wednesday, but I remember that I did pretty well! And I went salsa dancing.

Thursday was a big test because I stayed home, which usually means eating and watching TV, but not this time! I had scrambled eggs and cheese in a tortilla, then a salad with chicken and diet Pepsi and a nectarine. Then I was working a Mexican class at Sur La Table, and other than snacking a bit too much on salsa and chips, I did not pig out!

Friday
cereal w/milk, coffee
potatoes, salad, chicken
nectarine
cookie and diet Pepsi (I also have a mini brownie sitting on my desk, but might just take it home w/me instead of eating it right now)

WIAE & Progress

2009-06-23T14:43:00.004-04:00

You know, I think the fact that I'm writing down everything that I eat is really helping! I already lost ten pounds.
.
.
.
.
Ok, that was a joke. I don't think I actually lost any weight, but last night when I came home from a rather sh*tty night of dancing, instead of eating the entire contents of my refrigerator (something I would have absolutely done in the past), I simply went to bed. Let's hope this more sane behavior continues.

cereal with milk
roasted pepper & cauliflower soup; broccoli souffle
diet Pepsi
10 almonds
cantaloupe
tomato/basil/mozzarella salad for a snack
Dinner w/Jenn, Mas and Joenn (Peruvian chicken and dessert)
Exercise: swing dancing!

WIAE & I was FORCED to buy new shoes

2009-06-22T16:51:00.004-04:00

Today is going pretty well so far...well, relatively well :)

cereal with milk
roasted pepper & cauliflower soup, broccoli souffle
diet Pepsi with 2 small chocolates
iced coffee with a slice of Daring Bakers challenge (the rest of the "challenge" I brought to work and shared with my coworkers! that means I would not be eating it at home tonight! Score!)
for dinner I had a beet/grapefruit/blue cheese/endive salad and some melon later on

And now to the story of the shoes. Last Friday I walked across the street on my way to the Metro and one of my Express flip flops broke. I was too lazy to walk home and take another pair of shoes and simply tied the flip flop: it was operational. Then when I walked to Gallery Place for lunch to meet Ashley, my second flip flop broke! UGH! Ashley decided that was good enough of an excuse to buy new flip flops.

Luckily Payless was right around the corner. All the cheap flip flops were...well, cheap! And they did not have too many in my size, so I ended up buying these. The flower on them reminds me of the red pumps Anna and I had when we were in Russia...oh the memories!

Surprisingly, they are quite comfortable! I just hope they last longer than the ones from Express!

A Way to Cheer Up: Asters

2009-06-21T20:51:00.005-04:00

You know what cheers me up? Flowers! And this week I definitely needed some cheering up. So I bought 2 bouquets of asters and put them together:

WIAE Saturday & Sunday

2009-06-21T20:43:00.002-04:00

Saturday
Bread with eggs, tomatoes and Diet Pepsi
peach
2 salads: canned salmon/mayo/Parmesan and roasted peppers/basil/mozzarella and bread
wine
Indian with Jenn and Radha
1 doughnut
exercise: 26 laps in the pool

Sunday
peach/chocolate chip pancakes; water
salad with Parmesan and roasted peppers; Diet Pepsi
a bit of apricot jam
Daring Bakers Challenge (it's a secret!!!) with milk
Robyn's broccoli souffle

WIAE Day 1

2009-06-19T10:55:00.006-04:00

So this past week I've been doing quite a bit of emotional eating. I know that I'm doing it, and yet I'm still doing it. Ridiculous.

Yesterday I went to the pool and did 22 laps...pretty good, right? Each "lap" is 20 meters. Before doing my laps, I got on a scale and I so did not like the number that I saw!

So I decided to start publicly writing down everything that I eat each day. Hopefully that will force me to be more mindful of the food I put in my mouth and give you, my readers, an opportunity to spot things that I'm missing from my food intake.

So today is the brand new start!!! WIAE: What I Am Eating.

Morning: I drank 24 oz of water as soon as I got to work. Then I had some cereal with 1% milk. By 10:30 I was sort of hungry again, but just had more water.

Lunch: Capitol BBQ w/Ashley: pulled bbq sandwich with corn/tomato salad, potato salad (mustard base) and Diet Coke (I had some of the food left over, took it to work and had it later for a snack).

Falling asleep/bored: diet Pepsi seems like a good solution.

Snack: leftover cold lemony dill shrimp. Mostly I ate it because if I did not, I'd have to throw it away.

Dinner: Qdoba with Wendy: chicken taco salad w/guacamole.

Late snack: individual sized watermelon: ugh, it was overripe and not too sweet, but the good thing is I resisted eating it with white bread (my favorite way!).

Overall this was a pretty good day! And I managed to walk a total of 1.5 hours!

Hope y'all not finding this too boring. I promise to post other things and not just my food intake :)

Say What???

2009-06-17T10:06:00.003-04:00

Last night I was walking home from the grocery store carrying a few bags full with ingredients for testing Robyn's recipes. Once again I was feeling like I was having a sugar low and that if I did not get home in time and put some food in my mouth, I'd be in trouble.

Thus, I wasn't really paying attention when some teenager boy said something to me from his car. "Excuse me?" I asked. "Would you like help with your [grocery] bags?" he asked again.

Seriously!? I wonder what the repercussions of me agreeing to that would have been. Instead, I just said "No, thank you."

No more shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-12T11:37:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I changed things up in my closet: I switched up my winter/fall wardrobe to a spring/summer wardrobe. During this big to-do I also put a bunch of clothing items on top of my "to be donated" pile, which is quite large now.

ARGH: I'm so tired of buying things and then either not wearing them, or growing out of them or not taking good care of them. So I decided not to buy any more clothes/shoes/jewelry for the next two months (so basically June and July). So far, so good. But temptations are everywhere!!!

Perhaps that's why last night when I was working at Sur La Table I bought two martini glasses. Mine are the red ones: I just could not resist: they were on sale from $9.99 to $2.99. I think they'll be really fun to use as props for my food blog. And they also match the red color of my Mikasa martini glasses and are not clothing/shoes/jewelry...yes, I'm really good at justifying my decisions!

Butterflies!

2009-06-02T16:34:00.004-04:00

Today during lunch Laura and I took a walk to the Natural History Museum for their Butterfly exhibit. Luckily, we did not have to wait in line because my friend Sarah (who I met during the Avon Breast Cancer walk) volunteers at the exhibit on Tuesdays (the only day when admission is free!).

Butterflies were everywhere! So many colors. So many shapes. I was a bit scared that one will either sit on me or I would step on one...none of which happened.

Hope you like the photos below.

New Jewelry

2009-06-01T14:32:00.003-04:00

Remember a gorgeous silver ring I purchased from a local gallery in Washington DC in October 2007?? I absolutely loved it! I wore it quite often, and even came up with a fun idea of wearing it together with other thin rings.

Then this past February I lost the ring on my way to Savannah and was devastated. I even tried to replicate the ring (without any success) from copper wire.

I was so delighted when over the Memorial Day weekend in Chicago I walked into Contemporary Museum of Art and saw that they carried both the ring and the matching bracelet!!! The two purchases were definitely quite a splurge, but the craftsmanship is absolutely beautiful, and it makes me happy to wear this jewelry. I love the fluidity of the pieces and the ability to make the ring wider or narrow by playing with the silver wire.

The artist of this gorgeous jewelry is Pamela Bosco.

Chicago Recap

2009-06-01T11:23:00.003-04:00

Saturday: flew in with Wendy. Met up with Anna in the hotel. Amy joined us a bit later and we headed to dinner. I really wanted to go to Tango Sur, but the wait was 2 hours. So we ended up at a Moroccan restaurant: Andalous. Great food! Super friendly staff, and Bring your own wine!

Anna and I were planning on going salsa dancing at night, but alas were too tired.

Sunday: Woke up and went to China town for dim sum. Then spent quite some time on the El trying to find a market festival. Who knew they had two stations with the same name on the same line!? Finally found the market: I really liked it: jewelry, art, crafts, music, food, etc. I bought a pretty pearl necklace and Anna bought me the t-shirt (see Say What??? post below).

Had dinner at Cafe Iberico and then went to Second City. Tapas were pretty good, but the best time was the bill: with a pitcher of sangria and plenty of food, we paid only $20/each! The comedy show was awesome! I haven't laughed that much in quite a bit.

Again, our tentative plans for salsa dancing did not happen.

Monday: had breakfast at Corner Bakery by our hotel (seriously, it seemed like there were Corner Bakeries on every corner!). Went to see Couture clothing exhibit at the Chicago History museum. Beautiful clothing, and a bonus: museum was free on Monday. But I was disappointed by their museum store: nothing tempting at all.

Then met Anna's friend Kate for pizza. Followed by a boat tour: too bad it was pouring, so we had to sit inside the boat.

Photos from the boat tour:

Wendy went to see a baseball game, while Anna, Amy and I went to dinner. The place we originally wanted was closed for Memorial Day, and so we went with the hotel's recommendation. UGH: they were out of 5 entrees, and then also told us they were out of clam chowder. The wine was good, but the food was mediocre. Just because you give me a huge amount of food does not mean it's a good thing.

Tuesday: our last day in Chicago. Had hot dogs for a late breakfast, then walked around the city. Stopped by the Contemporary Museum's store where I bought a ring and a bracelet. Met Anna's other friend for lunch at Frontera Grill, and then it was time to fly back to reality (I will be posting photos of jewelry later and will post food recaps on Mango & Tomato).

Hot dogs:

Frontera Grill:

Overall had a great time. Could have used a few extra days, but there is always the next time!

1. With Anna (click to see my new pearl necklace) 2. With Amy (you can see my new glasses) 3. With Wendy and Anna (my bag totally matched Wendy's coat!)

Say What??? (Chicago Edition)

2009-05-28T16:37:00.003-04:00

I was in Chicago on a mini vacation with Anna, Wendy and Amy over the weekend. I'll post a longer update later, but for now, here's one of the "say what??" moments.

We were on the El (their version of Subway/Metro). I was standing and minding my own business when all of a sudden a woman sitting one row behind me said loudly to me "Why don't you sit down? Your ass is in my face!!!!"

At first I was too shocked to respond. Then I turned red because I was so shocked and embarrassed. So the woman repeated that my ass was in her face again. I decided it'd be wiser to just move away from her than to answer her back.

1) my ass was not in her face
2) my ass was not in her face
3) I did not realize I had such a big ass
4) Wendy and Amy were glad I did not say anything back because who knows where that could have led?
5) Anna bought me a cute tshirt that says "get your ass moving"

Birthday Cards

2009-05-20T12:00:00.003-04:00

I love making birthday cards. They are not as elaborate as the ones you can find at the stores, but hopefully the recipients appreciate the personal touch ;)

The card below I made for my grandma's bday (May 25th). The words at the top are in Russian and say Happy Birthday!

I drew an African violet plant because my grandma has always had a bunch of these flowers, and has a green thumb in general. Maybe that's where I got mine from? (That is when I actually remember to water my plants.)

Shopping time

2009-05-20T10:00:00.001-04:00

Last Friday I had a bit of time to spare before going to an Art Gallery opening. My options were to stay longer at work, to go and read at Starbucks or to go shopping. Shopping won!

I visited one of my favorite stores, Secondi, and made FOUR purchases. I always get a lot of use out of things I buy at the store, and always get compliments, so I think it is well worth it.

The top below is what I call a "pregnant top." But I don't really care too much if I look pregnant while wearing it. The colors are so much fun, and the fabric is light and flowy. And it can doulbe as a skirt! (I did iron the top, but only after taking the photos). I also bought a white GAP hoodie and a light lavender tshirt. Scroll down for the 4th purchase.

On Saturday I went to a bunch of open studios around U Street and one of the artists had these amazing card holders with his photographs "glued" to the top. I've been wanting one of these for a long time, and decided to buy one! LOVE. It's a perfect way to carry a Metro card, ID and a credit card with me when I go dancing.

And finally, something I've been carrying around the entire weekend, and something I'm planning to take to Chicago with me: my new green bag. I saw it at Secondi and could not resist. It's roomy, but light. And look at the linining! Fun colored linings always make me think of Jenny :)

Now I'll just have to coordinate all of my outfits not to clash with this vibrant color.

Flowers and Sky

2009-05-17T19:20:00.005-04:00

This weekend I walked around U-street neighborhood visiting local galleries. There were so many pretty flowers in bloom! Below is a collage of just some of the photographs I took (click to enlarge).

These are a few pictures of an empty carriage house that stood next to one of the galleries. I think this would be an amazing place for a dance studio...if only.

And here is a Buddha I saw at one of the houses.

And here's a picture of me on one of the rocking sculptures.

2 Day Avon Breast Cancer Walk

2009-05-05T16:12:00.013-04:00

It is hard to believe, but the 2 Day Avon Breast Cancer Walk is over!!! It took place this past weekend and I was able to complete the full 26.2 miles the first day and 13.1 miles the second day.

I could not have done it without many of your emotional and financial help or without my "Avon Girls": Sarah, Christina, Chelsy and Jamie (Christina's mom).

For the last 3-4 years I have volunteered at both Avon and Susan G Komen walks, and this year I decided it was finally time to walk!!! I signed up, sent out an email requesting donations and was able to raise over $1800!!!! And then I started training for the walk.

That's how I met Sarah, Christina and Chelsy! It was so much more fun walking with these girls instead of on my own. And it was great to have their support last weekend. Plus, Christina's mom flew in from NY and walked with us, taking great care to make sure we were all good!

Below is my bracelet: I had to wear it during the entire walk. The funny thing was that when I received the bracelet in the mail, I thought they wrote down my gender wrong because it said M instead of F....turns out it was the size of my t-shirt :)

The Friday before the walk we all met up for dinner in Adams Morgan. It was nice and relaxing. I then stayed over at Sarah's, and her husband Nick was really nice to drive us to the opening ceremony: we got there at 5:30 in the MORNING! Bright and early! It was still dark outside. People gathered around, checked in their luggage (we were staying in a "wellness village" overnight...that means TENTS people!), ate breakfast and chatted.

The opening ceremony started around 6:30 and it SO got me crying! There were people sharing their personal connections with breast cancer: it is a horrendous disease. That is why all of us raised money and were ready to walk to raise awareness and to find cure for breast cancer!

(one of the photos below shows a line to porta-potties....we saw quite a bit of them during the weekend!)

(above: me, Chelsy, Sarah, Christina, Jamie)

And then it was time to walk!!!! Our pace was rather slow at the beginning because there were just too many walkers. The five of us stuck together for the first part of the walk, but then Sarah had to leave and play a concert (she's in the Marine band!!!) and rejoined us later that day.

The weather was perfect: overcast, slightly cool: perfect for walking for 11 hours: yes, that's how long it took us to walk 26.2 miles (that included bathroom breaks, snack breaks and lunch).

The walking was made easier by entertaining signs (see below) and a funny van (see above) that kept on following us around. There were so many people on the streets cheering us on and thanking us for what we were doing! And of course we had each other :)

Woo hoo! Mile 18!!! Don't I look thrilled? :) (you can see my new sunglasses and a balloon I carried the entire 1st day and most of the 2nd day before it popped on a branch of a tree)

We are done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (well, with the first day!) I felt like I accomplished quite a bit. We were tired, but proud! And we had hot showers waiting for us...but first we had to set up tents. Say what?! Luckily, one of the volunteers helped me out.

Below is Sarah's and my tent. Cozy :) And the picture next to it is our Saturday dinner. We ended up going to bed at 9, and I slept like a baby.

I woke up at 6:15 am on Sunday to the sound of rain. The first word out of my mouth was "sh*t" (or Shrimp!!! (inside joke)). I so did not want to walk in the rain. But walk we did! All 13 miles in a down pour! We were soaked through and through, and yet we kept on moving, putting one foot in front of the other. It took us almost 6 hours, but we made it!!!! (Oh, the pictures below are the tents in the rain, line for breakfast, and breakfast).

I think Sarah took the photo below around mile 8. That's when we found out that we would have to eat lunch in the rain...on the ground...in the wet rain. Do I look thrilled or what? We ended up finding a bank that had an overhanging "thing" and we all stood/sat there while eating our cold sandwiches.

But like I said, we all made it! I will post the pictures from the Finish Line once I get them. I'm so proud of myself and of everyone who has completed this walk! There were people of all ages, races, genders (ok, just women and men), and physical abilities. We all walked together, cheering each other, and knowing that the money we raised will go to a great cause.

Will I do this walk next year? Right now my answer is No, but you never know!

More Flowers

2009-04-30T11:43:00.002-04:00

I saw this random tulip growing next to a tree over the weekend and was glad I had my camera! It was a bright and sunny day, and the tulip's deep rich colored petals were such a contrast!

In other news, Avon Breast Cancer 2 Day Walk is this weekend! I'm hoping for no rain, even though the forecast is not very promising.

Georgetta Manning Cox is No Longer My Dentist

2009-04-29T10:47:00.005-04:00

Let me count the reasons why Georgetta Manning Cox is No Longer My Dentist:

1) She doesn't have a receptionist
2) She doesn't have assistants
3) Once she emailed me at midnight cancelling the appointment for the following morning
4) There hasn't been a single time when she was actually ready for me at the time she said to come in
5) My permanent crown fell out twice
6) Sometimes her daughter is on phone duty: this means rudeness, completely unprofessional behavior and snarky remarks

After my permanent crown fell out for the 2nd time, I called and talked to Mrs. Manning's daughter. She insinuated that it was somehow my fault that the crown kept on falling out. When I told her that I could not imagine what it was that I did wrong, she replied "I don't know, I'm not in your mouth"

7) Most of communication for making appointments, etc, was done over text messages and email

8) Once, she cut my tongue during a procedure and instead of apologizing claimed that "for someone so quiet, you have quite an active tongue"

9) Ashley found a new and more organized dentist who actually has receptionists and assistants! So I switched!

10) Although Cindy insinuated a few times that I might perhaps be having an affair with my dentist because I was seeing her so many times, that is simply not true

Sunflowers & Gerber Daisies

2009-04-23T12:50:00.003-04:00

Often people tell me I'm high maintenance and it takes a lot to please me. That is just not true. First of all, I maintain myself. Second of all, most of the time it's the little things that make me happy. Combine the two and it explains why I buy flowers for myself ;)

Flowers make me happy. They brighten up my environment and cheer me up! Over the weekend I bought a bouquet of sunflowers and a bouquet of Gerber daisies. My original plan of combining the two bouquets in one vase failed miserably: the sunflowers were just too heavy and would not cooperate, so I kept the two kinds of flowers separately.

Training Update

2009-04-22T14:54:00.002-04:00

Hi, All.

Just wanted to let you know what's been going on with my training for the Avon Breast Cancer walk which is (OMG) in less than 2 weeks. How does time go by so quickly?

I really haven't done much training last week other than a few 1.5 mile walks and going dancing. Supposedly dancing counts as training, so I'll take it.

Then last Saturday, Christina and I met early for an EIGHTEEN mile walk! Yes, that's right, 18!

In Judaism, 18 is a lucky number. Well, I wasn't feeling entirely lucky during the 6.5 hours: the time it took us to walk 18 miles and have lunch. My feet were killing me, there were all these bikers yelling "on your left" and beeping at us as they were passing us by, and for a while I thought I wasn't going to be able to hold out till the next bathroom.........

...but then there were also great things about this training walk
1) It did not rain, like it did the Saturday before
2) I was doing the walk w/Christina, and not on my own: so there was a fun conversation to be had
3) There were more than just several attractive and fit dudes to look at
4) On the turn around point I found a $20 bill on the ground: LUNCH money!
5) Despite everything, we made it: we walked 18 miles!

Here's to hoping that the actual walk goes well and without any injuries and that we inspire many other people to sign up for 2010 walk and raise money to cure this disease!

New Glasses & Sunglasses

2009-04-20T15:36:00.003-04:00

See the photo of my on the right of the screen? Those were my favorite glasses for the last two years. Then they fell off my head and broke in two. I was really sad. And it happened right before my Vegas trip.

Luckily, I had a spare pair of metal silver toned frames at home. But I don't love them, even though many people complimented me on them.

And so it was time to pick out a new pair of glasses and sunglasses!

For the glasses, I chose Calvin Klein! LOVE! For the sunglasses, I chose Essence frame in olive color with dark gray lenses (the lenses actually almost look olive and match the frames really well!).

Say What???

2009-04-15T14:44:00.002-04:00

Today when I was leaving the elementary school where I mentor N on Wednesdays, I overhead a conversation between two boys. Actually I guess it was more of a monologue because only one boy was talking.

"Why am I so serious? Why am I so serious? I'm not serious! I'm MAD."

Okay, if you don't think it's really funny, you need to know why I found this hilarious: Often when I go dancing people ask me "Why are you so serious? Are you not having fun?" What if instead of saying "No, I'm fine, that's just how I am" I told them "I'm not serious, I'm just MAD"?

Maybe that will just bring about more questions than I want to answer ;)

Another Earring Project

2009-04-15T14:05:00.003-04:00

I made these earrings for Cindy and her youngest daughter. Cindy liked hers (phew!) and put them on (in?) right away!

Seriously, if only I could quit my job and just make jewelry and paint pictures for living :)

(The first photo is Cindy's earrings, the other two are for L)

Knotted Bracelet & Necklace for Cindy

2009-04-15T12:12:00.004-04:00

Remember I wrote a while ago about taking a knotting technique class and then receiving a "commission" from Cindy to re-do several of her necklaces?

Well, after making bracelets for Cindy and her girls and earrings for Cindy's older daughter, I was ready to undertake the next project: making a bracelet and a necklace for Cindy using her pink quartz long necklace. The final photos are below.

This project turned out to be a bit more of a challenge because the holes in the "beads" were larger than the ones I've worked with before. That meant that the knots I made inbetween the beads weren't big enough to prevent the beads from sliding around. That meant that I had to take apart the bracelet I made and start over using 2 silk cords instead of one! At the end everything turned out fine, and I was miraculously lucky to have just enough cord to finish the project.

I have to be completely honest: after I finished the necklace I put it on and wore it around my apartment for a bit. It was rather hard to give it back to Cindy :)

Training Update

2009-04-13T16:00:00.000-04:00

With just a few weeks left before Avon's Breast Cancer Walk (first weekend of May), Sarah, Christina, Chelsy and I made plans to meet up this past Saturday for an 18 mile training walk. After all, the Saturday before Christina, Sarah and I managed to walk 16 miles, after which I even went dancing!!!

The forecasters, unfortunately, promised rain for at least the first half of the day. When I woke up Saturday morning at 8 and heard the rain outside of my window, I had high hopes that maybe one of the girls texted the rest of us cancelling our training session due to the weather.

No such luck. And so I got myself ready, ate leftover turkey enchilada (the only thing available in my refrigerator), and took the Metro to meet the rest of the girls.

Soon after we started walking, we decided to only do 10 miles instead of 18. It rained the entire time! My almost-brand-new shoes (look on the left) got terribly dirty, our socks and shoes got wet, but at least we had each other :) It would have been really boring to have to do the walk on my own. And of course we attempted to dry off a bit while having lunch at La Madeleine.

Oh, and I picked up a gorgeous daffodil on the way home :)

I'll have to try to do a few shorter training walks during the week and then a longer one over the weekend with the girls. And I need to remember to drink water: did not drink much on Saturday and ended up feeling tired and dehydrated.

A Daffodil

2009-04-12T18:02:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I've submitted photos to Today's Flowers. Yesterday, during my Breast cancer training walk, I picked up this gorgeous wild daffodil and carried it all the way home in my pink water bottle. Don't you think it's absolutely gorgeous? I do!

Baby Shower Project

2009-04-10T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've known Cindy and her family for almost 8 years! I used to baby-sit her two daughters, who are now 10 and 12: time flies! When I found out Cindy and her husband were expecting again, I was very excited and wanted to do something a bit more special than just get them a gift from the registry.

I was inspired by the theme of the baby's room and decided to make a watercolor painting (Special Thanks to Paige for teaching me this technique a while ago).

What you'll need for this project is plain paper, watercolor paper, pencil, watercolor pencils, watercolor brushes, water, eraser, time, patience, imagination, ruler, something round (I used a coin), permanent marker, and willingness to have fun :) If you are planning to frame your final project, use a mat and a frame.

1) I outlined my project on a plain piece of paper using a ruler and a coin for round edges. I then taped that piece of paper on my window, and taped the watercolor paper on top of that.

2) Using a soft pencil, trace the design onto the watercolor paper.

3) Using the watercolor pencils color in the shapes.

4) You'll need special watercolor brushes (that's what I was told...but I really think you might be able to use any brushes you have. I used the middle-sized one for this entire project). Using the brushes dipped into water, start "painting" over your colored-in shapes, but stay within the lines and do one color at a time to avoid bleeding. Also, try to be sort of careful and go in the same direction for a neater look.

5) It is very important to let your project dry well before moving to the outlining part. I used a permanent black marker to outline every individual shape.

6) Once you are done, mat and sign your project and put it in the frame!

I'm thrilled with how this turned out and hope Cindy will like it too! Can't wait to see this inside the baby's room.

Anyone looking for a baby shower gift? You can totally commission me :)

(Sorry that the photographs are sort of dark: I was doing the project at night)

Balloons in the Air

2009-04-08T15:45:00.001-04:00

Here are a few photos I was encouraged to take by Cindy after her baby shower on Sunday. Cindy's husband released the balloons into the sky: they looked so pretty!

The shower was fun, even though I was the only childless person there. Cindy's gay real estate dude did not count ;)

We ate, played games, and I even won a gift card to a bookstore! I cannot wait to meet the new addition to the Z family!

In Bloom

2009-04-03T13:54:00.004-04:00

Spring is in the air, which means a few things: 1) Cherry Blossoms are blossoming 2) there are a zillion tourists in DC 3) time for photos!

Here are some photos I took on the way back from mentoring with Ashley. I played with some of them using Picasa. Please click on the photographs for a bigger image.

Happy, Sad, Embarrassed

2009-03-25T11:07:00.004-04:00

Happy: with the new donations from Stacey, Radha, my parents, Wendy's dad, Era, Lydia, Melissa and CC, I have reached my fundraising goal!!! However, if you still want to donate, feel free: all the money will go toward the research to stop cancer!

Sad: yesterday I went shopping during lunch. When I was trying on a dress, my glasses fell and broke in 2 pieces! I loved those glasses and always got compliments on them, and my eye doctor no longer has the same frames. Good thing I have an extra pair to take with me to Vegas. This means a trip to choose new frames when I get back.

Embarrassing: the last time I walked was on Saturday! I did a 13 mile training walk with other Avon Breast Cancer Walk participants. And that's all. So my 30 before 30 is not going stellar (although I can definitely count the 13 mile walk for like at least 8 days since it lasted 4 hours!)

March 21: 13 mile walk
March 22: nothing
March 23: dancing!
March 24: short walk to the library
March 25: 2 miles (to and from lunch with Ashley)

Things I saw on a 13 mile walk

2009-03-23T09:27:00.005-04:00

On Saturday I had a 13 mile training for the Avon walk. Good thing I decided to bring my camera along because I saw so many pretty things during those 4 hours! :)

Click on the collage to see more detailed images. The last 2 photos are specifically for my dad.

Earrings for a 12 year old

2009-03-17T20:53:00.003-04:00

Cindy's oldest daughter is turning 12 years old this week. Oh my god! I've known her since she was 4 years old: this makes me feel so old.

Anyways, with Cindy's suggestion I decided to make A. earrings to match a bracelet I re-knotted for Cindy and her two daughters.

I hope A. likes it!

An Update on Things

2009-03-17T16:24:00.005-04:00

So instead of updating my previously written 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days before turning 30, I decided to start a new post :)

Things are going well. With my training for Avon Breast Cancer Walk I'm definitely getting 30 minutes of exercise a day (and if not, then the "surrounding" days totally cover for the empty ones).

I'm also doing well on my fundraising: with the latest donation from Anna (yeai for twins), Heather (a fellow blogger), Laura, Wendy, Cindy (and the girls), Emily S, Emily R and Paige I'm now 81% closer to my goal! (and I have checks from Wendy's grandma and Nicole that will be processed!)

Now for the exercise update:

Day 23: March 20: 4 mile walk during lunch: it was a gorgeous day!!!
Day 22: March 19: nothing. Does washing dishes at Sur La Table count? Seriously, the walk from yesterday covered the 30 min requirement
Day 21: March 18: 5.5 mile walk (attempted to walk home from work, but ran into issues when it came to Arlington Cemetery, so just walked to Rosslyn and then took the Metro home). Special thank you to Jenny for her help :)
Day 20: March 17: 5 mile walk!
Day 19: March 16: dancing
Day 18: March 15: nothing. Unless kneading dough by hand counts
Day 17: March 14: 8 mile walk!!! I'm so impressed I did not pass out (although I really had to go to the bathroom a lot!). Plus dancing. So this covers day 16 and 18
Day 16: March 13: nada! nothing! zero