Artist in Red

Surviving the End of Maternity Leave

2010-03-23T19:17:00.003-04:00

How is one to survive the sadness that accompanies the end of maternity leave? Buy some new outfits, that's how.

Cute clothes to follow.

It's All About the Food

2010-03-17T18:57:00.003-04:00

Over the last few days I have had the chance to prepare some amazing dishes. Since none of my clothes fit and I can't really post any fabulous outfits, it's all about the food now.

Here is the Mexican feast I made. Mexican rice with chicken, tomatoes and corn, sweet corn tomalito and black bean cakes garnished with sour cream, avacado and a lime wedge. The rice couldn't have been simpler. It's just a ready made rice packet, but I jazzed it up by adding the chicken, tomato and corn. All you do is drop in your additives when the liquid comes to a boil. You have to remember to stir freqently though, because truth be told, mine was burnt on the bottom (good thing the Hubs does the dishes). I followed recipes for the black bean cakes and sweet corn tomalito, just click the links for the recipes. They are both fairly time consuming, so make sure you set aside a solid hour and a half for prep and cook time... two if you are having a glass of wine!

I also made a delicious rustic apple tart that couldn't have been easier to prepare. Just follow the recipe for your favorite pie crust (you could use ready made, but pie crust is so easy to make and is a world better), then quarter about two pounds of your favorite baking apples (I used Granny Smith). Then you add about a tablespoon of lemon juice, quarter cup of sugar and cinnamon to taste. Add the apples to a large skillet and toss for about 10 minutes. In the meantime roll out the dough to about a 12 inch circle. When the apples are done just pile them in the center of the dough leaving about 2 inches around the edges. Fold up the dough and then bake at 375 F for about 40 minutes. To enjoy to the fullest serve with vanilla ice cream.

Today's Random Trivia:

The biggest apple ever picked weighed in at three pounds and two ounces.

Thanks to Brad!

2010-03-12T11:50:00.006-05:00

A couple of posts ago I asked for help on adding a YouTube video to my post. Thanks to Brad's instructions and advice I have successfully added the video I wanted you all to see then. Without further adieu...

I could watch this video over and over.

While I have been able to fit posting to my blog into the newborn baby schedule, I don't often have the chance to visit the blogs that I follow. When Brad posted advice to my comments it made me realize I haven't been to his blog for quite a while and it was has always been a big artistic inspiration to me. So I thought I'd stop by for a visit and I stumbled on these little gems.

You may notice that I prefer the studies over the final products. The reason for this is because I think it gives a real feel for the movement of the artist. I tend to like my own studies better than the finals because I work more quickly with less inhibition, and I tend to create lines and show a feeling that I can never recreate in the final work when I'm trying to make everything perfect. This buxom gal is just lovely... the artistic world has never tended to gravitate to the stick skinny models of modern society. What woman wouldn't love that?

I love this drawing because it is one of the hardest angles of the face to accurately capture. Foreshortening is always a challenge, but on a face it can sometimes seem impossible. Well done Brad!

If you want to check out more of Brads work, and I think you should, go by Blackbird Studio and enjoy the eye candy.

Today's Random Trivia:
Seasons and weather affect nail growth. Nails grow faster in warm climates and during daytime, than in cold climates and at night.

Mulligan in Prada

2010-03-11T12:01:00.003-05:00

A couple of posts ago I noted the Carey Mulligan hair and dress that I liked at the Oscars. I noted how I liked her dress, but I just saw a new pic that makes me love it, and I need to share.

Thanks to Style Rookie for pointing that out. As this clever little lass notes, she is wearing "Tiny kitchen utensils! For tiny murderers!" I couldn't have said it better myself.

A Naked Distraction

2010-03-11T10:50:00.003-05:00

Today a little diversion... literally.

In my opinion there aren't too many perks to having a husband who is a sports nut. I've been kicked off the couch to make way for precious sports heirlooms that apparently have bearing on the game, I've endured many a Sunday without use of the computer or the TV so that he can have streaming Fantasy Football updates, and I wake up and go to sleep to the sound of ESPN comentators. Usually when I hear the sound of sports on TV I tune out and start thinking about my next project or an upcoming fabulous outfit, but every once and I while I watch through rolled eyes. Recently the constant watching of ESPN has yielded an enjoyable moment: a naked distraction. During a free throw at a Duke and Carolina game a very zealous and ballsy (punn intended) fan thought of a very effective way to distract the opposing team. I can't figure out how to upload a youtube video to this post (if any of you have any tricks let me know) so please click HERE to go to the appropriate page. I promise you it will be well worth it, especially if you need a good laugh. And make sure you go to full screen, or else you won't get the full effect! Here's a little teaser to incite your curiosity.

Oscar Night Faves

2010-03-08T10:10:00.003-05:00

So, who watched the Oscars? Usually I don't stay up past the first few awards, but this year it was easy due to a nursing baby. Here were my highlights:

Carey Mulligans hair... is it any surprise that I love this? Super cute, and I love the contrast between the earrings and the hair. Her hair is boyish and delicate while her jewelry is feminine and chunky.

This may be because I'm partial to funny ladies, but I loved Tina Fey's look, even though I don't normally gravitate towards black for a formal event.

Seriously, Helen Mirren is gorgeous. Her look proves that you can be age appropriate, stunning and sexy all at the same time.

I know that later I'll regret giving a nod to Miley Cyrus, but I just love this dress.

Some of my other faves were Monique, JLo and Elizabeth Banks. My tip top favorite of the night went to the winner for costume design: Sandy Powell. Her look was vintage and modern at the same time. It was colorful and most importantly it stood out from all the other cookie cutter gowns with poof and trains and tight boob busting bodices. I can't find any pics online though, so if anybody finds one, please send the link my way.

Today's Random Trivia:

The only "Oscar" to win an Oscar was Oscar Hammerstein II for Best Song in 1941 and 1945.

Chocolate Buttered Bread Pudding

2010-03-04T11:00:00.001-05:00

If you are anything like me some of your favorite confections would include bread pudding and anything chocolate. What could be better than combining the two? This is the easiest bread pudding recipe I have ever used, which puts it in reach of late-night-last-minute snacking.

Ingredients:

8 oz. brioche (which I can never find, you can use just about any bread you can find)

Pat of butter

chocolate chips (I used a combination of milk and semi-sweet)

1 egg

2 egg yolks

4 tbsp sugar

15 oz can evaporated milk

1. Cut bread into 1/2 - 1 inch slices. Lightly butter one side of each slice.

2. Place layer of bread, buttered side down, in the bottom of a shallow oven proof dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top (the amount you use is up to you... personally I like as many as possible)

3. Continue layering the bread and chocolate chips, finishing with a layer of bread on top.

4. Beat together the egg, yolks and sugar. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. I use this as another opportunity to add chocolate... add more chips until melted, or if you don't have extra you can add a hot cocoa mix or chocolate syrup. Temper the eggs (add a little bit of the hot milk to the eggs in order to bring the eggs to temp without cooking them) and then add them to the milk mixture.

5. Pour the custard over the pudding and let stand for 5 minutes. Press the bread into the custard.

6. P;ace in a roasting pan filled with hot water. Water should come half way up pudding dish (creating a bain marie.)

7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for about 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool for five minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve. You can let it cool, but it is divine while hot.

I know it isn't the prettiest dessert before served, but I assure you it is simply delish!!!

A New Outlook

2010-03-03T11:20:00.003-05:00

I try not to forget how a good, make that great, haircut can give you a fresh and revived outlook on life. As I have always said, a good hair stylist is worth their weight in gold. Here is the before shot. My hair, while I thought it was okay at the time, was lifeless and had no real shape.

And the after shot! I was worried that the tight cut would accentuate my post delivery chub, but on the contrary! I feel like Ican see my cheekbones again!

So happy with the new do! Thank you so much Justin. If you live in the Baltimore area and are looking for an awesome sylist, go to Justin at Zen Head in Ellicot City. The salon is new, cute and chocked full of great stylists. As I said I have a new outlook on the world, my hair is allowing me more time with the baby. It even looks cute when I wake up to breastfeed in the middle of the night. God bless a good haircut!

Today's Random Trivia:
Most people have an average number of 100,000 hairs on their head.

To Pixie or not to Pixie

2010-02-26T10:54:00.003-05:00

As you may have noticed, I'm a short hair junkie. I went from long hair to chin length in college and never looked back. In fact, it seems to just get shorter and shorter. Recently I decided I was over inches-long hair, and needed a change. It was time to grow it out. Because I have the luxury of a cousin doing my hair I get to say my stylist knows me extremely well. The first thing he said when I told him I was going to grow it out was, "You know that is going to drive you crazy right?". I knew he was right, but insisted I was up for the challenge. I was sure that thinking every day of the ever adorable Christina Ricci bob with bangs as my goal would get me through. Well, here I am with hair to my jawline and I am, well, crazy. I can't take it anymore! I'm contemplating chopping it off... especially with a newborn in tow. The ease of the style is simply intoxicating. So here is my inspiration: A pixie a la Alice in Wonderland, aka Mia Wasikowska or Ginnifer Goodwin. Perhaps a hybrid of the two, I think Ginnifer's may be a bit long in the front.

Whatever I decide and whenever I take the plunge I will be sure to include before and afters!

Today's Random Trivia:

Encyclopedia.com inorms that a single woman may have started the short hair trend of the 1920's. Her name was Mary Garden. Her reasoning stands true for me today: "Bobbed hair is a state of mind and not merely a manner of dressing my head... I consider getting rid of our long hair one of our many little shackles that women have cast aside in their passage to freedom."

Consider how much time you spend on your hair each day... imagine if you were liberated from all of that time. How lovely.

Valentines for Three... Make that four

2010-02-15T15:47:00.005-05:00

The phrase goes, "And baby makes three". This clearly overlooks couples who already have children of the four-legged variety. It just so happens that Valentines day is the anniversary of the day we got Jet. It was five years ago and he was just a cute litte pup. Now he's a big vicious beast. To celebrate we gave him a doggie granola bar, which he became very protective over. Here is little Jet holding his "chewnola" like a little cigar.

The human celebration was far more entailed. First a little pink champagne... my favorite. How could anyone dislike a drink that is so pretty and fizzy?

Next, a most delicious frittata with red peppers, goat cheese and scallions, accompanied by perfectly crisped rye toast with butter. It is so lovely to have a husband that loves to cook and is great at it.

Here is the entire set up... did I mention I got a dozen long stem red roses? It is my birth flower in my favorite color.

Lastly, breakfast dessert: Crepes stuffed with a blueberry blackberry filling topped with a sweetened Greek Yogurt and fresh raspberries. In spite of my deep love of goat cheese with eggs, this was my favorite part of breakfast. It gave me goosebumps it was so good, and it was surprisingly light. Unless you eat three of them.

After brunch my fantasic husband let me take a nice long lazy afternoon nap to counteract all of the late night feedings. All in all it was one of the best Valentines days I have ever had... other than when we got that cute little K9 of mine. This time around we were able to stare at that adorable babe we made. I must say... life is good. Exhausting, but good.

Today's Random Trivia:

Raspberries come in four colors: red, purple, gold or black. Gold is the sweetest of these varieties.

Dreaming Forward

2010-02-07T18:10:00.002-05:00

So far the worst part of being a new Mommy is that after you have the baby you don't immediately have your old body back. After you deliver you go down to looking about five or six months pregnant. The injustice! I guess it's fair that your belly can't snap right back... after all it was just holding an extra several pounds. At least it goes down enough to see your toes again. Breastfeeding helps get the belly down faster because it makes you cramp, which helps shrink things back down to their original size. Even Mother Nature knows that beauty is pain.

Now that my belly is dwindling more and more each day I find myself drifting to sleep at night to thoughts of all the gorgeous spring clothes I plan on wearing. I can't wait to have my slim waist line and [relatively] smaller ass back. Here are some of the spring looks I'm dreaming of.

Jumpsuit from American Apparel

Office appropriate from Chictopia

Simultaneously vintage and fresh - Emersonmade

What's even better is that my little babe will be two weeks this coming Wednesday, which means that my butt will be in the gym on Thursday morning. I'm starting out easy, just some long walks on the treadmill... but soon I plan on investing in P90X. Hot bod here I come!

Today's Random Trivia:

The only proven aphrodisiac is exercising with your partner.

The Wait Is Over

2010-02-01T20:29:00.003-05:00

This time last week I was stressed and full of anxiety, on the brink of a physically painful event... but prepared for life to change.

This week life is entirely different. I am consumed with love for my new life and latest family addition.

Ten Fingers

Ten Toes (Even though you can only see five)

And utter PERFECTION

Week 40... on the way to the hospital.

The reason I waited 40 weeks

Life is WONDERFUL.

Today's Random Trivia:

In a lifetime, the average person will walk the equivalent of 5 equators.

And the Hours Fall

2010-01-24T23:17:00.005-05:00

Today is my last day sans baby... and the hours fall away so quickly.

For our last dinner before baby arrives we are making the Best.Stew.Ever. It is served with Polenta, but we often switch this out with egg noodles. I must say though that the polenta really puts it over the top.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 lb boneless beef chuck roast

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

8 oz. pearl onions (we used whole onions and quartered them)

4 medium carrots cut into 1 inch chunks (we used baby carrots)

1 Rutabaga cut into 1 inch chunks
1 Tbsp. minced garlic (about 6 cloves)

1 14 oz. can of beef broth

1 cup water

1/2 cup dry red wine

1/2 cup fresh parsley

1/4 cup tomato paste

1 tsp. fresh rosemary

1. Prepare Polenta (Instructions below). Trim fat from meat. Cut meat into 1- inch pieces. In a large plastic bag combine flour, thyme, basil, salt and pepper. Add meat pieces, a few at a time, shaking to coat.

Preparing the Polenta

2. Place meat in a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker. Place onions, carrot, rutabaga and garlic on top of meat. Stir in broth, water and wine.

(Rutabaga, my favorite ingredient)

Layered ingredients ready to slow cook!

3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours.

4. To reheat polenta, preheat oven to 350 F. Bake, covered, about 30 minutes or until heated through. Before serving the stew stir in parsley, tomato paste and rosemary into meat mixture. Serve in bowls with polenta.

Polenta: In large saucepan, bring 3 1/2 cups milk to a light boil. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup cold water and 1/2 tsp salt. Slowly add cornmeal mixture to hot milk, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until mixture is boiling; reduce heat to low. cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until thick, stirring occassionally. Pour into greased 2 quart square baking dish. Cover with foil; chill for 2 to 24 hours.

The only problem with stew is that as hearty and fulfilling as it is, there is just no way to make it look pretty in a photo. In the end it is always a sloppy bowl of yummy.

Thanks for reading today, or even stopping by. It helped take my mind off all of the pain I will lovingly be enduring tomorrow. I won't be back for a bit... I'm having a baby tomorrow!

Today's Random Trivia:
Approximately 11,000 babies are born a day in the United States. Tomorrow, mine will be one of them!

And the To-Do List Dwindles

2010-01-23T20:42:00.004-05:00

I am running out of things to do before baby arrives. Good thing because he is almost here! Bad thing because it only reminds me that it is scary close... and all the anxieties of motherhood come rushing forward. Not that I'm filled with anxiety, but Labor and delivery is certainly a daunting task. Followed by parent hood, which me the the Motherload of daunting tasks.

Every day that I plan to relax my list gets in the way. I find myself often saying "After I get this done I'll be TOTALLY ready." Then after the task is complete I add something else to the list. Today was really my last day to get away with this though. Tomorrow my husband has us inundated with football related activities (I'll throw in a Go Jets! just for him). Monday is really my last day to relax before D-day. So, other than a nice relaxing walk with the Hubs and the Beagle I really want to do nothing but put my feet up! Tuesday, of course is D-day. Being induced is nice because I can plan... and I am a planner. But I'm a little sad I'll be missing out on any "Honey I think this is it!" conversation. Or waking up the Hubs in the middle of the night to let him know my water broke and we need to frantically rush to the hospital. Oh well... maybe next time!

So, with a lack of photos taken today I thought I'd do a nice art post on one of my favorite artists. I stumbled on her website a couple of years ago and am now addicted. If this pregnancy were bringing me a girl, her room certainly would have been graced by an Audrey Kawasaki knock-off that I would have tried to recreate on my own. Her work is so ethereal and inspirational. It's like looking into a past dream that you know you had but can't quite remember. I may have posted on her in the past, but she has so many lovely pieces, and her work is so enchanting I can't resist today.

Warabueta... A Child's Song

Sora

Hyakki Yakou... Night Parade

I especially love this one because it reminds me of my favorite childhood movie Labrynth. David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Anyone else seen this? Essentially I can recite it line for line, but I'm not sure I should be proud to admit that. I have seen it more times than I can count. As soon as I get home with baby we will be watching it together!

Random Trivia today is inspired by an overly involved and perfectly random conversation I had with on of my dearest friends over the human placenta. I didn't think there was much to discuss... turns out I was oh so wrong.

Today's Random Trivia:

Some cultures bury the placenta for various reasons. The Maori of New Zealand traditionally bury the placenta from a newborn child to emphasize the relationship between humans and the beach. Similarly, the Navajo bury the placenta and the umbilical cord beneath a specially chosen tree, in the hopes that the baby will take on the characteristics of that tree.

Three Days and Counting

2010-01-22T16:50:00.012-05:00

First things first. Today I had my favorite food of all. Cheeseburger and fries. I realized I had a new competition on my hands. Fatburger or Five Guys.

The true and only pure answer: Five Guys... hands down. Now, moving on.

I finally have a light at the end of the tunnel. Tuesday, January 26, 2010 I will be induced. Baby will arrive soon thereafter. How lovely. Here are the 39 weeks photos. I'm huge and feel like... well like I'm 9 months pregnant. The head on shot doesn't quite show how giant this belly of mine is...

Now do you believe me? No...

How about now?

Now... as promised, some photos of the paintings I did for the nursery. I'm not sure if I mentioned, but the main colors are light blue and charcoal. I thought that would be the perfect combination of baby and adult. I have said since the beginning of this pregnancy that I wanted to skip all the baby cute-sy stuff. After all, the baby isn't really the one enjoying the nursery, I am.

They all look like they are the same size here, but they vary for the small and large animals, from 3x3 to 10x10. I am very happy with the way they turned out and got several compliments. It started as a way to sneak in my red stars, which I didn't want the nursery to be without. What is any room without a splash of red?

And without further adieu, here is the completed teddy bear I made for baby. He turned out pretty cute I think. As with any project there are changes I wish I could make, but there are sure to be plenty more baby projects to come.

Today's Random Trivia:

In 1986 the first Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened in Arlington Virginia. They have since been given a plethora of awards including "Readers Choice #1 Burger" by the Washingtonian Magazine '99 through '08. They have since opened over 450 locations in 30 states. There are over 250,000 ways to order a burger. Lastly, you will never see a freezer in a Five Guys, only refrigerators... NOTHING is frozen.

Today's Suggestion:

If there isn't a Five Guys near you... drive to one, no matter how far. Even if it is states away. It will SO be worth it.

Ahhh, Maternity Leave

2010-01-19T19:36:00.009-05:00

Today was my first official day of Maternity leave... and it... was... WONDERFUL! I loved every little second.

The best part was taking my shower this morning and getting ready. It is so nice to not have to dress for work, but to dress for myself again. Especially since one of the biggest hurdles at this point in pregnancy is to NOT feel hideous.

Here are the pics of 38 weeks. I have taken my photos at the very last day of each week. So, now that I'm down to the end, my photos are slightly off... but after having taken weekly shots, I'm not stopping now!

This is what happens when you watch too many episodes of Little Miss Perfect. That show is such a train wreck. It is nauseating and scary, but you can't take your eyes off of it.

After I spent the morning taking care of leftover weekend chores, I decided it was time to hunker down and start on the baby project that has been on my mind for weeks. A hand sewn teddy bear. Every kid has a teddy bear right? I didn't finish today obviously, but I got a good start. Today I created my pattern, which is pretty basic. I used newspaper, because it was available... I like the way the bra image shows on the final pattern. I am trying to create a teddy bear that is unique. The fabric I'm using is all leftovers from other creative family members, including my Mom, who hand sewed a stunning quilt for my new little man. The teddy bear will be light blue, charcoal, red, black and white. All the colors of the nursery. The fabric is a nice soft flannel, perfect for cuddling. After pinning and cutting, I got straight to sewing. I don't have any fusible interface so I'm using stich withchery and then reinforcing with a whip stitch with embroidery thread. The best part of this project: I didn't have to go out for any of the materials... aka: I get to sit on my butt and not go anywhere. Isn't that what maternity leave is all about?! The due date is in one week, so rest and relaxation is the name of the game.

Today's Random Trivia:

In 1903 in Giengen, Germany, Margarete Steiff made toy animals out of felt in a small factory owned by her family. Her nephew, Richard Steiff, encouraged her to make a bear based on his sketches following a visit to the Stuttgart Zoo.

Oh, How I’ve Missed You

2010-01-15T12:02:00.018-05:00

For those of you who regularly tuned in to my blog, I owe a great apology. This past April I enjoyed momentous and exciting changes in my life. I found out I was pregnant! At the onset, I was ready to face pregnancy and enjoy every minute, expecting to plan and create wonderful things for my soon-to-arrive little one. How silly and naive I was! I had NO idea how much pregnancy would take out of me and what a toll it would have on my once lovely body. (Note: If you are having body issues, no matter how big or small, once you're pregnant you will look at your old body like you were a Victoria’s Secret model!) Two weeks prior to finding out about my pregnancy I started a new position with a title company, which also took an unexpected toll on my body. So, with my body working over time making a baby, and intensified stress levels at work I found blogging to be, well, an impossibility. Honestly, it was all I could do to stay awake past 8:00 most nights. My weekends consisted of registering, planning, painting, prepping and getting ready for baby. Here I am, about to burst like an overfed tick, and I’m finally getting around to letting the blog world know where I’ve been all these months. Why now? My maternity leave just started! I still have a week or two left before baby, and I plan on kicking my feet up and letting my hands stay busy doing what I love: Creating! If you’re interested, here’s a quick update of what the last nine plus months have looked like for me.

Week 13:Week 17: Week 20: Week 24:

Week 28:

Week 30:
Week 32:

Week 34: Week 37:

Currently, I'm at the 38 Week mark. Way past the point of being comfortable. At first the belly is cute, then it becomes cumbersome and heavy. If you are still enjoying pregnancy at 38 weeks, you really deserve a medal. On a daily basis I am torn between pleasure and torture. The kicks that were once so precious are now painful sharp jabs to the ribs, but just when I begin to barter with my belly I realize I need to soak up every last minute of quite-self time remaining. Pretty soon it will all have vanished and I will be sleep deprived and covered in spit-up.

So that's it. That's where I've been. Off in the real world being knocked-up. Hopefully I will have time in the next days to post on the few projects I have been able to complete over the last months. Sorry again for my absence... it's hard to feel cute when you're pregnant, even when there is something so cute growing in your belly.

Today's Random Trivia:

A Hummingbird can flap its wings at 80 times per second, causing an audible humming sound. Due to the unique structure of their wings they can fly up, down, left, right, backwards and even upside down. They can also hover by flapping their wings in a figure-eight pattern.

A Dress Named Jamie

2009-04-18T13:55:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I went thrifting

And I met a dress named Jamie

She was rough around the edges

But I took her home and gave her a makeover

Now she feels refreshed and confident

Enough to step Into the Sun

Oh, Jamie! How I love thee

Let me count the ways:

One, one-thousand

Two, one-thousand

Three, one-thousand

Four, one-thousand

Five, one-thousand

Six, one-thousand.

And we have only just met.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Count von Count, often known as The Count, is one of the Muppet characters on Sesame Street, performed by Jerry Nelson. The Count is a vamire modeled after Béla Lugosi's interpretation of Count Dracula.

Classic Comfort

2009-04-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today I need to get a ton of things done, most of which includes outdoor spring cleaning to prepare for a visit from the In-Laws. The weather is supposed to be just perfect tomorrow, so I'm really looking forward to it. Not too much to report, but here is my outfit from yesterday. It was the first day all week that wasn't saturated with rain. When I woke up to sun I literally jumped out of bed to open all the blinds and curtains.

Collared Shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Hydraulic

Cowboy Boots and Belt: Courtesy of my Mom's Closet

Today's Useless Trivia:

The boots cowboys wear are just a result of practical design. The higher, often undercut heel is to hook the bar of the stirrup when riding, helping to keep the foot secure. The pointed toe makes it easier to get the foot into the stirrup. The high top is to protect the lower leg from hazards when out on the range. The fancy patterns were originally unique to each person, to distinguish your boots from mine.

An Apology to My Peeps

2009-04-16T13:07:00.007-04:00

I haven't done a post on actual art in a while, and today afforded me the perfect opportunity.

On Easter Sunday I made a remark on this blog that got me into some hot water with my BFF, and now I am eating my words!! I casually noted in my Useless Trivia that there are only 60 million chocolate bunnies consumed each Easter compared to 600 million Peeps. I simply inquired to my audience how that could have been possible... I find myself to be in such a landslide situation when it comes to choosing chocolate over marshmellow that the opposite is inconceivable. It still floores me. In any case, my BFF showed me the light. She does not stand alone in her love of the marshmellow-y spring colored gelatanous confections. I am sad I didn't know about this beforehand... I might not like to eat Peeps, but I would certainly enjoy making a diorama out of them. Behold: Photos from the second annual Peeps Diorama Contest. This is the winner:

The Tomb of King Peepankhamun

Laura Sillers, 22, of Potomac Maryland

And my personal favorites:

Nightmare in Pink

Peter Byers of Arlington Virginia

Amy Winepeep

Karen Besser, 58, of Arlington and daughter Nina Besser, 23, of Fairfax Virginia

Peep Art

Jane Dokko of Washington DC

I think it's time for me to start drafting ideas for next year. I certainly won't miss out on this again!!! Please, please check the rest out, they are all so awesome... don't worry, there is 37 shown out of the 800 contestants.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Peeps are produced by Just Born, a candy manufacturer based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Peeps were introduced nationally in 1958 by Pravin Pant Sr., a Nepali immigrant. When Just Born acquired Rodda Candy Company in 1953, they automated the process (originally the chicks were formed by hand) and mass-produced them. The yellow chicks were the original form of the candy — hence their name — but then the company introduced other colors and, eventually, the myriad shapes in which they are now produced.

One More Boring Winter Office Outfit

2009-04-15T19:40:00.006-04:00

Now that I am officially a licensed Realtor in Maryland now I have to affiliate with a broker in order to practice. So, the inevitable boring office wardrobe has returned. It's difficult to balance your need to look creative with the need the be professional with the need to try and look as 'adult-like' as possible. Unfortunately, when I have tried my hand at home sales in the past I am greeted with a distaste for my youthful appearance. The last time I sold a home was about four years ago and I have learned SO much about the world of Real Estate since then, so I feel very competent and capable this time around, and I'm sure that will reflect in my demeanor, but it's nice to have a very professional look to finish it all off. No one trusts a schlep.

So, this is what I wore to my office today. Everything in the outfit is ages old, but I have never actually tried this combination before.

Collared T-shirt: Old Navy

Short Sleeved Blazer: Rampage

Pin-striped pencil skirt: GAP

Red Belt: Nine West

On a quick side note, as you know I am a huge dog-lover. Not just my dog... all dogs. I have a belief that dogs are the most noble and honorable creatures on the planet. Don't forget our pooches are suffering in these times too. If you have a couple of bones to spare, send them on over to Donate 4 Dachshunds and help out little paws everywhere.

Today's Useless Trivia:

A hobble skirt is a skirt with a narrow enough hem to significantly impede the wearer's stride, thus earning its name. A knee-long corset is also used to achieve this effect. Although restrictive skirts first appeared in Western fashion in 1880s, the term was first used in reference to a short-lived trend of narrow skirts in around 1910-1913. The Parisian fashion designer Paul Poiret is sometimes credited with the design, inspired by the widespread Oriental influence on Western culture, but in fact the extreme hobble skirt is an evolution of the narrowing skirt seen in fashion since the turn of the century.

Sew ReNew

2009-04-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Remember this?

Well, I'm happy to say I turned it into this:

Here's how:

So Easy. I am going to devote an entire corner of this blog to repurposing old items of clothing. I think it is important for a couple of reasons. First of all it saves money. When you look beyond what is in front of you it always opens up a new floodgate of ideas. When you start looking at your wardrobe that way you'll find you don't really need to do any shopping. Looking through thrift stores with the same sew-thrift glasses certainly opens up a new plethora of opportunities there as well. Most importantly, by using and re-using what you already have and what you can buy and re-use locally you really help the environment. No oil or machines or junk harmed the environment in it's creation or shipment to you (this time around anyway). Let's not forget the succulent satisfaction in all of this that you know there is only one of what you are wearing.

Easteriffic

2009-04-12T12:47:00.006-04:00

Happy Easter one and all. I hope you are enjoying your Sunday. I don't really celebrate Easter really, just any day that requires family to get together and eat copious amounts of food. Today's Easter celebration is small, just the immediate family. That isn't stopping me from trying to roast a five and a half pound leg of lamb. I have never eaten it before which may make cooking it a little difficult because I don't really know what it should be like when cooked perfectly. I am certainly a meat-lover though, so I think I'll be okay. I'll let you know how it goes.

This Easter Mom and I decided to decorate eggs, a Craftastic project I haven't done in years. Instead of doing the traditional hard-boiled eggs we decided to use wooden eggs that we picked up at the craft store. It was a little more expensive, but worth it since now we will be able to take them out again next year. The technique was ridiculously easy and was featured in the latest issue of Martha Stewart magazine. All you need is paint, scissors, napkins, brushes and Mod Podge. They ended up looking nothing like what I had in mind, but they are beautiful in a completely unexpected way. Initially I wanted very graphic and dynamic eggs in a simple two tone pallate. When I couldn't find the napkins that fit the project, I had to work with what I had. The result: Water Color Easter Eggs. I love them.

The pre-decorated eggs. I decided to use all warm tones.

My favorite egg is back row in the very center. It is yellow with only orange-red flowers. It looks like it is covered in Poppies.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Approximately 60 million chocolate bunnies are purchased and consumed by Americans during the Easter holiday compared to about 600 million marshmellow peeps. Really people? Neon marshmellows over chocolate? I will never understand this.

STOP. Hammer Time!

2009-04-10T22:12:00.014-04:00

Remember the awesome stirrup MC Hammer style pants from the 80's? Still have them? Pass a pair at the thrift store? Well, pick them up because you can easily turn them into one of Spring 09's best looks. Harrem pants...

As sighted on the runway by Refinery 29 in the following Spring '09 shows from left to right: Yigal Azrouë, Proenza Schouler, Phi, Ralph Lauren

And of course a pair from Topshop that I modeled my own after. How could you NOT want a pair of these. They just look perfect for summer. Loose yet sexy when worn correctly. Comfort and style all in one. I made mine short, but if I get an opportunity to make a second pair I am definitely going full length. The harem pants, much like the skinny jeans for me, were a bit of an acquired taste. At the first sight I must admit I was horrified for a second, but in an instant they grew on me. Now, I can't imagine my wardrobe without them.

So, pick up a pair of delicious 80's stirrup pants and bust out the sewing machine. It's time to breath new life into those old things!

Here's what you're going to need: Pins, 1" wide elastic (or wider), seam ripper (in case), scissors and fabric dye if necessary. I chose a black expecting to get a charcoal. If you choose a dark color and want it to be very saturated you will need to buy two packs of dye.

The toolbox. I happened to have most of these things lying around, including the dye which I happened to buy recently to buy a sweater I bought years ago. I couldn't stand to look at that ugly pastel magenta for another minute. I don't know what possessed me to buy a color like that in the first place, but that's besides the point. It's grey now.

Here are your instructions, let me know if you have any issues reading them.

More than half way there!!!

(Actually this is incorrect... the stirrup pants were $1... I had a momentary lapse... it was the jumper I bought with them that was $2.50)

And the finished product... (drumroll please!)

Today's Useless Trivia:
Harem comes from the Arabic Harim which literally means forbidden and sanctuary. Merriam Webster Dictionary defines harem as:
1 a: a usually secluded house or part of a house allotted to women in a Muslim household b: the wives, concubines, female relatives, and servants occupying a harem
2: a group of women associated with one man
3: a group of females associated with one male —used of polygamous animals

Tenpachi

2009-04-08T17:43:00.003-04:00

Today I spontaneously went to the salon to achieve the ever-awaited platinum blonde, the color of my soul. I finally snapped, like I usually do, and called to get an immediate appointment and an hour later I'm in the chair. Now all I need to complete the look is sticky summer days and sultry beach nights. Nothing is sexier than those summer days when the air is the perfect temperature to just be naked.

Tenpachi Salon

Stylist: Justin

1722 Eastern Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21231

Speaking of a visit to Baltimore... I have a sister blog that will be maintained with my sister in crime: Glove. The blog is called GlakerNation and we intend to do our own style sightings in Baltimore along with any other local cute-ness we wish to feature. We kicked it off this past week, but we didn't do any style sightings, just plain old best friend shopping, which was way over due. Glove also started her own blog today, so happy birthday Graceful Glove! I hope everyone takes a minute to stop on by!

Today's Useless Trivia:

This year's summer solstice begins June 21.

Black and White and Red all over

2009-04-07T14:15:00.006-04:00

Today I attended a sales meeting at a Real Estate agency with which I may potentially become affiliated. The topic of discussion today was farming your own business. It was very interesting and I think it will be helpful in starting to generate my own book of business here in my home state. It also gave me a chance to see a Maryland contract of sale as well as several different types of listing papers. It is so fascinating to me to be able to compare real estate markets. I am most familiar with New Jersey Real Estate, which is divided into the North and South, each with their own practices. Then I dabbled with the Philly market and now I get to know it all about Maryland... and each of them is so different from the next it just amazes me. For the first time in my real estate career I am excited to start selling. In the past I have been a real estate photographer and a processor, but I haven't sold a home in over three years. I can't wait to get my feet wet.

At the meeting the new girl forgot to turn off the ring on her cell phone... hence the red all over. It was such a rookie mistake... I so know better than that.

Last night after making dinner I carried out my days old desire to make a carrot cake. The recipe, courtesy of my girl Martha Stewart, calls for unsweetened apple sauce. I didn't have applesauce, but I what I did have was an excess of apples. So I also made the applesauce which went into said carrot cake. I ended up baking until after nine, which wouldn't have been bad if I hadn't started working in the kitchen a little before 4. I'm not complaining, I enjoyed it, but after 5 hours on my feet I was in no shape to make cream cheese frosting from scratch. So I went to sleep lacking the satisfaction of tasting my homemade morsel, only able to dream of the spiced orange sweetness on my tastebuds. Today I happily intended to rectify this.

Cream Cheese Frosting

The finished product

Most Delicious Carrot Cake

Ingredients:

Makes 2 eight-inch layers.
Butter, for pans
4 medium carrots
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup walnut pieces
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter 2 eight-by-two-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment; butter, and dust with flour. Grate carrots in food processor; measure 2 cups, and transfer to medium bowl. Add raisins, walnuts, applesauce, and lemon juice and zest to carrots.

2. Wipe food processor bowl; fit with blade. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice; pulse to mix. With motor running, pour in oil and eggs; process until smooth, scraping sides. Add carrot mixture; pulse. Pour into pans; bake about 40 minutes, until tester inserted in middle comes out clean.

3. Cool in pans on rack for 20 minutes. Remove; cool completely, right side up.

Super Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

Makes 3 cups
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted

Directions:
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and vanilla until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. With mixer on medium speed, gradually add butter, beating until incorporated.
2. Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add sugar, beating until incorporated. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

Today's Useless Trivia:

"In the Middle Ages in Europe, when sweeteners were scarce and expensive, carrots were used in sweet cakes and desserts. In Britain...carrot puddings...often appeared in recipe books in the 18th and 19th centuries. Such uses were revived in Britain during the second World War, when the Ministry of Food disseminated recipes for carrot Christmas pudding, carrot cake, and so on and survive in a small way to the present day. Indeed, carrot cakes have enjoyed a revival in Britain in the last quarter of the 20th century. They are perceived as 'healthy' cakes, a perception fortified by the use of brown sugar and wholemeal flour and the inclusion of chopped nuts, and only slightly compromised by the cream cheese and sugar icing whcih appears on some versions."---Oxford Companion to Food, Alan Davidson [Oxford University Press:Oxford] 1999 (p. 141)

Ketchup

2009-04-06T08:20:00.011-04:00

No blogger likes to begin a post with an apology for absence. I have been up to my eyebrows in tasks and obligations. First, I would like to announce that the Hubs and I are officially licensed Realtors in Maryland! Yee-ha! Second, the promised update on the handbag I made for my trip to Florida. I would have liked to take more pics throughout the process, but I was in a pinch for time so pics weren't at the forefront of my mind.

This is the pattern and original fabric I had chosen for the lining.

This is the gaudy cord used at the center of the shoulder straps. It's not ugly when it is cloaked in faux leather.

My whole reasoning for making a bag in the first place was that I wanted a bag large enough to hold my camera and with a strap long enough to go across my chest, making it a hands-free victory in the airport. When I couldn't find what I wanted, I hit the sewing machine. I ingeniously decided half-way through that I could use spring clips and d-rings on the bag in order to have interchangeable straps, rendering the bag perfect for any situation. I also decided on a zebra lining and key charm for the zipper to make it super easy to open and close and find what I need in that handbag abyss.

Here is today's handbag affection. It is rainy and nasty, so I chose a grey, dreary and somewhat comfy outfit. First is the accross-the-chest strap.

Then the shoulder strap... excuse the ornery expression.

And lastly, each clip hooked to both d-rings. This is good when you want to tighten your grip without carrying the weight on your shoulder. I know this pose looks a little fruity, but I think it was the best to showcase the bag.

Blazer: H&M

T-shirt: The hub's side of the closet

Belt: Ganked from another dress, it's just a skinny cotton sash.

Jeans: Old Navy, believe it or not. This is the only pair of jeans I have ever found from ON that fit... I couldn't resist trying them on for $10, and they fit perfectly.

Socks: Target

Boots: Banana Republic stolen/borrowed from my Mom's closet. I love having access to her shoe wardrobe.

I also love having access to all of my old stand-by thrift stores. So far, I have only been able to visit one, in addition to a new one my bestie and I visited in Baltimore, but I have some great finds.

Ye 'ole Stirrup pants. Wait till you see how I transform these little beaut's that were a whopping one dollar.

A gloriously metallic 80's tank. It goes perfectly with the vintage belt I found years ago that is sitting in my closet waiting for the perfect outfit. With a pair of black skinny's... yikes that might be too 80's fab. Not. Gold tank: $2.50

Now if only I could find that gold metallic slap bracelet that used to be the center of my world.

Just in case you want a close-up of the clam-shell design.

My favorite fun find: a metallic tank dress. A little dumpy now, but it will be so-hot when it's done. The fabric is spectacular... it is metallic but light and sheer as cotton... not sheer enough to see detail, but sheer enough to see a sexy silhouette.

Look at this great 70's tag... just wanted to point out that it hangs a little, only a little, loose on me and it is sized a 14. SO not my modern-day size. So, don't be fooled when they say Marilyn Monroe was a size 6. I digress... the dress was $2.

A lovely dress from Lmited... the v-neck is in the front and the back. At $6 this was my priciest find.

I can't wait to pair this Banana Republic dress ($2) with a wide white belt and wedges.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Forsythia bushes (the beautiful bush I am standing in front of for today's outfit shot) are an ideal plant for borders or screens. The forsythia bush should be planted in full sun or light shade. The forsythia bush was named in honor of the royal British gardener William Forsyth who lived from 1737 to 1804.

Platinum Locks and Summer Frocks...

2009-03-17T18:05:00.006-04:00

Summertime is synonymous with platinum hair and lots of pretty dresses. I somehow believe that if I go super-blonde early in the spring, the warm weather is sure to follow. Meaning the boots can go into storage and all of my pretty summer dresses can come out to play. Being a Cancerian I feel I am at my best during the hot summer season... I feel most creative and less stressed. I think that can be attributed partially to the insomnia I get this time of year. I just can't sleep, but instead of stirring in the sack I usually end up hitting the sketchbook, making plans for whatever project I think I'll start at dawn.

Here are the dresses I have been oozing over today, and after my latest project I feel confident I will be able to make some of these. What project? Last week between moving to Maryland and flying to Florida for a visit I managed to make time to sew a purse. I just wanted something that was black in color and big enough to hold my camera and other array of items that end up in my purse. It also needed to go across my chest as a shoulder bag so that I could have my hands free and feel secure going through the airport. I managed to sew it, but I didn't manage to get any pics posted... I don't have copies of them at the moment though, so they are soon to follow. For now, the dresses I'll dream about tonight:

Find this great 70's dress here at Market Publique.

A la Urban Outfitters.

This next dress is my new fave Mexico pic. It's the perfect dress for the event, appropriate in design while staying true to my vintage sense of style. And oh how much I love the little red accents.

Find this cute dress here at BettyPageClothing.com

And right after I stumbled on that I found the ultimate Mother-load of my ideal-favorite-bury-me-in-this dress. It is breathtaking, and it isn't even designer, it has a stock store label. Luckily it has already been sold so I won't suffer sleepless nights dreaming of a night in Vegas wearing this dress. Who am I kidding? I am scarred now, and to be honest, a little sad I may never own this, but I digress.

Courtesy of Posh Girl Vintage... click here to see the depressing details.

Summer can't get here soon enough. I am also on the hunt for the perfect vintage or vintage inspired swimsuit for my Mexico trip. I can't decide whether I want a one piece or a bikini... here's a couple I've found so far, both of which are authentic vintage:

I found both of these suits at my new favorite site... click here to check it out.

Today's Useless Trivia:

By definition antique means objects produced in previous times that are valuable because they are rare. Technically, in the United States, it means an item that is as least 100 years old, especially where furniture is concerned. By European standards, an item is only considered to be antique if it was made before 1832, and the Industrial Revolution when items were still made by hand. While items made since these times can still be considered valuable, they are not considered antique. Instead, they are called vintage, period, or antique items. There is also a category called collectable which may be any age at all. What makes it collectable is appreciations of value since the item was purchased.

Out of Jet Fuel

2009-03-14T21:55:00.005-04:00

So, I'm in Florida visiting the best In-Laws a gal could have. Having a grand 'ole time... well today at least. Thursday and Friday were pretty miserable. The Hubs and I arrived Wednesday morning and went straight to the beach. You could pick us out in the crowd; the fair-skinned morons asleep in the sand without sunscreen. Yeah, I did that. I haven't had a sunburn so bad and painful in my whole life. I am ashamed and I am still plagued with guilt and anger towards myself... mostly because I can't forget when the left side of my face is covered in blisters. Not my whole cheek though, I was 'fortunate' enough to have been wearing giant over sized sunglasses that protected a good portion of my face and left me with designer raccoon lines. If it weren't my face, I would be laughing it is so ridiculous. It made me realize that maybe I am more vain than I would like to admit... not that I would ever call myself a vain person, but I guess feeling hideous humbled me in a way. I'm lucky to have a husband who is so attentive and thoughtful when I am sick... he was all over the aloe and aspirin. Just so you know I'm not exaggerating:

I know it's blurry, but within the blur you will see the truth in sunburn. Honestly, I have never experienced sunburn like this before. My legs still feel swollen, and it's three days later. On thursday I could barely even stand, the rush of blood to my legs felt like a throbbing that went through and intensified at the core of my shin bones. Has anyone ever experienced this before? It was excruciating.

So, my location in connection with the title of Today's blog means I'm really missing my little doggie boy. My Mom said he is sitting by the window staring out all the live long day, which just breaks my heart. My husband and I always say it's so tough on us because we know that he can't understand what a vacation is and whether we are coming back... we reason that at least a child would understand. But who are we kidding? A child, because they can understand, can look up and say, "Don't go." Now that must be heartbreaking.

Tomorrow a Yankee pre-season game against the Twins. Yay.

Yesterday we went golfing. My husband and Father-In-Law went golfing rather. Mom and I drove around on the golf cart and gawked at the amazing houses... and the cute cows. You can tell from her expression that she is suspicious of me.

Here's a fun shot of the Hubs at his best... sort of. He hasn't played in about five years, so I don't think his game was where he wanted it to be.

But he still looked cute. This coming Wednesday we are going again and I think I'm going to take a crack at golf myself. I will confess, openly in fact, that I have absolutely no athletic skill at all. I'm Artist in Red, not Athlete in Red. Every time I try I pretty much make an ass of myself, so we'll see about the golf.

Today's Useless Trivia: In honor of the task at hand:

The Maryland Real Estate Commission consists of 9 members; 5 licensed Realtors and 4 consumer members, each appointed by the Governor.

A Cardboard Blur

2009-03-05T16:43:00.005-05:00

I am up to my ears in cardboard boxes. Actually, most of the stacks of boxes tower far over my head.

Things
blankets
candles
sewing boxes and seasonings
tossed
around and in
blurring the origin of memories.

Our last Saturday night meal at home: Cornish hens in a cranberry orange glaze, croissant stuffing and fresh steamed green beans followed by a homemade creme brulee.

The last breakfast cooked here: a Cowboy egg. Just toss a piece of bread with the center cut out into a pan, crack an egg in the middle and cook to your desired doneness. Tasty and easy.

No matter how much planning you do, you always end up like this. Standing in the middle of a box-filled room thinking, "where the hell is my..."

... Cutting board. In this case it was already packed away. We made due with a make-shift cutting board made of a Home Depot packing box and some parchment paper. It did the trick!

My beloved beagle staging a sit-in protest to the move.

Today's Useless Trivia: What sets poetry apart from prose? The right side of the page.

The Camera Took No Adventure Today

2009-02-27T17:20:00.004-05:00

Today I spent the afternoon with a close friend and her four month old baby. I love hanging out with them... and it's nice to get a little practice. My family is full of babies, but I only get to see them for such a short time. Little Danny is the first baby I have really hung out with on a regular basis. I love getting to see him grow but it is a little bittersweet. I have second cousins that I know less about. Granted, having four and five states between us is pretty good reason for not seeing them regularly, but it still makes me a little sad.

Tonight the Hubs and I are hanging out with another couple... we are sure to have a heated game of Trivial Pursuit. I am determined to have my husband on my team tonight. Somehow or another everytime we play this game he is on the other team. Fun at first, until he starts winning. No one talks more smack than my hubby when he's winning. It would be great for once not to be on the receiving end.

In June I am taking my first trip to Mexico. I am so excited that I am already planning my wardrobe. So the purpose of this trip, aside from pleasure, is to attend a wedding. The wedding is going to be a fairly formal wedding on the beach. Well, the ceremony will be on the beach, but the reception is going to be on a terrace. So outside, but in a place where I can wear heels. Thank goodness, I hate being without that extra four inches of height. When your height barely kisses five feet, you get a bit of a Napleon Complex I guess. So, now I am trying to design my perfect out fit for the wedding. It has to be breezy because it is June practically on the Equator, but it needs to be a little formal also. And would it be too much to ask for it to have at least a touch of vintage in it?

This is my current shoppers-fantasy-favorite. Nothing about it is Vintage, but it looks so edgy I had to fall in love with it. I hadn't realized that edgy-ness could cancle out lack of Vintage-ness. Naturally, in my dream world I would also own the Jimmy Choo shoes she is wearing with the Jean Paul Gaultier dress.

You can buy the dress and shoes here... if you want to give up both an arm and a leg.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Jean Paul Gaultier is a French fashion designer who never received formal training. He started by selling fashion sketches to established designers. He is known as the enfant terrible, or bad boy of French.

A Beagle and a Beach

2009-02-26T20:04:00.006-05:00

Here is where today took us. A Goodbye to Long Beach Island.

This dog would do anything for food. Believe me.

A healthy fear of the ocean is good for everyone.

Just so you know, the second round of Breakfast Bread was an exceedingly monumental failure. I'm too irritated now to try again. At least until after I get to Florida and taste the real deal again. Normally when I eat Breakfast Bread I'm just eating to enjoy and have breakfast. This time I am eating with intent to replicate. I may also try to bribe a member of the Publix Bakery staff into giving me the recipe.

This time next week I will be rellishing the thought of one more full day and night in this little home. March 7 is fast approaching. Yesterday I thought it was three weeks away... it SO isn't.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Sharks attack some 50-75 people each year worldwide, with perhaps 8-12 fatalities, according to data compiled in the International Shark Attack File (ISAF). Although shark attacks get a lot of attention, this is far less than the number of people killed each year by elephants, bees, crocodiles, lightning or many other natural dangers. On the other side of the ledger, we kill somewhere between 20-100 million sharks every year through fishing activities.

Another Shot at Glory

2009-02-25T13:29:00.007-05:00

They look better... but we all know the proof is in the pudding. Hmmm, is it okay to use an unrelated food euphemism when describing a food? I'll let you know how these puppies taste once I cut into them and whether or not the recipe is worth sharing.

Pre-cooked loaves... I had to get creative with the parchment. I went to roll out what I needed and all I got was a thin little strip. I made it work though.

Definitely shinier this time around... what do you think?

Today I am running errands and trying to get packed for a vacation that isn't happening for 3 weeks. If I waited to pack until after the move though, I know it would be disastrous. I'd rather be ready to go so that I can focus on setting up our new living space. I am more excited for the move each day. Although it probably won't set in until after I return from Florida and realize that I won't be going home to the cushy little condo I have now. It is sad, but I am too excited to make a new home for us to dwell on this one. We have nothing but good times ahead of us and I am ready to start our new adventure together. Here is what we have in our immediate future to get things started: boutique shopping with my Bestie in Baltimore (she has already left me a frantic message describing, in broken shopping English, that she stumbled on a Vintage shop with a great sale), Lithuanian and Ethiopian cuisine with Friends and a Father-Daughter day spent lurking around museums in Washington DC. I also have to put my nose to the Real Estate books. The Hubs and I only have 90 days, which is probably to about 80 now, to take and pass our Maryland Real Estate test or else our New Jersey Real Estate abstracts (a record of our education) will no longer be valid and we will have to re-apply. Did I ever mention I was a Realtor? I haven't been practicing in New Jersey for a while, just processing and running an office. After meeting and working with some Realtors in my office, I realized I need to get back in the game... not because of their inspirational sales skills, but more because they were morons.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Presidential pets have been a varied bunch: The Bushes had Scottish terriers, Woodrow Wilson had a tobacco-chewing ram and William Howard Taft had, fittingly, a cow. Did you know that John Quincy Adams, our sixth president, housed an alligator in a bathroom in the East Room of the White House? True story.

Relaxing with My Breakfast Bread

2009-02-24T20:42:00.003-05:00

My attempt at breakfast bread was a little disappointing. I admit, if I had never had Publix Breakfast Bread before, I would probably be pretty happy with it... but my tastebuds have known the truth. It needed twice the fruit, maybe more, twice the nuts and an egg yolk wash on top to make it shiny. I also think it needs brown flour... or maybe brown sugar instead of molassas, which just made it yellow. I will have to experiment. It helps that I will be in Florida in a couple of weeks where I can read the label with the ingredients listed for me. Until then I will just have to keep tweaking the current recipe. As soon as I master it, or get close, I will be sure to share the recipe.

The loaf before baking.

The final product. It just doesn't glow like the Publix kind.

Here is a photo I took out and about.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Drying is the oldest method of preserving food.

Lashing Thine Self with a Wet Noodle

2009-02-23T10:07:00.003-05:00

I know... One hundred lashings for not posting yesterday. Today I do penance.

On my list of to-do's today is to attempt to make a loaf of breakfast bread, a delicious morning treat I am privvy to when I visit the Hubs' parents in Florida. It is from a grocery chain called Publix, and until we tried to find the recipe online I had no idea just how popular it was. Publix must know what a good thing it has because they do not give the recipe to the public(s). Click here to see a picture of this in all its wholesome goodness. I'll post later today for you all to judge how close I get to that.

I have another to-do today that cannot be revealed as it is part of a TOP SECRET project. Only after the project has been completed, given and received will you get to see!

Today's Useless Trivia:

Two 2 oz. slices of Publix Breakfast Bread contain a full serving of fruit.

A Busy Day and a Deep Sleep

2009-02-21T21:49:00.006-05:00

Today went by faster than I could have imagined. I awoke this morning feeling well-rested and rejuvinated. For whatever reason I slept better last night than I have in two weeks. I still had crazy dreams though... something I had plenty of this past week. Last night's is a little blurry.. there was a giant purple octupus and an appearance from Robert Downy Junior. Dream interpreters chime in any time.

After coffee was errands and a trip to Subway, followed by an afternoon with the In-Laws and a decadent dinner at one of our favorite Restaurants. It's Italian, priced well and comical in it's portion sizes. The leftovers from my meal alone will be dinner for both me and the Hubs tomorrw night. I had homemade pasta ribbons with grilled chicken in a basil cream sauce topped with toasted pinenuts. Outstanding. I am still feeling full as I type this to you now... and I love it.

Last night I had the pleasure of playing a rousing round of Dominoes with some great friends. Don't judge... Dominoes is an addictively fun game. You begin with rolling eyes and end asking, "So where did you buy this and how much was it?"

At the end of the evening as we were putting on our coats and finishing up our conversation, we somehow digressed to the coasters sitting on the kitchen table. Four glass coasters, thick and rectangular with a photo frame built in. "Mommy, Daddy, Baby and Doggie," my friend suggested. But her husband had a better idea.

This, I'm sure, would always add to dinner conversation with guests.

Tomorrow a little R & R and a little wedding chat with a friend. I love weddings. Especially when I get to take part in some way.

Today's Useless Trivia: For Glove:

The original title of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice was First Impressions.

Twofer

2009-02-20T09:23:00.003-05:00

So today you get two posts because I forgot to publish the one written yesterday.

Today is a big day for me, as it is my last day in the office. I don't feel like it will set in until Monday though, I'm usually pretty elated on Friday's because of the weekend, so today feels no different. I couldn't let today go totally unnoticed though, so I had fun with my pics today.

I already received a good-bye call today from someone I look up to and respect. Words of encouragement are a little more meaningful when they come from someone you don't expect.

Speaking of words of encouragement, I just want to say hello to my second Mom... aka Mom-in-law. She was diagnosed with breast cancer this week, which is never good news. I am insisting on not crying. I know she has probably done enough crying for us all, so I have to stay smiling and make sure she is doing the same. So Mom, this one's for you. I promise to blog every day for you... I know you follow closely and I know you enjoy reading. So it may be a small contribution, but I hope it helps lift your spirits if you are feeling low. I love you!!!

Today's Useless Trivia:

Source of the name "Indiana Jones": it was the name of producer George Lucas' pet Malamute. Dogs rule!

Well, Pin a Rose on Your Nose

2009-02-19T09:19:00.004-05:00

And by nose I mean Sweater.

This is my favorite trick... pinning a cardigan to make it a little more form fitting and a little less conservative. Maybe you noticed, conservative isn't really my style.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The bark of a redwood tree is fireproof. Fires that occur in a redwood forest take place inside the trees.

Get the Wax out Abe

2009-02-12T14:36:00.005-05:00

Not too much time to post today. Everything is going wrong at work... my luck! Anyway, I came accross this when trying to plan my first museum day after I move to Maryland. Smithsonian's here I come!

Today's Useless Trivia:

After Lincoln's assassination, Mary Todd, his wife, was hysterical for months and finally her son Robert asked for a hearing to determine her sanity. In 1875, she was formally committed to an institution for the insane. She was released after 4 months, and died in 1882 at the age of 63. Only one of Lincoln's 4 sons survived adolescence: Robert Todd Lincoln, who served as Secretary of War under President Garfield.

Better Late than Never

2009-02-11T17:10:00.003-05:00

Sorry it's so late today... the office has been way hechtic, but my outfit was too fun not to post at all.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Of the 15,000-odd known species of orchids in the world, 3,000 of them can be found in Brazil.

A Good and Happy Outfit

2009-02-10T09:34:00.006-05:00

Today's outfit courtesy of Red, White and Blue thrift. Well, the dress at least... the cardigan may as well have been. I got it on such a season-end sale that it felt like a crime! Booties are from Apt. 9.

Jeeze, even in black, the "slenderizing color", my calves are ginormous and tank-like. Damn the family legs! The first 25 years of my life I hated, covered and cursed those calves. Now, I have accepted them... embraced them almost. I try to think of it this way: I could definitely pick my calves out in a line-up! Cankles or tankles, whatever, they're mine.

Last Thursday evening I spent a couple of leisurely hours in the book store. I landed on a book I'd never heard of: A Good and Happy Child, by Justin Evans. Anyone ever read this book before? Well, I am totally loving it and can't keep my nose out of it. I was reading in bed last night and one minute I was nodding off and the very next I was wide-eyed having to slow my reading down so I didn't miss anything. The book plays on the contrast and similarities between psychological disorders and demon possession. I love scary movies, so scary books are not a huge leap. This is turning out to be more creepy and less scary, but great all the same. If you are interested in finding out more, go to the author's website here. And if you are anything like me and completely fascinated by anything paranormal, please read this on the ULTIMATE (and only in my opinion) scary movie: The Exorcist. This article reveals unknown truths and shows that maybe it's not so terrifying after all.

Today's Useless Trivia:
There are several theories about the origin of the term "Ouija". The Oxford English Dictionary states that the origin is unknown, but mentions three possibilities. According to one of these, the word is derived from the French "oui" (for "yes") and the German "ja" (also for "yes"). An alternative story suggests that the name was revealed to inventor Charles Kennard during a Ouija séance and was claimed to be an Ancient Egyptian word meaning "good luck". It has also been suggested that the word was inspired by the name of the Moroccan city Oujda.

For the Love of Red

2009-02-09T14:33:00.009-05:00

I hate beginning posts with the ever-lame “sorry for not posting,” but, sorry for not posting. I have been taking it easy and enjoying my last days here before heading to the Old Line State. Only 12 more office days to go! Giddy-up!

In the last week or so I have been doing plenty of cooking and plenty of eating. Here are some delicious foodie pics.

Homemade pretzels with Red Hawaiian Salt

Steak and Shrimp

Last night’s dinner of Chicken breast stuffed with homemade stuffing with toasted almonds and granny smith apples, Roasted herbed potato rounds with Parmesan Cheese and the black sheep, disgusting mixed veggies. Everything was made from scratch except the nasty veggies which came from a bag tucked in the back of the freezer. It was that junk or no veggies at all… and we can’t have that. I tried adding salt and butter and a splash of balsamic vinegar, but they were still gross.

I also made these little mini apple pie cuties. With a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt… decadent and classic.

Today I am sporting two newbies: a haircut and a sweater. I happily wore both to the movies on Saturday night... and I don't know which I love more. My hair finally fits me again, it was looking a little matronly before... yuk. I feel sassy again! I once heard a woman say that if you want a mans attention get a haircut and a new pair of jeans. Did I mention I bought jeans on Saturday too... they were on sale... I couldn't resist! And the sweater is just so soft and warm…and goes so well with red! But, in my opinion, everything is better with red.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Fleas can jump more than 200 times their body length.

Somehow that is seriously disgusting .

Bleh

2009-01-29T16:00:00.003-05:00

Today is the ultimate bleh day. Bleh. Even a good outfit and giant snow mound aren't counteracting the bleh. Bleh.

Blazer: H&M; T-shirt: Express; Sweater: Thrifted; Black Skinny Jeans: Express

There is so much to be done for the move and the sadness is starting to set in. I am so excited for a fresh start, but that doesn't make me any less sad to say goodbye to my current life and living space. I have lived other places besides the home I grew up in, but I never made a home for myself before I lived here. My husband and I started our life together in this little condo, it's not huge, but it is chocked full of great memories and happy times. We feel like whoever lives here next just has to have a happy life... we have stained the place with our love for each other and our home. I do not relish my last hours here... everytime I think of locking the door behind me and leaving for good my stomach hurts and I can't stop the burning lump in my throat from bubbling into watery eyes. These bittersweet feelings are like emotional purgatory, I'm just stuck in the middle of sadness to leave and happiness to arrive. Bleh.

The only effective laughing tool: click here and then scroll down to "Gilly"... it is the sixth watchable clip... although the Aladdin Anniversary was pretty funny too.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Thailand used to be called Siam.

Ice, Ice Baby

2009-01-28T08:11:00.005-05:00

My weekend continues to bleed into my week. I guess the phrase, "be careful what you wish for" exists for a reason. On Friday I wanted to petition for three day weekends, and here I am on Wednesday morning, still unable to get my week started. On Monday I had an interview with the company I hope to be working for when I move to Maryland. It went very well and if all goes according to plan there will be a position in the marketing department with my name on it. I felt very confident walking out of the interview, I know this would be a great company to work for and a great bunch of people to work with. Now the follow-up to any interview: sitting and waiting.

The stress of the interview along with thinking of the move brought me to the edge of a panic attack in the middle of the night on Monday. I'm not sure if what followed was related or unrelated, but what followed was an all night sick-binge. Very unpleasant. I tried to get comfortably tucked back in bed, but unfortunately a good nights sleep was already lost. I texted my boss right then and there to let him know I would be in late on Tuesday. It's never a good idea to drive a two hour commute (from my visit in MD to my office in NJ) to work before sunrise running on just a few hours of sleep. I didn't realize what I was getting myself into.

It is now Wednesday morning and I still can't leave. It snowed for half of the day yesterday, and the other half it was icing... hence: stuck. Actually, there is still freezing rain coming down and the temperature keeps dropping which is counter-acting all the salt being used. My brother couldn't even open his car door because it was frozen shut.

Our street just before sunrise.

The length of the street just after sunrise.

My bro ice-surfing down the driveway.

Icey branches of a Red Japanese Maple tree.

So I'm beat. All I can do is sit and wait for the ice to melt or break up. The novelty of snow days is drastically diminshed in adulthood. The guilt of missing work or errands or activities to which you are socially obligated outweighs the fun of sitting inside and doing nothing.

Today's Useless Trivia:

If today's Google page didn't tip you off, today is Jackson Pollock's birthday. My husband's first comment, like many of Pollock's critics was, "that is art?" All I can say is , "Some of the best." Pollock might not be what I would hunt for if I could afford to buy a schmillion dollar painting, but you can't deny that his creations are art. A painting isn't just lines and colors... it is movement and emotion. What I like best about Pollock paintings is that his work gives you a sense of his movement. When you look at them you can almost envision him painting, the way he lipped his smokes, the way his body circled the canvas, the way he turned his head to re-examine the angles, the way his arms flung the paint around. In short, you see more Pollock than paint. As Pollock himself explains, "The method painting is a natural growth out of a need, I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them." Watch a clip of Pollock in action here.

I hate to be Repetitive...

2009-01-23T12:18:00.007-05:00

I say the same thing every Friday, but thank God it’s Friday! The weekend is only a few short work hours away.

Why is it your week can go so slow and your weekend can go so fast? I want to start a national petition for a four day work week - three day weekend. Won’t the world be a happier place if we all get a second Sunday!?

As promised I just want to give a shout out to all the ladies I work with… all two of them. Even though we operate out of different branch offices, we are all in the struggle together. If it weren’t for them, it wouldn’t be so easy to laugh about how we are overworked, underappreciated and giddy because it is Friday!

Jacket: The Limited; T-shirt: Express; Jeans: Hydraulic; Booties: Apt. 9

Nothing thrifted today, but I got this Jacket on such a sale it felt like it was thrifted. Originally marked at $78 I got it for $19.99. Does anyone else feel the need to call all of their girlfriends when they get an outstanding bargain? Once I bought a Nicole Miller dress originally marked at $420 again for $19.99. I think I called everyone I knew within ten minutes in a fit of excitement… I probably talked so fast all they heard was, “four hund- twent…sale… best buy ever” –click. Want a glimpse of the said Miller dress?

I wore it to the rehearsal dinner before my wedding. The first pic isn't the best, but you can see my trashy/sexy stripper shoes.... one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

And one other snipet… or should I say sni-pet from this past weekend: a snuggly portrait of our friends dog Lexy.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The only food that does not spoil is honey. It will crystalize, but never spoil.

"It Came at the Joyous Daybreak..."

2009-01-19T11:16:00.009-05:00

For those of you who watched the "I have a dream" speech yesterday, you should recognize the quote used for today's blog title. The full quote is, "It came at the joyous daybreak to the end of the long night of bad captivity." How very apropos for today. Today Barack Obama becomes the President of the United States of America. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind! Okay, I'll stop with the meaningful quotes and just say this: Congratulations America!

Of Great and Mortal Men has a song to honor our 44th President... Someone to Wake. Listen here and read the lyrics here.

Now it's time to tune into the live feed... If I weren't in the office today I would be planted in front of the tv with eyes wide open, glued to coverage, just like the rest of America. Damn office.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Although Barack Obama will be our 44th president his inauguration will be the 56th formal one. Fifteen presidents were elected to a second term, and Roosevelt was elected to a fourth term.

Behind Every Good Man...

2009-01-19T09:39:00.006-05:00

They say that behind every good man there is a better woman. Today, as we celebrate the life of one of the greatest men, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, maybe we can take a minute to also celebrate his wife and the family they created.

"My wife was always stronger than I was through the struggle," wrote Martin Luther King. "In the darkest moments, she always brought the light of hope. I am convinced that if I had not had a wife with the fortitude, strength, and calmness of Corrie, I could not have withstood the ordeals and tensions surrounding the movement."

We always see the fervently preaching and speeching Dr. King in his profound speech, but we don't always get to see the softer family man. Today I want to give you a little tast of both. First and foremost, if you have never seen the delivery of the "I have a dream" speech, then you are truly missing out and should go here to watch. If you have seen the video it will be no less moving when you watch it now. If you are American, it is your patriotic duty to watch this to understand the magnitude of what today stands for and what tomorrow will bring. It still gives me goosebumps.

"They were married on June 18, 1953, and had no place to go on their wedding night in segregated Alabama--they slept in the back of a funeral home with coffins. Her life with him was spent mostly in his shadow, in the corner of the photo as he was arrested, on his arm at the march, or with the children for a family photo op. And her life without him, though profoundly influential, was never appreciated quite on its own terms."

Please read more here or here.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Martin Luther and Coretta King had four children: Yolanda Denise; Martin Luther, III; Dexter Scott; and Bernice Albertine.

Pink Gang for Justice

2009-01-16T16:03:00.004-05:00

So, maybe I'm a little behind, but I stumbled on a very inspirational group of women dressed in pink. The Gulabi Gang, lead by Sampat Pal Devi, fights against child marriages, dowry deaths and general chauvinism. How? With sticks and axes.

Women learning to use a lathi, or traditional Indian stick. Sampat Pal Devi.

Devi has helped young brides, as in under the age of 13, back into their homes after being kicked out by relentless money-grubbing husbands. Sampat Devi tells her "gang" that they will soon march to the girl's house and demand an explanation from the husband. "If they don't take her back and keep her well, we will resort to other measures," she says.

The shade of pink is perfect: bold, strong and feminine. Please watch and learn more about these astoundingly inspirational Banda Sisters here.

Today's Useless Trivia:

America's national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key a Maryland lawyer. It is believed Key wrote the anthem on September 14, 1814 while watching the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. September 14 also happens to be my wedding anniversary... a profound day for all.

Bare Today, Bow Tomorrow

2009-01-15T09:44:00.006-05:00

Well in this case it was bare yesterday and bowed today.

Collared Shirt: Gap; Grey Jumper: Thrifted; Tights: Target

And a skinny black satin ribbon.

I just did a little moving math. 45 Days until the move-out deadline of March 1. In all truthiness I think I will be out a good while before that. I have a To-Do list as long as my arm. One thing on my list is to have a good-bye day with New Jersey. The hubs and I want to go around to all of our favorite places and take pics. This way when we reach the promise-land, aka Florida, we can make a collage of all of the places we'll miss from the North. It was actually KJ's idea... he's such a sap. One of the most important places to say so-long to is a wonderful establishment called Mr. Bills. It is a phenomonal burger joint we pass on the way to Atlantic City. The first time we stopped there it was from necessity. Now we find our selves passing up fancy dinners in the five-star casino restaurants just for a Bills burger. They are giant, sloppy, oversized and amazing. I really need to stop talking about food so far away from lunch.

Thank God tomorrow is Friday. I thought the weekend would never get here.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The original mascot of McDonald's was a man with a chef's hat on top of a hamburger shaped head whose name was "Speedee." Speedee was eventually replaced with Ronald McDonald in 1963.

ALMOST Tied Together with a Pretty Bow

2009-01-14T09:23:00.003-05:00

Today my outfit, much like my office situation, was ALMOST tied together with a pretty bow... but not quite. I wanted to wear this today, but it was just too utterly cold to have this much skin exposed on my arms and neck. I ended up switching out the cardigan for a long-sleeved crewneck cardigan and ditching the bow. Now it's just a plain old outfit... but at least I was fancy for a minute.

Cardigan: Ann Taylor; Satin Sash: JCrew; Pearl Earrings: Vintage; Slacks: Express

I must be getting old... or at least thinking like an old person. In my younger years when faced with the prospect of moving to a new house, and being able to decorate with all new ideas and having a fresh new environment to acclamate to... it was exciting. Now it's a little less exciting and a little more exhausting. I'm still looking forward to having a new space to decorate and having a fresh environment, but actually packing and moving and trucking and tredging... not so much.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Beer is made by fermentation cause by bacteria feeding on yeast cells and then defecating. In other words, it's a nice tall glass of bacteria doo-doo. A deliciously tall glass of bacteria doo-doo... Cheers! Or should I say, bottoms up!

From Last Week to This

2009-01-13T09:09:00.007-05:00

From last week to this, I have found myself to be a running contradiction of emotions. At the close of last work week I felt hopeless, helpless and taken advantage of. This week I feel like I am back in the driver seat. If changes won't come to me, I will go to them. All the work-related turmoil I sustained last week had a silver-lining. Soon, very soon, I am expecting to be out of an overly stressfull office and back in some familiar territory... home. I think a change of scenery is just what me and my little family need to jumpstart the new year.

Over the weekend, while taking time to digest everything, I had time to enjoy some simple luxuries.

Homemade Carrot Apple Ginger Juice. Refreshing, healthy and lovely for the eyes.

Mr. Jet looking out the car window... first at nothing. Then he challenged this puffy dog to a stare-down duel. Still, quiet and concentrated... a rarity when another dog is in plain view. Anyone who has ever owned a beagle knows they are HOWLERS!!

Friday night pizza before it was cooked. It was chocked with pepperoni, sausage, red pepper, green pepper, onions, parm and oregano. Delish.

Friday night pizza after cooking. Why did I post this when lunch is so far away? Pizza is inticing any time of day.

I also had time to visit some of my favorite thrift stores. I didn't find anything that totally knocked my socks off, but I did have some good finds. I will be sure to let you have a peek before the week is through. But to hold you over I would like to post a picture from this past fall. It may be one of my best thrifted finds to date. It was for a fall classic cocktail party I attended in October. The invite for the party said "creative black tie optional". What exactly do you do with that? Well the hubs and I decided to go with an 80's prom theme. I must say we look dashing... I wish I had a full body shot of my outfit, because the patent leather spiked heels really topped it off. I'm sure I'll have a chance to wear it again soon, if not I might just put it on and wear it around the house for my own enjoyment. Sorry, I guess I will always have to cover KJ's face with cartoon hearts... such a modest lad. Oh, and yes, I'm rocking spiked hair. What's the point of having it this short if you don't have fun with it once and a while?

Vintage Prom dress by Gunney Sax.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The Regal Horned Lizard has quite the bizarre line of defense. When feeling threatened, particularly by foxes, wolves or dogs, this lizard builds up pressure in it's sinuses and releases a stream of nasty blood right into it's predators face. Think it sounds disgusting... it's worse to watch.

If the Rain fits

2009-01-07T10:08:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I had an awful, maybe the worst ever, day in the office. It kept me from sleeping last night and is continuing to stress me out today. I have worked for companies in the past that give me the distinct feeling of not mattering and being just a number, and it never turns out well. When I start to get an inkling of that feeling again I can feel the claws start to come out. As the old saying goes, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Now I just have to stick to what I know to be best.

In spite of my inner icky-ness this morning, I tried to add a touch of vintage to an otherwise boring-corporate-office-outfit.

Cardigan: The Limited
Fur Collar: Vintage
Charm Bracelet: Vintage

Today's Useless Trivia:
The Ritz cracker was introduced to markets in 1934, but gourmets had to wait until 1953 for the invention of cheese in a can.

Glove at First Sight

2009-01-06T09:42:00.004-05:00

Today I celebrate the birthday of my lifelong bestie who I endearingly call Glove. Happy Birthday my dear... may you live as long as you want to, and want to as long as you live!

In honor of my best friend and her day to be Queen I wanted to wear an outfit inspired by her.

I know I'm bustin' out the denim skirt again, but you can't argue it's versatility! Glove gave me the belt and headband, which are from the wonderful J.Crew. The white t is from Express and the tights and boots are actually from Target! I love me some Target! The red bag is a Kathy Van Zeeland my Mom gave me for Christmas last year... I still love it just as much as last Christmas!

This morning I woke up extra early to start the work-out regimen. One day down!

Today's Useless Trivia:

I always knew that Glove was an amazing woman, but I didn't know that January 6 was a big enough day to share with ANOTHER amazing woman. St. Joan of Arc's birthday is also celebrated on January 6. Glove, who always underestimates her strength, is born on a day with strength infused at it's very core.

Holiday Reprecussions

2009-01-05T10:06:00.004-05:00

The best part about dresses is that they give you some room to ignore any potential holiday related weight gain. Today I am not wearing a dress. Suddenly, I can hear the treadmill and free-weights calling my name. My timing couldn't be better either... tomorrow night is the premiere of the new season of The Biggest Loser. It is such an inspirational show, whether you have 2 or 200 pounds to lose. If you aren't familiar... you can find a brief overview of upcoming season 6 here.

Over the oh-so-short weekend I was able to get a good start on the project I am working on. It is going to be a collage, but I needed to have a good background that was textured, but not too busy. Computer paper print-outs died with a couple cups of strong coffee was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Paper soaking in Java.

Dyed and crumpled drying in the sunset. Crumpling the paper helps the coffee to pool and give a better sense of depth in the texture.

A completed stack. Stay tuned to see them on the canvas.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The Bible is the number one shoplifted book in America.

Kickin' the Blues

2009-01-02T09:25:00.009-05:00

This morning when I woke up I could feel the post-holiday blues setting in. I love Christmas so much it is painful to see it over. I found myself not wanting to get out of bed and wanting to play hookie from work. Negotiating with myself, I thought about dressing for comfort and starting the countdown until I could be back in bed. Instead, I decided to take my latest lesson of 2008 and dress to impress, even if it is only for me. Maybe dressing nicely on the first day (out of the house) of 2009 is like making your bed in the morning. One sets the tone for the day, the other sets the tone for the year. As soon as I slipped on my blue tights, I felt my holiday blues fading away. Out with the old, in with the blue! "Bon chic, bon genre!" Good style, good attitude! Who could be in a bad mood when you have Smurf legs!?

Blue Bolero: Old Navy; Skirt: Gap; Tights: Target; Boots: Don't even remember... they're ancient

Tonight = Pizza and doing all the Un-decorating of Christmas. Although I'm sad to see it go it means focusing on my other favorite holiday: MY BIRTHDAY! 177 DAYS TO GO!!

Today's Useless Trivia... Since I brought it up: The reason there is only one female Smurf is because, to infiltrate the Smurf village, Gargamel created Smurfette and sent her in to disrupt the village. However, the overwhelming goodness of the Smurfs turned Smurfette from evil to good.

Playing CatchUp and Waiting for Midnight

2008-12-31T09:10:00.015-05:00

Hello All!!!

Sorry for my absence as of late... I have been busy fully indulging myself in all things Christmas. Now it has come and gone and I am staring 2009 in the face. Before we start looking ahead, I just want to show you some of the products of my festivities...

I made three varieties of cookies this year; from left to right: Snickerdoodles, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and Martha Stewart's cookie of the month for December called Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. For my fellow Girl-Scout cookie junkies I highly recommend this recipe which, although labor intensive, will satisfy your Thin Mint craving.

This is an outstanding meal my husband made me. He was recreating a dish we tasted at Bonefish Grill called Saucy Shrimp. It is a creamy garlic lime tomato sauce with kalamata olives and feta cheese. Making it at home is great because you can completely overdose on the Feta. Amazing. I am such a lucky woman to have a man that can cook. My uncle told me that if I can find a man that can cook and dance, hang on tight. I did.

Lastly, these are the results of my adventures in Chestnut roasting this year. I had no idea Chestnuts sweeten so drastically when cooked.

And just for fun, here is a pic of an outfit I loved, but never posted.

And a glance into the new year...
In 2009 I plan to:

- Get all my muscles and tone back! I feel so physically weak and out of shape!
- Wear more red lipstick.
- Finally, finally, finally learn the piano... or start to at least.
- Infuse creativity into my daily wardrobe.

I know it's not much, but it's a start in the right direction. I'm sure I'll think of a hundred more ways to self-iomprove before the week is through.

Now for a long awaited daily tidbit of Useless Trivia:
AULD LANG SYNEThe song, "Auld Lang Syne," playing in the background, is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scotch tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days." Have a safe and happy New Years Eve and relaxing January 1!!

Hallelujah, Holy $hit, Where's the Tylenol?

2008-12-10T11:11:00.003-05:00

After my week long vacation, I thouroughly misgauged the amount of work to which I would be returning. Seriously. A week later I am just getting my head above water, and it is really adding a sense of stress to my holiday season. Hence I quote a Christmas movie classic Christmas Vacation, "Hallelujah, Holy Shit, Where's the Tylenol?" 15 days left!

I know my outfit isn't particularly Christmassy today, but it fits the weather. This is a tricky look because of the white-after-labor-day misconception paired with black tights... it requires just the right weather for wearing. Thank my husband for the splash of red. See if you can find my humble little tattoo.

Today's Useless Trivia:

There are approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year. One of them happily resides in my home.

Christmassing

2008-12-08T19:15:00.011-05:00

I spent most of my weekend making tids and bits, but most fun of all was Christmassing on Sunday. But first, let's deal with Saturday.

Saturday I had the pleasure of attending a friends baby shower. She is having a boy and requested that each guest bring one of their favorite child hood books for the new baby. I had no problem picking a book, Where the Wild Things Are seemed like the perfect choice, but the rest was a little tricky. I tend to avoid registries, which I hate as a gift-receiver, but love as a gift-giver. I decided to do something a little more fun: tie-dye. Now, what's more fun than that? Well, lot's of things, but tie-dye is pretty darn fun. Even more so when it's baby clothes. Here are the results:

And my favorite onesie:

And the lovely gift basket that I called the finished product.

Hopefully the Mother-to-Be enjoyed receiving her basket as much as I loved creating it!

On Sunday I spent the day Christmassing all over the house. But is it Christmassy enough? I'll let you be the judge. I love the way my tree came out this year... although I never met a Christmas tree I didn't like!

Problem: Display holiday cards in a easy way that shows them all off.
Solution: Garland + Clothespin + Creativity=

Today's Useless Trivia:

According to a 2002 survey approximately 28 million American dog-owners will give a Christmas gift to their poochie pal.

On a side note, you are in for a treat this Christmas, my dog LOVES opening presents!

Olive Thrift

2008-12-04T09:47:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy the last couple of days. Vacation is over and reality has taken its place. Yuk. I miss carefree mornings with coffee and palm trees. The only good thing about the end of Thanksgiving is the begining of Christmas. Well, my Christmas count down started in August, but for the rest of you the season usually begins now. Being back in the office is kicking my butt and I hardly have time to breathe during the day, much less blog. After 8 days of relaxation, I guess I had it coming. Another thing coming was my outfit today. After 8 days of comfy pants and jeans I needed to fancy it up a little.

Blouse: Thrifted

Sweater: Thrifted

Skirt: Thrifted

Shoes: Target

Today's Useless Trivia:

Perhaps the best known Christmas carol is Silent Night, written in 1818 by an Austrian assistant priest Joseph Mohr. He was told the day before Christmas that the church organ was broken and would not be repaired in time for Christmas Day. Saddened, he sat down to write three stanzas that could be sung by choir to guitar music. "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" was heard for the first time at that Midnight Mass in St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. The congregation listened as the voices of the Fr. Joseph Mohr and the choir director, Franz Xaver Gruber, rang through the church to the accompaniment of Fr. Mohr's guitar. Today, Silent Night, Holy Night is sung in more than 180 languages by millions of people.

Vacation=Palm trees

2008-11-27T14:40:00.017-05:00

I am loving my Floridian vacation... and maybe a tad more now that my mom is here too. I have decided that vacation = palm trees. And I am certainly on vacation.

We have a bit of a "Where's Waldo?" situation here... can you see my husband?

Yesterday we went to Tarpon Springs, a little local, and mostly touristy area, dominated by Greek culture. It also happens to be the sponge capital of the world, so every store has sponges a plenty.

Obviously, we were right on the water. Here are some more of my favorite shots:

Sand dollars

Spices from the Tea and Spice market. I picked up some Rainforest tea, black lava salt

and hawaiian red salt. Aren't the colors beautifully saturated?

I love the juxtaposition of water and christmas decorations. Not what I'm used to, but that's

why I love it!

I was only four feet away from this bird... at the max! He didn't even flinch.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The average child uses 730 crayons by their 10th birthday.

Wii

2008-11-26T11:30:00.011-05:00

First and foremost, I want to give a big thanks to A Cat of Impossible Colour for my second blog award!! Her blog was what inspired me to begin my own blog in the first place... I'm not sure she knows what an inspiration she is!

Our first full day in Florida was very relaxing. Just lounged most of the morning with coffee and a plethora of Coastal Living magazines. I have also had the pleasure of being introduced to my new obsession: Wii. And I must admit that over the last 24 hours I have learned something invaluable about myself. I am a Wii bowling champion! Aside from my four Turkey's (three strikes in a row) I also had a run of five strikes in a row followed up by a spare and another strike. What!? Turns out I am a bowling prodigy... at least when the gutters are imaginary.

Here are some shots of what I see first thing in the morning here in my home away from home. My Mother-in-law has house plants all

over and it makes me want to test the abilities of my green thumb (that I don't have). She has orchids and ferns and all sorts of palms. I love the

vintage-inspired phone that is on the night stand next to the bed... yet

another thing to covet. How could your morning start on a bad note when

this is the first thing you see?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I can't wait! My Mom flies in in the morning and she will be visiting with us until Monday morning. Let the Wii tournaments begin!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in the blogsphere! Turkeys, and stuffing and pies, Oh my!!!

Today's Useless Trivia:

The average woman eats approximately 7 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime!

FLO-RI-DA!!!

2008-11-25T19:45:00.004-05:00

Today the hubs and I finally landed in Tampa, Florida to visit his Mom and Step-father. I am super excited to be with family, and even more excited to be someplace warm. Today it was in the mid 70's which is a nice change from the frigid Jersey air. We went to lunch at a restaurant on the beach named Frenchy's. I was sure to kick off the vaca with an indulgent Mango Margarita. It's okay, I'm pretty sure that your calorie count is automatically halved when on vacation... similar to when you cry and calories are eliminated altogether. Here is a shot KJ took of me as the sun had almost set. It reminds me of a painting I posted in an earlier blog... the real thing is always nicer on the senses. Posts in the upcoming days will be inspired by the amazing tropic environment and my Mother-in-laws light and breezy sense of style!!

Today's Useless Trivia:

Florida's state bird is a Zebra Longwing and the state day is April 2.

Buseyims

2008-11-21T10:40:00.007-05:00

Today is the loveliest day of the week... next to Sunday's. Blessed Friday!! Friday's usually mean a couple of things to me...

1. I get to wear jeans to work. How great is that? Sometimes jeans put me in a rut and I fall back into my old jeans-and-a-t-shirt ways. In an attempt to avoid this I have decided to try and 'bring back' some old items I haven't worn in ages. Here's what I came up with... after a little help from the hubby's wardrobe. It's fun to wear a tie when you aren't serving tables! I had to use the fall theme, since it snowed this morning, so it is officially the end of fall.

2. I get to indulge in my guilty pleasure of watching Ghost Whisperer with the wonderfully dressed Jennifer Love Hewitt tonight.

And now Friday's mean one more thing: Busyism's coming your way!! For those of you who have not had the extreme pleasure of tuning in, Celebrity Rehab, VH1's best show to date, is on its second season of documenting the rehab journey of celebrities. This season Gary Busey's crazy behavior is making for fabulous viewing. Today's little jewel of a Buseyism, "My love for you lives 5,000 miles past heaven." Gary to Jeff Conway, his partner in crime. It sounds sweet, but it takes on a new feeling coming from the mouth of a crazy man. If you want info, full episodes, updates, blogging or extra footage, just click here.

Only 34 days until Christmas! I'm starting to put up some decorations this weekend before we commence our Thanksgiving travels. Next week I will be streaming from a place with palm trees... mmm!

Today's Useless Trivia:

The squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium), when brushed by a passerby, ejects its seeds and a stream of poisonous juice that stings the skin. This is the stuff horror movies are made of!

Kreativity

2008-11-20T18:51:00.011-05:00

Tonight I would like to celebrate! Let's raise a glass for the Kreativ Blogger award.
The rules are as follows:
-List six things that make you happy
-Pass the award on to 6 more kreativ bloggers
-Link back to the person who gave you the award
-Link to the people you are passing it on to and leave them a comment to let them know

Six things that make me Happy:
1. Spending time with my little family. By that I mean the hubs, KJ and my pooch Jet, short for Super Sonic Jet Pulverizer. Yeah.

2. Red Lipstick and Nail polish. My Grandfather once told me when I was young that "ladies" only wear red or clear nail polish. Even at 8 I knew that was just an old man's last generation pre-women's lib opinion, but what can I say? It stuck with me.

3. Finding the perfect outfit with the perfect shoes... heels naturally.

4. Food, cooking food, eating food, and avoiding cleaning up afterwards.

5. Christmas... but not the 'away in a manger' holy christmas, more the Rudolph and Santa hustling bustling commercialized Christmas in all its tinselized glory. And let's not forget the all the food associated with the holidays!

6. Ella Fitzgerald... she never hit a wrong note. And how many vocalists do you know have their own room in the Smithsonian?

Now to pass it on. Here are the blogs I am loving today:

First and foremost, the lovely giver of the Kreative award Q's Daydream.
Freelancers Fashion Blog
Shoe of Salvation
Art and Ghosts
Blackbird Studio
My daily inspiration to love my clothes A Cat of Impossible Colour

I almost forgot Today's Useless Trivia:

An anteaters tounge averages over two feet in length.

A Deep Sigh of Relief

2008-11-18T09:55:00.014-05:00

Finally... the wedding is over and I can BREATHE EASY ! It was one hell of an exhausting weekend, which made it not feel like a weekend at all. Friday was spent traveling to Baltimore, Maryland (where the event was to be held) and preparing for the ceremony rehearsal at the venue. Luckily I was able to spend Friday night at my best friends adorable apartment in the city, which happened to be super-close to the venue. On Saturday morning we hit the ground running... literally. I don't think I did anything at a normal pace on the day of the wedding. Everything was at hyper-speed. I completed all the decorations for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception just in the nick of time. If my bestie hadn't been there for support there is NO WAY I could have gotten everything done. In the end, it all came together beautifully.

Here is the piece you were able to see sneak-peek style last week. It was a hand-painted banner that two groomsmen unfurled at the close of the ceremony, right after the reverend announced them as MR. and MRS. for the first time! It is exactly what every bride wants to hear at the close of her wedding, "...and they lived happily ever after." It was an exciting moment for all! I was very happy with the way it looked and was presented... minus the groomsmen holding it crooked. Oh well, we can't win them all.

After the ceremony and cocktail hour the guests were directed to the first floor of the venue where they were greeted by the one and only Elvis and Priscilla Presley. The layout of the place cards was an idea I had during the planning process, that we took to the next level with the dolls. All of the Brides guests had place cards on the Priscilla table, with the Groom's guests respectively with Elvis.

One of the most fun, and tasty, decorations to set up for display was the delectable candy bar. Everything was color appropriate with the exception of the Elvis edition Reese's Peanut Butter cups. They didn't match the color scheme but they were gone in a blink. Doesn't this pic just make you want beautiful pink junk food?

Lastly, I would like to give a big shout out to the bride, her family and bridesmaids. It was a pleasure to work with such beautiful and sweet women... thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a profound and memorable day! It was an experience I will not soon forget!!!

Sneak Peek

2008-11-12T10:51:00.004-05:00

So here is the sneak peek of the project I have recently finished for the wedding this weekend. I hope it doesn't give away too much. Two of the shots are of the painted script and the third is of the lovely satin ribbon that I sewed on the back... it's all in the details!Today's Useless Trivia:
Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.

A Big Behind

2008-11-11T10:24:00.010-05:00

Sorry I didn't get a chance to post for you all yesterday. I had a terrible case of the Monday's and the day seemed to drag on forever. Today is off to a better start, but I am still behind. I have such a hechtic week leading up to a big wedding event this weekend. I have taken on day-of-coordination duties for a friend of mine and the big day is this Saturday. In addition to being the ring leader I have also helped organize a great deal of the decor. Most importantly, there will be a beautiful hand painted banner being used in the most creative of ways at the close of the ceremony. I don't want to give away too much, so I will upload a little sneak peek later this evening. You won't get to see a photo of it in all it's glory until next week, but I promise it will be worth the wait.

In the meantime, here are some older images to keep your eyes happy.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Brought to you by a fellow blogger and friend.

Ever seen a goat faint?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we9_CdNPuJg

TerrorTerror911

2008-11-09T14:53:00.005-05:00

As I mentioned before, I would like to have a complete body of work available online. Here is a piece (Terror,Terror911 Acrylic on Poster Board) that dates itself. Unlike most of my other pieces, I do not enjoy reminiscing over my days spent completing this painting. Part of the beauty of any artistic outpouring is that for the both the creator and viewer/reader/listener it can often evoke a very specific memory linked to a very specific feeling or very specific point in time. Art, no matter your medium, is always personal.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The cost to build the Empire State Building was $40,948,900.

Puppy Love

2008-11-07T10:17:00.008-05:00

Marriage does not mean the end of puppy love! My husband and I consider our puppy-dog our little son. Since I don't come by art models very often, Jet, my pooch, is my constant stand in. He never seems to mind that I'm staring at him and sketching or incessantly clicking away with the camera right in his face. It took me forever to get this shot... but the batman effect is priceless.

Today's Useless Trivia:
August is the month when most baby's are born... I guess that means that November is the month when most babies are made.

Past Paintings

2008-11-06T09:11:00.006-05:00

I would like to start posting images of past completed works so that I have a full and well rounded body of work online for you all to see. You can really get a feel for an artist's style when you see all of their pieces lined up and juxtaposed. I can't avoid mentioning that it is helpful for me as well, or any young artist to occassionally see a cumulative collection of their work. It gives you a sense of where you have strengths and weaknesses as well as helping you to harness your personal aesthetic. The first painting, BodyLines (acrylic on canvas), was actually inspired by the logo for the no-longer-in-business Wachovia bank. It hung in my entryway for a long time... too long actually. But now that it is off the wall I miss seeing it.

The second painting I am including today is titled Lovers Allegory (acrylic and collage on glass). I painted this for my husband when we first started dating. Now it hangs in a nook by our dining room. It was a challenge working with glass and trying to create a collage that would allow light to pass through, but in the end it was rewarding. There are wires that are twisted around the entire painting that function as hooks and allow me to hang it easily.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Yesterday I got so caught up in my top ten list that I forgot to give you your random tidbit... so today you get two!

1. A "sysygy" occurs when all the planets of the our Solar System line up.

2. The ZIP in zip code stands for "Zone Improvement Plan."

Top Ten Coolest Things Found at the Intersection of Art and Food

2008-11-05T12:37:00.018-05:00

10. Andy Warhol: Wedged between the classic Campbell’s paintings is this little gem.... it brings out the Hamburgalar in me.
9. Green Eggs and Ham… Dr. Suess's perfect balance of art, food and literature.

8. Beautifully prepared, plated and photographed food. I think we have all been served food that was pretty as a picture, and we've all seen a painting that looked good enough to eat.
7. Martha Stewart: The crafting, cooking, planning, organizing and business empire building Queen. The quintessential home maker, Martha's recipes are the perfect collision of crafting and culinary arts.

6. The movie Chocolate. It is the perfect combination of the best things life has to offer: Johnny Depp and Chocolate.
5. Jidlo: a short by Jan Svankmajer- a long short, but totally worth it. Ever seen a man eat his pants and shoes? http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23oru_jidlo-aka-food-jan-svankmajer-1992_fun 1992_fun
4. Patianne Stevenson (right) Sculptural and painted representations of food. Always good to pay it forward to another artist.
http://www.patiannestevenson.com/
3. I love you with my Ford by James Rosenquist http://www.guggenheim.org/exhibitions/rosenquist/highlights2.html

2. Anissa Mack: Pies for the Passerby The best combination possible: Food as Installation Art.
http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/features/2002/june/pies/index.html

1. Playing with your food... It's my new craving:

http://www.fresh99.com/zoomed-in-food.html

Sketch

2008-11-04T09:35:00.007-05:00

Here is a sketch I did last night. I'm pretty happy with it, especially considering I didn't have a model, which is crucial. It was fun to play with my technical pens and watercolors, which I hadn't done in a while. It just may be time to invest in some watercolor paper and masking fluid. "She smiles the secret smile because she knows exactly how to carry on." Sheryl Crow; Run Baby Run

Today's Useless Trivia:

In honor of election day...

The housing market is a huge issue in today's political debates. Monopoly, however, has been unaffected. Values on the Monopoly gameboard are the same today as they were in 1935.

Silhouette of Summer

2008-11-03T15:35:00.004-05:00

Over the summer I painted this mural on a portion of the fence in the backyard of the home in which I grew up. While I love the painting, looking at it is bittersweet... summer is over and that means I have to wait seven frigid months before I will again be able to enjoy a hot day by the pool sipping beer and picking crabs. Until we meet again my little Maryland blues... I know this is about oysters, but here is something to remind us of childhood and our days together.

http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/wonderland/walrus.htm

Today's Useless Trivia:
The first Eskimo Bible was printed in Copenhagen in 1744.

Things to Covet

2008-10-31T13:08:00.007-04:00

Since childhood I have intently coveted a train case passed down from my Great Grandmother, to my Grandmother and eventually to my Mother. Finally, after twenty years of waiting it has been passed down to me. With an affinity for both family and all things vintage, this train case makes me happy on the most basic of levels. I keep my make-up in it so that I can enjoy it everyday... somewhere my Great Grandmother is appreciating this. Daily I wonder if I have any items that my future (and obviously non-existent) great grandchildren will use and adore.

Even though it wasn't originally owned by my Grandmother, it has passed through her hands. Even with a baby on her lap, which happens to be my Mother, she is stunning in a stylish dress, brooch and diamond earrings. Looking at old photographs of my Grandmother with her perfectly coiffed hair and striking smile I imagine her pulling her red lipstick from the very same train case.

Today's Useless Trivia:
A group of twelve or more cows is called a Flink.

Day One

2008-10-30T14:33:00.007-04:00

Today I begin to stream thoughts of LadyRed. Sorry you can't see this today world, but we aren't quite ready yet. Just another day.

Here is a shot I took this morning titled Tanks and Twigs. I hope you like it.

Today's Useless Trivia:
The secret recipe for Coca Cola, code-named "Merchandise 7X" is kept under lock and key in a vault in Atlanta, Georgia, the home of Coke inventor Dr. John S. Pemberton and current world headquarters of Coca Cola International.