Lavender and Lace

Little Town, it's a Quiet Village...

2010-10-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

Meet Monteville, the cutest little town on the Sunshine Coast!

From the adorable Victorian-style "Poet's Cafe"...

To the authentic German cuckoo shop...

To yummy nummy chocolate and liquor stores...

To super laid back and quirky shops...

To a good ol' British Pub with a stellar view...

To just a quaint cozy sweet feeling walking down the street...

All the way to the gorgeous breathtaking views...

Monteville is a charming town that I loved spending a day in. Perfect!

♥

Berry, Berry, Quite Contrary

2010-09-30T23:48:00.000-07:00

I love fresh berries. There is nothing like picking your own berries, from your own property, and baking a pie straight away with them. Oh, heaven!

We had soo many blackberries. Buckets and buckets full. Here are some of the yummies that I made with them.

BLACKBERRY PIE!

I decided to get fancy with the pie crust... It oooozed. Oops.

But still delicious!! I use cinnamon and nutmeg in this pie, and it's super tasty but not overpowering. My recipe calls for blackberry liqueur, but all we had was Elderberry. Quite random, but it works!

Pie = Heaven. Amen.

Next on the agenda for my blackberries?

ICE CREAM!

I'd never made ice cream before, but I just went for it.

Cooking the berries down with some sugar.

Straining out the seeds...Check out all that steam!

I tempered the eggs with the half & half....which worried me because I let them go a bit too high, and they started to scramble...however, it all smoothed out eventually! Phew.

I added it to the cream, and then I swirled in the blackberry juice.

Swirling was the prettiest and most fun part of the process! :)

After sending the mixture through the ice cream machine, I chopped up some high-quality bittersweet chocolate for half of it....

And plunked in fresh blackberries in the other half.

All set and frozen! Mmm...

So excited that my first batch of ice cream turned out well! David absolutely loved it, and couldn't believe it was homemade! Score.

Next up... for some coworker's birthdays:

BLACKBERRY CUPCAKES!

Puree the blackberries. I've become quite used to the puree/strain procedure by now...

What a blue batter!! I was surprised at how blue it was considering how dark and purple the juice was.

Blue cupcakes... Let's dress these up with some Swiss Meringue Buttercream! My favorite.

Oh dear. I had this beautiful SMBC, but after adding in blackberry juice, it was a curdled mess. It wouldn't come together, but after a few hours of refrigeration, and 10 minutes whipping on high speed...

It finally came together! Lovely color AND delicious :)

Top 'em off with some fresh berries...

Honestly, my favorite bites were the ones with a fresh berry bit in it! Such a delightful contrast of textures (speaking of which, the actual cake was a little too dense in my opinion, but the frosting made up for it with its silky smooth sweet qualities)

NOM!

Ah, blackberries. I will miss you. Luckily, we have some frozen. Hopefully enough to make a blackberry pie when I miss it most :)

Australia Zoo! Woo hoo!

2010-09-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of vacationing on the Sunshine Coast was visiting Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter's zoo. While it didn't have many of the jungle and savannah-type animals I am used to see at zoos (i.e. zebra, giraffe, lion, monkey...) it had many many crocodiles (naturally) and of course many marsupials.

While I had held a koala at the Cairns Tropical Zoo upon my first arrival in Australia in 2008, I hadn't ever been so close to so many at once! The koalas are not caged up at Australia Zoo, and they are at nearly face level, and within arms reach. Granted, you aren't supposed to touch any expect the one on display, but the others are just hanging out right there! Luckily for me, they were actually awake as well -- pretty cool, considering they sleep 20 hours a day.

"Oy vey!"

"Yeah, what are you lookin' at?"

This little guy below is an escape artist! He was hanging out in the fenced off trees, but climbed down and out past the fence, onto the walkway right at my feet!! A trainer quickly swooped over to pick him up and put him on a branch, haha, but I was very excited!

There were two buddies who went from hugging to play fighting and back to hugging again.

A sleepy koala and a lively koala who ended up practically bending over backwards to reach eucalyptus leaves.

A mother who was snuggling her tiiiiny baby koala against her chest! Look at that little face!!

My other favorite part was the kangaroos. They live in a lovely world called "Roo Heaven" where there are no trainers hanging about, no fences or walls to view them from. It's like going to a park, but with hundreds of vegged out kangaroos!

Seriously, these guys were doped up. On food. No one wanted to eat the food we reached out to them, they were all just laying on the ground all full and sleepy, their eyes half closed. It was pretty funny.

Playboy!

But it was so nice, because I got to just literally lay down with them and pet them. They were so docile.

There was one beauuutiful kangaroo, that had a cream and brown spotted coat, so unique! It was gorgeous, sooo soft, and super sweet and friendly.

I just absolutely love love loved hanging out with them :)

"Hey, what's under there?"

There were some other neat animals. The Asian elephants... and I got to feed one of them! It tickled.

Komodo Dragon.

Crocodiles.

I love this sign on the fence. Very morbid!! Haha.

Another day, we went Whale Watching on Steve Irwin's "Whale One" boat. It was a nice day!

We got soaked when walking from the back to the front of the boat. Terrible timing with waves spraying onto us...Ack! You can see the water on my arms, and there's even more on my butt, haha.
Oh, it was also so windy, and I didn't plan my wardrobe very well, that my skirt flew up and I most definitely flashed a young couple and I was absolutely mortified!!!

We mostly just watched one whale the whole time. It breached the water quite a bit, and this is the best photo I was able to get.

It also went vertically face-down in the water and did tons and tons of these tail slaps for us, it was gorgeous! Unfortunately I don't have any photos of that because my camera died after 10 minutes of having it on :(

Australia really has some wonderful animals, and I am a big animal lover. I find them so intriguing and mysterious and wonderful, and I love seeing them in action! I'm glad that I was able to see all this wildlife on my vacation in the Sunshine Coast!

♥

Mooloolaba

2010-07-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Phew! I have been away for too long! I was on vacation on Australia's SUNSHINE COAST! Wheee. I went with my boyfriend and his family, for 13 days. It was very nice! I have so much to talk about...We stayed on Alexandra Headland, and did all kinds of fun things.

I'm going to start with the closest little shopping area though -- MOOLOOLABA.

This beach-front strip had so many places to eat, all with delicious breakfasts, and many many shops. There was a harbor with ships everywhere and a cute small aquarium meets Sea World type place, called Underwater World.

The Wharf:

There was a petting zoo on the wharf! Very random.. but cutest baby goats I ever did see!

The Harbour:

We went on a River Cruise of the harbour to see all of the Richy Rich waterfront homes.. jealous!

Purple! My kind of boat.

Can I please live here? Pretty please?!?!

the Irwin's vacation home, with Steve's Crocodile boat

We journeyed out to where the harbour meets the ocean

The Esplanade:

An example of some of the yummy foods!!

Hot Chocolate heart!

Scramble with linguica, sun dried tomatoes, red onion, spinach, and avocado!

The tastiest Gelato!!! Chocolate Hazelnut with Ferrero Rocher pieces...sinfully delicious!

I honestly spent more alone time with my boyfriend's sister Lauren, than my boyfriend himself! Boys don't understand girly shopping!! :p

Looking back towards Alexandra Headland, where we were staying.

Underwater World:

Fish in a car?

Polka dots!

Ahhh Saw Shark!!

I love this reflection photo

Yet another Shark to pretend I'm being eaten by!

I didn't realize this was a dome, and went to look right up close and completely bashed my nose into the glass:( wahh! (This is after, once I'd realized where the glass actually starts by using my hands. Haha!)

Here are some fish that I found intriguing!

Holy eyeballs, Batman!!

Poor unfortunate soul.... :/

This shark seriously looked like a cartoon one, like from Nemo. Look at those cartoon eyes! I called him Bruce.

My favorite part was the seals and sea lions! I love them so much, and I've had a great time with one who followed me and swam with me when scuba diving once. I could spend all day watching them!

They are so playful and fun, and this one was especially interactive! I spent ages watching her and playing with her. She loved little kids. She was waving her fin and nearly biting it and following our hands on the glass. They're so cool!

That's me on the left...Everyone else had sat down after a few minutes and I stayed up for quite some time! haha.

Well, there's part 1 of my Sunshine Coast adventures! Bear with me, as I don't have much internet time/access!

Diana Mini!

2010-06-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

G'day from Australia!! After spending a few days in my hometown -- San Jose, California -- I went to my momma's down in southern Cali desert. Then, my boyfriend & I flew back to Australia to spend about 7 weeks in Adelaide with his family!
We have been here for a couple days now, just been relaxing and eating. It's so nice to see his family again! And this weekend we'll be catching up with his mates. Unfortunately, our baggage got left in Los Angeles, and we spent two days without our suitcases! Luckily, they delivered our luggage to us even though we're an hour away out in the country -- yay!

Anyway, so I am so happy to introduce my latest purchase!! The Diana Mini camera. Wheee! I quickly took one roll and got it developed before I came to Australia. I really like it!! I now have the flash as well, and I cannot wait to try it out with the color fills! So exciting.

My favorite shots were the double exposures. In fact, the next roll I put in I'm trying to do all double exposures! They are so neato! Here they are.

PLAYGROUND

MONTEREY

This was actually an accidental double exposure. It looks a bit like fireworks, but I think they are sea anenomes from the aquarium!

BACKYARD

I have a flower face!

My Soul Lies in the Sea

2010-06-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

Ahh, Monterey!! I'm out of Oregon yuck weather, and into sunny California! David & I drove to Monterey, where I typically go scuba diving (and where I got certified), and spent the day on the wharf and aquarium.

While walking to the Fisherman's Wharf, we were greeted by a ton of sea lions! I've never ever seen this before, just all packed on the shore! They all were lazing about, except for an enormous bull honking in the water, lookin for some lovin. SO loud.

We picked from the zillions of clam chowder joints.. Picked wrong. Let me now recommend Crabby Jim's for anyone who heads that way. We went to Gilberts (the most well-known, and I've been there before and liked it..) because they promised a free appetizer and $3 margaritas, but it was quite disappointing.

Okay, so when they say "free appetizer" I guess that means we'll just throw a couple pieces of calamari on a plate. Look how chinsy that portion is!!! AND it was probably the worst calamari I've ever had. Zero seasoning. And sadly, the Clam Chowder Bread Bowl wasn't too impressive either. Mostly creamy, barely any clam, small portion, etc. Sad. But the popcorn shrimp weren't bad, and neither were the margaritas. And best of all, neither was the view.

Plus the entire pack of sea lions on the beach swam over to the pier and some of them ventured over and played directly underneath us!

We then took the trolley over to Cannery Row, and walked along the oceanside.

That look-out is always my favorite to look at and photograph.

Finally, we made it to the Aquarium! I hadn't been in several years, and it was my boyfriend's first visit! He said it was much much better than Melbourne Aquarium, the biggest he'd been to. Monterey is the best!

I love this saying. I feel this way so strongly. Scuba diving is one of my favorite things to do, it makes me feel like I'm getting a sneak peek into this special secret world, that so many people never experience the majesty of.

Aquatic life mesmerizes me, and though scuba diving is infinitely better because I get to look as close as I want without a glass window, the aquarium is still pretty awesome because it brings that world to everyone.

Look how HUGE this guy is!!! He hid in the corner and I just stared in awe. Enormous!

My FAVORITE part of the aquarium. Jellies!!!

Whoops. Entangled!

Jellies in Space?

Moon Jellies. Absolutely beautiful!

I could watch these guys endlessly. The way they breathe and pulsate and move. Simply fascinating.

They had a "Hot Pink Flamingoes" exhibit... Some of these were Spoonbills, so cool looking! Can you spy the Scarlet Ibis?

Oh, I also spent a great deal of time with the Sea Otters. I love watching them play! We watched them from below, and from up top. But we didn't get any photos of them... Next up were the Penguins!

There were 2 Penguin areas... These guys were so cute, zippin back and forth so much!

All of the penguins started diving in the water, and then all hopped out for feeding time. It was cute!

I also discovered that penguins are curious creatures and I had SO much fun teasing them a bit with the reflection off my camera. Watch this video to see them following the light up, down, around and around! So funny and cute!

Finally, SEA HORSES! Wow. They are such interesting creatures!! They use their tails to wrap around things and just float. Lazies! :)

Check out these Pot Belly sea horses! Hanging upside down is the cool thing to do here.

The Weedy Sea Dragon. Look at that camouflage to blend in with sea weed!

The most amazing thing. The Leafy Sea Dragon... Are those plants in the water? NO!

There was a cute little girl whose mom was telling her "that's a seahorse!" and she was getting mad and adamantly saying "no it's not a seahorse!!" Then after 2 minutes, "it IS a seahorse!!!"

We took the trolley back to the wharf, and walked back to our car. But as we passed the seals, they were back but so much closer! The tide had came in and they were right up close. We climbed over the stones and these photos show just how close we were.

The big bull was lazing about right in front, around some cute little ones. Out of nowhere he just sat up and started flapping and barking! Then he laid back down to sleep, hah.

What a lovely day. I had missed California and Monterey and the Sea.

♥

Fisheye Take 1

2010-06-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Well, awhile back I won that "If You Never Did, You Should" blog giveaway, from my underwater photos of Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef. One of the prizes was Jodi's old Lomography Fisheye camera. I fiiinally got film to use, and got my 1st roll developed.

TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT :(

I suppose I need to use the flash. There were a few indoor shots where I completely forgot to use it, but nearly all of my shots were outdoors, and hardly any of them came out. I wouldn't have thought I'd need a flash, but ay yi yi. You live you learn. Also, the last 7 frames were taken when I was advancing the film and it just kept winding, apparently taking photos, instead of stopping to let me release the shutter. URG.

The following are the only ones that even half came out!

In addition, I got the film developed at Target, which was only $5 (a lot less than most places I checked), they didn't develop one photo that I guess they deemed unsalvageable -- but I think I could lighten it up on my computer. AND, one of the only good prints, they got some gold market smeared on it!! (see below) Color me annoyed.

I'm also surprised at how close up you have to get to make a cool Fisheye effect. None of my photos displayed the crazy warping, and I thought I was getting very close!! But apparently 1 foot away isn't enough -- 2 inches next time? My boyfriend took one of me eating cotton candy really up close, I thought it'd look so cool, but instead of just my face and the candy, it was my whole upper body and grainy and the colors were soo gray. Le sigh.

Anyway, I'll give it another shot! Use the flash unless its extremely sunny...Get extreeeemely up close. Hopefully I get some good ones next time!!

P.S. I also just bought a Diana Mini!! I'm suuuuper excited!! I'm having so much fun, but as my flash hasn't arrived yet, I'm afraid I'll have the same issues with my first roll as I have the Fisheye. We'll see; fingers crossed!!

P.P.S. On a personal note -- Today was my last day of my special-ed teaching & nannying, before going off on summer break! We took the class to the park and ate watermelon, and we watched an end-of-year movie/slideshow that I loved. I had to say goodbye to the kids -- it feels weird that I won't see them everyday! It was especially weird saying goodbye to the three 5th graders who are graduating, knowing I won't see them again! One of my favorites is leaving, he's a big bear with Down's Syndrome and a huge smile and loooves talking about Disney movies :) My kinda guy!
It's also weird to know that the little baby I'm taking care of will be bigger when I get back!! I really like her and her lil' big sister (whose play cottage is pictured above!), and their momma got me a very sweet and thoughtful bon voyage/thank you present :) I have good jobs!

Well, now I pack and leave to California and then fly to Australia! I cannot wait :)

Cute as a Button

2010-06-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

My newest craft endeavor: Earrings! Cutesy little post earrings.

I have no knowledge in how to make jewelry, no tools.
But I kept seeing all these adorable buttons at the craft store, soo..

I chopped off the backs of the buttons, sanded them down, attached earrings posts, and voila!

Though they are kind of silly, I like them and think there are some people out there who would like them too!

Here are some less-cutesy more sophisticated ones (though they're still just plastic buttons)

I plan on selling them in my etsy store, along with my hair bows and aprons, but I am going to be in Australia all summer so I'm going to wait until September to officially open my etsy.

I really love these little animal ones... The cat (at top), sheep, and pig! And their little dangly legs and things! :)

Well, I hope that you all have a great week! I'm winding down, ready for the school year to be done (ahh, the perks of working as a teacher), and finding that I'm putting off all crafts I've been meaning to do because I don't have enough time! I'll be leaving for California, my home, in less than 2 weeks to visit family..then off to Australia for the summer! Whee.

♥

23rd Birthday!

2010-05-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

As of May 19, I'm a 23-year-old!

This was my Birthday outfit! Being a Wednesday, I had to work (with special ed kids, mind you) but didn't care and wanted to wear a dress darn it! Oh, I did wear purple flats at work though, and slipped on the purple heels for dinner.

Dress: Target

Belt: Forever 21

Sweater: Target

Bow Headband (not that you can see it well): Valleygirl (Australia)

Shoes: Tahari brand -- THE most comfortable heels I've ever worn!!!! My best guy friend Cisco bought them for me as a present, and I couldn't be happier with them!! Plus they're purple :)

I wore this when I went out to dinner at Red Robin Burgers with my boyfriend... It isn't a fancy place, but it's kind of *our* place. It's the first place I took him to, the day he arrived in America, and he loves it! So do I, mm mm mmm. I got the "Banzai Burger" sub Gardenburger patty. It has pineapple and teriyaki sauce, and their steak fries dipped in Honey Poppyseed dressing is HEAVEN! Oh, and he treated me to a top-shelf Margarita!!

Because no special day is the same without a silly face photo.

David's present to me. My face: "What the heck could this be?!"

"No way!!!"

"*singin an electric guitar lick*" ROCK ON!

So exciting.. I got loads of cards from all my family and a few more from friends came the next day.
I got the adorable carry-on luggage and oven mitt from my aunt. She knows I love polka dots!
My aweeesome brother got me the entire series of Fraggle Rock!!! HE rocks. Ahh, childhood!
My dad and stepmom got me some jewelry making supplies since I've been wanting to get into that! and a gift certificate to a fancy bead store.

above & below, from their website

On Friday, my family took me out to dinner to a Neopolitan Pizza place -- one of the only 30 in the US certified by the organization in Naples. It was pretty good -- my favorites were one with roasted garlic and melted Cambazola cheese, and one with Italian sausage and caramelized onions. Yummo!

For dessert, I had the most delicious hazelnut gelato ball! It is called "Chocolate Tartuffo" described as having a "Zabaglione cream center (which to me tasted of amaretto, almond, or eggnog), surrounded by chocolate gelato and caramelized hazelnuts, topped with cocoa powder" Or as I describe it, "absolutely insanely decadent delicious heaven in my mouth"

After dinner, it was my idea to go wine-tasting at Sweet Cheeks Winery, which *little did I know* had a gorgeous view! It had been raining, but stopped once we got there, to give us this lovely rainbow across the valley! The photo really doesn't do it justice, it was much more vivid.

The winery is in Crow, Oregon... hence the crow mascot, I suppose. Such a striking logo!

It was lovely.. There was 3 wines to taste, free cheese pairings (tiniest little samples though!), and a live musician, playing guitar and singing many Beatles songs.

I love this raincoat I got at Kohl's for only about 20-30 bucks! So pretty. The dress is also from Kohl's but over 3 years old.

I really liked the wine glass holder. It was very pretty with all the leaves and little crow. And the metal sign had a very raw industrial, yet still pretty, feel.

That wine there was a sparkling dry red. Very tasty and interesting! Like a red champagne.

All in all, I had a decently good birthday! My coworkers made me feel special, and the little kiddies sang/signed "Happy Birthday" which made my day :) A lot of people made me feel special from home.. I just wish that I could be there. I miss California, and I miss my mom, and I miss my best friends! Birthdays are always an excuse for "the girls" to get together for dinner, and I'm sad that I always miss out on that by living far away. Oh well. At least I had my lovah, who always treats me very special. I woke up to find Happy Birthday notes all over the room. Plus he got me Guitar Hero! yahhh! :)

♥

Oh, and thank you all for the Birthday wishes on my last post!! :)

Don't Rain on My Parade!

2010-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well, the 19th is my birthday! I am turning 23 today! This weekend I'll be going wine tasting and to the Oregon coast with my love! As well as enjoying some Chinese food (my favorite!) and karaoke! :)

Until then, here is an outfit post from earlier this week!

It's Rainy; I don't care!
I was anticipating sun when I put this outfit on. That didn't work out so well.

I'm 100% serious when I say that I literally have not worn a pair of pants in one year. And that was just two days for doing work in the dusty hills. And before that it was another 9 month hiatus. I just don't like how they look on me!! Skirts are much cuter.

I usually wear knee-length skirts, but of course I busted out the short skirt on a rainy day. Though, it was on-and-off rain, so not too bad!

WHEE!! LOVE MY NEW PINK BOOTS! These girls are so Barbie. So hot pink! They're a lot brighter than in these kinda-dull-colored photo. I got them for $20 on clearance at Hot Topic.

During these photos, the rain stopped, and the sun started coming out. It was still not a 'summer outfit' kind of day though!

My backyard!

BAAA! Our dog tormenting our sheep. haha.

Spring Wedding in a Mansion!

2010-05-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

Kohl Mansion ~ Burlingame, CA

My brother and sister-in-law's wedding venue this April. This place was so lovely, and so interesting, that I had to devote an entire post to it! I wish I'd been able to to more/better photos, but being involved in the wedding made it hard to find time!

This tudor-style mansion feels full of history and has a beautiful garden (which I don't have photos of!) It was built by a couple in 1914, who later separated. Charles Frederick Kohl committed suicide in 1921, leaving the mansion to his opera singer mistress, who later sold it to nuns who opened it as a girls school. The mansion is reportedly haunted by Kohl, although I saw/heard nothing! :) The mansion originally included a carriage house, a rose garden, a tennis court, and a 150,000 gallon reservoir!

What a grand hall

Loved the big staircase, and the huge old painting.

This room was beautiful! It became the dance floor, although at night its beauty couldn't be appreciated!

And how lovely is this entryway to the wedding? So romantic...

Totally dug this old oriental-esque carpet!

The ceremony took place in front of this lovely fountain!

The view from the wedding party, looking into the reception hall.

This study was the waiting area for the groomsmen and myself (the best woman!) I loved the old-fashioned library feel (the other side's walls were stacked with books -- it felt like Beauty & the Beast!) and the large sunny window.

Some photos from the wedding night

How interesting is this cake? Hexagonal! Very unique.

The wedding color was blue, and orange flowers were in the arrangements, cake, and our bouquets because it is my brother's favorite color! :)

Oh, also, during pictures, the topper slid down the cake, completely ruining one side of it! They had to change out the tablecloth, flip the cake around, and replace the topper. Luckily, my brother's bride wasn't a bridezilla and it didn't stress them out. Honorable woman!

A lovely wedding in a lovely mansion!

♥

Homemade Wedding Presents!

2010-04-27T00:44:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, I've been so MIA! My brother's wedding was this weekend and I've been in California... and had lots to do before we left too! Since I have so many stories and pictures and aspects of the wedding I want to cover, I'll split it up... 1st post?

Wedding Crafts!! I wanted to hand-make all of the presents.

My Sister-in-law's Bridal Shower gift:

pleaaaase ignore my messy at-home end-of-night hair!!

my 1st Apron! I made it with a pillowcase from Goodwill as well... Cut it in half, and then sewed on the band and straps and glued on ribbon! It was fun to make, I'm started making more today!

The Wedding Card:

Ugg, this card took me awhile. I made one, got pissed at it, and totally scrapped it. I wanted it to look semi-pro, not just crappy mess. I think this ended up looking pretty cute though!

The Wedding Present:
So, I did not want to get just anything from the registry.. I mean, it's my brother!! My only sibling! I wanted to make something personal and special.

I picked these sand dollars because my brother proposed while they were looking for sand dollars on the beach (something they'd do together whenever at the beach). He bent down pretending he found one, faked her out and whipped out the ring.

So, I got these sand dollars, and they came with mini starfish... My grandpa's dog ate one of the starfish, ack!! So it's uneven, and that bothers me; I'll buy more and fix it later!
I was contemplating painting the other seashells lining the frame white/black/blue, so they were more classy/wedding-like... But I ended up deciding I liked the colors, and it was beachy. It took for-eh-ver to glue each shell on individually!! oy vey.

I want to paint either their names or initials on the mat, but wanted them to pick out a wedding or engagement photo first so I know whether its landscape or portrait. Oh, and blue was their wedding colors (and orange: his favorite) hence the color of the frame!

YAY Weddings! I had lots of fun making these things for them. and I'm so so happy for my brother and new sister-in-law! More about the wedding later :)

I Will Proudly Wear Ribbons Down my Back

2010-04-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

My new favorite craft. My first thing I've actually sewn on my own. Hair bows!!!

I decided to try making some because I love bows so much, and there was a bunch of a family member's quilting scrap fabric laying around, ready to be thrown away, and I rescued it!! And gave it a new happy life!

I have been a bit of a bow making machine in the last few weeks... Though I've taken a break because I have literally enough bows to wear a different one each day for a whole month.

There's been a bit of a learning curve... My first batch has ugly noticeable stitching along the one edge I couldn't do in reverse.. My 2nd batch was made using Liquid Stitch -- my new savior! I stitch the 3 sides inside out and then use that to seal the 4th edge with no visible thread. Yay!

I'm also still trying to figure out the best way to fasten them to hair. I've just been sticking a bobby pin in them, haven't sewn anything on. I don't know if I should use barrettes, alligator clips, or those sorta teardrop-shaped snap clips...

I would really like to sell these... I know bows are popular now, so I'm thinking of putting them on an etsy! I already got a store front but need to make some listings. Do you think that people would be interested? Do you like bows? I love them! and I'd like to share the wealth.

Lavender & Lace Crafts - the (now empty) store

Don't Be the Bunny

2010-04-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

I made these a few years ago at my mom's house... believe it or not, with no piping bags! All I had was a knife. Even to do the bunny faces! It was tedious....Tedious, and delicious, and adorable!!!

Unfortunately, this year I was a SICKY :( I caught the flu on Friday, from one of my students I believe, and I was a horrible achey chillsy sleepy mess!

I was really looking forward to dying eggs with my boyfriend for the 1st time, and I got plastic eggs to put chocolate in and hide around the house for him to find! But my sickness didn't allow me to do any of this stuff. Lame. I was hoping that I would be better by Easter Sunday, but alas I awoke headachey and coughing up nasty still. Darn, I was very excited to go to an Easter potluck!

One of my favorite foods everrrr is HONEY HAM! mmmm. And I only really get it twice a year -- Easter & Christmas. and here I lay, with the flu, completely ham-less. Le sigh.

At least before I got sick, I had some pre-Easter fun with a new friend, who so sweetly bought us both some bunny ears!

My friend doesn't know how to cook much...Pillsbury cut out cookies were her idea of baking, haha!

We spent the night singing karaoke and being silly!

Wallace & Grommit teeth much?!?

So, I called my mom because we still love to make cinnamon rolls, ham, and cookies together for Easter. We are the 2 who love it the most, and we make this nummy pineapple brown sugar glaze. Apparently she didn't do any egg-dying, ham-making, or cooking-baking either without me there!! Aw. Sad. We miss each other.

I also am pretty bummed because, in addition to honey ham, all I really wanted was to watch "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" and "The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town" but alas, neither are on TV.. sad!!

So, I will now take some time to remember the WEIRDEST Easter I've ever had, last year in Australia!

Me & my boyfriend's sister, Lauren

Even Obi Wan Kenobi gets a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Stormtrooper Weddings -- now legalized in South Australia

my man, Jesus!

Our very own Easter bunny! There were 2. And we also ate rabbit for dinner. Sacrilege?!?!

Well, since I have no TV specials nor honey ham to eat, I shall live vicariously through everyone else -- please tell me what you did for Easter! Eat anything delicious, do anything fun, make any cute crafts? If you have leftover ham, please have a piece for me! Hehe

♥

More Than We Bargained For

2010-04-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ooh Thrift store finds!

I spontaneously turned into a Goodwill just to peruse... Came out with some cheap nifty stuff!

I spent $12.24 and got two board games, 5 bed linens (to cut up and make aprons with!), a little wall hanging, a small jewelry box, and an address book!

I've been wanting an actual written-by-hand address book for awhile, and when I saw this adorable fabric-covered one, I knew it was perfect! There's only a few entries already written in, so no biggie.

I like this little wooden box...it'd be nice to keep jewelry or knick knacks. The lid is loose, but I can figure out a way to fix it I bet... I got it with someone in mind for a gift, but I'll add a few of my own touches.

Totally cute! The pictures kind of suck...it's a lovely light blue, not gray! The tea pot and flowers, adorable. I'd been wanting to hang these hearts up since I got them from a giveaway... Perfecto!

Um -- way cool! There was tons of board games, even recent ones like Scattergories and Cranium and a ton of Trivial Pursuits (it was hard to pick one).. and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the Carmen Sandiego game!!! My brother and I had that when we were kids, so I'm going to surprise him with it!! He's going to be like "WHAA!? No way!" I can't wait to play with him!

I found all of these in housewares... The pink is a bed skirt, the two in the middle are pillow cases, and the two on ends I'm not exactly sure what they were but I thought all of these would make great aprons!! I'm going to de/re-construct these and sew on coordinating straps to tie them and maybe pockets, and hopefully sell them!?

Do any of you go thrifting much? Find any awesome scores?

Beautiful Day for a Wedding

2010-03-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I love weddings. Always make me teary eyed. Fill me with this wonderful feeling that love is so special and precious. Annnd definitely makes me want to plan one of my own!!!

I drove to California, my home, for my cousin's wedding. The last of my 4 boy cousins to get married, and my brother is getting married next month! I'm his Best Woman :) I'm the baby of the family (and the only girl), and now everyone has married in age succession, and I'm the last one left! I cannot wait.

Me & my Aussie boyfriend, David // My brother Michael, and his fiance Kristen

Since being on the blogs, I've found some lovely DIY wedding blogs (though no, I'm not engaged yet), and I'm verrry inclined to pursue that when I plan my own! I've decided I don't want a cookie cutter wedding. I guess it'd be a lot of work, but it makes it so personal and cute!

Some things I've always thought about for my wedding, since I was a kid, have changed. For instance, I used to picture a church ceremony, but now I definitely want it outside. It's a prettier scene :) I've decided that my wedding colors will be purple & teal, pastels probably. My boyfriend said "Ok....but can I wear my Liverpool tie?" hahaha. NO, you're marrying me, not a football club! And Red doesn't belong in the color scheme. He said he'd marry the club if he could...ohhhh boys.

One of the most handsome things is a man dressed all dapper, putting on a tie.

I cannot wait to plan the rest of my life with this guy! My Aussie :)

Oh, and we also had fun with the disposable camera on the table, taking pictures on the digicam through the viewfinder on the disposable!!

♥

Food, Glorious Food!

2010-03-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

Mmm... cooking new foods. I've made some Moroccan tasty treats in the last week or two!

Moroccan Lamb Tagine

a sweet stew with lamb, pistachios, golden raisins, and garbanzo beans. Yum! and healthy too.

1 tbsp olive oil

1 pound lamb stew meat

1 cup onion, chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp cumin

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp honey

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup golden raisins

1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans/chickpeas

1/3 cup pistachios, chopped

2 tbsp cilantro leaves

Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add onion, salt, pepper, and cumin; saute 4 minutes. Add garlic, saute 1 minute. Add lamb, saute 4 minutes, brown on all sides. Stir in tomato paste and honey, stir for 30 seconds. Add broth, raisins, and chickpeas; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook 50 minutes or until lamb in tender, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with pistachios and cilantro.

I served this stew with Potato Carrot Pancakes.

Just grate about two carrots and one large potato (I used Yukon Gold), mix them together with a bit of egg to bind (I poured in a tiny bit of egg beaters), and one chopped green onion, salt, pepper... Whatever. I just browned in the pan with cooking spray to be healthier, but if you want to fry em up, go ahead! mm. Oh, and served with sour cream and applesauce is definitely the way to go :)

Sorry, I don't have my own pictures of these next recipes but they are so simple and tasty you should try anyway! This is Weight Watchers, actually. Here is their little picture.

Moroccan-spiced Pork Chops

4 pork chops

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Dry rub the chops, marinate for awhile, grill em up!

and serve with...

Apricot Cous Cous

10 oz. dry cous cous

2 cups chicken broth

1 can apricots, chopped

1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Boil up the cous cous in a pot, then fold in apricots and cilantro. That's all there is to it!

Bon Appétit!

Recipe Swap @ Craftaholics Anonymous!

Maiiil Tiiiime!!

2010-03-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

"Here's the mail it never fails, it makes me wanna wag my tail, when it comes I wanna wail: MAAAAAIL!!!!" -- Blue's Clues!

I love love getting mail! I very rarely receive anything besides bills and Victoria's Secret catalogs... so whenever I get a personal letter or a package, I'm in hog heaven!!

Would anyone be interested in a mail exchange with each other? Either a just small cute note, or a small craft too?! I'd love to swap! Email me if you're interested or leave me a comment with your email!

I won the "If You Never Did, You Should..." contest awhile back for my post and photos about the wonders and majesty of underwater life while Scuba Diving! (click to see my scuba diving photos!)

I got a lovely red box with my name on it -- so exciting! Inside was an Anchor t-shirt from Jodi's line called "Pirate Bath" as well as a copy of her favorite book (and one of mine too) "Pride and Prejudice," a silver locket ring, and the coolest part: a Fisheye camera! I'm very excited to buy some film and use it!!

p.s. the note says "I love your photos!!" even though it looks like "I love you" haha!

Then, I participated in a mail exchange hosted by Caroline at Coeur de La, and received this sweet package from a certain Melissa, who I wish had left her blog address or something similar! I might have to just write her a thank you note in the mail.

In this package was a few of her favorite things: her favorite chocolate (70% dark -- it's DIVINEly dark!), her favorite recipe (Taco Soup), and her favorite craft to make: an adorable Hawaiian print makeup bag! I thought that it was so sweet of her to send me this nice little clutch bag. PLUS everything was tied up with this polka dot ribbon -- one of my favorite things!!

Finally, I won a giveaway hosted by The Drifter and the Gypsy. The prize was from Jackie Bos, who sent over some of her arts & crafts! It was packaged sweetly with red/white twine.

She included an illustrated book "I Heart the Arctic" with cute drawings of eskimos and snowy animals. Her illustrations are abstract and colorful.. and I really like the reversible handmade heart ornaments!

Thank you to everyone for your lovely packages! I loved them, and truly appreciated it... Snail Mail is the best, and makes me smile!! :)

I Got the Sun in the Mornin'

2010-03-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

I haven't written a post in so long! I just started a new job and am SO happy. I'm already in love with it! I am teaching Special Ed students, K-5. I have a pretty great class. It is going to be both very challenging and really rewarding!! PLUS, I got paid to watch "The Little Mermaid" the other day! SAY WHAA?!?!

I drove to Portland, Oregon this weekend, just a short overnight trip. One of my best girlfriends came to interview for grad school, so I met up with her and we had a little sleepover in her hotel room!

We went to dinner at Pok Pok for dinner, but it had a crazy 90 minute wait, so we went across the street to the Whiskey Soda Lounge (same company, same menu) and we had their AMAAAAZINGLY DELICIOUS "Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings" So so so good. Seriously, the best wings ever. Sweet and Sticky (and I got them not spicy at all, but you can get them spicy).

My friend got a spicy Bamboo salad. and we got fancy asian cocktails! She had hot orange tea (soo alcoholic), and I got a "Zig Zag Wanderer" which had coconut milk, pineapple drinking vinegar, and other yummy and alcoholic stuff!!

Then we headed to the very popular Portland City Grill for more cocktails. This place is 30 stories high, and overlooks the city lights. So pretty! also, SO crowded. It took ages to find a table, but our bartender girl was very nice. and there's not much better than $5 Pomegranate Margaritas and $5 Cranberry Mojitos!

When we woke up, we ate breakfast in bed and watched Marley & Me in our pjs! Then we got ready to go to the Saturday Market!

It was a gorrrgeous day! So sunny and Spring! Blossom trees in bloom everywhere. Perfect sundress weather!

Random elephants in the middle of nowhere. and Chinatown? I'm not sure.

There were so many blossoms near the water, where the Saturday Market was. It was really fun too, so many cute things I wanted to buy! Lots of lovely hand-blown glass, some paper-maiche tulip lamps, and beautiful beautiful peacock feather vintage-esque fascinators!!!

Portland was lovely, Spring is lovely, and pink blossoms are lovely!!!

♥

I Want to Wash my Hands, my Face and Hair with Snow

2010-02-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

It's nearly March. The tree right at the front of our yard is starting to bloom lovely deep pink blossoms. Wait wait -- WHERE WENT THE SNOW?!

This is my first year living in Oregon, and I was so excited to see snow! Last Christmas when I visited, it snowed and I was incredibly giddy romping and twirling and catching snowflakes on my tongue and eyelashes! They said December was a fluke, and usually the snow doesn't come until February. However, this year.. the snow has seemed to completely skip Oregon altogether!

It snowed in Texas! It snowed in California! Weather, how could you let me down?!

The blossoms on the tree outside are my sign that the battle is over; Spring was won. I've been holding out hope all up until I saw the blossoms yesterday.

Well, I'll have to hold out until next year and until then I'll be dreaming of snow! These are all photos I took December 2008 in my backyard!!

Laura Loo Photography

"Where it's snowing all winter through, that's where I want to be. Snowball throwing, that's what I'll do. How I'm longing to ski through the snow-oh-oh-oh-oh!" - White Christmas

♥

If You Doubt it, Take a Bite!

2010-02-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

Yummy Yummy, in my Tummy!!

Easiest / Quickest / HEALTHY / Delicious recipe ever!

It's Weight Watchers, but you'd never guess.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Muffins

1 box spice cake mix

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1- 15 oz. can of plain pumpkin

1- 10 oz. bag of cinnamon chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).

Combine dry cake mix with applesauce and pumpkin, mix well.

Add Cinnamon Chips and mix together.

Pour into muffin tips 1/2 full, bake for 25 minutes.

Makes about 2 dozen.

(Note: It's hard to find Hershey's Cinnamon Chips, but you'd find them in the baking section with the chocolate chips if your grocery store has them)

yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

So, my family was making Cornish Game Hens for dinner, but spicy Chipotle style ewww... So I wanted to make my bit with an apple glaze. Unfortunately, I didn't have any of the ingredients, so I completely improvised a marinade from things I found in the cupboard and fridge.

I used a Shiraz Plum Chutney that I got at a winery in South Australia as the base. I diluted it with some White Cranberry Peach juice. I chopped in some garlic, squeezed in a little agave nectar (to sweeten it up because the chutney was very balsamic vinegary). Then I sprinkled in salt, fresh thyme from the garden, and (oddly) pumpkin pie spice.

I know it sounds so random and weird, but my aim was for a sweet but balanced glaze. After barbecuing it turned out quite tasty!! Mmm......I like me some Cornish Game Hen!

Oh, and my boyfriend came home earlier this week with flowers for me!! I was so surprised and happy! I've gotten flowers from boys only a few times in my life, and the last time was 3 years ago. This is my first bouquet from David, and the first time I've ever gotten the cliche dozen red roses! I don't care if it's cliche, they are beautiful. It also came with a bunch of pretty greens which was fun for me to arrange. And it was wrapped in the prettiest cellophane: Lavender Lace!! Go figure! I saved it to use as an overlay on white scrapbooking paper!

sorry for the bad quality flower photos

♥

Come Rain or Come Shine

2010-02-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

I always... want Chinese food / jump on leaf piles / let my dog lay on my lap

I sometimes... meow like a cat / lock my keys in my car / invest excuses

I never... wear pants / swear / make my bed.

Inspired by "The Madness of Mundanity" hosting a giveaway!

♥

I also was tagged by Trishie at Under Lock & Key in a fun photo tagging game! The rules of the game are:

1. Create a new post:
2. Open your 1st photo folder

3. Scroll to the 10th photo

4. Post the photo and the story behind it

5. Tag 5 or more people!

Haha, this is me on my FIRST day in Sydney, or even Australia at all. I had met my (now) Aussie boyfriend while on vacation in the UK, and on a spontaneous whim decided to fly to Australia to see him for a month! This was my one-day stop-over in Sydney.

I got there and it was *literally* THE coldest weather they'd had on that day (October 22nd, 2008) in 16 years-- record breaking! It was cold and raining like crazy!

I'm lucky that I even had this long-sleeved thin sweater because I don't even wear warm clothes much. And, SILLY ME, I didn't think to bring an umbrella or jacket or boots to an Australian Summer!

Anyway, I was exploring the city on my own, and this is at the Botanical Garden/Parliament House, where it started pouring HARD. I ended up drenched. It was fun though :D

Okay! I don't have many followers, but I'll tag some of the reads I enjoy!:

1. Lauren May with Love

2. A La Parisienne...

3. The Drifter & the Gypsy

4. My Favourite Things

5. Mucho Mucho Bueno Bueno

6. Coeur de La

7. Here Comes the Sun

8. Roses r Red

9. Ally Redhead

10. Daydream Lily

Under the Sea

2010-02-19T10:59:00.000-08:00

I've found a refreshing and interesting blog called If You Never Did, You Should, which posts photos and ideas for activities and travel destinations that the author thinks everyone should try if they haven't! She is hosting a special giveaway, asking readers to post pictures and a story of something that you think people should do, if they never have.

If you never did, you should SCUBA DIVE!

My first experience was a one-time resort dive in the Bahamas, and it was beautiful! Then, my wonderful friend Correy, who passed away this year, got me into it again my freshman year of college.

I got certified in 2006 in Monterey, California (right near where I live). Monterey is COLD water diving, I have to wear a 5mm wetsuit, thick gloves, and a full hood. It is usually kind of murky and cloudy under there, but with a flashlight the colors just pop! And when you're surrounded by a kelp bed and look up to see the sun shining through..it's gorgeous! The deepest I've done there is 83ft.

My favorite experience in Monterey was at a spot called Lovers Point, with my two best guy friends. I felt my fin get pulled (I thought it was stuck in kelp), and I turned around to see a Harbor Seal nibbling on it!! I was surprised but he was soo sweet. He literally followed me around for the last 20 minutes of my dive, with his cute fins wrapped around mine. I brought him over to my guy friends and they were amazed. The seal wasn't interested in them, but we basically danced around each other, and at one point he was on the surface and swam down to me and touched his face to my mask like a kiss. Absolutely precious. We surfaced and waded back to shore and he followed me most of the way. UNbelievable.

not my photo, but this is what he looked like

In addition to the Bahamas, and Monterey, I went on a few scuba dives when I was in Kauai, Hawaii in 2007. Those were absolutely beautiful. The water was ridiculously clear and bright blue, and the waters contained the most bright and interesting fish (including a tiny black and white polka dot one, my favorite that I chased for minutes!). I got to hold a baby octopus (it inked on me!), got close to a baby shark, and saw a pack of barracudas. The best part was navigating through these amazing caverns, with giant sea turtles swimming so close you can touch them.

In October 2009 I came to visit my now-boyfriend's homeland, Australia! I spent some time in Cairns, Queensland first, where I went on a 3day2night live-aboard scuba trip. We did 11 dives total, 3 at night. I didn't see any turtles or clown fish like they said, but I did see some sharks at night time! and other amazing creatures like Lionfish, the eeeevil scary Triggerfish, Giant Clams, etc.

Here are some of the photos I captured under the sea, in the Great Barrier Reef.

Giant Clam!!! i love these!

Umm... POLKA DOT FISH whaaa!

I love how the coral forms heart shapes!

Another gorgeous luminescent giant clam. These are fun to play with, but don't stick your finger in the hole or it'll suck it right up!

Parrotfish abound in the reef

Suddenly we were literally surrounded by dozens and dozens of Parrotfish, closed in around us! It was gorgeous and left me in awe

Stringray!

Laura Loo Photography

"Under the sea, Under the sea... Darling it's better down where it's wetter, take it from me!"

So if you never have, you should scuba dive!!!

My Heart Belongs to Daddy

2010-02-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my Dad's 52nd birthday, and I made him the best heartfelt gift a girl can give to her daddy. A picture frame collage of pictures of just he & I from when I was a baby and toddler. I had so much fun looking through pictures, most of these I'd never even seen before!

I love photographs -- when I have a child, every single step will be documented! I can't believe that I have grown up from that, and looking at the photos really made me think about my dad's position. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a baby and then suddenly see her grown-up, seeing the transformation. It is weird for me to think about the fact that he was a baby too and my grandparents saw him get to his life now, and one day I'll have a baby...and I can't imagine them growing up! The circle of life is just crazy.

Anyway, seeing how cute he was with me made me realize: Wow, Dad has really been there through everything and he really knows me, as only your parents can, from the beginning to now. and he was such a cute daddy :)

Easter outfits

My dad had a Conan O'Brien coif!

This one below is my favorite picture of us.

I'd never seen this one until last week, and I love the way I'm looking up at him all happy, like "That's my daddy!"

P.S. notice how many times I had a bow/clip in my hair? Everytime that I didn't have an Easter bonnet on. WOW, nothing's changed!! haha.

You're My Funny Valentine

2010-02-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Me & my Aussie boy had a relaxed day spent with him watching sports and me in the kitchen! hah. We did go to dinner at a yummy burger joint, and meant to watch a horror movie and drink wine but we were too tired when we got home!

David tried to order me roses (aww) but they wouldn't deliver to our place in the boonies! I didn't mind though, all I wanted was a letter or homemade card. He did write me a sweet letter that made me teary eyed... and even drew a dozen roses on the back!! Too cute. Couldn't be happier :)

For David I made probably my favorite Valentine I've ever made. I love hand-making cards; this cost me $0.20 for the paper and $0.70 for the wooden heart, and I already had the other supplies. Less than $1 for a lovely Valentine that is made with LOVE and is unique! and David thought the "True Love" heart was "BADASS" haha!

I also got David a bunch of little foil-wrapped chocolate hearts in different flavors. The purple with pink heart dots wrapper is my favorite! I'd totally want that as a skirt!!

Determined to make a yummy dessert, but equally determined to stay on my diet, I made a low-fat Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Let me tell you one thing: there is NO SUCH THING as low-fat Cream Cheese Frosting! The recipe said to use low-fat cream cheese, vanilla yogurt, and cottage cheese. I left out the cottage cheese, and LORDY was it bland and not sweet! I decided not to sacrifice taste, so I sifted in a bunch of powdered sugar to make it palatable, and sprinkled sweetened coconut on top. The cake itself is also sort of bland and not sweet enough. Boo.

I recommend sticking with full-fat / full-deliciousness Red Velvet cake.. but here is the recipe (with my alterations) if anyone is interested in anyway. Actually, I just had a piece and with a good amount of cream cheese frosting, it's pretty nummy!!

Low-Fat Red Velvet Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

2 1/2 cups flour

3 Tbsp coca powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

[Combine in medium bowl]

1/4 cup applesauce

1/4 cup margarine

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 egg

2 egg whites

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk

Red food coloring

[In large bowl, beat the first three ingredients. Then add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Then pour in buttermilk and enough red food coloring to make the batter a lovely red.]

1 tsp white vinegar

1 tsp baking soda

[Stir together in a tiny bowl, let it fizz, then fold into the batter.]

Pour in a bundt pan and cook at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 30-40 minutes.

Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

8 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese

6 oz. light vanilla yogurt

1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted (up to 1 cup, to taste)

[Beat till creamy and blended. It was a bit thin]

I drizzled this on, but I had leftover, and a thicker coat of frosting would be better. I also sprinkled shredded sweetened coconut on top.

Enter your Valentine's Day recipe for the giveaway at Fun&Food Cafe

"You're my funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine, you make me smile with my heart.."

Dress Has Always Been My Strongest Suit

2010-02-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

I'm completely and irrevocably in LOVE with this Naeem Khan dress.

I think I could fill this out quite nicely. The colors are so pretty, it's like a painting! I'm sure it's also thousands of dollars out of my price range (which is currently set at $0)

This dress reminds me of trendy pillows or curtains. So brights and cute!

Another curtain kind of print, but it drapes so beautifully.

This looks almost velvety on the bottom. Pretty colors.

What a beautiful silhouette! The bodice is gorgeous... and lavender is lovely :)

Dresses from several different Naeem Khan collections, on Style.com

♥

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...

2010-02-10T23:05:00.000-08:00

1950s fashion

(and '40s & '60s)

High heels

Accessorizing!

Chinese food

(especially Honey Walnut Prawns..mmm)

MrsFoodie

Board Games of all kinds!

maria

"I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad!"
♥

Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You...

2010-02-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first blog! My name is Laura and I'm a Cali girl...Right now I'm living in Oregon for a bit, and I have a lovely handsome boyfriend who is from Australia (and I lived there for 6 months too!)

I basically used to live from place to place, out of my red convertible...until it exploded into flames and died. Literally.

I am a musical theatre junkie, and my dream is to be on Broadway. I look forward to the day that I'm a starving actress, but for now I'm not even that. I'm a wannabe-starving-actress, living in a town with hardly any performing scene. I also love Disney, and one of my dream roles is Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I'm pretty sure that I was born to play that role!

This blog will be an outlet for the random musings of this wannabe-starving actress.. Fashion I want. Other peoples photos and crafts that I love. I also love trying to be creative and artistic, so you'll see foods I bake, crafts I make, and photos I take
♥