Sunny Side Up

New Blog- GO HERE NOW!

2011-05-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

I know it's been decades since I last blogged, here is my new blog. Hope you'll stop by and show some love!

alisonian.tumblr.com

The Alisonian

in your atmosphere

2010-04-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

I feel as though my life is standing still and the rest of the world is whirling about me.

Faces move so fast they are blurred and unrecognizable.

Streaks of light fill my frame of vision, like flashes of what used to be.

Nothing is telling me to stay still. But nothing is calling me to move either. The choice is mine and I'm unsure.

Still I stay, blanketed in anonymity. If I can't see them, they can't see me.

My eyes saccade to glimpse words or people and I wonder if its a sign of something. Is this telling me to move? Or telling me to be still? Which path will be richer? More lush?

Which path will show me love? The kind of love where I love him as fiercely as he loves me. The kind of love the ebbs and flows as the sea but is as constant as the waves.

What if I choose wrong? What if I already tasted this love and gave it away? Will that be all for me? Is this the end or the beginning? They look so similar. Shall I stay until someone or something wills me to move? Or shall I move before I'm sure?

My Queen is exposed and my pawns have run amok yet the clock is ticking on my turn.

Then suddenly it all seems so clear. Blurred vision comes into focus and I am pulled back into the atmosphere. Living off hope and dreams that will not be wasted on my youth.

Check Mate.

Happy Birthday Nelly (woops forgot)

2010-04-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post this when it happened. My little Penelope turned one on Valentine's Day. She got a new dress from grandma, a cake and a birthday hat (of course!). All were a hit, except for the cake. As the pickiest eater on the planet, I can't complain that my child is one too.

Get your space....before it's gone.

2010-01-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about heaven...you know...what its gonna be like and stuff. I know what you're thinking. Mighty precocious of you to just assume you are going to heaven. Well I am. Of course I'm going and Penny is coming too. I decided that its probably like a really big mall. Like huge mall. Like think Dubai mall times infinity. And we will all have a store. Everyone gets a store. Like my old orthodontist will definitely have the tie store Tie One On. Alex Trebec will have Men's Warehouse. Michelle Obama will have Anne Taylor. Lindsey Lohan will have the pharmacy etc.etc.etc. Oh, and every celebrity that has ever made a perfume will be stuck behind the perfume counter in a department store. Because celebrity perfumes bug me and this is my heaven so I make all the rules. Anyway... I want my store to be Anthropologie.

(Cue harp music)

Whenever I have a bad day, the Anthropologie website is definitely on my top five pick-me-up sites (and simultaneously depressing because who can afford to furnish their wardrobe or house from there. Like seriously, who are you? Send me an email or something because I want to meet for tea and talk about how great your life is or something.) Farmville is #1 - obviously. If I had only known what a great farmer I was before I started college I could have studied agriculture and been a millionaire. (okay- hundred-thousandaire) You know what they say... hindsight is 20/20. Digg.com is somewhere in there as is a youtube search of television bloopers. Nothing makes me laugh like a weatherman accidentally dropping the F-bomb on live TV, and then the face they make when they realize what just happened. This one also gets me every time. Wait wait wait....back to heaven.

Okay, so Anthropologie. Not the outlet, the real one. God, if you're listening, its all I will ever ask for. You see, I've already worked everything out. I will sleep in the display bed on all of the pretty linens wearing silky pajamas. I will pretend-cook in the kitchen accessories nook, reading from recipe etiquette books dictating which French pastry I should serve with English tea; and regular etiquette books explaining how many forks to serve with a bowl of ice cream. During the day I will climb the tree branch window display, bathe in the tub full of candles and try on clothes in the dressing lounge (which will have skinny mirrors- you know the ones.)

I want no cherub angels singing or horns trumpeting. I only want the soundtrack of cooing little-known indie artists mixed with the melodies of local songbirds. The other people in heaven can come shop in my Anthropologie store (they will be attracted by the outrageous smell of incense as they walk by) and they will ask me who sings the song that is playing, and I will condescendingly say "OMG- you don't know Bangater Highway?? You haven't lived until you have listened to Bangater." (Bangater Highway will be a band that I start with the people who live in the Roxy/Quicksilver store, one token girl from the Amoeba Records store, and one guy from McDonalds--you know-- to get free food and stuff.) And then I will show them the Bangater Highway CD. Once they are lured into the store, they won't be able to leave without purchasing my irresistible goodies. I will kindly explain to them that there is no use having a coffee table if you don't have at least 3 coffee table books about Audrey Hepburn. During their purchase presentation, I will wrap their newly bought treasures in delicate tissue paper adorned with turtles and willow trees. I will also make a killing because of my outrageous prices and the fact that every item will be practical yet indulgent and money doesn't matter in heaven. duh....I mean wait a sec....

So I don't have all the details ironed out yet, but I know real estate near my store is going fast- and you're gonna want to be next to me in heaven considering I have big plans for dance parties with special guest Taylor Swift. You cannot resist Taylor Swift. Don't even lie to yourself. You are not going to want to miss this....believe me you guys.

Oh and God...if you're listening....please make sure I'm located next to the food court. Well, not right next store but maybe one or two stores down. You know how I am. Oh and no cell phone, acne cream or green tea weight loss kiosks by me...those guys are anoy-o.

Thanks!

Lies- The good kind.

2009-12-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh you guys, isn't it great when someone assumes something about you thats better than your real life?!?

I recently got in a car accident, and because of incredibly unreal circumstances, I had to fly to Utah to purchase a new car. More on this later. I brought my dog on the flight to Utah. More on this later. During the flight, the flight attendant brought me my tomato juice and begin small talking me. I told him I was going to SLC to buy a car and drive it back to L.A. because that is where we lived (meaning me and my dog). "I hope you get back to your husband safely," he cheered. His teeth were so white. Like he got photoshopped, but in real life. I glanced down at my ring finger, (see tangent) it was empty as were the rest of my fingers. I smiled a huge smile at him that seemed to shoo him away.

TANGENT-

A while ago, I worked on an Academy Award winning film entitled Frat Party(no I'm not posting a link to the trailer!). I'm totally lying about the Academy Award part. It was a pretty crappy film- think American Pie meets Paris Hilton. I worked in the art department. Part of my job was to make sure the main character had on her engagement ring (which I purchased at Walmart) in the right scenes (because everything is shot out of order). After the shoot was over, I would wear the ring on a variety of outings including grocery store shopping, taking my dog to school, and of course, hiking. sue me.

TANGENT OVER-

The rest of the flight, I could hardly wipe the silly grin off my face. Partly because I felt like I was getting away with something equivalent to a bank robbery, partly because I was so excited I was married to such a great man and we had such amazing kids. Of course since I was little, I have been picturing my future family. But was I there yet? I am so used to being Alison Brough- stays up late and sleeps in, moves to strange towns with no notice, eats lean cuisine every night and watches The Notebook way more often than should be legal. Was I ready to be Alison Brough- sleeps on the right side of the bed while my husband sleeps on the left, plans my day around nap times, cooks dinners that don't come in a box?

The weirdest things trigger my future family day dreams. I'll be walking through Walmart and stop to play a video game with a controller that only has three working buttons. Suddenly I'm at my wedding. Somehow it takes place on a sunny beach and in a snowy winter cabin. Everyone is throwing there heads back laughing and toasting glittering flutes of something or other. In the corner there are 3 or 4 flat screens equipped with every boy video game imaginable (and of course Mario Brothers for me). That way all my friends can stay at my wedding all night without their husbands nagging them to leave, because their husbands will be knee-deep in a halo tournament. Just as we step outside to run barefoot on the beach, Im suddenly back in the Walmart. Mario has died and the 11-year-old behind me is jonesing for his turn.

I peruse the isles of Walmart- still thinking about my husband. He's hilarious. I'm pretty sure he wears glasses. He's probably a chef. That will be our hilarious irony. He will cook himself fancy dishes of caviar and scallops with touches of lavender and dashes of truffle oil and he will make me a pb & j with a side of brusselsprouts (my fave- on fancy nights he'll cut up banana slices on the peanut butter side). But he'll love me a lot. Not despite the fact that I have the tasting palate of a 6th grader, but because of it. Just like I will love how he sings super loud and off key in the shower and the car. And how he throws things at the tv when "his team" is losing.

As for our kids- they are a mess. But cute. You know the messy-cute kind of kids. Hair is equal parts curly and tangled. Little bit of happy meal ketchup on their cute little cheeks. Wearing hot pink moon boots in the middle of summer. But they will say things like "yes ma'am" and "thank you sir" and "my mommy says cheese is a food group." We'll make lots of home movies of us jumping in piles of fall leaves and sledding trash can lids down hills that are freshly blanketed in snow. And when they are old enough, we will definitely have board game night. I will have no mercy when I dominate monopoly.

I wonder. Is this what that flight attendant saw when he willed me to return safely to my husband?

If you're not hoping for something, you might as well be dead. Right?

My hope is that my day-dream family always feels like this. Even when they're my real family. Like I'm getting away with a crime or something. I'll walk the isles of Walmart with a perma-smile thinking how awesome my husband and kids are. And then one of my kids will trip on their moon boots and bust their face on the Walmart store floor.

The Greatest Gift.

2009-12-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

The greatest gift I have ever gotten was from my mom.

She told me to FOLLOW MY DREAMS. And she kept telling me until I believed her.

I used to come home everyday with a new one (and by used to I mean still do) I had 7 or 8 different majors in college. Not because I didn't like any of them, but because I loved them ALL. I still think of jobs all the time that I would love to do such as dog groomer and flower shop delivery person.

I consider it a luxury to have someone to call and tell about my desire to become a professional quilter and know that she is going to think it is a great idea. If I ever have kids (i really hope i do) I hope I can be that person for them.

Im the big wiener!

2009-11-29T13:25:00.001-08:00

So I have never won anything before. Well gird your loins because my luck is shifting. Actually I take it all back, I play the lottery here a lot and when I play Daily 5 I usually win a free play. But other than that nothin. No concert tickets from the radio, no mall drawings to win a free car, no publishers clearing house knocking down my door on thanksgiving day.

Well, I just won a giveaway of a homemade turkey magnet from my friend Helena's blog. I remember like three months ago when she asked facebook if she should start a blog. I enthusiastically advocated it to begin. Well its only been three months and I would say she is probably in the 150 posts range. And she is hilarious to boot. So if you are looking for a good blog to stalk, I whole-heartedly reccomend her. My favorite storyline of her life is her adventures with the Wives in Pittsburgh.

My other blog topic is the BYU Utah game.

Ok- I am a Ute fan. Its where my degree is from and I just decided to root for them. Everyone seems to be all up in arms about BYU QB Mall Hall's comments. I gotta say- I just don't think its a big deal. Who cares about talking trash in a press conference. So what he doesn't like the Utes. Did you think he would have good things to say?

Remember his playing last year? Imagine the hell he has been living for the last 12 months getting constant flack about last years game. He was riled up. And us Ute fans are a rowdy crowd. I don't doubt that someone Ute related probably poured beer on his parents (now they have to repent...kidding kidding...but bummer that BYU doesn't give the QB's parents some space in the booth). Who cares?

But my biggest complaint is with all of us Ute fans calling him "classless." That was his insult duh. Can't we come up with something original to say or are we gonna just keep saying "i know you are but what am i"? I hold us to higher creative standards than that. For instance, lets draw some cartoons or make some video mashups. But lets be gracious losers. We should really be kissing the feet of Max Hall right now because he just pissed us off so much that there is NO WAY we will ever lose to them again.

Team Cinemetographer??

2009-11-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

My New Moon Review

Today I saw New Moon. If you know me, you know that I don't like any talking during movies, so I purposely waited until I could go to a showing where there would be no screaming girls. Here is my review.

I am blown away by the cinematography in this film. It was spectacular. I especially enjoyed the scene with the wolves fighting where they gave the impression that, in the midst of their fight, they knocked over a camera. The only time the camera work bothered me was during the lunchroom scenes. I wish they would have just put it on a tripod instead of doing the hand-held wiggle. I'm rarely a fan of "reality style shooting" unless its a reality show. Overall the cinematography gets an A+++ in my book.

I felt, as I felt in the last film, that the acting by the two leads was sub par...particularly Kristen Stewart. For me, she is a one note. She has one expression, one mood, one body language, etc. How am I supposed to believe that two handsome men fell in love with her when she is so blase? In the book she is portrayed as clumsy but charming. I think Ms. Stewart failed to tap into that and, in doing so, failed her stronger co-stars. On a positive note, I thought the acting by Jacob, Alice, and Laurent was superb. Jacob is so handsome, and not just his body, his face and acting as well. He really hit the spot! I couldn't get enough of him. He seemed like someone I know. Immature but irresistible. Protective, but not a bully. I would give him best actor and I would give alice best actress. This is probably personal, but she is exactly as I pictured her in the book. I think Alice is a role that could have been portrayed as cheesy and over-the-top, but in this film she seemed really genuine.

Overall, I think what stands out most in the films is the story. When you think of being in love, what is the absolute worst thing that could possibly happen? One of the lovers dying...and what could be even worse than that?? loving, and simultaneously wanting to kill, the one you love. Its unimaginable. Which is why I think all credit should go to the author, Stephanie Meyer.

um....awk....waaaard....

2009-11-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

If you have never ventured here...you need to start. It really brightens my day so much of the time. I actually just submitted a pic, I will let you know if it gets picked up. But for now...here are some hilarious awkward family photos...remember...people payed for these. Like the clerk brought up the sample image and they said "yes! that is it! perfect! lets buy it and hang it in our house."

(Unless you're in the beard business, Im not buying what you're selling. PS cats in photos is never good)

("I know....PINK TOGAS" squeeled the little boy)

no comment

(One of you need to go to the groomer...yep im lookin at you glasses.)

(Arrrrg? Please note the fathers leg position.)

("Honey, what shirt should I wear for the pic?" "Wear your cocaine one!")

(Just another santa scaring the sh$t out of a little kid. Ps-10 buck that this girls name is harriet)

(Gimme that ring and Ill give you my apple)

(no no no...climb under the chair....ya...like that.)

My heart is sad.

2009-11-19T17:05:00.001-08:00

Best Friends Forever

I heard through the grapevine that my best friend (oprah) will be announcing that she will be ending her show in 2011.

(I know O- I am shocked too!)

Needless to say...my heart is broken.

She has been such a great influence for me. I really like her a lot. I don't think I have missed a show in over 5 years! I started watching religiously after I graduated high school. During my undergrad, my roommate and I would schedule our classes around her show. I really wanted to have her show around forever!

On a more positive note...anyone wanna plan a trip to chicago summer of 2010 to go see a taping of her last season????

Riddle me this!

2009-11-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

I recently made chicken enchiladas. I bought boneless/skinless chicken breasts. I poached it and then had to shred it. During the 30 minute process, i spent at least 15 minutes dry heaving over the sink. Just thinking about it is giving me the willies. I cant handle meat in my house. All of my lean cuisines are vegetarian. The only times I successfully cook meat and eat it is when I BBQ it. But Im not a vegetarian. I like meat taste, I just cant handle actual meat. Most the time I just want all the meat chunks picked out. Like chicken noodle soup with no chicken- Yum!

Here's the really weird part. I eat meat at places like subway and in n out and el pollo loco, cpk, chilis, olive garden, bosa nova, - i even eat baseball game hot dogs. I know their meat is probably super gross. Ive seen all the documentaries about it. But it just doesn't seem to bother me.

I also have really strict rules about some meat. For example, bacon can't wiggle. When I hold up a slice of bacon and shake it around, it needs to be like a stick. no wiggling. Chicken cant be "slippery" I only like it dry. No dark meat anything. eww sick. no pink or bloodyness anywhere! maybe this is theraputic. Anyway- I want to change. I want to be a normal person and be able to cook meals with meat in them. How will anyone ever marry me if I boycott meat in the home?? Do I really want to raise a herd of meatless children (with the exception of restaurants and friends houses) NO! help please

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!!!!???????

For the Twilight Fans!

2009-10-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

4 books in 16 frames

Fun New Website!

2009-10-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

I have been following, and contributing (but mostly following) this website for a few months and I LOVE IT! I think you might too. It is call Soul Pancake. The premise is this: since when is religion, philosophy, ethics etc. taboo??? It isn't. Lets make it cool again.

Before I give you the link, allow me to offer some advice to get the most out of it...

Do not go here to preach...go here to share and learn. It is a place for ALL ideas to have merit. On soul pancake, there is no right answer the goal is to see what everyone thinks and then make your own observations based on that- it is not a place to try to convince others of your ways. It's beauty lies in the open marketplace of ideas.

-Its not all religion- its art, beauty politics, entertainment, everything etc. For example- I don't deny that Lady Gaga makes art, its just not art that I like : )

Here is a question that I liked from today---

Why are we no longer the heroes of our own stories?

I'm not in movies. I don't have a three-novel contract with a major publishing house. Supermodels don't have me on speed-dial. Wikipedia doesn't have me listed. My name is never on the list—I always have to wait in line to get in. I look ordinary. I make enough money to get by. I am not a genius. I can't solve a Rubik's cube. And I'm luckiest when I work the hardest.

Go to soul pancake to read the rest...

Oh and here's the vid.

Happy Soul Pancaking!!!!

Watch out...you might catch it.

2009-10-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

I had a doctors appointment today. Lately I have a reoccurring one once a month but today I went to a new doctor because I felt like my old doc wasn't doing much for me. As I was walking up to building 3 in the blazing California sun, I noticed a tall extrememly good looking gentlemen in a suit walking my way. I quickly noted to myself how glad I was that I opted not to wear my pajamas to the doctor and wore a cute little dress instead. Suddenly, a gust of wind came out of nowhere. The wind filled the bottom of my dress and blew it straight up revealing my goods to the handsome man My hands flailed frantically trying to find the fabric to pull it down but it was a lost cause. My bright orange panties were on display. Not only are they the color of a construction cone but the word "lucky" is splashed accross the front. I doubt he could read the words, but if he did it would be misleading because today, luck was nowhere to be found. ( Why do I own panties like that? I don't know. Actually because santa always seems to leave me dozens of them in my stocking and I always think "no ones ever gonna see them...who cares." Well now I know.) Of course I did what all people would do in that situation...never broke stride, looked at the ground, and pretended like that.did.not.just.happen.

I should have known the doctor visit would be equally as crap filled. As the nurse took my vitals, she couldn't stop raving about how "healthy" I was. "Such good blood pressure." she said. "And your BMI is right where you should be....skinny people aren't always healthy you know." Wait does that mean Im not skinny? But... Ok I already knew that. I only sat in the room for .3 seconds and my doctor was there. She was so cute. "So we're following up on insomnia, huh?"

I have now had insomnia for 4 years. FOUR YEARS. When I think about it I can't believe it. I know what your thinking...insominia? thats stupid. i wish i got more sleep too...but its not really like that. its like if i try to sleep for 8 hours, i will get 4 hours of sleep. I have a 50% sleep rate. If I wanted to get 8 hours of sleep, I would have to devote 16 hours to sleeping. Then every morning i wake up feeling like I got run over by a truck. Theres more but Im not trying to be a weenie winer...you get it. Sleep is needed to live. I am not a person that can live everyday off 4 hours. I need more. Mostly because I feel like I'm not my best self. I could be so much more creative, so much more accomplished, design so much more effective lesson plans if I only had more sleep. Ya know. After we go through every symptom she said what I have been dreading hearing the most. "Seems like you have tried everything and there just isn't anything I can do. Its like your head isn't listening to your body. But at least you're healthy right?" She went on to say that there are a small percentage of insomnia cases that aren't related to anxiety or depression but there isnt much help for them because they just cant figure out what causes it.

What?

Can I have my co-pay back?

I started crying. But I know that my tears are merely drops in an ocean of tears of people struggling with illnesses. I guess she is right....at least im not dying. While I was waiting in the doctors office, this cute lady sat down next to me. She was wearing a surgical mask and had a really bad cough. She asked about the book I was reading and started making jokes about my toenail polish. She was lovely. She told me that she had lung cancer and that is why she was coughing. She had to wear the mask, not because she was contagoues, she wasn't, she wore it to protect herself. I was afraid to ask questions so I just nodded and smiled. She got back to cracking jokes and then my name was called.

After my doctors visit, I went down to the pharmacy to get my birth control and the place was a mad house. I stood in line, placed my order, and took my spot on a green chair, ready to contemplate my future without sleep. Then the masked lady from the waiting room came down. She slides her mask down and winks in my direction with a smile. Then she starts to cough.

Introduce Mean Lady from accross the room who throws her hands in the air. "Get your mask on lady, thats disgusting. Have some f#%*ing respect. Its people like you who all of us sick."

Masked Lady reassured her in her thick spanish accent "no Im not contagious, Im wearing it because I'm sick and I need protection."

"Learn English!" Mean Lady interupted. "I demand you put your mask on."

I couldn't help myself.

"HEY" I yelled. "I demand YOU put a mask on."

"I'm not even sick." Mean Lady said, "I'm picking up a perscription for my son. Mind your own business."

"I demand you put a mask on, because I don't want to catch your bad attitude!" I sat down and resumed my seat.

I'll deal with insomnia, I'll deal with the flu...but I don't want to catch a bad attitude.
(p.s. if you have any insomnia solutions...I would love to hear them : )

Halloween Time

2009-10-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat!!!!

BOO!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Holy Crap

2009-10-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Man-o-man dingo. John Mayer is a very sexy man. What I'm really excited for is underneath this jacket. Wait...i mean. Between the covers....like you know the cd covers. woah. ok like i mean...the music. phew. Is it hot in here? No? Just me? ok.

Suffice it to say Mr. Mayer's last album (continuum) changed my life. He's just one of those logophiles that speaks to my soul. He's 1 part dreamy mcstud-muffin and 1 part brutal honesty with a with a dash of sweet sophistication. Not to mention one of the greatest (if not THE) greatest guitar players of our generation. But his type of guitar is so refreshing to me. Not so centered on riffing guitar solos, his climax is in his chords. I remember a Rolling Stone interview several years ago where he speaks about the first time he picked up a guitar. He looked at it inquisitively and thought something like "what are you hiding." I can always hear that in his music. I won't bore you with the details of how much I love his live playing (another perk of living in L.A. is that if you watch his twitter, you can see him play about once a month)- thats a whole other story.

Heres to music that moves-

i used to have a violent streak

2009-10-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

When I was 11 I slapped my insult out of the mouth of a mean girl in the middle of the school soccer field.
Before my fingers met her icy skin, time froze, and I had the opportunity to retract my sure to sting smack.

But I didn't.

I flexed my muscle and delivered a blow with such a followthrough that it spun me around until I was faced again with my enemy.
Her nose to my chin.
I winced in anticipation for my inevitable doom.
I swallowed my mouthful of tears and willed my lip to stop quivering.
The air was suddenly thin and though I breathed deep, I couldn't seem to quench my body's thirst for oxygen.

I was in the moment before the moment.
The last fraction of time before it would be over.
Whatever the ending was going to be, it was about to happen.

My eyes broke away from her in defeat and I saw our surroundings.
Surrounded by others who shared my shock in what I had just done.

No one moved.

Internally I pleaded for her to decided my fate.
Anything but this.
Anything but silence.

I moved.

I lowered onto my heels, swiftly turned, and left her rigid body standing there mid gasp.

All this because she wouldn't stop calling me skinny.
Figures.

So I don't usually ask for stuff like this.....

2009-10-05T03:38:00.001-07:00

but....

I was told about this from a friend and think it is a really cool opportunity! Sam-E is having a contest and the winner gets to be their "Good Mood Blogger" Its all about finding the things in life that make me happy. I think I have a good balance of doing this/needing more of this. Anywhoo...if you wouldn't mind taking a minute to cast a vote in my honor...I would be forever grateful! I mean forever. Just click the link.

Thanks!!!!

http://www.sam-e.com/job/profile/95

Square

2009-09-29T01:44:00.000-07:00

I live in a square.

I drive a square.

I go to school in a square.

I watch tv on a square.

I hang squares on my wall.

I walk on a square sidewalk and open square doors.

I cover myself with a square blanket.

I buy blocks of squares and sew them together into bigger squares.

I write with on a square.

I take square pictures.

I wear square shirts.

I talk on a square.

I dry off with a square.

I read a square.

But I am a circle.

and if i'm a circle...i hope you're a circle

Laurel's Party

2009-09-26T23:48:00.000-07:00

Hindsight is 20/20 and looking back, I should have known that today was going to turn out a little more shabby than chic. It started somewhere between when I officially went to sleep (3am) and when I officially woke up (12noon) there was some sort of massive emergency on Woodley Ave. I wake to the sound of screaming sirens and hear them blurp off as they near my house. Then 10 minutes later (just enough time for me to convince penelope to stop huffing around the house and come back to bed) another blaring siren screams around the corner and halts when it gets to me. This happened about 4 more times. After that, I was sure a murderer was on the loose and that he was coming to get me.

"Was that my door I hear opening, is someone breaking in" My inner psycho whispers to my inner rational thought.

"No stupid," my rational side condescendingly snides back.

Psycho was wrong. No one was breaking in. But it was enough to suddenly make me inexplicably alert.

And then I decided to watch my tivo. 2 hours later I fell asleep. I woke to my vibrating phone...a text from LaDwan

"You're coming tonight right?"

curse! I thought Laurel's birthday party was tomorrow. That means I have 3 hours to:
1-Go to Trader Joes to get ingredients for...
2-homemade pico de gallo
3-homemade guacamole
4-shower
5-decide whether i want to do my hair or makeup
6-check yesterdays lotto numbers

I got to number 2 when it happened.

slice

Despite my master chef skills I major sliced open my hand.
(WARNING...THIS GETS GROSS)
Within seconds I was puking down the front of my shirt. It was like when you are little and you are running down the sidewalk arms ready to embrace your dad for a big aerial hug and then you trip and before you even hit the ground your eyes are filled with tears...but this time it was puke.

The rest of the night was filled with pain/humiliation/boredom and a pledge to eat take-out until my wound is healed. 10-14 days according to the docs.

This is a long winded way of saying...Happy Birthday Laurel...im sorry i missed your party. i hope you had costumes, puppies and horror films galore.

McRed- I.......Die

2009-09-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

Blah Blah Blah McDreamy/Steamy. There is only one man on Grey's Anatomy that gets my heart galloping and it is this scottish hotness. Man o man dingo..he can choke me any day he wants to.

Pinup Penny

2009-09-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

So...

What happens when you take a small town pup and move to the big beach city???

She turns into a sexy blond bombshell... sigh... my bebe is all grown up.

Fancy a coast...er??

2009-09-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here are my latest inventions...tile coasters! (I mean I prolly didn't invent them but this is MY blog) I....DIE for these. I love.love.love them. Such handy little gifts and they are handmade (the best kind of gift according to yours truly!)

You could definitely get a little cheesy with the coaster saying.
'Coast through marriage' or 'in love from coast to coast' as a wedding gift
'Coast through the school year' as a teacher gift

I also think they would make such cute wedding favors with the Bride and Groom names.

Opportunities are Endless... Hope you likey : )

Have you heard???

2009-09-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

My stockpile of Polaroid film in my fridge has dwindled to my final 10-pack. Lucky for me (and my instant film addiction) UI has stepped up with the Impossible Project and saved the day (or at least my day : ) You can read all about it here. Needless to say, this makes me terribly happy.

(Teacups at Disneyland...so enchanting)

Here's to instant gratification. Kiss Kiss!

PS...anyone else like instant film???

Miss Libby, you look dashing

2009-09-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

I have been dying to learn how to smock fabric for a while now and with my beautiful friend McCall having a perfect baby girl recently, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to learn. I often notice that there is not a lot of choices when it comes to baby fashion, so I tried to stay away from pink and cartoons. I think it turned out so cute! Once I meet little Libbers, I may need to do a fitting and some alterations because I'm no expert on newborn body proportions. (I kept looking at McCalls blog at pics and trying to guess how big she was..haha) Or if its too big she can just grow into it. Let me know if you want one because I need to keep honing my smocking skills, and I don't have a baby so....

Penny and the Jets

2009-09-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

Pa-pa-pa Penny and the Jets

Penny learned some tricks and I couldn't resist taking a little vid. She can now sit, shake and roll over (we are still working on stay and drop it.) She doesn't do her best work in the video because I had to hold the camera with the hand I usually hold the treats in so she got a little confused. And how cuters is her dress....my mom got her that for my birthday. (I think she wants some grandkids or something....)

i mourn for my city

2009-09-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

These days, my beautiful blue skies have been transformed into a grim smokey grey. If you haven't been following it, Southern California is suffering though the biggest wildfire in LA history (and we are no stranger to wildfires.) News was released tonight that the fire was, in fact, arson. How could it be? People and animals have died. Hundreds are homeless. Lives forever changed, beauty forever burned, mother earth scarred and all of this blood is on the hands of one reckless individual. For some reason, it is such a different feeling when we all thought it was an act of nature...but to know that we are hurting each other... it sends me realing. My heart goes out to those who watched their homes burn, to the animals who are so helpless, and to the thousands who are still evacuated waiting to learn their fate. I wish there were more that I could do. I mourn for my beautiful city.

Cafe Rio...Yes I will marry you...

2009-08-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have gone over a year without living with Cafe Rio as an everyday part of my life...I mean my mom is great and all, but what I really miss is the Rio. There is nothing like it (believe me, LA has its share of fab cuisine, but nothing even comes close) The beauty of Cafe Rio is that I ALWAYS want it. If Im having a good day I think to myself "Today is such a great day! You know what would make it even better? Cafe Rio!" And if I'm having a bad day it's more like "Ugh, today has been the worst day...I need some Cafe Rio takeout and a movie in my bed STAT!" I've never done any drugs in my life but this has got to be what heroin feels like. Intervention?? I digress....the reason for this post is that you didn't think I would give up so easily did you??? After working and working I finally have whittled down a recipe for the cafe rio salad dressing. Here goes:

Cilantro Lime Dressing:

2/3 c buttermilk
2 c mayo
2 c cilantro leaves
2 ranch dressing mix packets (dont get the dip mix...its different)
5 medium size tomatillos
2 t crushed jalapeno (this can vary depending how spicy you like it- this would be mid-range)
4 cloves of garlic
juice from one lime

Put it all in a blender and blend your way to deliciousness... This makes the size of a mason jar but you can easily half the recipe if you want to try it out and taste your way to perfection...

Happy Eating

p.s...After emailing the Cafe Rio corporate offices (no lie) I received word that they are opening up their first Cafe Rio in California this November!!!! I mean its like 45 min away but YOU KNOW IM GOING!! Im thinking Nelly and I will suddenly start enjoying the beaches in orange county a lot more now that we have a reason to make the drive : )

p.p.s....For all of you with access...please have burrito in my honor...I cant seem to figure out that darn enchilada sauce!

As for me...I Choose Civility

2009-08-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

Over the past year...I have had some tough times. When you come out the other end and look back at the path you just walked it is a whole new perspective. It has been such a great experience for me to be TOTALLY on my own. I mean I moved to a state where I didn't know a soul to work in one of the most brutal industries on the planet. It opened my eyes to a lot of things. In the past year I had two experiences of people I knew being really really mean to me. The first was one of my cousins. I made a cheeky comment about a facebook photo of hers and she took offense to it. For the next week she went on a rampage of really personal attacks hitting every soft spot and unleashing some serious pent up hate. It was a big turning point for me. First of all, I never should have made the cheeky comment, it was my fault that the whole thing was started in the first place. And secondly it gave me an opportunity to apologize and mean it and then not retaliate. It was hard. Believe me. My mind was ferociously wording daggar sentances and hording them away that I might strike at any moment. Everyone I talked to told me to give her a piece of her own medicine. But I never did. I just let it blow over and I am so happy that I did. Same thing happened when a roomate had done some dishonest dealings with my rent money. I felt seriously wronged and when I confronted him he could only manage a personal attack. This time I just didn't have the strength to fight the fight. But I am really glad that I didn't because when I look back, I know that I was the stand up person in both situations. Pat on the back Ali.

HOWEVER, I haven't always been this way. I can be a huge gossip and have definitely been rude and disrespectful in my life. Not cool. So what changed? I think this year has allowed a lot of time for self-reflection. And I also have been so appreciative of every small gesture that has come my way. Sometimes it is a card in the mail or a 10 minute phone call or even a comment on my blog. It makes me so happy!. So I decided to give out more (I found out that I have an UNLIMITED supply of nice gestures! CRAZY) And when you give it...there is this mysterious power that sends it back your way. Good people attract good people. With my LIVE SIMPLY and SIMPLY LIVE! year I am making an effort to choose civility over rudeness. When I buy my weekly lotto ticket and hot dog from 7-11 I make sure to add a please and thank you to whoever is behind the counter and also to hand them my money and not just throw it on the counter. Its the small things that count. I am working hard at not interupting people (I am really bad at that and I didn't even notice untill Oprah told me on her ettiquette show) and to be courteous with my cell phone (people it is rude to talk on the phone when your with someone else...) I am also reading this book.

This is getting long winded but I just wanted to reflect on where I came from, why Im here and where Im going all in an effort to be an all around better person today than I was yesterday. Heres a quote that Oprah showed me :

"We never touch someone so lightly that we don't leave a trace" - Peter Dale Scott

Not long ago someone that I look up to a lot told me that I should think of the word that I would want other people to use to describe me. Like how do I want other people to see me in one word? I chose "Delightful." Whenever I have a choice to make, I think to myself...what would be the "delightful" choice? It helps me...

Cheers to Choosing Civility. (I'm holding my diet Pepsi can up...anyone wanna clink me?) (Can I get a clink clink??)

Happy Birthday You!

2009-08-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

Happy 24th Birthday You!

For my birthday my mom and brother met me in Vegas for a few days of fun before my school starts. We had a BLAST!!

I was so in love with the umbrella theme at the Palazzo. It was so enchanting!

Here is my mom at Woodstock. Taken on Freemont Street

Me and the biggest tv screen on earth. This is also at The Freemont Street Experience.

My cute mom peeking out from behind some Venetian flowers.

All we need is...

Cool pic from the Beatles Love exhibit.

My mom loves Donny and Marie....
Me and my brother at Caesars...
Same pic...this time with my momma

The Paris hotel...probably my fave. We ate at the buffet there for breakfast and it was so delish.

Me and my mom in front of a cute shop at The Paris.
We stayed at Excalibur. It was fun. This was my first time gambling EVER and I loved it so much. I am the queen of the penny slots. I also won on the wheel table.
Such a fun little getaway even though I missed my Penny like crazy. If anyone wants to meet me in Vegas I will be there!

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith

2009-08-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith,

I know you are not married and that you were on your first date ever but since I never was gracious enough to get your real names, I have decided to call you Mr. and Mrs. Smith. You see, one of my favorite things to do is go to the movies. I love the smell of popcorn, the oversized seets and screen, the previews and graphic that plays before the movie that reminds you how loud they can turn up the volume if the want to. I love it all. What I don't love is when you talk during the movie. In fact, nothing brings me more fury. I felt bad for the two of you. It was obviously your first (maybe second) date. I could tell by how much Mrs. Smith draped her self all over you, Mr. Smith. It made me want to wretch. If you wanted to put your legs up on his lap, why come to the theater? why not just stay home and get a pay-per-view? And Mr. Smith, your laugh wasn't fooling anyone. We all knew it was fake. I mean the movie was funny...but it wasn't THAT funny! You should never be an actor. And Mrs. Smith, we all saw the poster that said "Paper Cuts Hurt, Work Safely," there was no need for you to explain it in your outside voice. I gave you all the signs that you were driving me crazy...but alas the first date effect had blinded you and somehow you forgot that you were in a room with 50 other people watching a movie, in public, that each one of us payed $15 to come and see. And when I bought my ticket, I did not ask for the showing that had the Bonus Feature Commentary playing by the two of you because I would never order that because you guys suck. But alas, I never said anything because I didn't want to embarras you in front of the other one. But I really hated you the whole time and you ruined my evening out.

Suck a fat one,
Ali

Dear Blog

2009-08-21T20:09:00.001-07:00

Dear Blog:

I know I have been neglecting you and I apologize profusely....its just that I have been busy trying to get into school...the good news is that I got in. I will be spending a lot more time with your Mom, computer, writing essays and researching and in turn, I think I will spend a lot more time with you. I promise to do some blogworthy things more often so we can be as close as we were two months ago.

Sealed With a Kiss,
Ali

Hey...Long time no blog...

2009-08-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

As I spend my Friday night insatiably lapping up the last few pages of "How to Read Literature Like a Professor" (homework before real homework...dontcha hate that) inside I am wishing, hoping, praying, not stepping on any cracks, only using odd numbers in my daily doings and continually crossing my fingers that somehow they accept average old me into the masters program I applied for last week. School starts in 10 days and I haven't even had my final interview yet! Procrastination (a familiar and fair-weathered friend) got the best of me again (work too)

The point of this post (other than asking for you to hope, wish, pray, cross fingers etc. on my behalf) is to talk about my theme for the year. I know what you're thinking..."But Ali, it's nearly Sept. It's a little late." Allow me to explain. This fall I will be entering my 18th year of school so for me the calendar starts in Sept. when back to school starts. Growing up it was a bitter sweet time for me because since my birthday is mid-August (two days from today in fact) back to school shopping and birthday presents somtimes melded into one. Its never good when you get an adorable pair of saddle shoes for your birthday and your mom tells you that you can't wear them until school starts...thats true pain to a ten-year-old. Back to the theme...and the theme for my year this year is....drumroll please

My plans so far include a year of homemade gifts (I'm already starting to work on Christmas). Working on practical skills like sewing, painting and budgeting. Yesterday I used a coupon for the first time in my life. I was headed to Fresh and Easy for groceries and on the way to the car I grabbed the mail and there it was staring me right in the face from the top of the pile. $3 off $30 or more. How could I not? Later in the day I was making a copy of my house key and out of the corner of my eye I noticed an adorable Tinkerbell key. Guess how much...$3. I totally got it. Which brings me to the next and most important thing for the year....enjoy the simple things in life...like the neon sign that warms my balcony with pink light each night, and the adorable look on Penelope's face when I wake up every morning and she is staring at me with her tongue sticking out (btw happy six month birthday Miss Penny) and how lucky I am to never worry about going without food or a Tivo (id give up food if I had to choose one...because soda doesn't count as food right?? soda is non-negotiable) and how much I love my absurdly disfunctional yet hilarious family. You don't know whatcha got till its gone...not this year...I'm gonna know what I got. Get it?

Last years theme was Don't Think, Just Leap. I think it was a shining success of a year. I packed everything I owned in a truck and moved 800 miles away from home to the scary town of Hollywoodland (actually a little less scary town called "the valley") I managed to make it a year in the skin-thickening entertainment industry but most importantly met such lovely people along the way (and some really crappy people who yell)

I challenge everyone to enjoy something simple today...

Well better get packing for the big family vacation to Las Vegas...yay!

Happy New Year!!!

-Ali

Itty Bitty Baby Booties

2009-07-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Itty Bitty Baby Booties

It seems like its the summer of procreation in my circle of friends so I decided to try out this cute pattern for Itty Bitty Booties by Heather Bailey found here.

These brown ones are for Miss Chelsi and her little newcomer Brody! Hopefully Chelsea can keep it a secret before I can manage to make it out to meet Brody.

These little pinkies are for McCall's little girl Libby. Or Libbers as I like to call her. Guaranteed to make her run fast and jump high.

I think they turned out really cute and didn't take long at all. 1 hour start to finish for both pair. I love a good tutorial and I hope all of you do too. Can't wait to see you Libby and Brody!

Anyone wanna house/dog sit??

2009-07-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to throw an offer if anyone is interested in taking a trip to Los Angeles any time soon or currently lives here and wants to get away from a roommate for a while. August 5-11 I will be staying in a different house to work on Big Brother and my apartment will be open and free to use. The only catch....you have to dog sit too. But we all know how adorable and loving and easygoing miss Penny is! Basically feed, water, throw away potty pads, throw a ball, give her kisses, show her my picture every night and keep the door locked when you leave. I mean look at that face! Let me know if your interested!

Tutorial: Candy Ribbon Rack

2009-07-22T00:29:00.000-07:00

Candy Ribbon Rack

If your like me, you have a bunch of random spools of ribbon lying around the house. Don't tuck them away...Show em off with a ribbon rack. Here's what ya need.

a shelf with hooks of some sort
dowels (length according to said shelf with hooks : )
Liquid Stitch fabric glue
2 - 6 inch pieces of ribon
a rainbow of ribbon

I picked up this accordian rack from Goodwill on the cheap

I spruced it up with a nice coat of aqua paint.

Cut two 6 in pieces of ribbon, fold over one inch of ribbon on each side and tack down with liquid stitch. Let it dry overnight to make sure it will hold.

Thread the ribbon spools onto the dowel. Hang the tacked ribbon from the hook and insert the dowel into the lower end. You can adjust according to how low you want the ribbon to hand.

You can also make a multi-tiered rack by making another set of tacked ribbons and hanging a lower dowel from the upper dowel...get my drift : )

xoxo
Ali

Tutorial: Delightful Magnets

2009-07-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

Blank fridge...oh NO! Tortured by magnets from tow truck companies? No more! With these delightful little magnets, your fridge will go from drab to fab in no time!

All you need is a few pieces of scrapbook paper, some blank magnets (pick them up at the hardware store on the cheap) an exact-o knife (or a circle cutter) and a self healing mat.

Choose some cutie paper and start cutting circles (or whatever shape of magnet you buy)

Drop a dot of hot glue on your little magnet and place the paper on top. As soon as i placed the paper, I stacked the magnets together to keep them smooth without a glue blob.

Last but not least.....DECORATE and ENJOY!!

Please not the pic of my dad acting a fool with a hamburger from the 70's.
Hi Dad!!!

Dear Penelope

2009-07-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Penny,

I love you a whole lot.

Love,
Mom

p.s. stay on your side of the bed tonight...

My Apartment...so far

2009-07-18T23:19:00.001-07:00

I LOVE seeing pics of other peoples houses so I thought I would share some of mine. Decorating this place has been a very slow process but I'm finally making some progress. Tomorrow I will be attempting to build a buffet and a custom desk...i'll let you know how it goes and post a tutorial.

Here's my bookcase. Reading is so dear and comfortable to me that I wanted it to feel eclectic. There is definitely a mix of classic literature and picture books. I like the tulle because I don't think of books as school...I think of them as escapes to different worlds so I think the mess of tulle is fitting.

I like how my camera accented Harry Potter. I'm steeling coming off my Potter Mania!

Here is my kitchen table area. The wall art is done by Shepard Fairey. He is one of my faves. I got these original signed prints a while back and then he was commissioned to do the Obama campaign art and he pretty much blew up. I love the way they look and more importantly what they stand for.

OBEY!

Here is another Fairey print, this time in my bedroom. I also have a facination for birds and it is definitely a reoccuring theme for me...hence the birdcage. The dresser is a family heirloom that I refinished and put on some cool hardware. This is one of my favorite pieces of furniture I own.

Yet again another Fairey print (I promise that this is the last) with a great message : ) The blank space will be a small table sooner or later.

This mirror is a great thrift find ($3) with a nice coat of glossy red paint. The candle holder was also a Goodwill treat and that is the origional color.

Aaah...the kitchen. A little birds on the wire theme going accross the cabinets. I also love the English propaganda poster. A motto I try to live by "keep calm and carry on"

All the little ducks in a row.

Hope you like! More to come when I get to workin!

I'm Having a Zach Attack!

2009-07-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking...stop posting so much...To that I say...NO, NEVER.

Ladies and gentlemen born between 1980 and 1987 gather round and prepare to be amazed because you're life will never be the same.

Check it: http://www.hulu.com/watch/76560/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-saved-by-the-bell-reunion-update-3

SAVED BY THE BELL REUNION. Gather your banana clips and roll up those pant legs...this is what we have all been waiting for. Squeeeeeeeeeels!

This one is for Jodi

2009-07-17T01:38:00.001-07:00

My lovely friend Jodi informed me that I am an idiot and forgot to link to the Butterbeer Recipe... here it is.

While I am on the subject I thought I would take a moment to maybe start a mini movement. I don't know how many of you follow twitter but they have #followingfridays where you post a tweet with your favorite tweeter so other people can get in on the action. Here is a list of my top 5 bloggers...most of them are crafty...some are just witty but I love them all. I would love to hear yours as well!

-this is in random order because I simply can't pick a favorite

1- Heather Bailey- She is a brilliant designer with a style I love! If you venture to her site you must check out her studio here.---I know...I have died and gone to heaven. She always has great things to talk about.

2- IS-LY by Melissa Esplin- She is a sister of a friend and I have been following her blog for about two years now and she inspires me all the time. Her little blog has grown from just pics of an art collection to a full blown feast of ideas. And although this has never been discussed...I did tell her sister that I was naming my first child Penelope before Melissa got prego...just sayin...and just kiddin. Check out my fave post here...leg warmers for baby....my ovaries are screaming!

3- Design Sponge- This blog is great for everything. Plus my blogger friend The Design Gal herself was just featured on this site here. Go Shannon! Too bad I live in an apartment or I would be all over these garden spheres...I think I would stencil or paint them...aaaah someday Ill have a yard and a handy man of my own.

4- Dooce- I have quite a but in common with this little lady and I like the way she tells it like it is. This blog is not for the faint of heart but I think she is ever-so-endearing and always makes me laugh. She has a section called "How to annoy me" and she voices all the little things that bug everyday. Needless to say, it's hilarious. Here's one of my faves.

5- All of you. I love reading everyone's blogs and hearing all you stories. Its like one big novel with all these different beautiful, interesting, unique characters. Keep up the good work.

Now...tell me who you follow and why you love them...

Happy Blogging!

Cheep Cheep!

2009-07-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

What Can You Buy For $50

I had a conversation with a friend a couple of weeks ago about how $50 gets you nothing these days. So I gave myself a little challenge...What can I get for $50. The idea being that you get the most stuff possible. By the looks of it...I think I did a pretty good job.

The mod candle holder and candles, American Greats book, and Cork board were all found at Goodwill = $6.00

The spool of tulle, 5 bottles of paint, and light set were from Walmart = 18.00

The two huge picture frames were from Big Lots = $10.00

Fabric was from Walmart = $1.00

Andy Warhol book, smaller picture frame and magazine rack were also from Goodwill = $10.00

And last but not least! This cool gas pump drink station was from GoodWill for $5

That puts my grand total at $50.00 (i rounded the change to the nearest dollar)

Now I challenge YOU! What can you get for $50? Or $15 or $100. You set your own price and see what great finds you can come up with. I must say this was a mighty fun challenge!!

Good Luck and be sure to let me know how it goes!

Yum-O

2009-07-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'm Trying to be a Daring Baker (baby steps)

Even though I just cook dinner for myself every night (who am I kidding...the taco bell drive through knows me by the sound of my voice) I try to have something a little more than just a frozen dinner. Here are some pics of my Italian feast. Homemade 4 Cheese Ravioli with store bought sauce, Caesar salad with fresh Parmesan, asiago bread with balsamic vinegar and of course a nice rich Merlot to round it all out. It was delicious. Here is the Ravioli Recipe!

Pasta Dough

2 lbs. flour
4 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. warm water

Make a well with 3/4 of the flour; add salt and eggs to the well and mix together slowly, adding water as necessary. Knead about 10 minutes; cover and let dough rest for 10 minutes, then knead again until very smooth. This dough is now ready to use: Ravioli, lasagna, fettuccine, cannelloni, etc

Ravioli

1 large carton ricotta
2 bunches spinach
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 cups cheese
2 egg whites
salt and pepper, to taste

To Make the Filling: Cook Spinach; squeeze out water and chop. Add other ingredients and blend together.

To add filling to the dough Roll out dough and cut in to whatever shape of ravioli you would like. Add a spoonful of filling and fold a piece of dough over the top.

Place the ravioli in a pot of boiling water when they rise to the surface they are cooked.

'Arry Potter

2009-07-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

'Arry Potter

Of course I had to go see the Potter flick on opening day. I must say it was a blast. I love the feeling it brings out in me. Its just like being a kid again. I went to see it at the Arclight in Sherman Oaks (my favorite theater...they kick people out for texting and talking...Potter is an exception though) and much to my suprise they had the films actual costumes on display. The pic above you may recognize as miss Luna Lovegood's beginning outfit. She is my favorite character (besides Ron of course) and the one below is of the ever wise Professor Dumbledore. I must say it looks really grey in person but in the film it looks really green. hmph.

This book was the most emotional for me. I couldn't believe that Dumbledore was murdered...and at the hands of SNAPE! ooooo that snape. I know that these books are for children but I learn important lessons from them all the time. Lessons of friendship, honesty, drinking various types of beer (click here for an AMAZING butterbeer recipe (non alchoholic of course : ) but most of all lessons that the heart of life is Good. Even when things don't go our way perspective pulls us back and we see lifes intentions are greater than our minds can imagine.

Ill leave you with this weeks motto....WWDD- What Would Dumbledore Do!

THEIVERY!

2009-07-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Attack on the Car

So after a rough day I just wanted to come home and read harry potter. I got home about 8 and around 11 I remembered that I left my HP book in my car so I went down to my apartment garage and noticed that there had been some, not so attractive, car modifications.

Someone had smashed my passenger window with a screw driver and taken my navigation and ipod (which were hidden in the glove box) It seems like they were in and out. That kinda scares me because that means that someone knew where to find them and might be someone who lives in my building. It made for a really bad night.

Don't mind the super big gulp, water, gatoraide, and corn nuts...i think the theif put those there...

Holy Guacamole!

2009-07-12T01:45:00.000-07:00

Holy Guacamole!!

Guacamole is a very personal thing. Some like it chunky some like it smooth some like it spicy and some like it mild. Heck, some people don't even like guacamole (obviously these people were exposed to some sort of taste debilitating radio active material as small children but that's another story altogether.) Guacamole is a major staple in my diet and many months ago I committed to finding MY perfect recipe...so here goes...

MY Perfect mole mole mole...

2 Avocados
1 Medium Tomato
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Small Shallot
2 T Jalapeno

1 Lime

Pretty easy from here...chop everything up and mix it all together. I like mine very smooth so I make sure everything is chopped very small and that I get all the lumps out of the avocado. You can vary everything to your taste. If you like it spicy add some more Jalapeno, if you like it chunky, do a medium chop on the tomato...etc..etc. After it is all mixed together I salt to taste and enjoy with some Trader Joe's Tortilla Chips. Aaaaah...Perfect for summer...or winter...or fall...or sundays...or midnight snacks...I could go on forever.

Shabby Apple

2009-07-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

Shabby Apple

I know many of you will relate to my continuous quest to find clothes I love. I'm not really a shorts girl but I love to wear dresses. Often times I find they are a little too short for my taste but the search for the perfect dress shoppe is OVER!

One of my favorite blogs to follow is ISLY by Melissa. She always has the greatest style and she is amazing at all things crafty. I stumbled upon an entry today about a Utah based company that sells the CUTEST dresses! It's called Shabby Apple and you can find their website here. Also if you go to Melissa's website here you can find instructions on how to get a great discount. I love all of these because they all hit at the knee so you don't have to worry about acting like a lady. Plus for all of you who wear G's I think they all have sleeves.

PS... McCall- There is a dress called the Nantucket...I think I might just get it for the name : )

Happy Shopping Everyone!

Poor little Penelope : (

2009-07-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Penelope got spayed today... poor little thing. Everything went well and she is doing good. She is so funny hopped up on drugs. She just stands up and just stands there and then her head nods off. Here are some pics. Sorry for the stitches on...I hope your not grossed out!

Big Brother!!

2009-07-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

So finally I can say that I have been working on Big Brother for the last few weeks. It has been so much fun but hard to keep so many secrets. That show is INTENSE! I have never watched it before but it was so hard keeping the contestants identities completely secret with all the paparazzi and spoilers and bloggers licking up every bit of information they get. It is such a strange feeling to get to know these people so well and then send them off to the house and it feels like you are losing your little babies. I know that I won't work in this industry forever because it is just too much and I definitely want a family someday but I think it has been such an interesting experiment to see this industry from the inside out. If anything it has made me love film and tv even more (i know not possible)

In some other news...Penelope gets spayed on Wednesday. I am so worried about it! This is a pic of what I wake up to everyday. She is still sticking her tongue out non-stop. Love her!

Cuters I know. And another Nelly note is that she is finally 100% potty trained! I am so proud of my little pup and am looking forward to puppy school and dog parks and beaches in the near future.

Love hearing all your updates and I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Ps I recommend everyone see a film called Food Inc. Seriously great film making!

Here Come the Newlyweds

2009-06-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

I know I have told almost everyone to watch my show but I thought I would send out another reminder that Here Comes the Newlyweds airs every Monday night at 10/9 Central. I worked as a contestant producer on the show. It was by far my most fun shoot to date. 2 months in beautiful San Diego. I would love to know who your favorite couples are and what you think of it.!!

On another note...I just worked on a show called Kitchen Nightmares....and all I can say is DISGUSTING....we went to a restaurant that looked perfectly fine...you would NEVER guess all the gross things going on in the back...EEEEW

Its Official!!

2009-06-05T18:11:00.001-07:00

I'm officially in my new apartment and I LOVE IT!!!! Pics are coming soon...its pretty dang cute if I dont say so myself : )

EARTHQUAKE!!!!

2009-05-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

I just felt my first CA EARTHQUAKE !!!! It was really short but I definitely felt it. Penelope felt it too. Crazy!!!! The news reported it as a 5.o and so far no damage or injuries. Fwew!

A Day at the Beach

2009-05-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

So since I got Penelope I have been looking for a good beach to take her to thats not too crowded and not to far away. I found the perfect one just north of Malibu called Leo Carillo Beach!

Since the sand gets so hot I decided that I should find some booties for her. This was quite the task because her feet are sooooo small but after lots of research I found these! They are called Pawz and you can get them here. They would be great for ice and snow too. She absolutely LOVES them. She doesn't like to put them on but after they are on she doesn't think twice. It was a great day at the beach and we will be going back lots. She is my little beach babe!

Ahhhhh they joys of living at the beach. Life is good!

Welcome!

2009-05-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

So....after many requests I am officially dedicating myself to having a blog. So exciting!

Here is a little update:

I live in Los Angeles, CA

I work on films and tv shows

Warning-- shameless plug following...
Everyone watch season 2 of Here Come the Newlyweds premiering May 25th on ABC prime time!!

Here are some other things that have been happening in my life:

I adopted miss Penelope Jane in Salt Lake about two weeks ago and I am SO IN LOVE. She is so much fun and I love hanging out with her everyday.

I have speant a lot of time here:

and here:

and of course the happiest place on earth :) i have a season pass...

working........

trying out cool new recipes

and much much more.

I love reading all of your blogs and I hope you love mine...

Happy Posting...