Oh Bianchi...

My new favorite nail color... Mint green... The first time I saw this color was while surfing the internet. I saw an ad for the Essie Mint Candy Apple and it was love at first sight. I went everywhere they sold Essie products and could not find it. But! Good things come to those who wait... Well that didn't really happen for me. I just found a similar color by China Glaze at Sally Beauty Supply after three days of hounding for this color.

Funny how my cycling buddies don't see it as Tiffany & Co. green, or even just mint chocolate chip ice cream green, or jesus christ just mint green. They see it as Bianchi Celeste green... shaking head*

Welcome to the 29 Club...

Is what came through to my phone at precisely 2 minutes past midnight... Thanks... Thanks a lot...

As superstitious as I am, the moment I opened my eyes, everything that would happen to me the moment I threw off the covers, counted. Of course, I managed to hit every meaningful red light possible which made me 4 minutes late to work. I am now worried that my day is not going to go my way... but it's my birthday! Things have to go right! Haha!

Well, I am officially 29. My final year in my twenties. I guess its not so bad. There are many good things that have come from my early to mid twenties. I am no longer weak to peer pressure. I can finally say no to people (unless you're waving chocolate in front of my face). I have a solid circle of friends. I am very close to my family. I have a stable job. I make good money. I have real reachable goals in line for my 30s. I made it into adulthood! Not the "I'm 18, I am an adult," but the "I am finally-truly-self-sufficient-daughter-of-proud-parents adult."

Let's see how I do in my thirties...

Purl, baby...

After receiving a pair of mittens from Janet, Ben's grandma, I was inspired to learn the art of knitting. I picked up Stitch 'N Bitch, catchy eh? and learned how to make a slip knot and cast on stitches, and from there I continued knit stitching row after row for two and a half weeks until viola! A beautiful gray scarf. Of course I knew from the moment I made that slip knot that this was something I was making for Ben. What a way to be happy by seeing someone you care for wear something you created.

How much more addicting can this be?! Back in the day, women were definitely not knitting out of enjoyment, rather out of necessity. It was one of the things they could do that would not endanger them and guarantee their children to not be motherless. They could also put it down (to cook, clean, care for baby) and pick back up where they left off.

Thank goodness times have changed. I wouldn't want to be wearing the same pair of knitted socks my mom made 5 years ago... or be forced to knit for the family. But even though I knit for fun, I do feel that old-fashioned wholesomeness and motherly/womanlyness that is quite pleasing... I think you would just have to pick up a pair of needles and some yarn to understand what I'm talking about...

Grapefruit Brûlée...

A new found love.... Strawberries, pineapples, watermelon... top three of my favorite fruits. From the first time I tried grapefruit as a child (imagine sour face) to now, never did I think that grapefruit would top my list. Of all the fruits including safe ones like bananas and apples, who in their right mind would put grapefruit first? Unless you're on a grapefruit diet... Anyway, I must say, I was blown away one recent night when I was presented this beauty fresh from the oven. Mmm Mmm good... the sweet juices dribbling down my chin... I was in heaven. I crave it every night. The ice cream can stay in the freezer, please give me a grapefruit! To try this at home, it's quite simple. Cut up the grapefruit any way you please: In half, quartered, sliced, diced.... whatever. My favorite way is quartered... I don't want a spoon. I wanna just dig in with my hands! Next, sprinkle some brown sugar on top and broil it in the oven for approx. 3 minutes. And voila! Grapefruit Brûlée! Now if you really want to get fancy, go ahead and get that torch out! You know who you are....

Side note: Grapefruit is excellent for Vit. C, contains the antioxidant lycopene, and my favorite...... it's a natural LAXATIVE!!