tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116532222024-03-06T22:12:48.534-08:00Go, Go KittyKat!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger887125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-21126363728799014672013-04-24T13:37:00.001-07:002013-04-24T13:42:26.319-07:00I'm at a PayphoneI'm always lusting after the design pics in <a href="http://www.sunset.com/home/decorating/boho-chic-decorating-ideas-00418000079607/page5.html">Sunset magazine</a>. They've usually taken something that you wouldn't find in a house, and put it in the house, but in a way that makes it look cool. However, it's a fine line between taking a lawn chair and using it an an accent chair in your living room and buying a wheel barrow and plunking it in your living room. Although, I wouldn't put it past them to put a wheel barrow in the house and make it look somehow "re-purposed" instead of misplaced.<br />
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At any rate, I've been on the hunt for something unorthodox to put in our living room/dining room area. I go thrifting at the Goodwill on a fairly regular basis, but I haven't seen anything great there as of late. Aaron and I have also gone to a few antique stores up on Phinney Ridge, but we just weren't in the buying mood.<br />
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Cut to the Easy Street Records auction on Queen Anne. Aaron is a regular customer at <a href="http://easystreetonline.com/">Easy Street</a> and was sad to see the Queen Anne location close down. But, given that they were auctioning off a bunch of stuff and will still have the West Seattle store, we wanted to support them. I also thought it might be an opportunity to get something that was cool, but also had meaning. <br />
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So, we got a payphone!<br />
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Well, it was just the box part of the phone. It had been used as a listening station at Easy Street, so it didn't have the phone part. We thought it was pretty cool, though. We bid on it and won! Then we had to figure out how to get it in the Mini. I was not sure it would fit, but it did.<br />
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We lugged it home and it rested behind Monkey's litter box for a few months. <br />
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Not wanting to feel like hoarders, we needed to figure out what to do with it. We decided to use it as a real phone. So, Aaron bought a pay phone on eBay, bought a pedestal online for support and got some big ass screws to go into the studs.<br />
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And, voila!<br />
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I'm so happy with how it turned out! <br />
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We got a landline and everything, so we can make and receive calls on it. The only problem is that every time I look at it, I think of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRaWnd3LJfs">payphone song by Maroon 5</a>, which is not nearly as cool as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWhkbDMISl8">Blondie's "Hangin' on the Telephone"</a>. I guess <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StKVS0eI85I">"Call Me"</a>, would also be appropriate, but the only call we've received so far was from a telemarketer from Allstate insurance! So, I'll give you my number and you can <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWNaR-rxAic">call me, maybe</a>? (I'm going to stop now...but I might go make a phone related playlist...)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-15704298895420671132013-04-08T15:58:00.001-07:002013-04-08T18:44:13.453-07:00There's an app for that!In the wide world of apps, it's easy to be sidetracked by amusing apps like <a href="http://www.fatify.com/">Fatify</a> (What would I look like at 250 pounds? Now I know.) or <a href="http://apps.avatarlabs.com/poo/">Poo Log</a> (What's your poo telling you?). However, I find apps like these tend to be temporarily interesting and then they lose their luster. <br />
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What has a bit more longevity, you ask? These are my top five favorite apps at the moment. <br />
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1. <a href="http://blog.kexp.org/2013/03/21/update-to-the-kexp-iphone-app-2/">KEXP</a> - This is a great app because of the live streaming playlist that not only shows you what song/artist is playing, but also allows you to "favorite" the song by selecting it and then touching a star icon. This is priceless to me, because I can never identify what songs or artists that I like when I hear them. Is that Pickwick? Is that song from the Foals' new album? Normally, I would never know. You can buy the song straight off iTunes, or just leave it in your favorites list for later (This is what I do, so that I can check Aaron's iTune library to see if he already owns the song/album.) The KEXP app also allows you to listen to live streaming audio or even go back and check out archived shows. It is free, but if you would like to donate to the station, you can do that from this app, as well. <br />
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2. <a href="http://fab.com/downloads/">Fab</a> - Aaron introduced me to this free app and I love/hate him for it. I am obsessed with everything for sale on this app/site and I want to buy it all! They have art, jewelry, stuff for your home, gifts, and clothes, just to name a few. All the items listed are only on Fab for a limited time and are at a discounted price, which creates a sense of urgency. It's all stuff I didn't know I wanted, but when I see it, I have to have it RIGHT NOW! So far, I have bought <a href="http://fab.com/inspiration/moustache-fridge-magnets-2-pack">mustache fridge magnets</a>, a subscription to <a href="http://fab.com/sale/19043/product/189353/">Nylon magazine</a> and 8 inch x 8 inch prints from <a href="http://fab.com/sale/19561/product/364959">Pro Luster Prints</a>. There have been many other things that I wanted to buy, but I exercised restraint.<br />
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Oh, and after popping over to Fab for a minute today, I see that I may also need some <a href="http://fab.com/sale/19569/product/275804/?usid=3">Spinal Tape</a> for a gift for a friend. Thanks, Fab! Thanks for making me a penniless hoarder! <br />
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3. <a href="http://www.photolettering.com/">Photolettering</a> - Aaron suggested this app, as well. It is free and allows you to select pictures from your camera roll and then add text on the photo. Sure, you can do that in Photoshop, but Photolettering allows you to do it right on your phone. It comes with three fonts and you can adjust the size and text color. More fonts are available to download, but you have to pay for them. I have been coming up with some pretty entertaining creations, if I do say so myself.<br />
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4. <a href="http://phoster.bucketlabs.net/">Phoster </a>- Want to come up with some cool faux album covers featuring your cat?<br />
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Well, so did I! (Yep, Monkey is my muse.) Phoster is $1.99 and has a bunch of pre-made posters that you can select. Then, you can add your own photo, change the text and font and then add some effects to the overall appearance of the poster. Prepare to lose many hours of your life to this app. Aaron recommended this one, as well. Clearly, he wants me to quit my job and spend all of my waking hours dinking around with photos of Monkey. <br />
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5. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/makeupalley/id489482511?mt=8">MakeupAlley</a> - I love this app! This is one that Aaron did not recommend. I discovered the <a href="http://www.makeupalley.com/">MakeupAlley</a> website through a co-worker quite a while ago. On the website, users can check out product reviews, post a question about make-up or swap make-up with other members. I could spend all day reading products reviews, and conveniently, that is what the app provides. All for free! When you open it, you are presented with three blank fields where you can input the product line name, type of product and name of product - then up pop all the product reviews for that specific item. It's ingenious. <br />
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So, those are the apps that I'm obsessed with lately. No wonder I have crow's feet from squinting at my phone all the time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-23199526169415658572013-04-01T12:18:00.000-07:002013-04-01T12:28:13.975-07:00MonkeyI have always wanted to have a pet, but it has just never seemed like the timing was right. I grew up with pets and really loved them. We had a Pekingese named Muffy,<br />
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a rabbit named Thumper, and a goldfish named Harley (his time with us was brief, as can often be the case with goldfish).<br />
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Aaron and I have seriously considered getting a pet on a few different occasions, but I have backed out at the last minute. It just seemed so daunting - would our cat scratch up all the furniture? Would our dog get cancer and need expensive treatments that we can't afford? I worried that maybe we just weren't ready.<br />
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Still, I continued to look on <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/">Petfinder</a> and found a million cute dogs and cats that I wanted to adopt. Then I thought maybe it would never be the "right" time. All those furry faces won me over and I really wanted to go meet some of them in person. I needed Aaron on board, so I harped and cajoled until he broke down on New Year's Eve day. <a href="http://www.seattlehumane.org/">The Seattle Humane Society</a> in Bellevue was having a promotion for the whole month of December where all adoption fees were waived.<br />
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So we hopped in the car and headed to the Eastside. When we arrived, the parking lot was packed and we could barely find a spot. We managed to squeeze in and made our way inside. It was a madhouse! Potential adopters were everywhere, shelter staff were trying to help everyone and we didn't really know where to begin.<br />
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The Seattle Humane Society has all their cats in groups, but in different little rooms. So, we decided to just start looking. I had a couple cats in mind, so we tried to locate them. We found one, a Siamese, in a larger room with about six other cats. This cat was NOT interested in us or anyone else. She hissed when we tried to touch her and wouldn't make eye contact with anyone. A few other cats seemed friendlier, but it was so chaotic with so many people and cats everywhere, that we were having a hard time making a decision. To make matters more stressful, we had New Year's Eve plans and needed to meet my family at Teatro Zinzanni at 6:30 that evening. It was already 3:30pm.<br />
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As we continued to look around, I noticed an all black cat that seemed to want to engage with us. He let me pet him and even started purring! His name was Spock and he was about one year old. Every time we came back to the room he was in, he came up to me and head butted my hand and purred. He was adorable!<br />
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We still weren't sure, though. I had kind of wanted a Ragdoll or a Siamese. I was starting to sweat. Whenever I have to make a tough decision, I perspire like crazy. Aaron suggested that we put our name on the list so that we could actually talk to a staff member. So I did.<br />
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While we waited, Aaron and I went back and forth with, "Well, do you want to adopt Spock, the black one? What about that orange cat named Garth?" <br />
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Meanwhile, Garth was adopted by the people on the list before us. So, when it was our turn, we took a leap of faith and decided that the little black kitty named Spock would be our new cat.<br />
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We adopted him, bought a cardboard carrier and some food and toys, and put him in the back of the Mini and zipped back to Seattle.<br />
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We have now had him now for three months. We changed his name to Monkey and have been getting to know each other ever since. Monkey loves food, his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Dancer-101-Interactive-Toy/dp/B0006N9I68">cat dancer toy</a>, and watching birds. He is not afraid to be vocal with many meows when he wants a snack or some attention.<br />
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Now he feels like he is a part of our family and I can't imagine life without him. By being his outgoing, sometimes demanding self, Monkey was really the one that chose us. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-40891799610305637912013-03-27T20:05:00.000-07:002013-03-27T20:09:23.642-07:00PortlandiaAaron and I went to Portland for a weekend away a couple weeks ago. I like Portland because it reminds me of Seattle and Bellingham mixed together.<br />
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We rolled in at about 5:30pm, which was the middle of "wine hour" at our hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Monaco. Their esthetic is eclectic, yet swanky. It was where I wanted to stay originally, but Aaron wanted to try out luck on Priceline. And, "I'll be damned", as my Grandpa used to say. Priceline hooked us up with Hotel Monaco! Awesome! So we got to stay there for $125 a night AND they upgraded us to a suite. It was, ah, sweet. <br />
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So, they have wine hour every afternoon from 5pm to 6pm. You can have a glass of wine or beer. It's free, but there is a suggested $2 donation per glass. (The money goes to charity.) The hotel has a beautiful lobby area with seating, a piano player, video games (a Wii - Aaron said the game was Mariokart), and an art corner. They supply acrylic paint and small canvases. We didn't partake, but a lot of other people did.<br />
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The Hotel Monaco is a pet friendly hotel, so there were quite a few dogs that accompanied their people. We considered bringing Monkey. He's pretty chill for a cat, but I'm not sure he would have appreciated so much canine company.<br />
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The first night, we went to a record store called the <a href="http://recordroompdx.com/http___recordroompdx.com_/Home.html">Record Room Vinyl Lounge</a> that Aaron wanted to check out. It was a record store, but they also serve beer and have live performances. It was cool and the bartender was really nice. <br />
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We hung out there for a while and then cabbed it over to Mississippi Ave. to see a show at Mississippi Studios.<br />
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We saw Aqueduct and Boat.<br />
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They were both good, but I especially liked Aqueduct. Aaron bought a Boat record and an Aqueduct CD.<br />
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The next day, we had breakfast at Imperial. It was delicious, but we were so full that we got sleepy. So we went back to the hotel for a nap.<br />
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That evening, Aaron wanted to go to this place called <a href="http://groundkontrol.com/">Ground Control Classic Arcade</a>. As you might imagine, they had a ton of arcade games and pinball and - wait for it - a full bar. Whoa. They also had the coolest bathroom I've ever seen.<br />
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We played some pinball and had a few drinks.<br />
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After a few last games of Champion Pub, we decided to skeedaddle back to the hotel.<br />
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On out last day in Portland, we went back to Mississippi Ave. to have breakfast at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/gravy-portland">Gravy</a>. Words cannot describe. Best. French. Toast. Ever. Yum!<br />
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Then we went to a shop called <a href="http://landpdx.com/">Land</a>, where I bought a <a href="http://www.buyolympia.com/q/Item=nikki-poster-survive">print</a> by Nikki McClure and some <a href="http://www.buyolympia.com/q/Item=berkley-fuzzy-cat">prints</a> by Ryan Berkely. We later discovered that Land Gallery was where they shot the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XM3vWJmpfo">"Put a bird on it"</a> sketch for Portlandia! <br />
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Aaron wanted to go to this store called Control Voltage, but it was closed. I do, however, plan to steal their thread wall art idea.<br />
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After a quick cup of coffee, we hit the road to head back to Seattle. <br />
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Goodbye, Portland! We'll be back soon, I'm sure!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-67619564190866243982012-09-21T19:26:00.000-07:002012-09-21T19:31:37.643-07:00Walla WallaAaron and I went to Walla Walla for our anniversary at the beginning of September. It was pretty cool! We stayed at the <a href="http://www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com/">Marcus Whitman hotel</a>, which I liked quite a bit. They include breakfast and that's always a plus for us.<br />
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Walla Walla is all about the wine tasting, so did our fair share of sampling. The first place we visited was the Seven Hills tasting room. It is about a half a block from the Marcus Whitman hotel, so that is rather convenient.<br />
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We tried a few different wines and I fell in love with their <a href="http://www.sevenhillswinery.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=itemdetail&item_id_int=22243">Voignier</a>. So I bought a bottle for my Mom.<br />
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After Seven Hills, we made our way to the Charles Smith tasting room.<br />
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It was very modern and industrial. There were exposed beams and ducting on the ceiling.<br />
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I loved it! We tried about six of their wines.<br />
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I liked the <a href="http://www.charlessmithwines.com/charles-smith-wines/wines/current/kung-fu-girl1">Kung Fu Girl Riesling</a> and the <a href="http://www.charlessmithwines.com/charles-smith-wines/wines/current/boom-boom-1">Boom Boom!</a> I bought a bottle of the Kung Fu Girl. It tasted good, but it also had an especially cool label. I'm a sucker for presentation and packaging. <br />
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Amid all the imbibing, Aaron wanted to work in a visit to a record store. So we visited Hot Poop.<br />
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It was cray cray, as the kids say. There was stuff everywhere - vinyl, CDs, 8-tracks, t-shirts, instruments, and posters. Nutty.<br />
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Aaron bought a record and a t-shirt at Hot Poop. I wandered around and tried entertain myself without seeming too impatient, while snickering about the name Hot Poop.<br />
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The next day, we visited four wineries. We arranged to be driven to the wineries by <a href="http://bellafortunaevents.squarespace.com/">Bella Fortuna Events and Tours</a>. Stephanie was our driver and she was amazing! She had a great knowledge of wine making and answered all my questions. She was very easy to talk with, but once we got to the wineries, she gave us our space and we got to take our time with trying all the wines.<br />
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We went to <a href="http://www.longshadows.com//index.cfm">Longshadows</a>, which had a minimalistic aesthetic to their tasting room decor. <br />
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We did our tasting inside the building, but there was a lovely outdoor seating area, as well. And we had gorgeous weather!<br />
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I felt like we got a lot of individual attention here and they had a really cool Chihuly piece in the tasting room. <br />
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Aaron bought a bottle of the <a href="http://www.longshadows.com/pirouette">Pirouette wine</a> at Longshadows.<br />
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We also went to <a href="http://www.lecole.com/">L'Ecole 41</a>.<br />
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We tried a nice variety of whites and reds. Then we toasted to our six-year wedding anniversary. Awww. I know, right? <br />
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<br />
After our tasting, I decided that I loved their <a href="http://www.lecole.com/sites/default/files/2010%20Semillon%20-%20Columbia%20Valley_0.pdf">Semillon</a> and <a href="http://www.lecole.com/2011-estate-luminesce-seven-hills-vineyard-walla-walla-valley">Estate Luminesce</a>, so I bought a bottle of each.<br />
<br />
Then we went to Amavi. The view from Amavi was gorgeous!<br />
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We were also able to see their actual vineyard, which was beautiful.<br />
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<br />
I tried a grape right off the vine and it was sweet and delicious. We didn't buy any wine at Amavi. We were getting kind of overwhelmed with wine option by then. (Read: We were kind of tipsy, in all honesty.)<br />
<br />
And lastly, we went to <a href="http://waterswinery.com/">Water's</a>. Aaron bought a bottle of <a href="http://waterswinery.com/wines/2009-interlude">Interlude</a>, which is a Bordeaux-style blend. The only picture we took at Water's was of me and it was bad, so it is not approved for posting here.<br />
<br />
<br />
Overall, the trip to Walla Walla was really fun! But there are a ton of wineries/tasting rooms that we didn't have time to visit. So maybe we'll be back next summer!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-41892995166818094522012-09-14T17:29:00.000-07:002012-09-14T17:35:39.392-07:00Non-dairy Sweets <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->In addition to loving dairy, I love dessert. So just leaving behind dairy based
desserts is not an option for me. I’ve never been a pint of Ben and Jerry’s
kind of girl, but I do have a huge weakness for ice cream bars and ice cream
sandwiches.<br />
<br />
I started at Safeway with <a href="http://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/coconut-milk-ice-creams/minis-coconut-almond-bars">So Delicious Minis Coconut Almond Bars</a>. The ice cream is velvety and smooth and has a hint of a coconut flavor and
the nuts are yummy. The chocolate is not as good as the chocolate on a Magnum
ice cream bar because it is not as rich and it has kind of a carob flavor. It’s
a minor quibble, though. These are smaller than a Magnum ice cream bar, but
they don’t leave you longing for more. The coconut ice cream,
chocolate, and nut triumvirate is very satisfying. Overall, these are
definitely so delicious and I would most certainly buy them again.<br />
<br />
I thought I’d sample some almond milk ice cream, so I got some <a href="http://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/almond-milk-ice-creams/vanilla-sandwiches">So Delicious Almond Milk Minis Vanilla Sandwiches</a>. They carry these at Safeway. I like them
quite a lot. The almond milk ice cream in the sandwiches is just like regular ice cream. I would not have known these were non-dairy if I had not seen the box. The sandwich part was good, but it stuck to my
fingers. Not a big deal and I have most certainly had that issue with some
traditional ice cream sandwiches. These live up to their “mini” name and are very
small, so perfect for when you just want a little sweet treat. I would buy
these again, but will probably try some of the <a href="http://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/almond-milk-ice-creams/vanilla-bars">almond milk ice cream bars</a>
first. <br />
<br />
I bought a box of <a href="http://coconutbliss.com/coconut-bliss-products/dark-chocolate-bars">Luna and Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss Dark Chocolate Bars </a> at Whole Foods.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGWHYS-bdnaEtbOASDs5qCVk20ZEe_gU5dF3cFFQcbDls7Hjqkw7cKwQHiyGvtYV1BpEn2ARnL5RUywsC8Ao-a0H8SURc4LxByd1VxmSfWy4Qje_uH_ozaq4t9The8zqK6vAjFQ/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGWHYS-bdnaEtbOASDs5qCVk20ZEe_gU5dF3cFFQcbDls7Hjqkw7cKwQHiyGvtYV1BpEn2ARnL5RUywsC8Ao-a0H8SURc4LxByd1VxmSfWy4Qje_uH_ozaq4t9The8zqK6vAjFQ/s320/IMG_1123.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought they looked like
fudge bars, which I have always liked. Oh. My. God. These are amahzing! They
are better than ice milk fudge bars – so much better. The coconut milk lends a
rich and creamy mouthfeel. The flavor is chocolately and smooth and I
absolutely love them. I would recommend them to someone that’s not trying to
limit dairy. They are decadent. I can’t wait to try the <a href="http://coconutbliss.com/coconut-bliss-products/naked-coconut-bars">Naked Coconut Bliss bars</a>!
<br />
<br />
Not a fan of ice cream? Never fear, because you can have macaroons. Check out these <a href="http://www.hailmerry.com/snacks/macaroons/case-of-blonde-macaroons.html">Hail Merry macaroons</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRemTPBMRRKDodC97Wz0v4IvtDzeffYWVL2nlDjpuEeg95jJMLo4uTQnrGuVsRe5Sxf1EX0kue3p31szBig9MHF8nmbOrlLohRNPJRm3h5bNfBkY-zuNJ00VhdWBEPSrUn27xiOg/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRemTPBMRRKDodC97Wz0v4IvtDzeffYWVL2nlDjpuEeg95jJMLo4uTQnrGuVsRe5Sxf1EX0kue3p31szBig9MHF8nmbOrlLohRNPJRm3h5bNfBkY-zuNJ00VhdWBEPSrUn27xiOg/s320/IMG_1143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Hail Merry macaroons do not have condensed milk in them, like regular macaroons. (They also don't contain egg whites, which I am not so concerned about.) I got the Raw Blonde kind, which taste like sweet coconut. They also have a chocolate variety called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Merrys-Choco-Macaroons-Pack-8/dp/B0058EBMGO/ref=pd_bxgy_gro_img_y">Choco Macaroons</a>. I
have not tried the choco ones yet, but I plan to pick some up in the
future. They guy that checked us out at Whole Foods said the blonde kind
are better. I agree that they are delightful. In fact, they are so incredibly freakin' good that I could eat way more than the serving size of two cookies. Mmmm, coconut, you are my new best friend. <br />
<br />
So, as you can see, I'm pretty set in the non-dairy dessert department. I am currently out of all my desserts, though, so I think it's time for some grocery shopping! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-47264689731475549182012-09-13T15:25:00.001-07:002012-09-13T15:43:30.382-07:00Non-dairy, etc.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->There are some dairy items that I like to have occasionally, but aren't things I need every day like cream in my coffee. After sorting out the basics of non-dairy replacements, like cream and butter, I decided to do some further exploration. So I've delved into more non-dairy products that would be nice to have as options. Because life would be better with sour cream, cream cheese, ranch dressing and mac n' cheese, right?<br />
<br />
Here's what I've tried so far...<br />
<br />
<b>Sour Cream</b><br />
<br />
I bought some <a href="http://www.tofutti.com/ss.shtml">Tofutti Sour Supreme sour cream</a> at Safeway. I love sour cream and could eat it straight. I
especially like it on burritos and baked potatoes. I was excited to try to the
Tofutti non dairy sour cream and just dug into it with a spoon when I got home.
Oh, lord. It was not good. It was off white, flavorless and while the
consistency was thick, it was not creamy. I was very disappointed and threw it
out.<br />
<br />
<b>Cream Cheese</b><br />
<br />
I picked up some <a href="http://www.followyourheart.com/products/cream-cheese/">Follow Your Heart vegan cream cheese</a> at Whole Foods.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRuE8q6eI-rEAIh2fjGuqhi129ot99F4ex8mgq-nF7yBY0s8ImGj7hS92Ng-lGz3rlYRQgb7LrGyKciv_HUOcMf-xV6VrrYqGRKKt69MBNRtZCRZ0IhiwR0bJdg2KW0TUL6VYCw/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRuE8q6eI-rEAIh2fjGuqhi129ot99F4ex8mgq-nF7yBY0s8ImGj7hS92Ng-lGz3rlYRQgb7LrGyKciv_HUOcMf-xV6VrrYqGRKKt69MBNRtZCRZ0IhiwR0bJdg2KW0TUL6VYCw/s320/IMG_1132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I’ve tried this on Wheat Thins and also on whole wheat bread with turkey. I don't feel like I'm eating real cream cheese, but
it’s not bad. It's not as creamy and sinful tasting as regular cream cheese. It's kind of like when you get something non-fat or low-fat and it's just not as good as the full fat version, but it's edible. If I eat it with the idea that it is just a spread, then I think
it’s ok. So maybe it's about expectations? At any rate, it's nice to know this cream cheese is out there as an option. I will probably have it again every now and then, but it won't be something that I will buy every week, like almond milk.<br />
<br />
<b>Ranch Dressing</b><br />
<br />
When we went to <a href="http://razzispizza.com/">Razzi’s</a> and I tried the pizza with Daiya cheese, I also
tried their vegan ranch dressing on my dinner salad. I was convinced it would
be awful, but amazingly, I was proven wrong. Their vegan ranch is the bomb! I
almost couldn’t tell it wasn’t regular ranch. If they had brought it to me and
said it was regular ranch, I’m not sure I would have known the difference. It’s
that good. I will absolutely order it next time we go there. I loves me some
ranch. <br />
<br />
<b>Mac n Cheese (Or "Cheeze")</b><br />
<br />
Never one to pass on an opportunity for mac n’ cheese, I snapped up some
<a href="http://www.amys.com/products/product-detail/entrees/000043">Amy’s Dairy Free Rice Macaroni and Cheeze</a> at Whole Foods. I like fancy mac n’
cheese – like the kind they have at <a href="https://www.chowfoods.com/hi-life">the High Life</a>. However, I also like boxed mac ' cheese. My all-time favorite of any mac n' cheese out there is
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Spirals. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
I know, it’s trashy, but what can I say? So, I had high hopes for the Amy’s mac
n’ cheese. I extracted it from its box and examined the contents:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a frozen, pale orange block in small tray.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShIbLnM7OAnUdu5WNWACeUD6YXTvFNJzy0ftTiF31tsoK74OX-SSROLTdDOrFNnbXavHjr4QUW48zec0d86oxp9_7LHMfPVHWTEgaR-4DWlh87gmhH5gXPwDYXGzYv-CO24UYcA/s1600/IMG_1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShIbLnM7OAnUdu5WNWACeUD6YXTvFNJzy0ftTiF31tsoK74OX-SSROLTdDOrFNnbXavHjr4QUW48zec0d86oxp9_7LHMfPVHWTEgaR-4DWlh87gmhH5gXPwDYXGzYv-CO24UYcA/s320/IMG_1137.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, microwavable food never looks that great before it gets microwaved. Undaunted, I
followed the directions on the box and in minutes my dinner was ready. The
“cheeze” in this meal is another Daiya cheese. I took a big bite and promptly
burned the living shit out of my tongue and the roof of my mouth. After
recovering, I blew on the next bite to cool it off and then tasted it. Hmmm. It
didn’t have a ton of flavor, so I proceeded to add a healthy dose of pepper.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsC2EtFV86GZ1NDygSgxNO3NZJNU4nxavitS1jHx7td70AAzjLqAJiFQ_xLByASCwZ2KlwFeQY2MwAuA7_GuMWrqYYkQ_392_QoBozsXDdXd0KyBwqvDPDpH2RXz6PYZ9BiUO0Q/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsC2EtFV86GZ1NDygSgxNO3NZJNU4nxavitS1jHx7td70AAzjLqAJiFQ_xLByASCwZ2KlwFeQY2MwAuA7_GuMWrqYYkQ_392_QoBozsXDdXd0KyBwqvDPDpH2RXz6PYZ9BiUO0Q/s320/IMG_1138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I took another bite. The macaroni was kind of squishy, but it wasn’t
terrible. And the cheeze? It was bland and gluey. I tried to keep eating it and
made my way through about three quarters of the serving. Then I threw the rest
away. What a letdown. I like a lot of other Amy’s products, like the <a href="http://www.amys.com/products/product-detail/burritos-and-wraps/000070">dairy free burritos</a> (which are awesome and I eat at least two per week), but I won’t be
buying the Dairy Free Rice Macaroni and Cheeze again. Bummer.<br />
<br />
I'm going to keep trying different brands of mac n' cheese and sour cream, though. You never know - there might be something delightful out there waiting to be discovered. In the meantime, I've been hugely successful with finding dairy free frozen treats. So stay tuned for that! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-15819671683784529052012-09-12T17:30:00.002-07:002012-09-12T17:45:30.289-07:00Yogurt and Cheese<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
My foray into non-dairy foods continues. Today, I will regale you with my non-dairy yogurt and non-dairy cheese adventures. You don't have tell me how exciting this is, because I already know.<br />
<br />
Without further ado... <br />
<br />
<b>Yogurt</b><br />
<br />
So far, I have tried <a href="http://www.wholesoyco.com/our-products/6oz-soy-yogurt">WholeSoy and Co. yogurt</a> (Safeway carries this brand) and also Trader Joe's soy yogurt. Both are
pretty good and I like them, but they would be better if they dialed down the sweetness. They both have the consistency of original Yoplait yogurt, which I find pleasing. I have gotten various flavors
of the WholeSoy and Co. (vanilla, strawberry, and blueberry) and they were all good. I like to add
fruit and cereal and that makes a good snack and makes them seem less sweet. I would buy both the WholeSoy and Co. and the Trader Joe's brand soy yogurt again.<br />
<br />
I just bought So Delicious cultured Greek style coconut yogurt in plain and
Amande cultured almond milk yogurt in coconut flavor. Confusing? Yes. I just
went a little apeshit at Whole Foods because they have so many brands to choose
from (compared to Safeway.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/coconut-milk-yogurts/plain-greek">The So Delicious Greek Style coconut yogurt</a> in plain was really awful.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8j5L7mA50Mb9rx90ocWqq-tLZH9w9iOH6NnzDIMn6v8ztB5pitH4ipJ7r6PxILH09yUQoCQaxaQ4jhEeyXfaJpyQbcUlXHkHZAnaoXIH-uGwwqf6RSbs58vXy7C1yaonZs2YKA/s1600/IMG_1126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8j5L7mA50Mb9rx90ocWqq-tLZH9w9iOH6NnzDIMn6v8ztB5pitH4ipJ7r6PxILH09yUQoCQaxaQ4jhEeyXfaJpyQbcUlXHkHZAnaoXIH-uGwwqf6RSbs58vXy7C1yaonZs2YKA/s320/IMG_1126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was thick, but kind of slimy and it had the consistency of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesso">gesso</a> with an odd coconut flavor. I'm really sad to say that, because I was looking for something like Fage 2% Greek yogurt. I put some blueberries in it to make it bearable, but I still couldn't finish it. I would not buy it again, but I do want to try the <a href="http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/coconut-milk-yogurts/blueberry">regular So Delicious cultured coconut milk</a>.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.amandeyogurt.com/">Amande cultured almond milk</a> in coconut flavor was just ok.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOzHyFfdFKz7TMmI1st-pKiaqWLDUQUP927TdcMLVCCnN-hIx9nvR7yTnAhIwUIvJz6kFHQruSnX2CYJ5PqaeWJCQUQ7Qk1sIdCIfapll6mHoOesEX_v5KiWDuspZCp9YZz0F-A/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOzHyFfdFKz7TMmI1st-pKiaqWLDUQUP927TdcMLVCCnN-hIx9nvR7yTnAhIwUIvJz6kFHQruSnX2CYJ5PqaeWJCQUQ7Qk1sIdCIfapll6mHoOesEX_v5KiWDuspZCp9YZz0F-A/s320/IMG_1128.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It had bits of coconut in it and it was really sweet. I liked that it was made from almond milk, though, and it had a traditional yogurt texture. I plan to buy more flavors, like strawberry and raspberry and see how those taste.<br />
<br />
<b>Cheese</b><br />
<br />
I've been leery of trying cheese because soy cheese just seems like a bad
idea. But onward and upward, right? So I got <a href="http://www.shopwell.com/galaxy-nutritional-foods-veggie-slices-pepper-jack-flavor/cheese-hard/p/7717266718">Galaxy Nutritional Foods VeggieSlices in pepper jack flavor</a>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy6_HsmIdqSEsDBbUCoA_eG9BPoqhCQ8ZADM0XXKPkOGKGuXNpfPX9iplB4ohblj8t5Fbu0061D2Un4XFORFMNNPpRVxd0OA4tlbPdXMGNhqi0tHlCMYY4OynvaMz_hEwPlsIiQ/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy6_HsmIdqSEsDBbUCoA_eG9BPoqhCQ8ZADM0XXKPkOGKGuXNpfPX9iplB4ohblj8t5Fbu0061D2Un4XFORFMNNPpRVxd0OA4tlbPdXMGNhqi0tHlCMYY4OynvaMz_hEwPlsIiQ/s320/IMG_1141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's actually not bad on a sandwich. It's kind of
like American cheese, but I don't mind that. It's fine on a cold sandwich and it also melts pretty well - like on a hot Garden burger. It is soy based and lactose free,
but does have casein in it, which is a milk protein. It doesn't seem to bother
my skin so far and I am on my second package of it. They carry it at Safeway.<br />
<br />
I just bought some <a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/our-products/jalapeno-garlic-havarti-wedge">Daiya havarti style dairy free cheese</a> in jalapeno garlic
flavor. It is totally free of dairy. They carry this at Whole Foods.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zkKsyP55HPIzrcMjDEqE4L1w3qiscpQ77dMnA518nv6EEhCdMhoGLyA3HNyju_eXO2NjRJ5edMR_a1_oIvyKbFZp_dX5Fz-a0aYhnsdoAgDz09QBt6J-DsOHc8Incsz5OjYSZA/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zkKsyP55HPIzrcMjDEqE4L1w3qiscpQ77dMnA518nv6EEhCdMhoGLyA3HNyju_eXO2NjRJ5edMR_a1_oIvyKbFZp_dX5Fz-a0aYhnsdoAgDz09QBt6J-DsOHc8Incsz5OjYSZA/s320/IMG_1130.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I've tried it on some Wheat Thins and it's flavorful, but I wouldn't say it's cheese-like. It doesn't seem like havarti at all. The texture is thicker than a Laughing Cow cheese triangle, but you can still spread it on a cracker with a knife. The garlic packs a punch, so make sure you don't need to get up close to anyone after your cheese n' cracker snack. Even if you brush your teeth, the garlic taste still hangs around. I recommend chewing Orbit Peppermint gum after eating this. Your loved ones will thank you. But would I buy the Daiya havarti style wedge again? Sure, if I was at Whole Foods and wanted a snack spread for my crackers, I would pick this up.<br />
<br />
I tried some fake cheese at <a href="http://razzispizza.com/">Razzi's</a> (a pizza place in our hood) and it was
pretty bad. I had <a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/our-products/mozzarella">Daiya vegan shredded mozzarella cheese</a> on my salad and it tasted
weird and had a strange, dry texture. I also had the Daiya vegan mozzarella melted on my
pizza and it was very glue-like and looked like melted plastic. I ate it
because I was hungry, but I wouldn't order it again. So, that was sad, because I love Razzi's pizza and also their dinner salad with real cheese! I think maybe I'll just hold the cheese next time. (But I won't cut the cheese. Har har.)<br />
<br />
That's as far as I've gotten with yogurt and cheese so far. The yogurt options have been successful overall. The cheese...well, let's just say that I really miss medium Tillamook cheddar and mozzarella cheese on pizza, and string cheese, and real pepper jack slices and nacho cheese dip and, I could go on forever. But I don't have any disgusting chin lesions from reacting to real dairy, so I guess I'll just enjoy that triumph. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-71131625599844643952012-09-11T13:12:00.004-07:002012-09-11T13:22:11.623-07:00Departure from DairyI've struggled with breakouts for far too long. Although many topicals (both prescription and OTC) have helped, nothing has totally freed me from the horror of awaking to a new blemish. I decided to explore dietary changes, at the risk of becoming one of those annoying people who goes on ad nauseum about their food restrictions.<br />
<br />
So, I cut out dairy. I missed milk on my oatmeal and cream for my coffee. But was dedicated to the experiment, so stuck with it for a few weeks. And then, miraculously, my skin seemed clearer. Coincidence? Well, I threw caution to the wind last week when we went to Walla Walla. Cream in my coffee? Check. Cheese pizza, cheese enchiladas and melted cheese on my scrambled eggs? Yup. Cream based soup (Potato Leek - yummo!). Uh huh. Major skin eruption? Sadly, yes. After four days of having a dairy orgy, I had a small papule on my right cheek, two closed comedones (one on either side of my nose) and an angry, red papule on my chin. Curses! So, I decided to stop the damn dairy again. That was eight days ago and my skin is totally clear again.<br />
<br />
With my totally non-scientific experiment proving that dairy makes me break out, I am abandoning all dairy products from here on out. But what the hell am I going to eat? I can't live without cereal with milk and coffee with cream in the morning, so I have started exploring dairy alternatives. Some have been lovely and some have been downright offensive.<br />
<br />
I'll focus on milk, cream and butter today - you know, the essentials. Tomorrow, I will move on to cheese and yogurt.<br />
<br />
So let's dive right in, shall we? <br />
<br />
<b>Milk</b><br />
<br />
Aaron likes soy milk, so I tried that first. He gets vanilla soy milk in variety of brands from Safeway. I tried his soy milk and I wasn't too impressed. So, I tried almond milk. Mmmm. I tried Safeway's house brand (not too bad), Silk original almond milk (ok) and <a href="http://www.bluediamond.com/index.cfm?navid=33">Blue Diamond Almond Breeze almond milk</a>, which is my favorite so far.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK3n-fs3OrhsThZowFcYLgXT_R1tTtmC-MWl6QKbawv2uaWqycKNlnwNWfrXp2vkIRfrbgEK_H5UB38OXOkr4jUDHeT72ToyDJWHKyCYPPctDi8j4IlZRHZI1VAWkAHCR9swK8w/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK3n-fs3OrhsThZowFcYLgXT_R1tTtmC-MWl6QKbawv2uaWqycKNlnwNWfrXp2vkIRfrbgEK_H5UB38OXOkr4jUDHeT72ToyDJWHKyCYPPctDi8j4IlZRHZI1VAWkAHCR9swK8w/s320/IMG_1120.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I get original flavor because it is not as sweet as the vanilla flavor. It's great on cold and hot cereal and not too bad to have a glass of it as a snack, although, I prefer chocolate almond milk if I'm going to drink it straight. (I have tried Silk chocolate almond milk and it is delicious.)<br />
<br />
Next, I tried Trader Joe's brand of unsweetened coconut milk to see if it would be better than almond milk. Oh, gag! It was awful. It was thick like glue on my cereal and it tasted like paste. I ended up dumping it out into the sink (yes, I probably could have cooked with it, but I am lazy.) I don't know if the vanilla or sweetened version would better, but I think I'll just stick with almond milk for now. <br />
<br />
Ok, so the milk situation is solved. <br />
<br />
<b>Cream</b><br />
<br />
I started out with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carnation-Coffee-Mate-Creamers-Vanilla-NSL35170/dp/B000TS56V6">Nestle Carnation Coffee-Mate creamers</a> that come in little individual serving containers. Unfortunately, they tasted like plastic and then I realized that the creamer has some milk derivative ingredients in it. Fail. Then, since we already had almond milk and soy milk, I decided to try both in my coffee. Yuck. Neither one was thick enough and just made the coffee look and taste watered down. Aaron's vanilla soy milk added a strange sweet flavor that I didn't care for because I don't put my sugar in my coffee. I'm looking for the creamy taste of Half & Half. Next, I tried soy creamer from Trader Joe's (their house brand). It was horrible. It had a strange smell and didn't seem creamy enough. I poured it down the sink.<br />
<br />
When we were in Walla Walla at the Marcus Whitman hotel, they had <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Natural-Foods-Blenders-Containers/dp/B002FYJW8U/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1347392462&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=pacific+soy+blenders">Pacific Natural Foods Plain Soy Blenders</a> and so I tried that in coffee. It was actually not too bad. I checked around, though, and I can only find it by the case on Amazon. Uh, that's kind of an investment for something I think I kind of like.<br />
<br />
So, I decided to go to Whole Foods and see what they had to offer. I saw <a href="http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/coconut-milk-creamers">So Delicious Original Coconut Milk creamer</a>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtxBVnhi-hcWZthauik72ZtPyyJmQw9AZI4DdfR3aV7nAwBeY2IdaFw0G1p1tY1LZEk0LASUmkwFg18Cg4_Q3ExES_nICyyn-V_eMmEM-LBV7N6gS5Rah73pMIrbX_VEQAe4hWQ/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtxBVnhi-hcWZthauik72ZtPyyJmQw9AZI4DdfR3aV7nAwBeY2IdaFw0G1p1tY1LZEk0LASUmkwFg18Cg4_Q3ExES_nICyyn-V_eMmEM-LBV7N6gS5Rah73pMIrbX_VEQAe4hWQ/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was on sale for $2, so I threw it in the cart. And, then the clouds parted and the angels sang! It tastes pretty damn good! It's not as good as regular cream, but it doesn't smell weird, it doesn't separate, it's rich and creamy in texture and flavor, it's not sweet and it turns the coffee the correct color.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4RNz94niE-HZcPezNOgY56d1QJp5E3XGTMd_daaZj7ncYY6YRubuZSWnWNPnyu_KaUedVgCKyOjCUEhCCri-nLD_J4CFqrNZo_fNHJMTVsbMnhx32UkXf1a1thiiqZil8K_CRQ/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4RNz94niE-HZcPezNOgY56d1QJp5E3XGTMd_daaZj7ncYY6YRubuZSWnWNPnyu_KaUedVgCKyOjCUEhCCri-nLD_J4CFqrNZo_fNHJMTVsbMnhx32UkXf1a1thiiqZil8K_CRQ/s320/IMG_1118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Judges, we have a winner!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Butter</b><br />
<br />
The butter substitute was a slam dunk right off the bat. I got <a href="http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/product/whipped-buttery-spread/">Earth Balance Whipped Buttery Spread</a> and I love it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc3uYemBmNsDN1RpfwbTGDX-dRqaTCuSc98-PAaUQXzGcIw86oY0D0Z8oKDMI1XkuQb2oaxz4cmoExGfufOd0sdZo3fVoFcFtMlnEUbPZB6Ie-vyz63SOwx7BLGpU9vZW6rmNxA/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc3uYemBmNsDN1RpfwbTGDX-dRqaTCuSc98-PAaUQXzGcIw86oY0D0Z8oKDMI1XkuQb2oaxz4cmoExGfufOd0sdZo3fVoFcFtMlnEUbPZB6Ie-vyz63SOwx7BLGpU9vZW6rmNxA/s320/IMG_1125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They have it at Safeway and Whole Foods. It's good on toast, waffles, and vegetables. I even sauteed some potatoes in it and it was delicious. I think it might be slightly saltier than regular butter, but I don't mind that. It reminds me of this margarine that I had in Sweden called <a href="http://www.superbest.dk/produkt/latta-minarine">Latta</a> that I loved. (Apparently, judging by the website that I found, they have Latta in Denmark, too.)<br />
<br />
With milk, cream and butter sorted out, I am feeling pretty good. Tomorrow, I will post some more on my other forays into dairy-free freedom. <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-58440855495039602672012-08-16T13:35:00.001-07:002012-08-16T13:51:36.526-07:00MAC Lipstick<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first time I tried <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/310/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl">MAC lipstick</a> was on a trip to
Vancouver, BC with some girlfriends. I had never tried their make-up before,
but was smitten as soon as we walked into the pro store on Robson Street. I
bought a frosty rust color called "Fetish" that I absolutely loved. My hair was red then<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and it worked really well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Since that first visit, I have bought tube after tube of
their lipstick and I never leave the house without a MAC lipstick in my purse.
I have taken full advantage of their recycling program where you bring in six
used tubes to get a new free lipstick. I’ve stuck with them when my hair
changed from red to blonde, blonde to brown, back to blonde and I plan to stay
true to MAC when I go back to brown next week.</div>
<br />
Here's a shot of some of my collection. From left to right is Speak Louder, Lustering, See Sheer, O and Sophisto.<br />
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<br />
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Two of my all-time favorite colors are “O” and “Sophisto”.
“O” is a frost and “Sophisto” is a lustre. I find that they work with many
different hair colors and even different skin tones. “O” is a deep bronze-y berry with
copper flecks and it has great color pay-off. “Sophisto” is a pinky berry that
is much sheerer. I apply both without a mirror with no problems. They wear off
evenly and also work well with gloss over them, if I want more shine. </div>
<br />
A couple colors that I have tried more recently are
“Lustering” and “Speak Louder”. They are both hot pink, but “Lustering” (pictured below) is a
lustre and so is more wearable and very sheer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWoJbNXRBeirN2hFTcyFccU0_UVd0oFlyhQNS5Rj6mjByA0nbnUeQvbj7ym4Uv7TgLvzve6T-rOE5JI6-OPwKtELHNeQPobrApJ8g9pzH3x_LZ-HXRDgekXNvWnRP4eHNafn-sQ/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWoJbNXRBeirN2hFTcyFccU0_UVd0oFlyhQNS5Rj6mjByA0nbnUeQvbj7ym4Uv7TgLvzve6T-rOE5JI6-OPwKtELHNeQPobrApJ8g9pzH3x_LZ-HXRDgekXNvWnRP4eHNafn-sQ/s320/IMG_0682.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
You can tell Lustering is hot pink, but
it looks fun and not clownish. It goes nicely with <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/opi-nail-lacquer-strawberry-margarita/qxp163746">“Strawberry Margarita” nail polish by OPI.</a> “Speak Louder”, on the other hand, is definitely louder. It’s a
cremesheen and is opaque, but still somehow very wearable. For a bit of shine,
Sephora’s Pin-Up Pink Shiny gloss layers well over both of these. “Lustering”
is more daytime and “Speak Louder” might be more for evening. Although, I have
worn both day and night, so it really matters more how I’m feeling and what
else I’m wearing.
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMhmPW2z5wNp0SoJYlR41_SZxqRlyGzdJR59lA8WvuOUIaxAXwf0w2E3Og9_JehRRJpI-qAILB3LD7Gay37WFFiN0oIe3jOoFMIzag6R9sDqx-Y4Zi99VUiZh95rX0l_wbZuVlg/s1600/IMG_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMhmPW2z5wNp0SoJYlR41_SZxqRlyGzdJR59lA8WvuOUIaxAXwf0w2E3Og9_JehRRJpI-qAILB3LD7Gay37WFFiN0oIe3jOoFMIzag6R9sDqx-Y4Zi99VUiZh95rX0l_wbZuVlg/s320/IMG_0691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have been experimenting with corals lately and so I got
“Costa Chic” and “See Sheer”. “Costa Chic” is a frost and is very, very coral.
I really don’t like to wear it by itself because I feel like it veers into “old
lady” coral territory. However, when I put it on lightly and then layer on
gloss over the top, I get a more modern look. I have some neutral Stila glosses
(like Kitten and Creme Bouquet) that pair nicely with “Costa Chic”. “See Sheer” is a lustre
and is nice and sheer, as the name indicates. If you swipe on one layer, you
get a nice color that is kind of a pinky coral. If you put it on with a heavy
hand, you get more of a coral color, that I’m not crazy about. Less is more
with “See Sheer”. </div>
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“Lustering”, “Speak Louder” and “See Sheer”
all wear off evening and I can apply them all without a mirror, except “Speak
Louder”. It’s still easy to put on without too much care, but I do need to look
to make sure I stay in the lip line. I haven't worn "Costa Chic" enough to comment on staying power and I haven't tried to apply it away from home without a mirror.</div>
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The reds of MAC are the ones that I have a love/hate
relationship with. They look fabulous (who doesn’t love a red lip?), but they
are rather high maintenance. I have “MAC Red” (a satin), New York Apple
(frost),<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Dubonnet (amplified crème). I tried
“Ruby Woo”, but it was just too dry. I am thinking of getting “Russian Red” at
some point. Anyway, “MAC Red” looks like a true red in the tube, but reads more
magenta when it is applied. “Dubonnet” is more of a brick red and goes on very
nicely and looks lovely with “Oh, Baby” lipglass over the top. “New York Apple”
is actually more of a berry, but I like to mix it with the reds. Of the three,
“Dubonnet” is my favorite, but “New York Apple” is the easiest to apply.
“Dubonnet” and “MAC Red” are both a pain in the ass to apply and maintain. They
don’t wear off evenly and I absolutely need a mirror to apply them. They are
special occasion lipsticks. </div>
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The one MAC lipstick that I haven’t been all that impressed
with is <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/966/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Viva-Glam-Lipstick/index.tmpl">Viva Glam V</a>. It’s a lustre and is brownish pink with some shimmer. It’s
easy to wear and wears evenly and looks ok, but I just feel like it’s boring.
It reminds me of <a href="http://www.sephora.com/long-last-soft-shine-lipstick-P122685">“Bamboo Pink” by Clinique</a> and I have a million of those from
GWP’s. It’s a good daytime/office lipstick, but I like “Sophisto” better for
that. Viva Glam V is not horrible, it just doesn’t wow me like the rest of
MAC’s lipsticks. </div>
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A color I used to buy a color called “Smoove”, which was sort of like “O”
without the copper shimmer and had more of a plum hue. “Smoove” was very dry and it doesn't appear that
they make it anymore, but I found the name amusing. Another color that I tried quite a while ago was a frosty lilac, but I just can't remember the name (I have searched high and low for the name and it's not Lavender Whip or Pervette - it's driving me crazy!). It was fun when my hair was platinum blonde and in a
short pixie cut and I was 25 years old, but I don’t think it would work on me
now. </div>
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Overall, I think MAC has a wonderful selection of colors and
finishes. They have crazy colors, everyday colors, colors that I liked when I
was younger, colors that I wear now and colors that my Mom can wear. There are
so many colors to choose from that I don’t think I’ll ever own them all (but
you never know!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWoJbNXRBeirN2hFTcyFccU0_UVd0oFlyhQNS5Rj6mjByA0nbnUeQvbj7ym4Uv7TgLvzve6T-rOE5JI6-OPwKtELHNeQPobrApJ8g9pzH3x_LZ-HXRDgekXNvWnRP4eHNafn-sQ/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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I get to use my discount with MAC, which makes their
lipstick a steal. But since they retail at $15 a tube, they are still very
affordable. Just thinking about it makes me want to go buy a few tubes right
now! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-33155815311806846032012-08-13T19:47:00.000-07:002012-08-13T19:53:26.431-07:00MAC Face and Body Foundation<br />
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I bought some <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/393/Products/Face/Foundation/Face-And-Body-Foundation/index.tmpl">MAC Face and Body Foundation</a> recently. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08ycL0EmRryOQF6ihXDlIdX6EEcMPbL954ibbmkYT-dGUWcW8nI6NVtOThXd4iRcl0uIfNk8eh1A6pllhvlVzHKxSE8afIPcnQ3GxdDfRuL-ty2r-84uezpCLNlxcLAKk3cYBBQ/s1600/mac+face+and+body+foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08ycL0EmRryOQF6ihXDlIdX6EEcMPbL954ibbmkYT-dGUWcW8nI6NVtOThXd4iRcl0uIfNk8eh1A6pllhvlVzHKxSE8afIPcnQ3GxdDfRuL-ty2r-84uezpCLNlxcLAKk3cYBBQ/s320/mac+face+and+body+foundation.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
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I was
looking for something with sheer to medium coverage in a liquid foundation. This is described as having sheer coverage, but I thought I could put mineral foundation over it for more opacity. I read good reviews on the MAC site and so was curious to try it out.</div>
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It comes in a huge container for foundation (ok, maybe 4 ounces doesn't seem huge, but most other foundations seem to be about 1 ounce, so you do the math). Presumably,
that is because you might go through a lot if you used it on your body, I’m
guessing. The packaging is quite nice and stylish, like most MAC make-up. You
squeeze the container to get the product out and I had good luck with being
able to control how much product I dispensed. The top screws on and seems nice
and secure. </div>
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The texture is very thin. It’s not as watery as the <a href="http://www.epinions.com/review/Clinique_Pore_Minimizer_Makeup/content_106065006212?sb=1">Clinique Pore Minimizer foundation</a> that I used to use back in the day, but it’s thinner
than my <a href="http://www.loraccosmetics.com/make-up_breakthrough-performance-foundation.html">Lorac Breakthrough Performance</a> (SMS 2) foundation. I was color matched as a C1. I’m usually in the NC 20
range. I have NC 15 concealer for my chest, which is pretty white. The C1 is a
nice match for my face and chest. </div>
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I tried applying it straight out of the container with my
fingers, which gave a sheer appearance. It dries quickly, so you have to be
speedy with your blending . The SA recommended putting some product on my
palette hand and then working it until it’s a bit tacky so it’s not quite so
thin. I tried that with my fingers and it worked pretty well, but was not any
more opaque with this method. I also tried stippling it on with the 187 brush,
also using my hand as a palette. I found this application quite sheer, too.
None of the application styles that I tried worked to cover up any dark spots
that I have from previous breakouts. I still needed concealer for that. </div>
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The finish is not matte. It’s a bit more dewy, which I don’t
like. So I applied <a href="http://www.clinique.com/product/1607/6271/Makeup/Powders/Blended-Face-Powder-and-Brush/index.tmpl">Clinique Blended Face Powder</a> (in Invisible Blend) over the top, which did give more of a
matte finish. This gave a sheer appearance that looked pretty natural. I tried the <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/1343/Products/Face/Powder/Mineralize-Skinfinish-Natural/index.tmpl">MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural</a> (in Light Plus) pressed powder over the top and this helped to mattify, but did not give more coverage and looked a bit cakey. I experimented with putting on <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/20501/Products/Face/Foundation/Mineralize-FoundationLoose/index.tmpl">MAC Mineralize Loose Foundation</a> over the top. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe4TRZpnDn8UVD-bfWJ7QSv6ypY4FdAvfS7atfEnMUiIg6nsbJosryjyCaD_T69SZtjYBwilkoQ_KLvaLR8xRs4VzbWx1mU7gUZa9JltH6qNyoZf86mjBSALpqYd9R8PNyFkTAg/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe4TRZpnDn8UVD-bfWJ7QSv6ypY4FdAvfS7atfEnMUiIg6nsbJosryjyCaD_T69SZtjYBwilkoQ_KLvaLR8xRs4VzbWx1mU7gUZa9JltH6qNyoZf86mjBSALpqYd9R8PNyFkTAg/s320/IMG_0677.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This gave more of a medium coverage, but definitely made me look
like I was wearing make-up and was not totally matte, so then I had to put some of the Clinique powder on the especially oily spots (like my temples and around my nose and chin). No matter
what combination I tried, I still needed concealer for the dark spots on my
chin (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from breakouts) and also for the dark
spots on my right cheek (hyperpigmentation – probably from sun exposure). </div>
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The Face and Body Foundation did not transfer, so that is a
plus. I put it on my chest and it did not get on my clothes at all. I also
didn’t find the scent bothersome. It had a bit of an orangey scent and the
scent dissipated soon after application. </div>
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Now, to my most important issue - Did the foundatoin make me break out? I'm sad to say that it did. It is billed as a water based foundation, so I didn’t
bother reading the <a href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KJkCCuuClQ0zYAxweJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBlMTQ4cGxyBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1n?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3DMAC%2Bface%2Band%2Bbody%2Bfoundation%2Bingredient%2Blist%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701%26fr2%3Dpiv-web%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D1&w=570&h=331&imgurl=cosmetic-candy.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F08%2FMAC-Face-Body-Foundation-ingredients.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcosmetic-candy.com%2Fmac-haul-face-body-foundation-prep-prime-spf-50-select-concealer%2F&size=80.1+KB&name=ingredients+foundation&p=MAC+face+and+body+foundation+ingredient+list&oid=c2f3838ecbf9b4e932eedb75b7e2b9ae&fr2=piv-web&fr=yfp-t-701&tt=ingredients%2Bfoundation&b=0&ni=220&no=1&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=12r8pdomk&sigb=1450mjr15&sigi=12mjgongt&.crumb=EhzmD4.qg0d">ingredient list</a> before I bought it. I did my research later and found a couple ingredients that made me nervous. One is Fusanus Spicatus wood oil (aka
sandalwood oil) and the other is talc. I try to stay away from oils in my skincare/make-up products and I know that talc can be problematic for people with acne-prone skin. I'm not sure if either of these was the culprit, but something definitely made my skin unhappy. </div>
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So, if you like sheer, dewy coverage and are not prone to breakouts, then you might really like this foundation. I
decided it is not for me, so I ended up giving it to my Mom and she said she
likes it quite well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, on the other
hand, am still hunting for my HG foundation. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-70757347915783815352012-08-10T15:47:00.000-07:002012-08-10T15:59:36.229-07:00Booze TourAaron and I went on a local distillery tour last weekend. The tour was led by Dustin from <a href="http://www.roaddogstours.com/">Road Dogs Tours</a>. We went on a brewery tour with them back in March. The brewery tour was pretty fun, so we thought we'd try the hard stuff this time.<br />
<br />
We met the tour downtown by Pike Place Market at the appointed time and we hopped into the van. It was a toasty day for boozin'. Last Saturday was one of the hottest days that we've had recently. I think it may have reached the low 90's. The two other couples on the tour were from out-of-town, so they seemed to be doing fine with temperature. I, on the other hand, don't like heat. So I felt like I was going to melt, but I forged on in the name of drinking. <br />
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The first distillery we visited was <a href="http://fremontmischief.com/">Mischief</a> in Fremont.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1jPKZYWq-8QBNd2xQrjBks6HlBGnZcmAWg-1AwVuCnV5LjH13Rdv06vP6lt1Dk1v2biZO8A2bk4BlRTxUg4YZdNOQEbJvfMjtqXDHfhd6lEj5Uknu20sGni3roKXzyhX2aUN2w/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1jPKZYWq-8QBNd2xQrjBks6HlBGnZcmAWg-1AwVuCnV5LjH13Rdv06vP6lt1Dk1v2biZO8A2bk4BlRTxUg4YZdNOQEbJvfMjtqXDHfhd6lEj5Uknu20sGni3roKXzyhX2aUN2w/s320/IMG_0905.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
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We got to try their Fremont Mischief Vodka, Fremont Mischief Gin, John Jacob Whiskey and Fremont Mischief Whiskey. The samples were served in tiny plastic containers, so weren't full shots. I liked the vodka and gin, but passed on tasting the whiskey. (I don't drink whiskey, bourbon or scotch due to an ill-fated Seagram's 7/Jim Beam debacle that will haunt me forever.) We didn't buy anything because we already have a bottle of the Fremont Mischief Vodka that I got as a Christmas gift (I know - we need to crack that open!). </div>
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After our samples, we got to see the distilling area behind the tasting room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6qBWJ1Ej4r22spfWjCGxowq7DTGhotnuVh_yn4XTEUbKi7B1k1wD1rlE7R1fJCiwbonr5bVodjFRsPrkOMrI1ap4QPNFy9uBH-5TtslyrLZxGIu9Mt2Qbjyu8NHtC0WCRqYamg/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6qBWJ1Ej4r22spfWjCGxowq7DTGhotnuVh_yn4XTEUbKi7B1k1wD1rlE7R1fJCiwbonr5bVodjFRsPrkOMrI1ap4QPNFy9uBH-5TtslyrLZxGIu9Mt2Qbjyu8NHtC0WCRqYamg/s320/IMG_0899.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The distillery was very compact. The stills were beautiful and reminded me of a brass instrument, like a saxophone. The stills were hand-made in Germany. It was pretty cool to see!<br />
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Our next stop was Sound Spirits Distillery, so we headed to Interbay. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_vwxkDTIIbvQUFqu5Y2BzdAQ50pgMsioTbcZ5mtt380b1XQvGJmqjo1KS5BPiI2TNOrI3YNiqkKB4YDaTzD_kUnfp9PpN58Tg7HG0tJDx9yYKKdnvDe5vH2dxPQkn0DW_8AzIg/s1600/IMG_0918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_vwxkDTIIbvQUFqu5Y2BzdAQ50pgMsioTbcZ5mtt380b1XQvGJmqjo1KS5BPiI2TNOrI3YNiqkKB4YDaTzD_kUnfp9PpN58Tg7HG0tJDx9yYKKdnvDe5vH2dxPQkn0DW_8AzIg/s320/IMG_0918.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
They had a nice area set up in the tasting room and we filed in as our guide lined up some small shot glasses for us. We tried the Ebb+Flow Vodka, Ebb+Flow Gin, Sound Spirits Aquavit, and the Sound Spirits "Vow of Silence" Herbal Liqueur.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPles1_q-LqgyBPUL6HAvgZGwTEx0ofg2xoDuff8zcRu75_Lj8ktrZOvBkkhy9MZt_KZMKqi0QnYBB0-H23VvNBtupgTUiGcP79AipQKQbH-h2QKrFkuiyvm1hB4sBeFa_8Qttw/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPles1_q-LqgyBPUL6HAvgZGwTEx0ofg2xoDuff8zcRu75_Lj8ktrZOvBkkhy9MZt_KZMKqi0QnYBB0-H23VvNBtupgTUiGcP79AipQKQbH-h2QKrFkuiyvm1hB4sBeFa_8Qttw/s320/IMG_0913.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Lastly, we got to sample something that is not for sale yet. I couldn't
detect the scent, but after a few hints, I realized it was chocolate. Mmm! <br />
<br />
At Sound Spirits, I tried everything except the Aquavit. I have had
it in the past and it is not my cup of tea. Aaron liked the gin and the aquavit. I'm not usually a gin girl, but this one didn't have such a strong juniper
berry flavor, so it tasted less like a Christmas tree. We didn't buy any of their spirits, but I would like to go back and get some of the Ebb+Flow Gin. I think it would make a lovely gin and tonic.<br />
<br />
We got to tour their distillery area, as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKdScs1EO6eKrnqSrxxgm2eZTcMn-iV31u2QwF2ByQ_5Png2pWifNnkbGQuVa8UM5vwAirLF2gg3wtoLehJhDHbCBAzxw3j-3epmOiOvO_5p6MJSc2UbyLZnTeYKqrEPEL6o1Ag/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKdScs1EO6eKrnqSrxxgm2eZTcMn-iV31u2QwF2ByQ_5Png2pWifNnkbGQuVa8UM5vwAirLF2gg3wtoLehJhDHbCBAzxw3j-3epmOiOvO_5p6MJSc2UbyLZnTeYKqrEPEL6o1Ag/s320/IMG_0909.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
While we were being shown around, we had a chance to meet Steven Stone, the founder and head distiller. He was industriously working, but took a moment to explain to us about the concept of the "head, heart and tails" with regard to distilling. It sounded like the heart was the good stuff. (<a href="http://www.distillique.co.za/documents/headsheart__tails.html">Here's </a>a more detailed description that I found, if you are curious. Remember, I had had a fair number of shots by this time, so wasn't really soaking up the info too clearly.)<br />
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Sound Spirits also had a nice selection of mixers, which we enjoyed perusing.<br />
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After bidding Sound Spirits adieu, we cruised down the street to <a href="http://www.batch206.com/">Batch 206 Distillery</a>, which is also conveniently located in Interbay.<br />
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Batch 206 has a very hip tasting room - and it was air conditioned! Unfortunately, my camera battery died right when we got there. Gah! But the tasting room had a sitting area, as well as a bar area. It had a mid-century vibe. The wall behind the bar had a really cool geometric wood design and some awesome light fixtures that were made out of bottles. (I asked about them and they were made in Ohio!) We got to try the Batch 206 Vodka and the Counter Gin. They were both great and we got full, chilled shots.<br />
<br />
Next to the tasting room was a banquet/party area. It was all set up for a birthday party that was scheduled for later in the evening. It seemed like a cool place for a party!<br />
<br />
Behind the banquet/party area was the distillery area. It was by the far the largest we had seen all day. They had a still similar to the one at Mischief. It was brass and silver and made in Germany. It was quite a lot larger, though. There was also a lot of storage space for barrels. Jeff Steichen, the owner of Batch 206 (and also previous owner of the Showbox), said that they are planning to distill brandy and whiskey in the future. <br />
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We bought a bottle of the Counter Gin to add to our clear liquor selection at home. <br />
<br />
Overall, the tour was really fun! It was a bit hard to drink that much straight alcohol, but Dustin (our Road Dog guide) said that he is working on tweaking the tour so that it incorporates some cocktails with the featured spirits. Even without cocktails, it was a neat way to see some of the local distilleries and better understand the distilling process. And also to get to booze it up and not have to drive. Cheers to that!<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-56575176762452990962012-08-03T20:06:00.000-07:002012-08-03T20:12:04.376-07:00The ViewThe thing that drew me in the most about our apartment was the 180 degree view from the living/dining room. We're on the sixth floor, and ours is the tallest building in the hood. So we can see it all. If you want to look up and focus on the sky, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets from the living room or the deck.<br />
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Or, if you prefer something grittier, you can look down through the dining room window and drink in the Baranof.
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We are directly next to the Baranof, so we can see the sign in front, but more importantly, we can see the smoking section in the back. This is the view from the living room if you look straight down.<br />
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The area in the back is where all the action happens. When we first moved in, we were greeted by an old, fat, white man who was sitting in one of the chairs behind the Baranof and enjoying a cigarette. When he decided to needed to vacate the area in his car, he realized he was blocked by our moving truck. Incensed to the point where I thought he might have a stroke, he screamed at our movers (three very friendly, but large and fit African American men) that they needed to get the f- out of his way. To put a finer point on it, he revved the engine of his Monte Carlo until our movers relocated the truck out of the alleyway. Minutes later, after a half block drive to Walgreen's, he returned with a prescription and commenced smoking behind the Baranof after taking his pills. We named him Monte Carlo. I thought he died because we didn't see him for a few months, but it turns out he sold the Monte Carlo and got an old Ford Bronco. He's still fat and sassy, though.<br />
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If you look straight out the living room window you can see Bartell's, as well as some of the other shops on 85th. <br />
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There is a mentally ill homeless woman who likes to hang out in the doorway of a vacant storefront across from Bartell's. I think she might be schizophrenic and possibly also have Tourette's, because she screams to imaginary people and uses a lot of colorful language.<br />
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Across from the Baranof is the Crosswalk. It's a hard drinking bar, too.
I've never been inside, but it looks like the kind of place where the
music would stop if a non-regular walked inside. A couple doors down
from the Crosswalk is Gainsbourg. I love Gainsbourg. It's a diamond in
the rough of Greenwood.
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In the building next to the Baranof is an artist's collective called
Greenwood Collective. It is the one that juts up and is made of brick. You can see this view from our living room, dining room and the master bedroom. The Greenwood Collective has space you can rent out for events and I
think they have studio space for artists because I have seen hipsters on
the roof above the space and also jockeying for smoking space behind
the Baranof. <br />
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Greenwood is what you'd call "up-and-coming", but I like it. It's got some cool places to hang out, but I can still go to the Safeway across the street and not worry if I'm wearing my ratty pink hoodie, track pants from the Goodwill and no make-up.<br />
<br />
And if I get bored, I can always spy on the Baranof-ers. The other day I overheard a guy say, "Yeah, I slipped and fell on the steps and hit the ground so hard my false teeth flew out!" And that kind of unexpected entertainment is priceless.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-46019861742293299022012-07-10T14:33:00.000-07:002012-07-10T14:49:27.920-07:00The Lot<br />
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When my brother and I were little, we played on the lot. It was basically undeveloped property behind
our house that my parents owned. There were lots of cedar trees, weeds and
other underbrush growing wherever it wanted. My parents referred to it as “the
lot”, so that’s what we called it, too. They
would say, “Why don’t you guys go play on the lot?” We didn’t need any coaxing.
It was a wonderland for kids. It doesn’t seem very big now, but when I was a
kid, it seemed vast and wholly separate from our back yard.</div>
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When we played on the lot, the neighborhood kids would come
and play with us. I was the only girl. The rest of the kids that played with us
were all boys. There was Lauren – his house was next to the lot. He was a
spitter. If you upset him, he would spit on you. He was also afraid of our
Pekinese, Muffy, who was not particularly intimidating. He came over to our
house sometimes and we played “Go Fish” and he would always say, “Go fish in
the sewer” when it was his turn. When Muffy barked at him, he would scream and
hold his hands up to fend her off. He was my brother’s age – 6 years old.</div>
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The other kid that played with us sometimes was Kelly. He
was probably about 7 and he lived a couple streets over with his Grandma. Kelly
was kind of annoying and I remember him just staring a lot. One time, I locked him in our shed once and told him it was filled with
spiders (even thought it wasn't). He screamed like a banshee until he was able to push hard enough on the door to knock me out of the way. As an adult, I feel guilty about this. As a kid, I think I just wanted to see if I could
get a rise out of him.</div>
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The other two kids we played with lived on the same street
as the lot. They were from a family of 5 boys. Rudy was the oldest, then
George, and then their younger brothers that I never met because they were
toddlers and were probably just hanging out at home watching Sesame Street or
something. </div>
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George was my age, 8 years old, and we played together a
lot. I would ask him, “Hey George, what do you want to do?” And he would say,
“Go poo.” I found it highly annoying. I wanted to know if he wanted to make new
trails on the lot or make dirt bombs or something useful.</div>
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Rudy was a couple years older than George and me. He had a
BMX bike and seemed infinitely cooler than we were. He had a friend named Sam
that had red hair and also had a BMX bike, but when Sam was there, Rudy would
just hang out with him and pretend that he barely knew us. Sam never played on
the lot. When he was around, he and Rudy would just stay on their bikes on the
cul-de-sac, talk to us briefly and then pedal away to do something better. I’m
not sure what.</div>
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My brother and I played on the lot every chance we got. When
my parents decided it was getting late and it was time for us to come in, my
Dad would honk. He had gotten a bike horn somewhere and decided it would be a
way to call for us without having to yell. The horn was metal and had a black
rubber bulb on one end that you squeezed to make a sound. It was pretty big, so
its blast had quite a range.</div>
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One afternoon, we were busy hanging out by the ditch at the
edge of the cul de sac. We didn’t have sewer at that time, much to my Mom’s
chagrin, so there were ditches running in front of everyone’s house to take
care of runoff water from rain. We were entertaining ourselves by throwing
rocks into the ditch. George heard a
whistle. It was the kind of whistle people make to hail a cab and it seemed to
coming from the direction of our house. He said, “Did you guys hear that?” We
shrugged it off. It wasn’t the horn, so it we figured it wasn’t meant for us.
We kept playing. Then we heard the whistle again. George looked concerned, but
I was nonplussed. My Dad never whistled, so I was free to keep throwing rocks
into the ditch. A few seconds later, we heard the honka honka sound of the
horn. We dropped what we were doing and hustled up the trail to the house. My
Dad was on the deck with my Grandpa. He had indeed honked for us because it was
time for dinner. My Grandpa was mystified that we would come running for the
horn, but not for a whistle. He had been the one whistling, but like trained
monkeys, we only came running when we were summoned by the bike horn.</div>
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When we weren’t making dirt bombs on the lot or responding
to horns like Pavlov’s dog, we were playing war. We would divide into teams and
then run around and hide from each other and then pounce out of the underbrush
and huck dirt bombs at the opposing team member.</div>
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Dirt bombs were made by taking a small stick and then
carefully digging into the dirt on the hill that faced the cul-de-sac. It was
more packed down in that area, so when you dug up the dirt, it would stick
together in little clods. Once the dirt bombs were made, we would stack them in
a pile until it was time to throw them at each other.</div>
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Sometimes my friend Laurie came over to play. She lived
close-by, but not within walking distance, so her Mom had to drive her over.
When she came over, the two of us would play with Barbies in my bedroom or jump around
the backyard with my cheerleader pom-poms. But one day when Laurie was over, I
thought it would be fun to integrate her into playing on the lot. As usual, we
were going to play war. She was on my team and my brother was on the opposite
team with the rest of the boys. I was happily throwing dirt bombs at everyone,
which weren’t very dangerous because they just disintegrated when they made
contact and didn’t hurt. But Laurie took it to another level and threw a stick
at my brother. It connected with his forehead with a crack. I froze in shock.
My brother was stunned momentarily and then looked at me. He must have seen the
terror in my eyes, because that’s when he began howling and crying. I was
aghast. I explained to Laurie that we never throw sticks or rocks, only dirt
bombs. It seemed obvious to me. Laurie
was remorseful, but I never invited her to play on the lot again. My brother
had a big goose egg on his forehead, but he recovered and didn’t suffer any
permanent damage. My parents made us take a break from the lot for a while, but
after a few weeks we were able to get back to our old ways.</div>
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One summer, Rudy made the biggest dirt bomb ever. He must
have worked on carefully digging it up for a while, because it was as big as a Russet
Potato. Most of the other dirt bombs we made were about the size of a Swedish
meatball. I marveled at it, but was suddenly seized with the idea to throw it.
Lauren, George and my brother were all hanging around, careful not to jostle
the dirt bomb and break it. I wanted to show that I wasn’t scared of Rudy. He
wasn’t the boss of me. Besides, how would he know what happened if it suddenly
went missing? So I marched up the hill to where the dirt bomb was resting. I
picked it up and raised it above my head and then paused for effect. Lauren’s
eyes widened and George looked a little scared. I heaved the dirt bomb onto the
street and it shattered into loose soil and sprayed all over the concrete.
Lauren said he was going to tell on me. I said, “Go ahead, I don’t care.” I
knew we were leaving soon to spend the summer at my grandparents’ cabin on
Whidbey Island.</div>
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When we got back after summer was almost over, I was worried
about what Rudy might do to me. I saw George and he said Rudy had been really
mad. I waited to get my punishment, but I think that Rudy must have forgotten
about my offense by then, because he never did or said anything to me. He must
have found something cooler to do with Sam. </div>
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When I was half way through 4<sup>th</sup> grade we moved to
Olympia and left the lot behind. We had new frontiers to explore like neighborhoods
with sidewalks and a corner store called the Frog Pond that sold Jolly Rancher
Stix and Lemonheads.</div>
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I still think of the lot any time I hear a bike horn. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-49983064766090684822012-07-02T16:08:00.002-07:002012-07-02T16:09:59.417-07:00Car ShowThe Greenwood Car Show was this past weekend. The weather was a bit soggy, but Aaron and I had a few people over and forged onward up Greenwood Avenue to view the cars in the show.<br />
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I got some shots of the various cars. I focused on detail and reflections. Here are some of my favorites.<br />
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As we walked around, we saw some non- car related sights. Like this guy, who, instead of just putting his hand on the small of his girl's back, actually had his hand INSIDE her pants. Maybe his hands were cold? <br />
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We also saw some guys dancing in the street, like on that show on MTV called ABDC that is hosted by Mario Lopez. (I know, my television viewing habits are questionable.) This kid's crew was watching and giving him moral support. We did not partake, however.<br />
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After seeing a lot of cool cars and making our way through the crowds, we headed home to relax. We enjoyed a quiet evening watching the movie "21 Jump Street". Aaron and I can always agree on a movie with Jonah Hill in it. I recommend renting it!<br />
<br />
And be sure to hit up the Greenwood Car Show next year - we'll be there! (I will, however, not sanction anyone using the waistband of my pants as a mitten.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-63480647485711937132012-06-18T16:21:00.000-07:002012-06-18T16:40:25.861-07:00Don't Go Away Mad, Just Go Away<br />
When I was at my Dad's house the other weekend, I was reveling in his ability not to care what other people think. It is something I aspire to do, but only sometimes achieve. <br />
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Take, for example, his pithy door mat.<br />
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It made me smirk as soon as he opened the door when I arrived. I also like the typewriter style font. I would get one for our doorstep, but sadly, we don't need a mat because we live in an apartment with interior halls. Perhaps I could make some kind of country kitsch wall decoration to hang on the door that says, "Leave" instead of "Welcome Friends". <br />
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The other sign that made me chuckle was on the window of my Dad's car.<br />
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The sign says, "NOT a Volkswagen. NOT yet restored. NOT FOR SALE." If you want to offend him, ask him if his car is a Bug. It most certainly is not. It is actually a Citroen 2CV Dolly that he got in 1987 when I was in eighth grade. It needs some work now, but when it is restored, it will once again be a sweet ride. <br />
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While I was visiting, my Dad was kvetching about his neighbor that frequently stares into the back yard. Harry, the neighbor, doesn't get out much. He is old and has to tow an oxygen tank around with him because he has emphysema. This health development doesn't stop him from smoking, however. He happily puffs away while connected to the oxygen. I was pretty sure he was going to blow himself to smithereens at any moment, but that hasn't happened so far. <br />
<br />
Anyway, Harry didn't heed the "Leave" doormat and continued to stare, which incensed my Dad. So my Dad built a sort of fence extender. He basically tacked on some boards to the existing fence to make a super-sized 6 foot fence. The yard isn't exactly a Zen garden, so I'm thinking Harry might be glad to have his view blocked. My brother said it is like the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0697767/">reverse keyhole</a> that Kramer had installed in that one episode of Seinfeld. <br />
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I haven't heard any new developments on the fence situation, so I'm guessing the fence extender solved the staring problem. <br />
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We don't have a fence here, but we live on the sixth floor, so nobody can stare at me. The main thing that drives me nuts is when the people downstairs play their boom boom stereo. Then I hop on the floor until A)They get the message or B)Aaron asks me to stop jumping around because that's more annoying than the bass on stereo.<br />
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I look forward to someday owning a house where I can build tall fences, have amusing messages on my porch and vehicle and basically put everything in the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fuck%20it%20bucket">fuck-it bucket</a> without worry about what everyone else will think. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-74886196591055159972012-06-18T11:07:00.000-07:002012-06-18T11:07:32.339-07:00I Was Only Dreaming<br />
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I had a dream last night that I was taking a history class.
We got our tests back and I had gotten an 80%, which I was very upset about.
The instructor had changed the review system before the test and also changed
the test to multiple choice, which I hate. </div>
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Next, I was rushing to get another class and I couldn’t find
the right room. I finally found it and had a hard time finding a place to sit.
I knew I was running out of time, but every time I tried to get started on my
essay exam, my binder and papers kept falling on the floor. I tried to keep it
together and get situated so that I could focus on the exam question: “Explain how the political aid assists
politicians”. </div>
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I was trying write how a political aid is like your best friend
or some crap, but that’s all I could come up with because President Clinton was
there talking to someone and explaining how fit he was and telling them about
his workout routine. </div>
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He was pulling up his pant leg to show how toned his
calves were. I was in a state of panic and frustration because I knew I was
never going to get this essay finished because I couldn’t concentrate.</div>
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Then, blessedly, I woke up. I was all tangled up in the
blankets and it was too hot in the bedroom, but I was so relieved not to be
dealing with that damn essay exam.Who knew sleeping could be so stressful?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-66698194551472734762012-06-18T10:46:00.001-07:002012-08-16T14:56:56.192-07:00MAC Mineralize Foundation - Loose<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I got my MAC Pro account, I have gone a little hog
wild with buying new make-up. I save 30%, so it’s hard not to feel like it’s
all on sale every day! I’ve taken full advantage by getting a ton of new stuff.
Lately, I’ve been researching foundation. I like natural looking foundation
that gives good coverage, but doesn’t look too cakey. </div>
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Nikki, the instructor from the make-up class at Redred
studio, recommended the<a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/20501/Mineralize-FoundationLoose/index.tmpl"> MAC Mineralize Foundation</a> in the loose version. Excited
to try it, I went to the MAC Pro store in U. Village. I got a sample in Light,
but felt it was a bit dark on me. My skin is very fair, so I went back and got
Extra Light, which was a perfect color match. </div>
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The packaging of the Mineralize Foundation is like a loose
powder container. The lid screws off and reveals a sifter. The loose foundation
lies under the sifter. I have read complaints that the powder comes out of the
sifter during travel, but I’m used to that with loose powder, so I don’t care. As
long as the cap is on, the product will be contained, and then you just have to
be careful when you open it. At home, I just make sure I put it away right side
up and it’s no problem. </div>
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The texture of the foundation is very fine. You just shake
out a bit into the cap and then apply with a brush. I am using a Jane Iredale
powder brush to apply it. The brush is rounded, so it gives a sheer coverage.</div>
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(If I wanted more coverage, I would use a flat topped or kabuki brush.) I buff
it on, careful not to be too aggressive. If I get carried away with buffing, I
can stir up little flakes on my skin. (An occupational hazard when using
Retin-A.) </div>
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The finish is described as being “natural to satin-finish”
on the MAC website. I think it looks fairly matte, unlike Bare Minerals
Original, which has mica in it and appears shiny on my skin. Even though the
Mineralize foundation is pretty matte, it does appear a bit too dewy in my
t-zone. So I finish with some <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clinique-blended-face-powder-brush/2809001?origin=keywordsearch&fashionColor=&resultback=0">Clinique <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blended Loose Powder</a> in the “Invisible Blend”
color, which is translucent. I am quite sensitive about looking oily, so
someone with a drier skin type could get away with skipping the loose powder
step. </div>
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Sometimes, I use a <a href="http://shop.janeiredale.com/products/makeup-brushes/18009-flocked-sponge.htm">Jane Iredale sponge</a> to blend the
foundation and loose powder into my t-zone. This helps to minimize the
appearance of pores and make it look more like I am not wearing any make-up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Even though the website says that it provides “medium
buildable” coverage, I find it to be on the sheer side (even after experimenting with different brushes). If you had a lot of
acne, scars, redness or pigmentation to cover up, I don’t think this would be a
good option. For me, it’s great foundation to use when my skin is behaving and
I just want to even out my skin tone and have a glowing finish. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I would recommend the MAC Mineralize foundation in loose for
someone with pretty good skin that just wants something that will help give the
skin a more finished appearance. It would also be great for someone with
sensitive skin or someone that doesn’t like heavy make-up and wants more of a
“no make-up” look. </div>
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Overall, I have been happy with the Mineralize Foundation. I
haven’t had any problems with breakouts or any type of irritation. It also has no scent, which is good. It’s easy to
use and you don’t need much, so I think the container will last quite a while.
It retails for $30, but I get it for $21 with my discount. I’d buy it again!<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE</b>: I am so very sad to report that the MAC Mineralize Loose Foundation has caused me to break out. I haven't been doing anything else differently, so I am confident that is the cause. I have congestion/small breakouts on my forehead, which is uncommon for me. (I usually break out on my chin.) When I bought it, I assumed that it would be oil free, since it is a mineral make-up. I was wrong. It has wheat germ oil in it, which is very comedogenic. So, ah, I guess that's what happens when you assume. I feel like an ass for sure. A congested/broken out ass! So, needless to say, I will not be repurchasing! I guess my Mom will be getting more foundation! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-32617634422396065172012-06-04T16:48:00.000-07:002012-06-04T16:53:44.567-07:00Radio Radio<br />
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On my recent drive over to Ephrata, I mostly listened to the
radio. From Seattle to Snoqualmie, I chose my normal pre-set stations. So it
was a mix of Swedish House Mafia, Fleet Foxes, Pitbull, M83, Tom Petty and All
Things Considered. Yeah, I like to mix it up. </div>
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But as I climbed higher up the pass and the rain pounded my
little Mazda, my Seattle stations started to get fuzzy. Soon all I could hear was static. So I
switched to an Antlers CD that Aaron burned for me. It’s a great listen, but I
get fidgety when I drive, so I had to switch back to the radio so I could
change stations every five seconds. </div>
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Since none of my presets worked, I just started scanning the
dial. First, I found Hot 99.7 KHHK out of Yakima. Hot 99.7 plays “Today’s Hottest
Hits”. It seemed like a merging of KUBE 93 and Movin’ 92.5. They were playing
Beyonce’s “Put a ring on it” and that gave way to 50 Cent’s “In Da Club”. So I
sang, “Go shawty, it’s your birthday”, as I cruised over the bridge to Vantage,
where I was met with a scenic vista of the Columbia River. I pulled over to
snap a few pictures. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the further onto the winding desert road I went,
the more Hot 99.7 started to fade. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Undaunted, I started perusing again and found quite an
assortment of religious stations at the left end of the dial. Hell fire and
damnation is not my bag, so I skipped over those. Next up were a couple Spanish
language stations that were playing music like you always hear in Mexican
restaurants. It was jaunty, but at the risk of sounding racist, it was making
me hungry for chicken enchiladas. So, I hit the button again and ended up on a
country station called KXLE 95.3 FM out of Ellensburg. My tractor was getting’
pretty good traction, so I searched on and found a classic rock station. I landed on Central Washington’s Rock Station – better known as The Quake 102.1. They were
playing Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, so I stayed there until I hit
Grant County. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After exiting I-90, I got bored with the Quake, so I moved
on to Moses Lake’s NPR station at KLWS 91.5 FM. Good old Kai Ryssdal was there
with Marketplace. I had him take me out as I blew past the beet fields in
Quincy. Bugs splattered against my windshield until I pulled into the driveway
on G Street, where my Dad and my brother were waiting for me. Just before
turning off the ignition, Kai left me with the knowledge that the Dow had
gained 30 points in heavy trading. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-49444741915855181262012-06-04T13:53:00.000-07:002012-06-04T13:53:13.223-07:00MCAI teared up<br />
when the DJ on KEXP<br />
said that MCA died<br />
of cancer.<br />
<br />
I first heard<br />
the Beastie Boys<br />
in sixth grade when I was eleven years old.<br />
My cousin taped<br />
"Licensed to Ill" on a blank Memorex cassette for me.<br />
She included "She's Crafty", too.<br />
I learned all the words.<br />
<br />
In college, my brother<br />
had "Ill Communications"<br />
on a tape. It was green.<br />
<br />
I got "Paul's Boutique"<br />
from Cellophane Square in Bellingham.<br />
"Check Your Head" and "Hello Nasty"<br />
were on CDs<br />
and Aaron downloaded<br />
"Hot Sauce Committee Part Two"<br />
a few months ago. We watched the<br />
video together on YouTube.<br />
<br />
I'm 37.<br />
The Beastie Boys have been<br />
part of my life for 26 years.<br />
<br />
Adam Yauch<br />
you will be missed. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-28912769542858031872012-06-04T13:44:00.002-07:002012-06-04T13:44:46.064-07:00VacationYou asked us<br />
to meet you in Iceland<br />
in November.<br />
<br />
We are from Seattle<br />
But come on.<br />
<br />
We'd like to go somewhere<br />
warmer than<br />
32 degrees Fahrenheit.<br />
<br />
No offense.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-86713299509063491122012-05-23T19:30:00.000-07:002012-05-23T19:30:19.976-07:00Dusty'sI took a trip over the mountains this past weekend to visit my Dad and my brother in Ephrata. We had the pleasure of going to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/dustys-in-n-out-ephrata">Dusty's In-N-Out</a>. <br />
<br />
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Dusty's has a variety of drive-in type fast food that you would imagine. I knew I wanted a hamburger and fries, but we checked out the menu, just in case.<br />
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<br />
After perusing the menu, I ordered a plain hamburger with cheese, ketchup, mustard and pickles and an order of fries. My Dad got a Dusty burger with jalapeños and cheese and an order of sweet potato fries. We had water in the truck, so we didn't order anything to drink. My brother missed out on this visit, but he said he usually gets a Dusty burger and fries.<br />
<br />
The service was quick and friendly and the food was great! The hamburger was a bit larger than a Dick's burger and tasted excellent. The fries reminded me of Pommes Frites in Germany - crisp, hot and delicious. <br />
<br />
My Dad liked his burger and we both really liked the sweet potato fries!<br />
<br />
There is a cluster of picnic tables near the parking lot where you can enjoy your meal al fresco, but it was raining, so we stayed in the truck and watched the long line of cars across the street at the Burger King drive-thru. Suckers.<br />
<br />
I plan to go to Dusty's again the next time I'm rollin' on Basin Street.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-17178775961438157632012-05-15T15:37:00.000-07:002012-05-15T15:44:35.970-07:00Diaper CaprisAs it is finally hitting the upper 70s here in Seattle, I
decided it was time to dig out my capris from last summer. I came up with some
khaki style capris that still fit. I also found a pair of denim capris that
also fit! High on a two for two win, I came upon another couple pairs of black
capris. They were both a slam dunk, too! Hot damn!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Upon re-absorbing said capris into my wardrobe, I came up
with some outfits that seemed spring-like and “fresh”, as they say on QVC all
the time. I wore the light colored capris first. While they were comfortable
and fit properly, I realized that I felt a little dumpy in them. They seemed
baggy and shapeless and not very hip. I tried on one of the pairs of black
capris and they looked dumpy, too. Gah!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
After doing a bit of research (ie grabbing the most recent
<a href="http://global.syndeca.com/nordstrom/catalog/may-12/">Nordstrom catalog</a>), I noticed that not only is everyone wearing jeggings, but
now that it is summer, everyone is wearing jegpris! Ok, they’re not calling
them jegpris (although, they should), but that’s what they are. It seems that
since last summer, all the capris got a slimmer, leaner silhouette. Or else,
this has been the case for a while and I was hopelessly out of style last
summer. We’ll never know unless we invent a time machine, now will we? (Ok, we
could look at some pictures of me from last summer, but I don’t have time for
that shit.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I assessed the remaining two pairs of last summer’s capris. The
other black pair seemed decent.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
They were more fitted, and though not leggings
per se, they had more of a slim fit that skimmed over my legs. I plan to wear them tomorrow, barring
any horrible discovery of an ill fit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The denim pair had a slimmer cut and seemed more like a skinny
jean, albeit in a capri length. However, they did not fit exactly as I remembered. I put
them on today and noticed some sag in the front. They were quite comfortable,
but seemed like they had stretched out, but there was no extra room in the butt
or thigh area. There was, however, a baggy quality to the front of the crotch.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
The button fly looked puffed out somehow. It was like, oh God, it was like I
was wearing diapers under the capris! I had diaper crotch! It was awful. So I
wore a long top and hoped that it covered the front dump that my capri jeans
had taken over the winter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
In order to rectify the diaper capri situation, I am washing
the denim capris on delicate right now. I plan to dry them in the dryer and
pray that this sorts out my, uh, situation. Because I have looked high and low
(Nordstrom, the Rack, Ross and Target) for additional denim capris and have had no luck. So the dryer better
work some magic because I want to look fresh and avoid a conversation that
might go like this…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Me: “Do you notice
anything odd about my capris?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Aaron: “You mean your
pants?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Me: “Yes, pants,
capris, whatever - the lower part of my ensemble.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Aaron: “Uh, not
really?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Me: “Liar! Don’t you
notice a bulge in the front??”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Aaron: “Oh, you mean
like those jeans I tried on that one time at Eddie Bauer and you said they
looked like Diaper Jeans?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Me: “Yes! Oh, God.
I’m going to change into a skirt.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Aaron: “You look fine.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Cue sound of hangers being thrown onto the bed, huffing and
stomping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Aaron: “I’m going to
watch ‘Top Gear’.” </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-16709496339354803782012-05-08T18:27:00.000-07:002012-05-08T18:30:28.846-07:00Mein GottThe last time Aaron had a conference for work overseas, it was in Germany – Hamburg to be specific. We thought it would be great fun for me to meet up with him after the conference. So we did.<br />
<br />
I met him in Frankfurt, because I wanted to show him the two towns where I lived in high school. In high school, my Dad worked for the Dept of Defense. We were stationed at two different Army bases: Baumholder and Bad Kreuznach. They are both southwest of Frankfurt by about an hour or so. I wanted to stay in Bad Kreuznach, so we rented a car and made our way there.<br />
<br />
I entertained myself by taking photos of everything, including, but not limited to Autobahn signs, Ausfahrt (exit) signs, other cars, trucks, the landscape and Aaron’s face while he was driving. His expression read: incredibly tired and most assuredly not amused.
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Traveling is always challenging, so amid stresses navigating our way to new lands, finding appropriate nourishment (as the German saying goes, “Man can’t live on bread alone”, although, man would like it very much, with a bit of butter and cheese, please.) and getting enough sleep so as to be bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning is sometimes easier said than done.<br />
<br />
My main concern when I travel? It’s rather a delicate subject. It has to do with my constitution. Alrighty, I’ll just come out and say it…my system gets backed up. Call it what you will – stoved up (my Dad’s favorite term), sluggish (a drug commercial euphemism), or just plain constipated. It happens every time I go anywhere. As soon as I stray from my schedule and regular breakfast of coffee with nonfat cream and oatmeal with raisins, brown sugar and milk, all hell breaks loose. Or more accurately, nothing breaks loose and I feel like I am pregnant with a poo baby whose due date is well overdue.<br />
<br />
I have tried everything to try to combat this problem. Special teas, more water, more fruits and vegetables, a similar breakfast to what I have at home, exercising, but nothing really works. So, while we were in Bad Kreuznach, we went to a grocery store called Norma (my Dad always called it “Norma Norma”, because it says “Norma” over and over all along the border of the window to the store.) I love shopping at foreign grocery stores and so among the yummy chocolates and curious meats, I located the dried fruit section. I saw Sultanen (raisins) and then I saw Trockene Aprikosen (dried apricots). “Hmmmm”, I thought to myself, “Dried apricots – those are full of fiber and they taste sweet. I bet it would loosen things up to just have a few. I think I will purchase them.” And with that, amid our other treasures (like butter and Bauernbrot), the dried apricots went into our re-usable bag. And we were off.<br />
<br />
I waited to eat the apricots until the following morning. I thought that if I combined them with some coffee and a full breakfast, it might really push things along. So, I woke up before Aaron and got ready. He was still sleeping, so I had a few dried apricots for a snack to tide me over until we went out for breakfast. I waited. Nothing happened. So I ate a few more. Aaron continued to sleep and I was getting pretty hungry. So I scarfed down about five more apricots and a glass of water. I looked into the bag and realized I had eaten about fifteen or twenty of the apricots. But still no poo action!<br />
<br />
Aaron got up and got ready and we hot footed it down to Café Wohl. They have a bakery and a restaurant area. My Mom and I loved eating there when we lived in Bad Kreuznach. Aaron and I ordered coffee, Multivitaminen Saft (multi-vitamin juice – a mix of carrot and other juices), and eggs and rolls and croissants.
<br />
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It was going to be an awesome breakfast! I busied myself translating things on the menu for Aaron and regaled him with witty anecdotes about when we lived there and all the cool bars that I was able to go to, even though I was only sixteen. And then, I felt a deep rumble in my stomach, but actually lower than my stomach. The rumble turned to more of a gurgle and seemed to be situated right where my intestines are located. “Curious,” I thought, paused for a moment and then remembered the apricot-a-thon. I excused myself to go to the bathroom.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, there was nobody else there and they already had the windows open. (Germans seem to be really into airing things out.) I got situated and then my bowels pretty much exploded. It was awful and it did not smell like sweet dried fruit, let me tell you. I thought I was through, and re-joined Aaron, hoping that nobody had heard or smelled my, uh, “deposit”. I resumed eating my soft-boiled egg and pretended everything was normal. But I had to excuse myself again and run for the WC.<br />
<br />
You know what it’s like when you drink too much or have the flu and you can’t keep anything down, but you really want some water, but then it comes right back up, only grosser and smellier? Well, that’s what this was like, only coming from the other end. I shuffled back to the table and Aaron could see that I was kind of green and sweaty. I asked for the check and mercifully, our server brought it pretty quickly so we were able to settle up and hurry back to where we were staying.<br />
<br />
The plan for the rest of the day had been to drive to Kronweiler, the village where I lived with my family for about three years when my Dad worked in Baumholder. However, we had to re-tool the itinerary because I couldn’t leave the bathroom for about three hours. So our departure was quite delayed. We finally left about 1pm and it wasn’t as much fun as I had imagined. We got some pictures and saw my old house,
<br />
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but my heart wasn’t in it. And neither was my colon.<br />
<br />
I made a full recovery, but learned a valuable lesson. Even though it’s uncomfortable to be constipated, it doesn’t really slow you down or prevent you from leaving your hotel room bathroom. So, now I just suck it up when we go on trips and avoid any unpredictable teas, dried fruits or OTC meds. And if, miraculously, I am able to have a number two while on a vacation, I always announce it to Aaron like I’ve just won the lottery. “I just went poo! I feel so free!” and I do a happy dance like a dog after he poops in the grass when you take him on a walk. Aaron nods, smiles and congratulates me and probably silently thanks God that we can get on with our vacation and not talk any more about bowel movements for a blessed few moments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11653222.post-73731981848998149062012-01-12T14:01:00.000-08:002012-01-12T14:30:31.026-08:00Making UpWith the start of a new year, I decided to stick to my new year's resolutions and take a class. Specifically, I took a make-up class at <a href="http://redredphoto.com/classes/">Redred Photo Studio</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4yAg1MMQ03zmJR7nnnbt_Hz4YGLyWt_0xrsJRqHuW1s4thbSpjor7F0WSTSPATXRyXxxBojuHVJzqPUupq1qkEcD3ECTeiRSQIOiF5wILKcwWgPun3mGgDJuvlgocgg4tzJ-nA/s1600/webredlogo42.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 52px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4yAg1MMQ03zmJR7nnnbt_Hz4YGLyWt_0xrsJRqHuW1s4thbSpjor7F0WSTSPATXRyXxxBojuHVJzqPUupq1qkEcD3ECTeiRSQIOiF5wILKcwWgPun3mGgDJuvlgocgg4tzJ-nA/s320/webredlogo42.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696869531894965346" /></a>They are located in Pioneer Square and have a lovely studio. <a href="http://redredphoto.com/about/">Nikki</a> taught the class and she was excellent. <br /><br />The class went over make-up basics, sanitation/hygiene, kit building and application techniques. There were five people in the class, including me. It was really fun, informational and it was great to do something that I love. And I do love make-up. <br /><br />I liked that Nikki was very laid back and approachable. I didn't feel out of my element and she didn't make anyone feel like they shouldn't be there. There was one student that was a guy and he didn't know anything about make-up (he was a photographer and just wanted some basic make-up info so he could choose a good make-up artist for his shoots), but she helped him out and didn't talk down to him. <br /><br />Nikki went over all the items in her make-up kit. I am a total brush nerd, so I was geeking out over all her <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/flash/brush_finder/index.tmpl">MAC brushes</a>. I have all the ones she mentioned, except MAC 184 Duo Fibre Fan Brush, which apparently is a pro brush only, according to <a href="http://www.temptalia.com/mac-184-duo-fibre-fan-brush-review-photos">this site</a>. I couldn't find it on the regular MAC site. (But, not to worry, because I signed up for a <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/prolanding/index.tmpl">MAC Pro membership</a>.)<br /><br />After going over her kit, Nikki did a make-up application on a model. It was so fun to see each step and pick up some tips along the way. We all had an opportunity to ask questions and listen to her talk through was she was doing and why. The finished look was flawless. <br /><br />After this class, I feel like I have a good knowledge base to move forward. I do need practice at putting make-up on others, and my goal is to improve...so, I am going to sign up for some of the <a href="http://redredphoto.com/studio-makeup-lab/">make-up labs</a> that Redred offers. <br /><br />I better sign up now while I have this momentum going!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0