6.21.11 Make Believe Real Simple Summer

(photos via Real Simple Magazine August 2001 issue)

Every summer I try to plan a "Real Simple Summer," it doesn't really go as planned. Take this entry for example. I had planned on posting this ridiculously cheesy blog post about my top things to do during summertime that included things like a) Watch Fireworks in July or b) Read the books on my summer reading list in the make believe haven I made inspired from that last picture. But to be honest (and hopefully this is the only time I'll do this), it's really June 23rd and I had to take a photo of my favorite photographs from Real Simple August 2001 issue.

But let's be realistic. I don't have time to read, I need that time to look for another job. And I know I should be lucky to be working, but I know I could be doing better. And when I wanted to scan the photos above because I love the appearance the graininess of a scanner makes, I found out my printer's scan feature doesn't work anymore, and realized that I want a new printer, but I don't really need it since the printer and copy machine work fine. And lastly, my favorite, how I wish I could move forward in life, but alas I feel ever-so stagnant than I've ever felt before.

6.8.11 Food for Thought

I'm excited that summer's arriving soon, but at the same time, I don't want to overwhelm myself. I just found out that every Wednesday at this Mexican market here, they're selling 1 dollar any kinda meat tacos. Here I just got back and had three carne asada ones and three carnitas. I really wanted to try the tripitas (tripe?), and you know.. I eventually got some to take with me to work tomorrow. Also excited to have already tried the new California salads from Daphne's. The first picture are of dragon fruit from this asian market here called 99 Ranch.

Every year, I try to attempt to have what I like to call a "Real Simple Summer" and it all dates from an issue of Real Simple magazine I own. I'm really excited, and I hope it all pans out. I have some fun projects in mind.

11.1.10 Pommy Arrival

I have several hobbies that I should probably really try slimming them down. I heard it's hard to have too many hobbies otherwise you get really distracted then it gets hard to focus on just one of them. One of my hobbies is plants I guess. About the last two summers, I went with my dad up north of San Diego and picked up a Pomegranate tree. We planted it, and over time, I tried my best to take care of it. To see if it would bare any fruit. By this summer, it finally did. Four pomegranates started growing and so far, only two of them turned bright ole pomegranate red. I finally got to try one of them last night. It was so juicy, and so good. Luckily I didn't stain any of myself other than my fingers and tongue. heh.

10.23.10 Beauty Before and After

I really don't look this mean and unkempt. And this is probably the worst way to introduce myself in photos. This was actually over the summer while I was in the midst of getting into my make-up. Crazy how make-up changes how you look. And because I haven't really posted a full frontal shot of my face, how about this before and after look. Check out my lazy eye! I pretty much look the same except of course my hair is longer. I'm planning on donating it to Locks of Love after next January, even though I'm sooo tempted to cut it right now.

I didn't even do much in these photos except for try out this eyeliner I got at the time. I don't even think I used my brushes and I think I used my fingers instead. Something I actually want at the moment and want to try because I haven't tried them yet are cream eyeshadows. It looks so easy to apply even with just your fingers. Yes, I'm a little slow.

Really want to try this out:

10.1.10 Summer ends, Fall begins

Last weekend I went to my friend's wedding reception and she gave out these really cute take home smores recipe and hand sanitizer. I thought it was so cute and such a good way to officially end the summer. I mean, it's already October. I tried calling in a company I want to work with today and they told me it'll be hard to find parking around there cause they're having their annual Oktoberfest. Not to go off on a tangent or anything, but I love this time of the year and well, my birthday also falls in October. heh, falls. autumn. corny and all, pun intended.

9.28.10 - Summer's Arrival pt. 2

A few of my favorites from Joel Meyerowitz's, A Summer's Day. I know there are other photographers out there, amazing ones, even ones that continue on film photography, but there are a few artists' prints and paintings I will always admire. These are some of them. These are the ones I like to look back on and feel like I'm there by the sea. In the east coast, where Palm Trees are kept hidden.

And I'll always dream of a porch I'd build into an art studio surrounded by a forest of inspiration like in the last picture. Right now, on the hottest day it's been since 1963, (according to the news of course), this is what I long for.

9.26.10-9.27.10 Summer's Arrival

Summer's finally arrived here in San Diego. At least the feeling of it. Today was the hottest it's ever been here according to the news, and tomorrow, they say is going to be even hotter. I'm happy to say I got a lot of use of old summer clothes I hid away this past weekend. However, I haven't been to the beach once. And I love the beach. Earlier this morning, I pulled out one of my favorite photography books A Summer's Day by Joel Meyerowitz. I think I grew to love taking pictures since I saw this book when I was working in my Junior HS library. I'm not a photographer but I'd like to be and I like learning to be. In no particular order are some of my favorite pictures I took over the summer.

Bruschetta I made after being inspired by the movie, Julie & Julia.

The drive back home from Santa Barbara last May.

Last night's soiree.

End of summer picnic at the Farmer's Market.

Projects I'm getting into.

My first vegan cheesecake that I made using Alicia Silverstone's A Kind Diet recipe. Soo good!

My puppy, Porkchop whose picture was actually taken by my boyfriend seeing a bit of his shoe in the bottom, but I love it nonetheless.