PHOTOS.
We packed up our gear and even brought the doggie. On to Bent Tree and Lake Tamarack. We stayed at a friend's cabin, and tried multiple activities such as canoeing, beach volleyball, swimming, rafting, and jumping into the frigid swimming hole. We totally wore the dog out! He slept like a log when he finally got back home.
We always see Deer when we are up there, but this time we had 3 sightings of Black Bear! The last sighting was a mother with 2 cubs. They were so cute. Of course I was very glad we were just driving by and not walking near the bears. Whew!
Another couple joined us at the cabin. We hadn't met them before. They brought their white German Sheperd named Loki. He was so adorable! Sport kept trying to "herd" the poor guy when we were playing fetch in the shallow stream. Eventually, the dogs worked out their heirarchy and calmed down though.
We dined on organic/fresh zucchini squash (3 different kinds), asparagus, and wilted chard - all flavored with olive oil, garlic, and spices. We grilled the squash and asparagus, along side the various meat options (Burgers, Brats, beef hot dogs, and tuna steaks). Delish!
-
I was hoping for a Trivial Pursuit or Apples to Apples game with the 6 of us after dinner, but for some reason the other couples went off with the 2 canoes (in separate directions) for some alone time. Matt and I walked a bit and sat by the lake, and then cleaned up and went to bed. It was a very quiet weekend for the most part.
-
Sunday, we met Matt's Family at Harp (an Irish Pub) for a nice brunch and birthday celebration for Bradley and Ms. Rachel. Rachel and her hubby are off to Ireland next week. How much fun? They will have a ball!
Matt had the fish and chips (they have the most amazing tarter sauce there. they make it themselves). I had the Corned Beef and Cabbage. some very very tender and juicy corned beef. Delicious!
-
Later that night we finally got some game time playing ApplesToApples with Alex, Gorkem, and Gulru! For once I was winning, it was sweet!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Low-Carb Pad Thai and Low-Carb Mojito Recipes
Low Carb Mojito
1 oz vodka
4 oz Fresca
1 Fresh Mint Sprig (crushed/ground gently into bottom of drink)
Ice Cubes (if needed)
-
Low Carb-Pad Thai
I researched this on the internet before making it. However, this recipe is my own, not copied from someone else.
Ingredients needed:
1 Spaghetti Squash
Chopped up Celery
Chopped up Radish (small radish)
Satay Peanut Sauce (or any Thai Peanut Sauce) I get mine at Trader Joes.
Olive Oil
2-3 Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped or torn up) or add more to taste.
1/2 cup chopped Peanuts (unsalted)
1 Can of White Chicken Breast (chopped)
1 Egg
Lime juice
-----------
How to prepare it:
Follow these instructions for How to Cook Spaghetti Squash.
While your Squash is in the oven, prepare the other ingredients.
Put the spaghetti squash strands into a bowl. We only need 1/2, but save the other 1/2 for another meal (unless doubling this recipe). Since the strands are already hot this helps to prepare the meal faster.
NOTE: This cooks FAST so have your ingredients ready to go before turning on the stove-top burner.
In a skillet (or flatpan) pour some olive oil (enough to coat the bottom of the pan).
Heat oil on Medium heat while you are adding the ingredients. Add the Spaghetti squash, Celery, Radish, Peanut Sauce, Chicken (drained), chopped Peanuts, Basil Leaves, and egg.
Stir ingredients slowly until entire mixture is mixed/heated/and is sizzling slightly on the bottom (but do not burn it). Usually takes about 3-5 minutes to heat up as you stir.
Serve with lime wedge (or lime juice squirt on top) for flavor.
Makes 4 servings (or 2 large servings if you are super hungry).
-
Substitutions:
You may use any other meat or meat substitute instead of chicken (ie: shrimp, tuna, tofu, etc).
You may use Bean Sprouts and chopped Green Onions instead of celery and radish. I just didn't have any on hand last night. I also felt that the Radish would give the dish an extra KICK, and so it worked out beautifully.
-
Enjoy!
1 oz vodka
4 oz Fresca
1 Fresh Mint Sprig (crushed/ground gently into bottom of drink)
Ice Cubes (if needed)
-
Low Carb-Pad Thai
I researched this on the internet before making it. However, this recipe is my own, not copied from someone else.
Ingredients needed:
1 Spaghetti Squash
Chopped up Celery
Chopped up Radish (small radish)
Satay Peanut Sauce (or any Thai Peanut Sauce) I get mine at Trader Joes.
Olive Oil
2-3 Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped or torn up) or add more to taste.
1/2 cup chopped Peanuts (unsalted)
1 Can of White Chicken Breast (chopped)
1 Egg
Lime juice
-----------
How to prepare it:
Follow these instructions for How to Cook Spaghetti Squash.
While your Squash is in the oven, prepare the other ingredients.
Put the spaghetti squash strands into a bowl. We only need 1/2, but save the other 1/2 for another meal (unless doubling this recipe). Since the strands are already hot this helps to prepare the meal faster.
NOTE: This cooks FAST so have your ingredients ready to go before turning on the stove-top burner.
In a skillet (or flatpan) pour some olive oil (enough to coat the bottom of the pan).
Heat oil on Medium heat while you are adding the ingredients. Add the Spaghetti squash, Celery, Radish, Peanut Sauce, Chicken (drained), chopped Peanuts, Basil Leaves, and egg.
Stir ingredients slowly until entire mixture is mixed/heated/and is sizzling slightly on the bottom (but do not burn it). Usually takes about 3-5 minutes to heat up as you stir.
Serve with lime wedge (or lime juice squirt on top) for flavor.
Makes 4 servings (or 2 large servings if you are super hungry).
-
Substitutions:
You may use any other meat or meat substitute instead of chicken (ie: shrimp, tuna, tofu, etc).
You may use Bean Sprouts and chopped Green Onions instead of celery and radish. I just didn't have any on hand last night. I also felt that the Radish would give the dish an extra KICK, and so it worked out beautifully.
-
Enjoy!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Musings on OPI, supplements, and dreaming of Bali
Just got back from the nail salon for a quickie lunch-time pedicure and wax. I hate getting waxed, but I have to do it. Darn my 1/8th Lebanese heritage...
anyhoo, I went Chicago with my OPI nail polish choice at the nail salon. I'm now sporting "Lincoln Park After Dark" - a spiffy blackish-purply selection. I suppose it's not very "summery" but I like a smart bold color. Also it is sharp and makes my fat toes look skinnier. I don't know why, but it works for me. I typically do a dark brown, maroon, or red color when I get my toes polished.
Some of my fave OPI colors (some may be discontinued so don't get bent outta shape if you can't find them)
-Vampire State Building (Deep dark Maroon)
-I'm Not Really a Waitress (Best Red EVER)
-OctoberryFest (a lighter mauve/purple/grey color)
-Wyatt Earple Purple (a more pinky mauve color, almost silvery mauve, GREAT for wedding toes)
-International Date Line (plummy/maroon shade, with brown in it somehow. hard to explain but I love that one)
-Russian to a Party (dark maroon, garnet, blackish color)
-Got the Blues for Red (deep dark red color, perfect for Pin-up style clothes)
-Hey Vito, Is My Car Ready Yet? (bright red-orange - because it matches a dress and coat set I have.
-
ok new topic. I've been working my rear-end off lately at work. So has everybody else here, I know. I don't mean to belittle that. Anyway, it's been NUTS around here, and people are working long hours quite a bit. It's very easy to get sick when you are stressed out, working too hard, stuck inside with no sun and no fresh air, etc. It's not healthy in the long run.
I take vitamins and supplements to try to stay healthy and not get sick. So far so good. I've only had 1 sinus infection in the last year in combination with a mild flu. Other than that I've been healthy as a horse. Typically, I have a horrible sinus infection 4-5 times a year. So that has to be saying something for the supplements, herbs, and healthy things I've been ingesting to ward off germs/sickness at work.
I know a pill can't cure everything, but I swear by my supplements. Here's what I take:
A Multi-vitamin (either Trader Joe's High-potency ones, or Centrum Silver). Why silver? The Silver version has Lycopene in it, and this is VERY good for warding off hangovers or hangover effects. Also, it is good for you. The regular Centrum doesn't have it. I also prefer a multi-vitamin that requires you to take 2 a day. You space it out of course, but that means you are getting more vitamins, and it's not just one big pill in the morning. aka - more effective in my opinion.
A Probiotic - keeps me regular and non-gassy. Maybe it's my genes, but my family has a history of gastro-intestinal issues (whether it's just chronically bad gas, IBS, etc) . I try to avoid having those problems, and I like to be able to eat whatever I feel like (within reason), and a good Probiotic helps. I get mine at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. The more "active cultures" on the label the better. This is one you may want to keep in the fridge. Not required, but it is live cultures and the point of a Probiotic is to help keep the good bacteria in your intestines, so if you keep it cold before taking it, it will last longer and supposedly work better. I have 2 friends who are scientists that swear by this also.
Allergy/Decongestant - why? because we live in this crazy allergy-ridden state! I like Zyrtec-D (or a generic equivalent). Rant - why can't I by Zyrtec-D at my Wholesale store? Idiots. It's because of the damn "Psuedo-ephedrine" ingredient. They actually CARD you at the store if you buy any medicine with that ingredient. I guess there's some issue where people can convert this drug into meth. I use it for the right purpose, and I'm not a meth person, but I really detest having to be carded for it, and you can't buy more than 20 days supply at once either. It's not like I'm buying booze. sheesh! BTW you CAN buy a ton of wine and beer at the wholesale store... just saying...
Potassium - why? because I hate (and am mildly-allergic to) Bananas. Also Potassium helps with muscle soreness, and it's good for your heart. Yay! Take 1 in the AM with a full glass of water. sweet.
Now if only they had a pill for surviving work? ha ha ha!
-
In other news, I'm addicted to the show "Househunters International" and last night we watched an episode where this single American-looking-guy (who has to be frickin' loaded), who lives in Tokyo, is looking for a vacation home in Bali. Bali - ohmmmm, yes I have always wanted to go there. Every "villa" they show this guy on the show, is just SO amazing. SO Zen, and GORGEOUS!
I totally want to go to Bali on my next international vacation. YES!
If you've read that book "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, then you KNOW about Bali.
If you haven't read it, go get it. this book ROCKS! Supposedly she has a sequel coming out soon, but I haven't seen it yet . Let me know if you see it ok?
-
Bottle Shock Movie - I saw the preview when I went to see Star Trek at the theaters, but I thought it wasn't out yet, but lo and behold, I was able to add that movie to my Netflix list. so maybe it DID come out already. I don't care, I love Alan Rickman.
anyhoo, I went Chicago with my OPI nail polish choice at the nail salon. I'm now sporting "Lincoln Park After Dark" - a spiffy blackish-purply selection. I suppose it's not very "summery" but I like a smart bold color. Also it is sharp and makes my fat toes look skinnier. I don't know why, but it works for me. I typically do a dark brown, maroon, or red color when I get my toes polished.
Some of my fave OPI colors (some may be discontinued so don't get bent outta shape if you can't find them)
-Vampire State Building (Deep dark Maroon)
-I'm Not Really a Waitress (Best Red EVER)
-OctoberryFest (a lighter mauve/purple/grey color)
-Wyatt Earple Purple (a more pinky mauve color, almost silvery mauve, GREAT for wedding toes)
-International Date Line (plummy/maroon shade, with brown in it somehow. hard to explain but I love that one)
-Russian to a Party (dark maroon, garnet, blackish color)
-Got the Blues for Red (deep dark red color, perfect for Pin-up style clothes)
-Hey Vito, Is My Car Ready Yet? (bright red-orange - because it matches a dress and coat set I have.
-
ok new topic. I've been working my rear-end off lately at work. So has everybody else here, I know. I don't mean to belittle that. Anyway, it's been NUTS around here, and people are working long hours quite a bit. It's very easy to get sick when you are stressed out, working too hard, stuck inside with no sun and no fresh air, etc. It's not healthy in the long run.
I take vitamins and supplements to try to stay healthy and not get sick. So far so good. I've only had 1 sinus infection in the last year in combination with a mild flu. Other than that I've been healthy as a horse. Typically, I have a horrible sinus infection 4-5 times a year. So that has to be saying something for the supplements, herbs, and healthy things I've been ingesting to ward off germs/sickness at work.
I know a pill can't cure everything, but I swear by my supplements. Here's what I take:
A Multi-vitamin (either Trader Joe's High-potency ones, or Centrum Silver). Why silver? The Silver version has Lycopene in it, and this is VERY good for warding off hangovers or hangover effects. Also, it is good for you. The regular Centrum doesn't have it. I also prefer a multi-vitamin that requires you to take 2 a day. You space it out of course, but that means you are getting more vitamins, and it's not just one big pill in the morning. aka - more effective in my opinion.
A Probiotic - keeps me regular and non-gassy. Maybe it's my genes, but my family has a history of gastro-intestinal issues (whether it's just chronically bad gas, IBS, etc) . I try to avoid having those problems, and I like to be able to eat whatever I feel like (within reason), and a good Probiotic helps. I get mine at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. The more "active cultures" on the label the better. This is one you may want to keep in the fridge. Not required, but it is live cultures and the point of a Probiotic is to help keep the good bacteria in your intestines, so if you keep it cold before taking it, it will last longer and supposedly work better. I have 2 friends who are scientists that swear by this also.
Allergy/Decongestant - why? because we live in this crazy allergy-ridden state! I like Zyrtec-D (or a generic equivalent). Rant - why can't I by Zyrtec-D at my Wholesale store? Idiots. It's because of the damn "Psuedo-ephedrine" ingredient. They actually CARD you at the store if you buy any medicine with that ingredient. I guess there's some issue where people can convert this drug into meth. I use it for the right purpose, and I'm not a meth person, but I really detest having to be carded for it, and you can't buy more than 20 days supply at once either. It's not like I'm buying booze. sheesh! BTW you CAN buy a ton of wine and beer at the wholesale store... just saying...
Potassium - why? because I hate (and am mildly-allergic to) Bananas. Also Potassium helps with muscle soreness, and it's good for your heart. Yay! Take 1 in the AM with a full glass of water. sweet.
Now if only they had a pill for surviving work? ha ha ha!
-
In other news, I'm addicted to the show "Househunters International" and last night we watched an episode where this single American-looking-guy (who has to be frickin' loaded), who lives in Tokyo, is looking for a vacation home in Bali. Bali - ohmmmm, yes I have always wanted to go there. Every "villa" they show this guy on the show, is just SO amazing. SO Zen, and GORGEOUS!
I totally want to go to Bali on my next international vacation. YES!
If you've read that book "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, then you KNOW about Bali.
If you haven't read it, go get it. this book ROCKS! Supposedly she has a sequel coming out soon, but I haven't seen it yet . Let me know if you see it ok?
-
Bottle Shock Movie - I saw the preview when I went to see Star Trek at the theaters, but I thought it wasn't out yet, but lo and behold, I was able to add that movie to my Netflix list. so maybe it DID come out already. I don't care, I love Alan Rickman.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Busy Bees
This month has been nuts with activities. I thought May was challenging, but I didn't know what June would bring.
We've joined a Community Share thing in our neighborhood. Local Farms do a "Farmer's Market" near the post office every week. You pay ahead (depending if you want to pick up your bag of fresh produce once a week or every other week). We did the every-other-week option. This last bag of groceries might actually go bad before I have a chance to cook it all.
We had 3 bags of different salad greens, a huge bunch of rosemary, 2 different types of collards or chard (I can never tell the difference, but whatever they cook the same the way I do it), some turnips, radishes, and farm fresh eggs. I love having the options to cook the different greens. Sometimes I even put the radish leaves mixed in with a salad. Radish leaves have a kick to them. Just warning you, it's a different taste. I like to use a poppyseed or Dorothy Lynch dressing or Red Pepper Vinaigrette on them - tastes better. Usually I like oil and red wine vinegar on my salads with some parmesan, but the radish leaves may not go as well with those flavors.
-
I had made up a bowl of salad greens the other night, but we hadn't had a chance to eat them yet, and the greens were definitely getting wilted. So, I dumped them into a skillet with some olive oil/garlic powder/salt/pepper, and wilted them further. Warmed up some leftover rice, and cut up a block of tofu. Lightly fried the tofu in fresh rosemary and parmesan cheese. Dinner was Rice, with wilted greens, and rosemary/parm tofu. Matt liked it. Sweet! I also had a bottle of Balsalmic Vinaigrette in case the mixture needed more flavor. Either way - it was light/healthy/and tasty - AND LOW CARB for me (I didn't have the rice)! yeah!
-
My new easy low carb way of cooking, is to make whatever meat sauce/protein thing, and greens/veggies, and then whatever the carb is (typically noodles or rice or bread), I just forgo that, but I still cook some for Matt (since he's not low-carbing). AKA - make spaghetti, but only he gets noodles. At first it's hard not to have a noodle or two, but I don't even miss it now.
-
Tonight is Sea Scallops/shrimp/calamari mix in Basil Pesto/Olive Oil (and perhaps some alfredo sauce, haven't decided yet) with Spinach linguine noodles. Only I won't get the noodles of course.
-
Busy with photo shoots this week. Deadline for the next Voyeur Mag Issue approaches.
We've joined a Community Share thing in our neighborhood. Local Farms do a "Farmer's Market" near the post office every week. You pay ahead (depending if you want to pick up your bag of fresh produce once a week or every other week). We did the every-other-week option. This last bag of groceries might actually go bad before I have a chance to cook it all.
We had 3 bags of different salad greens, a huge bunch of rosemary, 2 different types of collards or chard (I can never tell the difference, but whatever they cook the same the way I do it), some turnips, radishes, and farm fresh eggs. I love having the options to cook the different greens. Sometimes I even put the radish leaves mixed in with a salad. Radish leaves have a kick to them. Just warning you, it's a different taste. I like to use a poppyseed or Dorothy Lynch dressing or Red Pepper Vinaigrette on them - tastes better. Usually I like oil and red wine vinegar on my salads with some parmesan, but the radish leaves may not go as well with those flavors.
-
I had made up a bowl of salad greens the other night, but we hadn't had a chance to eat them yet, and the greens were definitely getting wilted. So, I dumped them into a skillet with some olive oil/garlic powder/salt/pepper, and wilted them further. Warmed up some leftover rice, and cut up a block of tofu. Lightly fried the tofu in fresh rosemary and parmesan cheese. Dinner was Rice, with wilted greens, and rosemary/parm tofu. Matt liked it. Sweet! I also had a bottle of Balsalmic Vinaigrette in case the mixture needed more flavor. Either way - it was light/healthy/and tasty - AND LOW CARB for me (I didn't have the rice)! yeah!
-
My new easy low carb way of cooking, is to make whatever meat sauce/protein thing, and greens/veggies, and then whatever the carb is (typically noodles or rice or bread), I just forgo that, but I still cook some for Matt (since he's not low-carbing). AKA - make spaghetti, but only he gets noodles. At first it's hard not to have a noodle or two, but I don't even miss it now.
-
Tonight is Sea Scallops/shrimp/calamari mix in Basil Pesto/Olive Oil (and perhaps some alfredo sauce, haven't decided yet) with Spinach linguine noodles. Only I won't get the noodles of course.
-
Busy with photo shoots this week. Deadline for the next Voyeur Mag Issue approaches.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Yoga Trance Dance Class
Last night I went to Yoga Samahdi for the Yoga Trance Dance Class.
WOW.
You've got to try it! It was just beautiful!
The instructor is absolutely gorgeous. Exactly what you'd expect a yoga teacher to be. She was also quite flexible (I'm so jealous), and to top it off she had a very welcoming, kind demeanor. I was touched by her open attitude and friendliness. Not every teacher is like that. She was something special.
You start with some basic yoga stretches, but then as the class continues, you turn those stretches into different wavy/windy movements and later into dance. It's totally up to your own interrpretation, and nobody's dancing is "wrong" it's just whatever feels good to you. Go with the music and dance. It was a good 1.5 hr class, and after the 4-5th "dance song" I was getting VERY sweaty and tired. The studio was a nice big size and there were 4 ceiling fans. I kept hoping the instructor would turn them on to cool us off. Sheesh! I know I just really detest sweating so much. I mean I was DRIPPING. But everyone else was sweaty too, it did not matter so much to them.
Towards the end of the class there is a cool down (dancing more slowly then coming back to the earth), meditation, chant, and then viola you are done. I definitely felt very relaxed and a little sleepy when I left that night - which is the whole point of doing it.
It works!
I want to go back next week and do it all over again. Maybe I can work up my "stamina" gradually? I used to be able to dance all night long when we'd go to a club. Although I admit I typically would have had a red bull and vodka at some point in the evening.
-
Oh yes, I also met a gentlemen who told me about the DAIR Project. They do Trapeze and Silk aerial classes, as well as Capoeira. I had been wanting to do Capoeira for a long time, but it is very difficult to find classes near my house, or scheduled anytime that I can possibly attend. DAIR Project just started Capoeira classes and the next one is tonight at 6 or 6:30pm. I'm seriously thinking of going. I can't tonight, but I will have to hit the next class.
Awesome!
Capoeira is also demonstrated by Monica Bellucci's husband, Vincent Cassel, in the movie Ocean's 12.
WOW.
You've got to try it! It was just beautiful!
The instructor is absolutely gorgeous. Exactly what you'd expect a yoga teacher to be. She was also quite flexible (I'm so jealous), and to top it off she had a very welcoming, kind demeanor. I was touched by her open attitude and friendliness. Not every teacher is like that. She was something special.
You start with some basic yoga stretches, but then as the class continues, you turn those stretches into different wavy/windy movements and later into dance. It's totally up to your own interrpretation, and nobody's dancing is "wrong" it's just whatever feels good to you. Go with the music and dance. It was a good 1.5 hr class, and after the 4-5th "dance song" I was getting VERY sweaty and tired. The studio was a nice big size and there were 4 ceiling fans. I kept hoping the instructor would turn them on to cool us off. Sheesh! I know I just really detest sweating so much. I mean I was DRIPPING. But everyone else was sweaty too, it did not matter so much to them.
Towards the end of the class there is a cool down (dancing more slowly then coming back to the earth), meditation, chant, and then viola you are done. I definitely felt very relaxed and a little sleepy when I left that night - which is the whole point of doing it.
It works!
I want to go back next week and do it all over again. Maybe I can work up my "stamina" gradually? I used to be able to dance all night long when we'd go to a club. Although I admit I typically would have had a red bull and vodka at some point in the evening.
-
Oh yes, I also met a gentlemen who told me about the DAIR Project. They do Trapeze and Silk aerial classes, as well as Capoeira. I had been wanting to do Capoeira for a long time, but it is very difficult to find classes near my house, or scheduled anytime that I can possibly attend. DAIR Project just started Capoeira classes and the next one is tonight at 6 or 6:30pm. I'm seriously thinking of going. I can't tonight, but I will have to hit the next class.
Awesome!
Capoeira is also demonstrated by Monica Bellucci's husband, Vincent Cassel, in the movie Ocean's 12.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
2 Jokes and other madness
What does Snoop Dogg use in his laundry?
Bleee-ach.
Where does Snoop Dogg go on vacation?
The Beee-ach.
-
I know, I know, that's terrible. It's all in the pronounciation! Humor me!
-
We've been gloriously on vacation for the past week.
We started off 2 Friday night's ago with Happy Hour at Tijuana Joe's, and later met Matt's Friend Jeff's girly girl Bianca. All I have to say is that Bianca is a Minx. She's barely 18, but she's definitely an "old soul" if you will. To sum it all up = Memorable.
-
The next day (Saturday) we had an impromptu visit from our dear friend Erika. I thought she was just stopping by to drop some stuff off, but in the wonderful way that those glorious weekends work out, she ended up staying all day, all night, and all the next day. We were sad to see her go on Sunday, but very glad to get to hang out with our lady all weekend long!
-
We hit "TAP" for Gorkem's Birthday celebration, and later a quick visit to "Opera" for some dancing. TAP's slogan is "A Convivial Place to have a Pint" - so of course I asked what the word "Convivial" meant (as a test of course). I finally found 1 server who knew. Anyway I love the sophisticated verbiage and the food was divine!
-
Sunday (even though Matt had TWO cancellations with models - darn them), E and I went suntanning in the park with Mr. SportyPants, and then later Ruth came over and we all had a photo shoot to cheer Matt up. It ended up being a good thing, since the new issue of the Voyeur is coming up, and the submission deadline is June 19th! ACK! We better hurry!
-
Monday, Matt and I ran errands and packed for our beach trip, and ended the night at "DrinkShop" for a swell evening of Pin-ups and Cocktails hosted by the Dixie Pin Ups! Check out our photos here and here. DrinkShop is run just like an old fashioned lounge used to be run in the 1950s and 60s. The staff actually dresses like folks did in that era. There are no ice machines or soda guns, the juice is fresh-squeezed, you name it. It's like AMC's Mad Men come to life! The perfect location to, what else? Host a pin-up event! The Dixie Pin Ups are make-up artists and hair-stylists who get you pin-up ready for your fabulous close-up. Our dear friend Matt Odom was the photographer of the evening, and everyone just had a blast! I tried my best to come pre-pin-up ready, but I still let the Dixie Pin Up gals give me some fake eyelashes, eyeliner, a flower in my hair, and some "rolls" to top off my look. Where else can you go to a party where they make you even PRETTIER? I was like DAMN next time I'll just come with my hair washed and let them do everything else! Just kidding. Love love loved it!
My fave drink of the evening was called the "Hillaire" made of St. Germain Elderflower Vodka and Champagne. Pin-up-a-lishious!!!
Then I ruined my diet (as if), with some nachos from Taco Cabana on the way home. What the hell? I'm on vacation!
-
Tuesday was the big drive to the beach (aka Beee-ach!). We checked into our condo, and promptly walked up the beach (with toes in the water) to Crabby Bill's for a CrabTrap drink and some Alaskan King Crab - oooh yes!
It was a week of relaxation, lots of sun (Matt got sunburned on accident, even though he was under the umbrella the whole time), games, friends, food, drinks, and fun!
I got to visit with my sister and nephew for a little bit on Thursday, and then Jamie came alone for some adult girl-time on Saturday evening.
We played Apples-to-Apples, Trivial Pursuit, and Scrabble. I played Scrabble with Gorkem almost nightly on the beach until the sun went down. We had a blast!
Girls versus Guys and Matt was on his own team for Trivial Pursuit (since he's such a smarty-pants). The girls won the first round, but day 2 Matt finally saw victory.
--------------------------------------
Some hilarious quotes that went on during the game:
1) Q) Who was the father of Cleopatra's twin sons?
A) Marc Anthony
Comment made by the loser - "I thought he was the singer married to J Lo?"
2) You know what continents are don't you?
3) It's either a Mary or an Elizabeth. No, lets go with King Henry the 8th. (wrong it was Mary I)
4) Is Singapore an Island?
5) (after reading an arts and literature question)- is this an Art question?
6) Oh dammit I got George Clinton and George Michael mixed up. WHAM!
---------------------------
All in all, it was an awesome vacation - and I'm spent.
Bleee-ach.
Where does Snoop Dogg go on vacation?
The Beee-ach.
-
I know, I know, that's terrible. It's all in the pronounciation! Humor me!
-
We've been gloriously on vacation for the past week.
We started off 2 Friday night's ago with Happy Hour at Tijuana Joe's, and later met Matt's Friend Jeff's girly girl Bianca. All I have to say is that Bianca is a Minx. She's barely 18, but she's definitely an "old soul" if you will. To sum it all up = Memorable.
-
The next day (Saturday) we had an impromptu visit from our dear friend Erika. I thought she was just stopping by to drop some stuff off, but in the wonderful way that those glorious weekends work out, she ended up staying all day, all night, and all the next day. We were sad to see her go on Sunday, but very glad to get to hang out with our lady all weekend long!
-
We hit "TAP" for Gorkem's Birthday celebration, and later a quick visit to "Opera" for some dancing. TAP's slogan is "A Convivial Place to have a Pint" - so of course I asked what the word "Convivial" meant (as a test of course). I finally found 1 server who knew. Anyway I love the sophisticated verbiage and the food was divine!
-
Sunday (even though Matt had TWO cancellations with models - darn them), E and I went suntanning in the park with Mr. SportyPants, and then later Ruth came over and we all had a photo shoot to cheer Matt up. It ended up being a good thing, since the new issue of the Voyeur is coming up, and the submission deadline is June 19th! ACK! We better hurry!
-
Monday, Matt and I ran errands and packed for our beach trip, and ended the night at "DrinkShop" for a swell evening of Pin-ups and Cocktails hosted by the Dixie Pin Ups! Check out our photos here and here. DrinkShop is run just like an old fashioned lounge used to be run in the 1950s and 60s. The staff actually dresses like folks did in that era. There are no ice machines or soda guns, the juice is fresh-squeezed, you name it. It's like AMC's Mad Men come to life! The perfect location to, what else? Host a pin-up event! The Dixie Pin Ups are make-up artists and hair-stylists who get you pin-up ready for your fabulous close-up. Our dear friend Matt Odom was the photographer of the evening, and everyone just had a blast! I tried my best to come pre-pin-up ready, but I still let the Dixie Pin Up gals give me some fake eyelashes, eyeliner, a flower in my hair, and some "rolls" to top off my look. Where else can you go to a party where they make you even PRETTIER? I was like DAMN next time I'll just come with my hair washed and let them do everything else! Just kidding. Love love loved it!
My fave drink of the evening was called the "Hillaire" made of St. Germain Elderflower Vodka and Champagne. Pin-up-a-lishious!!!
Then I ruined my diet (as if), with some nachos from Taco Cabana on the way home. What the hell? I'm on vacation!
-
Tuesday was the big drive to the beach (aka Beee-ach!). We checked into our condo, and promptly walked up the beach (with toes in the water) to Crabby Bill's for a CrabTrap drink and some Alaskan King Crab - oooh yes!
It was a week of relaxation, lots of sun (Matt got sunburned on accident, even though he was under the umbrella the whole time), games, friends, food, drinks, and fun!
I got to visit with my sister and nephew for a little bit on Thursday, and then Jamie came alone for some adult girl-time on Saturday evening.
We played Apples-to-Apples, Trivial Pursuit, and Scrabble. I played Scrabble with Gorkem almost nightly on the beach until the sun went down. We had a blast!
Girls versus Guys and Matt was on his own team for Trivial Pursuit (since he's such a smarty-pants). The girls won the first round, but day 2 Matt finally saw victory.
--------------------------------------
Some hilarious quotes that went on during the game:
1) Q) Who was the father of Cleopatra's twin sons?
A) Marc Anthony
Comment made by the loser - "I thought he was the singer married to J Lo?"
2) You know what continents are don't you?
3) It's either a Mary or an Elizabeth. No, lets go with King Henry the 8th. (wrong it was Mary I)
4) Is Singapore an Island?
5) (after reading an arts and literature question)- is this an Art question?
6) Oh dammit I got George Clinton and George Michael mixed up. WHAM!
---------------------------
All in all, it was an awesome vacation - and I'm spent.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)