Strike A Pose

This year is the first year I have attended the Oklahoma City Center IIDA Color & Couture Fashion Show. It is an excellent event to catch up with fellow designers, enjoy a few cocktails, and see some fresh faces strut down the runway for a great cause. The proceeds from the event were donated to Positive Tomorrows, a non profit organization devoted to helping underprivileged children with transitional and educational needs.
It is definitely a wonderful event though, handmade gowns of design materials used in residential and commercial design projects like tile, carpet, wood veneer, plastic laminate, rubber base, vinyl wall covering, various upholsteries and much more. It was really fun to see in person this time what the design teams developed.

Below are my iPhone photos from the event. They are not the best quality, but you can still get the idea.

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Celebrate. Good Times. Come On.

What a weekend. I am glad that it has slowed down long enough for me to sleep now. Saturday, I catered a retirement party. It was a fantastic event and location, at OhSpace!, which is a residence also used for entertainment space as well. It is equipped with a kitchen, plenty of seating, and an ipod ready sound system so you can play your favorite tunes. It is open, but has enough privacy and separations to allow everyone to have a good time.

I spent most of friday evening preparing the food, which was a success. The menu included the following:

Jalapeno Brochettes, Greek Salad, Pasta Salad, Spinach Dip, Chips and Salsa, Guacamole, Queso,
Chocolate cake with cream cheese filling, Mini cheesecakes, Lemon tarts and a yummy Punch.

There are a few leftovers that I will be taking up to the office tomorrow, but for the most part, everything was delicious and everyone had a great time, including the retiree himself.

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Rome, Italy

I can now tell everyone that I did Rome in 14 hours. It was a long day, and I cannot wait to get on the plane tomorrow to go home. The port docked in Civitavecchia early and we had a uniform exit waiting for our color to be called. We left the ship and gathered our luggage. Everyone was tired, but ready to see Rome. We had two vans and drivers waiting for us at the port. We got all of our luggage and everything and headed off to our apartment in Rome. The drivers were well dressed, very European chic, and drove 200 km on the highway, and weaving in and out of the traffic.

We arrived at the apartment and took several trips on the elevator to the third floor with all of the luggage. I found a tiny room off of the kitchen to possibly sleep in. We freshened up a bit, looked at a map of Rome, and headed out to do some sight seeing.

We purchased bus tickets and found a bus to the Coliseum. We arrived and I was in awe and excited about how massive and extreme it really was. We waited in a very long line to enter, but it was worth it. It was the most interesting piece of history Ive seen since Pompeii. It is a very eroded structure though, and it is hard to fully imagine the way it looked in all of its glory and what it stood for.

We saw brides standing outside in the streets in their gowns, horse carriages with brides and grooms, and even a coming out parade complete with transvestites and visible body parts. It was an interesting combination of Basilica architecture and a sexual event. None the less, it is the local flavor and was a nice understanding of the culture.

We had pizza at a local restaurant for lunch, and then went around the city to the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica which I was very excited to see. Raphael's masterpiece and the center of attention just inside of St. Peter's Square. It is magnificent with all of the large statues of the popes, martyrs, and saints on the entry walls. The Sistine Chapel was closed for renovation so we did not get to experience it, but St. Peter's Basilica was definitely a humbling experience. I have seen photographs and learned about Bernini and the famous altar, but to go inside and see everything and the massive scale, detail, and triumph was breathtaking. I had studied the sculpture of Michaelangelo's Pieta, and for the first time laid eyes on it. There was a choir singing in the chapel and too many emotions and thoughts ran through my head, so all I could do was photograph the light shining into the structure from the dome and the windows in all of its magnificence.

When we left the basilica, we walked down to the tombs of the Popes. They are below the basilica and there are many tombs with the pope resting as a sculpture on top of them, then there are simple tombs like for John Paul, and then some which are entombed into the structure itself. Each one was unique, and there are several places left for future Popes. Everything was white except for the tomb of St. Peter, where relics and his body are supposedly kept.

Upon leaving the Vatican, the evening began to set in. We walked through the streets looking for more sites. We visited the exterior of the Parthenon, and had a dinner of pizza in the square just below. It was exciting to have dinner while sitting just several yards from one of the oldest structures in Rome.

We walked around all day long exploring, and did not get back to the apartment until nearly 01:00. We had just a few hours to get things together, get a shower and head to the airport for our 05:55 flight to Amsterdam.

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Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

The Last Supper

The final day at sea. It was relaxing, and I am eager to get home to see my baby Tula. My neighbor who was kind enough to feed her every day and check on things had text messaged me just a few days into the trip telling me that Tula hissed and tried to bite her. I worried I would come home to angry cat. It has been a wonderful two weeks, but a little too much together time. Tomorrow we are visiting Rome. I am very excited to see more of the architecture that I studied in school, but the same time, want to vomit rock and marble.

We passed by an erupting volcano today, Stromboli. I studied this volcano in school when I took geology courses, and a special course titled "Earthquakes and Volcanos". There is a type of lava called stromboli, it is rope like, and is named after this particular volcano. There is a small village at the base of the mountain, and there were people on boats enjoying the sea. You can see a giant crater in the side of the volcano, and I wonder if the locals monitor it and whether they have planned emergency evacuations and such...

Our last night on the ship and a final formal evening. The dinner waiters and servers took photos with us and we said goodbye to our staff who had been most helpful and friendly during the stay.

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Happy Veterans Day

I love federal holidays, a day off work to sleep in and to do much needed things around the house and what not. Today though was a day to honor all of those who have served our country selflessly. Ive been feeling patriotic since I began my new job - the important days like this are celebrated among colleagues and friends.

I had not known any war veterans other than those in my own family, but they are all around us. One recently told me that it is an honor and a privilege to wear his uniform every day.

So to all of you who serve, thank you, and happy veterans day.

Ready to Take Flight

I am now satisfied. If I died tonight, I would be happy and fulfilled knowing that I got to experience something today that was so incredibly exciting. I got to crawl up into the cockpit captain's seat of a DC-3 airplane.
This week, the fiftieth anniversary of the Federal Aviation Administration is celebrated. According to my time line packet, the Federal Aviation Administration was an Act developed in 1958 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A carnival and picnic was hosted during the lunch hour. It wasn't complete without tours of various aircraft as well.

This is the DC-3 plane in the photograph. According to my father, they were developed during WWII and in his opinion are the best aircraft we have ever had. This photo was given as part of the tour, so I must give credit to the FAA for this one. As you can see, it is a bit dated though, with the Oklahoma City Federal Building in the landscape behind.

Change for Better or Worse

Sometimes change can be good. Two weeks ago, I gave my notice to the place I have worked for the last four + years. I had to prepare myself for a little change to come, to leave the comfort zone and to live for new opportunities and experiences that will enhance my career for one. I wasn't sure I had made the right choice in leaving, but then these fabulous flowers showed up at my office after I had accepted the new offer. Birds of paradise in the arrangement - it was my sign to fly.

I will begin my new endeavors on Monday, and am looking forward to it. A change of scenery, people, and daily tasks.

Meanwhile, this evening was fabulous. My neighbors had a pot luck picnic so I baked a couple of pies (which now I realized I forgot to photograph earlier) but looked fabulous, and delicious. They went quickly. I baked a cherry pie and an apple pie and used my fun cut outs on the top crusts. They were still warm when I served them up at the party. There were loads of fireworks, and since it is outside of certain city limits, fireworks are permitted in the residential areas... sooo we had a great show, sat out in the comfort of our homes and stared up at the sky.

and here is just a bit of what I saw as well:

Commencement, 2008

Yesterday was a big day. First and foremost, it was my baby Tula's 3rd Birthday! Happy Birthday Tula!!!

Second, it was the evening I have been waiting for. Commencement. It was somewhat surreal. I was thinking about it all day yesterday, but tried to keep busy with things instead. I got my sister to drive me since I told her I planned to drink heavily afterwards, so we all hopped in the car and drove to the campus. I had to go find the other graduates, as instructed so that they could line us up and send us on a campus walk to commemorate our time spent at the university and for the students who have gone before us. It was a tradition to walk and to touch the bell that was used in 1890. Many of the girls walking took their shoes off because of uncomfortable heels and pumps. The campus police officers blocked off the streets so that the line of graduates could walk in a procession.

We waited outside the building for several minutes while the wind blew. Holding our hoods, some got away with the wind and several were also chasing caps and honor cords. Whatever the weather was doing, I was excited to be there. I have earned it, and I have worked hard on everything I have done there. I have sacrificed, and have shed tears in the making. Last Tuesday I walked three copies of my thesis (on 25% cotton paper) to the archives and special collections to leave them for binding. I was thinking of this last night, and I couldnt believe that it was all done.

Finally it was time to enter, two by two we walked into commencment and stood for the entrance of the faculty, and for the National Anthem. We listened to the president of the university speak for a few minutes, and then lined up to be hooded. They announced names one by one, and we walked, smiled for the camera as the dean's placed hoods over our heads, we shook hands and were given a diploma cover. It was an exciting walk back down the center aisle back to my seat. It was a great honor to look over to the faculty and receive expressions of accomplishment.

I got to see some friends from other classes, and some good friends who traveled far to be with me last night. It was quite an evening, and I will remember it always.

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!

It has been awhile since Ive posted last... unintentional hiatus, but the holiday's got in the way. Before my short vacation from school and work, things were uber crazy. I was baking cookies for friends, shopping for last minute gifts and trying to pick up the holiday spirit that was lacking because school and work.

my holiday bakes

The thesis is going rather well if I do say so myself. I have 31 days to basically wrap up the statistical analysis and writing - then it is off for the defense which is basically editing and defending the findings and writing to several professors and educators who will come back and say, "what about this" or "what are you trying to say here?" etc. Constructive criticism and tough guts. The final semester is looming.

I did get into the holiday spirit after shopping for two needy families that our office sponsored this year. It has become a tradition of the office marketing manager and I to do the shopping, as I have been doing this for three years now. I always manage to pick up on the season when I venture to the store to pick up goodies, new clothes, and basic necessities that many of us don't put a second thought to, like tooth brushes, undergarments, pajamas, socks, hats and gloves. I stayed up all night one evening to get as much of it done as possible. I had to stop early because we ran out of boxes to wrap in, and I didnt have alot of extras around the house. The office folks lended a helping hand to wrap up the remaining items the Friday before Christmas. It was fun to see all of the wrapped presents go out the door and to the organization which makes sure that the families recieve their gifts! After this, I was finally excited for Christmas. After a good nights sleep, I was ready to formally celebrate the season. I finished wrapping the gifts for my family and spent some time with Tula since she has been a bit neglected lately. She loved the catnip sticks that I got her.

Christmas morning this year was cool. We had everyone together and my brother's girlfriend came by to open gifts with us, along with Yaiyia too. We made cinnamon rolls and listened to holiday music while we each went around taking turns while opening gifts. I got some cool and exciting things.

Martini Christmas Ornaments: mom knows I love Christmas Ornaments. These were perfect! I also got some from CB2 for my friend L, because she likes martinis, cosmos, and Sex and the City too.

The Vintage Santa cake pan by Williams Sonoma. It is kinda late to test drive it this year, but next year I plan to pull it out and make something fun!

The Fortune Cookie Ornament: I just thought it was cool, and unique :)

To ring in the new year, and to celebrate my anniversary, I traveled to Dallas to spend time with good friends and family. We had a nice dinner and then headed downtown to watch the fireworks at Victory Park. It was almost midnight when we got there, so we saved some time and stayed in the car with the heater going to see the fabulous display. My husband kept asking me if I was going to take a picture for my blog... he was poking fun at me, so I decided to just watch them in the warmth of the heater instead. The show was great. We got back on the highway before the traffic got going. It was super. Today I had lunch with all of my friends and I finally got to exchange gifts with one of my best friends, L, and she totally surprised me with the Jonathan Adler fish ornament. It is ceramic, and too cute. Immediately reminded me of Tula, and I can always appreciate her impeccable taste in design, as she is a fellow designer :)

I was thinking this evening that I have not exactly set forth any new years resolutions just yet. It reminded me of one of my Christmas gifts, the Intelligence Deck:50 tips for living which is one of my most favorite things I received this year. It is a deck of cards, and it has been tempting to go through and read them all in one sitting. I decided that since it has about 50 cards in it, that Ill post one here every week. Not to infringe on the publisher of the deck, but to be inspired and to have a topic of writing or discussion. Good times. Also available, the Elegance Deck and the Strength Deck.


The Intelligence Deck, card 1 of 50 (actually the cards are not numbered, but this was the one in front when I opened up the deck):

"Le Chic Chick knows... to Appreciate the Business as Much as the Bag..."

"A lot of work goes into developing brand identity and well - crafted products. If you admire a designer or favor a particular brand, take the time to read their history. Don't just wear a pair of Gucci shoes, know how Guccio Gucci started the business back in 1921. Appreciate your purchases as well as the people who created your precious possessions."

A good tip to live by - and I do know first hand that there are lots of interesting facts behind designers, their lives, and where their inspirations came from. I know more about architects, furniture and industrial designers than I do about fashion designers, so I will have to branch out and learn more about those who clothe our soles. (pun intended...)

So to everyone out there, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a healthy and happy 2008!

Burrrrr...

Last week I was craving snow. I even mentioned to someone last week that I was ready for some good winter weather. Well it came last night big time - thunder, lighting, sleet, freezing rain and the result was a thick glaze of ice on everything that is outside. I talked to a couple of friends this morning and one even said that a tree limb fell on her car! She ended up at a hotel later in the afternoon because her power went out at home, which is similar to many others.

Ive been fortunate today to have power and heat, something that many are searching for right now. I did lose power for a few minutes this evening, but luckily it came back on pretty quickly. Tula and I just stayed in today and napped and did homework. I even got around to baking some cookies and then enjoyed a super hot bath. I was amused though at the size of the icicles hanging off of my house - I stepped out long enough to get cold and to take some photographs. I think that they provide a small sampling of what is really going on around here.

The Famous Architect

Tonight I must say, has been intriguing, inspiring, and invigorating. Early last week, our local AIA chapter announced an event, a lecture. There are many things that occur in the community, but nothing like this. Antoine Predock, FAIA was the guest speaker, and visiting Goff Chair lecturer to the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture. Each year, architects from all over the united states come to take part in the Goff Chair lecture series, and it has been a long tradition. What an exciting event to attend to - with such an exciting speaker, architect, and being. It was more than I expected really. Glass trusses, an emergence of the use of materials and pressing them to the extreme, yet maintaining integrity of the materials, and the land use - all maintaining sustainability. What we think of as great architecture is not typically found in our suburban cities - well not the daily grind of new construction anyhow. There are awards to be awarded each year, thousands of new structures, renovations and interior design projects. The almighty budget often proves to be a barrier between the magnificent and mediocre. But to actually sit back and design without worrying about timesheets and overhead - exactly what Predock said he doesnt do - worry. He said he just gets it done. Architecture is his life. He is 50 years into his career now, and he is a master at what he does - he is what every young aspiring intern, architect and architecture student strive to be. He discussed his work that has been published in his most recent book, Antoine Predock architect.

And if you are interested, listen to the Antoine Predock podcast hosted by the AIA.

Weekends, Wins and Weddings

Happy Columbus Day! It was a great day to be off work, gorgeous weather outside, seems fall is attempting to creep in, but I think it will be awhile yet before temperatures actually start to fall. A cold front came through early this morning which brought rain and thunder - perfect snoozing weather. My godsister got married this weekend too - it was a fabulous wedding. Despite the wedding date occuring on OU/Texas game day, it all worked out. The church parking lot was full and the final 23 seconds of the game was still happening. There was a line of people waiting to file into the church. Finally the clock ran out, and the final score was 28-21 with an OU victory. Satisfied, we walked into the church and still managed to have a decent seat because my brother had the fabulous job as usher and knew we would need VIP seating. Then the wedding began. A few forgiving minutes had gone by since the game had just ended and like myself, there were still some wandering in with small smiles on their faces.

I wasnt sure what a "K - dahlings" wedding would look like, but it was fabulous. Colors were sage, ivory, and antique pink, a hint of japanese style with obi belts and take - out boxes of koufeta. The groom and his men all wore black converse sneakers with their tuxedos. A wave went down the men's side as the bride and groom stood up on the altar in the church. Little hints of exactly what a wedding should be, a representation of the bride and groom, and just what it was.

The reception was held at the historic Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. I remember going to someone's wedding reception there many many years ago, but do not remember who's it was - I know I was a small child. But now after undergoing renovation, it was fabulous and made the reception a hit. It was cozy and spacious, and it just made the evening.

For fear of her seeing her gift before it was received, I couldnt post pictures, but I was quite proud of the compulation of the wedding gift. A few things on the registry, and a few things not, but I hope they enjoy it anyhow. The espresso and blue hand towels were something that they had registered for at Bed Bath and Beyond. I had given them a few bath towels for their bridal shower, but wanted a fun wedding gift to top things off with. How do you make hand towels fun? Here is the answer. The small crate was another registry item, and was perfect for packaging everything up. This fabulous appetizer dish was one of the inspiring pieces for the sushi themed gift. I could just imagine rolls of seaweed and rice adorning the marvelous piece. I was perusing Etsy one day and came across some ultra fabulous kitchen textiles that were irresistable. The sushi kitchen towel and matching oven mitt! Very well made if I do say so myself. (Images by HBIC). These are rolled up in the basket of "rolls". My favorite item in the basket is the ebi timer - looks like a piece of sushi on a cutting block. Fabulous. Im jealous that they got this... but thats cool. Ive been eyeing a cupcake timer for my kitchen anyway. There is a set of bubble chopsticks in there too. So congratulations miss K dahling!!! Hope you are having a super honeymoon and hope you enjoy getting moved into your new place and figuring out where to put all of your new wedding gifts!

55 mph

Finally a reason to use my new cake pan...



Yesterday was my mother's birthday, you know the one that allows you to become a member of AARP and officially order the senior citizen discounted meals. It was a unique weekend which allowed all of the family to meet up in one place, so we did just that. My sister, her husband, my husband and I piled in the car and drove home. We arrived at the Olive Garden about 6:15, and slowly my brother and his girlfriend showed up with Yaiyia, and then a good friend of the family. There was a 45 minute wait, but we knew that there would be. Mom and dad were to arrive at 7:00 p.m. It was about 10 til 7, and we had to stall a bit longer, so we would text message dad... "wait another 10 minutes or so". Finally we were able to get into the restaurant and seated at the huge dining table for ten. The cake was on the table, we all had our seats, ordered drinks and set the birthday gifts aside. All we had to do was wait...
Finally they arrived and we were the loud and rowdy crowd we all know from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. So we dined, drank, and ate cupcakes. All of the birthday gifts were fabulous. Shoes, tupperware, a framed photo, and and picture frame. Good times for a good surprise. She wasnt expecting all of us to be there, but we all managed to show for a good time.

Fun Halloween Stuff

As Halloween is approaching and the stores are beginning to fill with candy and things with pumpkins, witches, and black cats, here are a few of my favorites that Ill be celebrating the season with this year:

Be festive with fun halloween things to make your holiday spooky :)

See more of my Fun Halloween Stuff list at ThisNext.

Cheer for the Cheerleader!

Well college football season is back and in gear. OU is 2 - 0 and the future is bright. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am hardly the cheerleader, but something recently caught my eye, and well it is kinda cool:

A cheerleader at OU is up for cheerleader of the year! In my opinion anyway, she seems to be the most spirited of the group of contestants. Take some time and vote for Evan!

09.11.01 - 09.11.07

We all know what today is, and we all remember where we were and what we were doing when we learned what was happening or what had happended just six years ago. I was alone in my car in the parking lot at OU. I was on my way to my voice lesson, and I was completely shocked. It is a day to remember and a day to be patriotic.

And to get you to feel a little patriotic today, the Star Spangled Banner performed by Carrie Underwood:



It works for me every time.

The Thesis Factory

From the looks of things around my house, on my table and in my mind, Ive been pretty busy lately. (and you know you are missing out on interesting things when you are amused by your cat, who finds utmost entertainment watching the pages shoot out of the printer too). I am proud to say though that my thesis project is well under way and heading into the Institutional Review Board sometime tomorrow to undergo the approval process. This is excellent news anyway for me, I might actually have time to watch television this weekend. Lord knows how many episodes of Oprah and Martha Stewart Ive missed out on in the last few weeks. Even the DVR recycles through them if they havent been watched within three days. I guess that is what reruns are for. I am very excited though for a couple of events that are happening soon:

1. Ms. Marvelous' birthday.

2. K Dahling's upcoming nuptials (to be discussed later).

and for these fabulous upcoming events, Ive managed to pull a few fun and fabulous things together for gift giving. The Sur La Table giant cupcake pan Ive been oohing over has turned into a birthday gift for Ms. Marvelous along with a few other cupcake parafernalia items as well. The uberfabulous "flirt apron" by one of my favorite etsy shops. This one was just too appropriate at the right time. This one (photo by etsy shop owner) features Robert Kaufman's "buttercup" from the "Sweet Tooth" collection of textile fabrics. And a couple of little things from crate and barrel to top things off with (you know, like sprinkles). The cupcake spatula which I am already a big fan of with its small cupcake image implanted within the silicone... well you get the picture. Had to then throw in the cleverly cute and wholesome use of steel supply, the cupcake cake tester. Also a personal favorite, and hopefully one of Ms. Marvelous too.

The Thirty-something Trail of Events...

Today I arrived at work and it all began, a stack of fabulousness emerged:

8:22 a.m. - arrived at work to find this fabulousness waiting for me on my desk:



It is a fiesta non slip mixing bowl filled with some cupcake shaped dessert plates, pink kitchen gloves, a pink ice cream scoop, and a pink cup a cake. A small last touch is the New York City Girl Mints "Stiletto Girl" with "I do everything better in heels" Too cute. I love it.

8:37 a.m. - next up Erin came down with this cute polka dot bag with "Happy Birthday" on it. Inside was the fabulous gold bag. I think I even have a fabulous pair of shoes to go along with so its very cool.



4:32 p.m. - the flowers came from Mom and Dad. They are so pretty!


And tonight we went to dinner at Shogun, a local Hibachi Grill restaurant. Our chef was fabulous. He made each guest around the table catch a ball of rice in an open mouth as he chucked it off of his spatula. I am blessed to have my friends and family, and excited about my birthday gift card to Williams Sonoma!!!

30 in Thirty.

It is official now, I will be 30 in thirty days.

I am sure that the time will go quickly and the next thing I know school will be starting. It is a wakeup call today - one that I need to get finished up with my summer thesis tasks. Another that I just need to complete a few other things that have been lingering on my things to do list. I am nearly ready to get my thesis survey issued, but a few more minor legalities before doing so - but those should be wrapped up this week :)

It is starting to hit me now, but many people have told me that their thirties have been the best time of thier lives.

So, is it a midlife crisis or something to look forward to?

Let me know how you feel about turning 30. Vote below:

07.07.07

Today was the lucky day. A funfilled day too. For a moment this morning I wondered if it would be the day of the second coming. Or if some kind of big life changing national news worthy event would occur. I have two friends with the birthday date 07.07, and I attended a wedding of a friend who I have known throughout high school and then attended college at OU with for some time. I had to miss the lunch time birthday party for the 2 o'clock wedding, but all is fine and done with now. I baked the wedding cake and delivered it, remembered the gift, and my brother was kind enough to escort me since the husband had other things going on instead. 07.07.07 - a once in a lifetime date - and lucky for some. Next year, my lucky day will be 08.08.08 :)