Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I'm taking December off for the holidays. See you in January!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
My Favorite Shoes: Ahnu Benicia
My favorite shoes are the Ahnu brand Benicia style sporty shoes. These are the best! They are made from fabric and leather (<-- major points for leather!) and a super comfy! Because they're leather, they stretch and a breath.
I love these shoes so much that I bought a second pair!
I love these shoes so much that I bought a second pair!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Japanese Garden, Washington Park Arboretum
Today I am an amateur photographer. Enjoy these photos I took while visiting the Japanese Garden at the Washington Park arboretum.
When you first enter the Japanese garden, there is a large gate. Once you enter you are transported into a very zen-like space. There are many small stone bridges, stepping stones and rough terrain. There are many little rivers and a large lake with koi (not pictured.) In the fall there are a multitude of colors, exhibited below:
When you first enter the Japanese garden, there is a large gate. Once you enter you are transported into a very zen-like space. There are many small stone bridges, stepping stones and rough terrain. There are many little rivers and a large lake with koi (not pictured.) In the fall there are a multitude of colors, exhibited below:
Monday, November 28, 2011
Game Review: Dragon Age: Origins
I love how in Dragon Age Origins your every decision works to affect the outcome of the game. From your first choice to your last, the game is directed by what you choose to do.
The first time through the game I deliberated a long time before making each decision, trying to make the best decision possible. Now I am playing though the game a second time (for the xbox achievements) and I am finding it absolutely stressful to choose the "evil" choice instead of the "good" choice and I just can't do it!
I don't know how I am going to get the achievements if I can't do the evil thing and it's just game!
The first time through the game I deliberated a long time before making each decision, trying to make the best decision possible. Now I am playing though the game a second time (for the xbox achievements) and I am finding it absolutely stressful to choose the "evil" choice instead of the "good" choice and I just can't do it!
I don't know how I am going to get the achievements if I can't do the evil thing and it's just game!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Play Review: Syvia
I attended the play, Slyvia recently.
I must be upfront about this. I am not a dog person. Dogs are fine when they're they belong to somebody else, but for me, I'd rather not.
However, I must say that I really enjoyed this play and Linda did a fabulous job of portraying a dog. I could really see it in her!
Empty nesters Greg and Kate have moved back to Manhattan after twenty-two years in the suburbs. As Kate tells Greg: “The dog phase of my life is definitely over.” But life has a way of giving you what you think you don’t want. Greg finds Sylvia, a street-smart lab/poodle mix, and brings her home. She promptly becomes a bone of contention between Greg and Kate, testing their marriage to hilarious and touching effect. In the years leading up to Seattle Rep’s 50th Anniversary, the theatre will be revisiting favorites. This heart-warming comedy is often requested, “Bring it back, please!”Slyvia, the dog was played by Linda Morris. She was great!
I must be upfront about this. I am not a dog person. Dogs are fine when they're they belong to somebody else, but for me, I'd rather not.
However, I must say that I really enjoyed this play and Linda did a fabulous job of portraying a dog. I could really see it in her!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Hot Sandwhiches
One of my favorite foods in the winter time is a hot sandwich. Yum! Yum! My favorite for dinner is wheat bread with some turkey and cheddar! What's your favorite sandwich? Do you like hot or cold sandwiches?
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Review: Dance Moms
Dance Moms is a show on Lifetime about girls who attend a dance studio and their moms. The moms are the extreme dance version of a soccer mom.
I do have a confusion though... the moms are invested in their daughters' dance performances and careers, but it seems that the teacher's response to the mom's drama is unnecessary for the girls to dance. For example: the girls are 13 and under and when the girls and their teacher are out for ice cream, she tells them, "Now listen to me. We're in Las Vegas. I wanna have a good time. I do not want your mothers starting all this crap with me. It's your job, when I correct you, I am correcting you. I do not want to deal with your mothers rolling their eyes..."
It's not as if those girls can control what their mothers do or say! Not to mention the language issue! What is this show!
I do have a confusion though... the moms are invested in their daughters' dance performances and careers, but it seems that the teacher's response to the mom's drama is unnecessary for the girls to dance. For example: the girls are 13 and under and when the girls and their teacher are out for ice cream, she tells them, "Now listen to me. We're in Las Vegas. I wanna have a good time. I do not want your mothers starting all this crap with me. It's your job, when I correct you, I am correcting you. I do not want to deal with your mothers rolling their eyes..."
It's not as if those girls can control what their mothers do or say! Not to mention the language issue! What is this show!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Review: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Part 2
This is the results of my very own Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown style!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Review: Vinturi Red Wine Aerator
Recently I bought a gift for The Boyfriend--the Vinturi Red Wine Aerator. We enjoy drinking a glass here and there, but truly didn't know what we were missing until we tried the aerator. This little device is amazing!
According to Vinturi's website, Bernoulli's Principle states that as the speed of a moving fluid increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases. This is dictated by the law of conservation of energy. When wine is poured in the Vinturi, its internal design creates an increase in the wine's velocity and a decrease in its pressure. This pressure difference draws in air which is mixed with wine for perfect aeration. ~VinturiWe immediately tasted a difference with the aerator. Wines that we aerated rather than drank poured immediately from the bottle had enhanced flavor. The aerator improves the taste of any wine it's used on. If you're drink a good glass of wine; it becomes even better with the aerator. The aerator works faster than using a decanter and can be used to pour an entire bottle or only one glass of wine. It's easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Vinturi also sells a white wine aerator and a new spirits aerator.
For white wine... I'm not sure if it's worth it. Vinturi says their white wine aerator has different internal dimensions and flow rates perfect for white wine, but I would have to test it to be sure. I like my white wines the way they are, particularly since I prefer sweet white wines, like Rieslings, but I can see how an aerator might be a good idea for a dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio.
I do really want to try the spirits aerator though! We like to try fancy tequila from Mexico--the kind you sip, it's not for shots! And our Grand Reserva, a special anejo tequila would be a perfect spirit to try with an aerator.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Review: Kinect Disneyland Adventures
I just played Kinect Disneyland Adventures for the first time and it will definitely be a hit with the kids.
You start the game out by choosing who you will be and customizing your features and clothes. Then you meet Micky. You are standing outside of Disneyland at the entrance gate.
You can explore the entire park, meet Disney characters, taking pictures and giving them hugs. You are given quests throughout the game such as find Donald Duck's hat while bobsledding on the Matterhorn.
As this is a Kinect game, you interact with the game by standing in front of the sensor and moving around. You hold out your arms to interact with the game, giving hugs, taking pictures and walking/running through the park. While bobsledding through the Matterhorn, you lean left and right and jump to avoid obstacles.
Collect coins for use in the gift shops and collect characters' pictures for your photo albums.
If you can't actually go to Disneyland, this might just be the next best thing!
You start the game out by choosing who you will be and customizing your features and clothes. Then you meet Micky. You are standing outside of Disneyland at the entrance gate.
You can explore the entire park, meet Disney characters, taking pictures and giving them hugs. You are given quests throughout the game such as find Donald Duck's hat while bobsledding on the Matterhorn.
As this is a Kinect game, you interact with the game by standing in front of the sensor and moving around. You hold out your arms to interact with the game, giving hugs, taking pictures and walking/running through the park. While bobsledding through the Matterhorn, you lean left and right and jump to avoid obstacles.
Collect coins for use in the gift shops and collect characters' pictures for your photo albums.
If you can't actually go to Disneyland, this might just be the next best thing!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
A Girlfriend's Review: Skyrim
Skyrim has been out for just over a week now and as a girlfriend, I must say, I hate that game! Now hate is a very strong word, I'm aware, so let's take a closer look at this...
Yes, certainly, with a loathing passion, do I hate this game.
Ever since last Friday my boyfriend has been a zombie. He hasn't talked to me, he doesn't take showers. He even took a week off of work, just to spend the first week right after the Skyrim release immersed in the world of endless dragons. He doesn't talk to me, he doesn't call me, we don't go out on dates, and the last time he said "honey I love you" was forever ago!
He even wrote this on his facebook:
Could it get any worse? Dare I even ask? I know, I know, I was warned that when this game was released that I would see less of him. But would it really be that bad that I would never see him? And how long do I have to wait until I see him again? When playing the previous game, Oblivion, the boyfriend logged over 200 hours but in this new game, Skyrim, there is a possibility for infinite hours!
Oblivion has a finite number of quests so someday you may finish them all. Skyrim has an infite number of quests. Skyrim has the capabilities to generate quests. Oh look, there's some bandits, oh look, make a potion to help this town, etc.
I suppose the length of the game and extensive world with numerous side quests, as well as a very nicely developed main quest is great for the game players... but it's really sad for me!
(Dear boyfriend--this is all tongue-in-cheek, I swear!)
Yes, certainly, with a loathing passion, do I hate this game.
Ever since last Friday my boyfriend has been a zombie. He hasn't talked to me, he doesn't take showers. He even took a week off of work, just to spend the first week right after the Skyrim release immersed in the world of endless dragons. He doesn't talk to me, he doesn't call me, we don't go out on dates, and the last time he said "honey I love you" was forever ago!
He even wrote this on his facebook:
Dear Skyrim,
My eyes give me pain because of the little sleep that I have had because of you.
Christine looks at me bad every time I start the Xbox to explore your lands.
I have the hymn of Dovakin stuck in my head.
My life is not the same.
But I forgive you because you have something that no one else can give me.
INFINITE DRAGONS
-The boyfriend.
Could it get any worse? Dare I even ask? I know, I know, I was warned that when this game was released that I would see less of him. But would it really be that bad that I would never see him? And how long do I have to wait until I see him again? When playing the previous game, Oblivion, the boyfriend logged over 200 hours but in this new game, Skyrim, there is a possibility for infinite hours!
Oblivion has a finite number of quests so someday you may finish them all. Skyrim has an infite number of quests. Skyrim has the capabilities to generate quests. Oh look, there's some bandits, oh look, make a potion to help this town, etc.
I suppose the length of the game and extensive world with numerous side quests, as well as a very nicely developed main quest is great for the game players... but it's really sad for me!
(Dear boyfriend--this is all tongue-in-cheek, I swear!)
Friday, November 18, 2011
Review: Pan Am Episode 2 "Ich Bin Ein Berliner"
When a TV series is a period piece I always hope they have historians on staff to verify the accuracy of the stories and plots.
I wonder how accurate the historical details in the ABC series Pan Am are. In the episode, the Pan Am stewardesses are in West Berlin for President Kennedy's speech on June 26, 1963. Did the series writers look up the record of that time period? Did they read Kennedy's speech when preparing the scripts?
According to Wikipedia, "a Pan Am stewardess from 1968 to 1976, is one of the show's executive producers and is credited as the series developer. Her research for the series was conducted at the Pan Am Historical Foundation and the University of Miami, the location of Pan Am's archives. In addition, the actors, props department, production designers and costumers are advised in making details of the show as accurate as possible."
Fantastic!
I wonder how accurate the historical details in the ABC series Pan Am are. In the episode, the Pan Am stewardesses are in West Berlin for President Kennedy's speech on June 26, 1963. Did the series writers look up the record of that time period? Did they read Kennedy's speech when preparing the scripts?
According to Wikipedia, "a Pan Am stewardess from 1968 to 1976, is one of the show's executive producers and is credited as the series developer. Her research for the series was conducted at the Pan Am Historical Foundation and the University of Miami, the location of Pan Am's archives. In addition, the actors, props department, production designers and costumers are advised in making details of the show as accurate as possible."
Fantastic!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Play Review: Circle Mirror Transformation
Circle Mirror Transformation
by Annie Baker
directed by Andrea Allen
I am a subscriber at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. They have a great deal where anyone under 25 years of age can get tickets for only $10! Every year I go to see five plays at The Rep. The first play of this season for me was Circle Mirror Transformation.
This was a great play about a group of people who attend an improv class and their lives are communicated to the audience through improv games. I found this concept extremely interesting because when I was in college I took an improv class my freshman year and found it to be a very empowering and enjoyable experience. You can learn to be confidant and brave through improv because whatever you simply work with whatever comes. You don't over think what you're doing and you just go with it.
Back to the play... this is probably why I identified most with the young, shy character of Lauren. Lauren certainly finds strength and self-awareness throughout the play. By the end of the play she appears to be one of the characters who truly grows and moves forward.
Which brings me to another great thing about Circle Mirror Transformation! This play is part of The Rep's YES project. I think that The YES project is one of the great things about the Seattle Rep. The YES project works to promote young theatre goers and young playwrights through fining and developing plays for their stages that feature youth protagonists and/or have a curriculum tie-in, as well as their Playwriting Project and TeenSpeak program.
I always loved drama and plays in school; this was a wonderful experience that I recommend to everyone!
by Annie Baker
directed by Andrea Allen
I am a subscriber at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. They have a great deal where anyone under 25 years of age can get tickets for only $10! Every year I go to see five plays at The Rep. The first play of this season for me was Circle Mirror Transformation.
Synopsis: In an artsy small town, an unlikely collection of strangers sign up for Marty’s “Adult Creative Drama” class: a recently divorced carpenter, a high school junior, a former actress, and Marty’s husband. Unfolding like a charmingly funny indie film, the group plays Marty’s imaginative (and sometimes awkward) theatre games. But as their relationships develop over the course of the summer, the seemingly silly games generate some real-life drama. This delightful comedy from new playwright Annie Baker landed on Top Ten lists of The New York Times and The New Yorker for 2010. ~ The Seattle Repertory Theatre
This was a great play about a group of people who attend an improv class and their lives are communicated to the audience through improv games. I found this concept extremely interesting because when I was in college I took an improv class my freshman year and found it to be a very empowering and enjoyable experience. You can learn to be confidant and brave through improv because whatever you simply work with whatever comes. You don't over think what you're doing and you just go with it.
Back to the play... this is probably why I identified most with the young, shy character of Lauren. Lauren certainly finds strength and self-awareness throughout the play. By the end of the play she appears to be one of the characters who truly grows and moves forward.
Which brings me to another great thing about Circle Mirror Transformation! This play is part of The Rep's YES project. I think that The YES project is one of the great things about the Seattle Rep. The YES project works to promote young theatre goers and young playwrights through fining and developing plays for their stages that feature youth protagonists and/or have a curriculum tie-in, as well as their Playwriting Project and TeenSpeak program.
I always loved drama and plays in school; this was a wonderful experience that I recommend to everyone!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Review: Got Milk Straws
Milk Straws are a fun and mess-free way to enjoy a cold glass of milk. Simply choose from one of eight delicious flavors: Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies& Cream, Vanilla Milkshake, Strawberry Banana, Wild Berry, Orange Cream, or Banana. Pop it in your milk and slurp away. The special flavor pods inside the straw will magically transform plain ol' milk into something delicious, without adding any fat and very little sugar. No refrigeration is required, so you can pack a Milk Straw in your kiddo's backpack so they can be the envy of the cafeteria at lunchtime. ~ThinkGeek.com
I just received a recent order from ThinkGeek.com. Man, do I love that place! They have so many unique and interesting items for sale! In this order, I received a variety pack of Got Milk? straws. I was curious to see if they would really change the flavor of milk to something like chocolate, vanilla milkshake and orange cream. I have always been a fan of Nesquik strawberry milk and am an occasional chocolate milk drinker... so this certainly peaked my interest.
I often remember when I was young and I would visit my grandma's house with my cousin. My cousin really didn't like the taste of milk, so grandma would prepare her's with Ovaltine. This is a great chocolate flavor to add to milk to make it more tasty. I wonder what my cousin would think of the Got Milk straws?
I tried two flavors so far, one that was pink and white--this straw made my milk taste like strawberry/banana! These straws really work! I filled a glass with some milk and dropped my straw in. As soon as I took the first sip, the milk was flavored. Amazing!
Milk is a good source of daily nutrients including calcium. If you needed a way to jump start your milk consumption, these straws make milk taste great! (Although, note, they do include some sugar and flavoring agents...) These are definitely a solid addition to milk flavoring products.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Review: Candwich
Candwich--it is a sandwich in a can! Portable! Convenient! Condensed!
According the the website, a candwich is "the official 'Sandwich in a Can'. The perfect food for people on the go. Busy moms, school kids, and outdoor recreationists love Candwich™. The unique packaging offers convenience and protection in both lunch boxes and backpacks. Whether packing a lunch for school or work, feeding kids on the run, or headed out for a fun outdoor adventure, Candwich™ is a great-tasting, healthy alternative to fast food".
In my opinion, the whole design seems odd... when I think of a sandwich I think of something freshly made, or if not freshly made, then made no more than a week ago and freezed for my convenience. There's something about a candwich that just seems wrong...
Maybe it's that the whole of the sandwich is contained in a canister like some futuristic, science fiction food stuff and the website's marketing doesn't help this perception, noting, "With an extended shelf-life, Candwich™ is ideal for emergency food storage needs in the event of a natural disaster. Candwich™ tastes great, and because of the special Army formulated recipe, the bread stays as soft and sweet after one-year in storage as it did the day it was made (If you can ever keep them around that long)"
Erm... maybe it's that bread is one of those food items that I think of as fresh... that starts to mold if I don't eat it fast enough, like dairy and fruits and vegetables... and the idea that ingredients to make sandwich, namely bread, and jelly for that matter... is formulated to last up to (and longer than?) a year seems questionable.
Not to mention, how healthy exactly can a food item that is formulated to last a year be? It is most definitely a processed food item... and we all know that the healthiest food items for you are the ones that aren't processed--those that are fresh are best!
Perhaps it is healthier than a fast food item...but I still say that taking 5-10 to make a fresh sandwich is probably your best bet.
I will be trying out this candwich next week, and will get back to you with an update on my experience of eating it... if I can bring myself to do so!
According the the website, a candwich is "the official 'Sandwich in a Can'. The perfect food for people on the go. Busy moms, school kids, and outdoor recreationists love Candwich™. The unique packaging offers convenience and protection in both lunch boxes and backpacks. Whether packing a lunch for school or work, feeding kids on the run, or headed out for a fun outdoor adventure, Candwich™ is a great-tasting, healthy alternative to fast food".
In my opinion, the whole design seems odd... when I think of a sandwich I think of something freshly made, or if not freshly made, then made no more than a week ago and freezed for my convenience. There's something about a candwich that just seems wrong...
Maybe it's that the whole of the sandwich is contained in a canister like some futuristic, science fiction food stuff and the website's marketing doesn't help this perception, noting, "With an extended shelf-life, Candwich™ is ideal for emergency food storage needs in the event of a natural disaster. Candwich™ tastes great, and because of the special Army formulated recipe, the bread stays as soft and sweet after one-year in storage as it did the day it was made (If you can ever keep them around that long)"
Erm... maybe it's that bread is one of those food items that I think of as fresh... that starts to mold if I don't eat it fast enough, like dairy and fruits and vegetables... and the idea that ingredients to make sandwich, namely bread, and jelly for that matter... is formulated to last up to (and longer than?) a year seems questionable.
Not to mention, how healthy exactly can a food item that is formulated to last a year be? It is most definitely a processed food item... and we all know that the healthiest food items for you are the ones that aren't processed--those that are fresh are best!
Perhaps it is healthier than a fast food item...but I still say that taking 5-10 to make a fresh sandwich is probably your best bet.
I will be trying out this candwich next week, and will get back to you with an update on my experience of eating it... if I can bring myself to do so!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie
Last night I watched the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This movie was based on the book by Jeff Kinney. This was a cute movie that would be perfect for elementary and middle school boys. Within the first five hours I probably said "ewww" ten times.
This is the part that would possibly appeal the most to middle school boys. The gross parts, the disgusting parts, the parts that cause you to make a face and shout yuck. There is a moldy, slimy, old piece of cheese on the blacktop of the school. Don't touch it or you'll get the cheese touch and end up as a pariah of the school!
The book and movie are told from the perspective of the main character--Greg. I read the book before I saw the movie and for me, I found Greg amusing in the book--boys being boys and little kids being kids. However, when I watched the movie, it was more apparent to me how mean Greg is to his friend, Rowley, and how much he thought he knew, when he was indeed ignorant.
Throughout the movie Greg learns that he should be nicer to his friends and he learns that he doesn't really know everything. His self growth from the start of the movie to the end was one of my favorite parts of the the movie.
When watching movies the two parts to me that are the most interesting, are one, whether there is a good plot/story, and two, whether there is character development.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets the character development criteria. Besides the technical review... it was a very fun movie.
Besides the cheese touch, there is Greg's school year goal of getting into the year book as something cool, like the most popular kid in school. He tries wrestling, the school play, the safety patrol. All of these activities lead to adventures.
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