Saturday, August 27, 2011

perfect timing

       Right now you can order pictures on mpix and save 15%. Thank you, Ashley Ann for sharing!!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

book review: The Housekeeper and the Professor

I haven't read much fiction lately, since the likes of Twilight and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (sorry, mom), but I have always loved the experience of being pulled into a story with it's character, plot, theme, etc. Last week I finished reading The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa. Not only did the author accomplish writing a fiction novel in and of itself, but the characters had no names and the main character in which the story revolved only had eighty minutes of memory. With these challenges, she still managed to build character relationships, share a story, and revolve it all around the central theme: should put more value on our immediate experiences or our memories? 

I think our memories can bring us joy if fond momories, or allow for personal growth if not so fond. For some, living in the past is debilitating. For others, nothing is scarier than facing each day as it comes. The characters that the author presented were uniquely different in that the narrator had a bit of a difficult past and lived for the moment, and the main character had no ability to make new memories so he lived only in the past, which was pleasant for him. He delved into mathematics as numbers served as his fondest of companions. The juxtaposition of these two characters was interesting. They came together to form a unique friendship that took dedication, work, and an understanding of each other. This seems fitting as the story was set within contemporary Japan, a culture that (to me) has emphasis on family, traditions, and learning. The cultural difference was interesting to learn about from the story as well.

To relate this fiction story to everyday life, I would challenge myself to put more effort towards each of my friendships and relationships as they have value to me. I also want to live each moment with importance and reminisce on all the good things in my past, like my family and how I was raised and how very blessed I am. I can't imagine anything worse than staying in one place, thinking only of myself in the present time. I don't want to limit my future or forget my past.

Monday, August 15, 2011

family vacation

These have taken a new meaning as we all live in different parts of the country nowadays. This year I took time to travel down to Dallas to see Dan, Angela and the kids.

A few things I got to do while in Dallas:

  • pool time
  • pizzas on the grill
  • catching up with the Mackenzies
  • the perfect spot for the fireworks show (and just as it started)
  • giving Will, Carter, and Bella their individual "Erika" date
  • sleepovers
  • library visit
  • shopping trip with Angela
  • Angela's zucchini pie
  • getting to hear about Dan's new cooking program with Salad Master
  • movie night with the kids, complementary with popcorn and a giant pillow pallet bed
  • giving Rosita a makeover
  • sharing a flight on the way back







































(Later this year I'll hopefully be able to take a trip up to see Charles, Jen and Baby Linz). 

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Addictions: Pinterest


Say you had some free time...what would you do? For me, I'm a huge fan of browsing the internet for inspiration. Pinterest has quickly become my newest outlet to feed this addiction. It's a great place to store ideas for home decor, cooking, fashion, art, etc. You can save a picture to a pinboard, and it will link to the site where it was found, giving proper ownership. 








Saturday, August 13, 2011

Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Items Every Woman Needs
• Basic black dress
• Trench coat
• Classic dress pants
• Classic white shirt
• Skirt
• Blazer
• Day dress
• Cashmere sweater
• Jeans
• A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit


For me, that might translate into this:
• Basic black dress (love the bow and open back)
















• Trench coat (something not too traditional that I could layer)
















• Classic dress pants (slight wide leg or straight leg)
• Classic white shirt (silk with pockets)
















• Skirt (a-line preferable for my shape)
















• Blazer (needed to give me broader shoulders)
















• Day dress (cute choices from: anthropologie)
















• Jeans (favorite brand: joe's)
















• Cashmere sweater (j.crew has a wide range of colors that wash well)
• A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit (leggings, flats, a tee and cardigan? ok!)