Cards & More Cards...

These are some of the cards I have made recently.

I made this for a friend who was going to a 1st birthday party.

Then I made a card for my grandpa and dad for Father's Day.

Have a lovely weekend!

bye bye for now...

*bri*

Maker Faire in San Mateo

05.22.10

This was our first time going to the Maker Faire, and it was interesting to say the least. It was like going to the Exploratorium, but filled with mostly 6th grade science fair projects. Our tickets were $25 a piece (ouch!), but we did find free all day parking (about 4 blocks away). There was a parking lot right across the street from the San Mateo Fair Grounds, where the event took place, and they were charging $25 per car. It sucks how people take advantage of others when they can. Just like the wedding and baby industry.

Here are the highlights from the day, and the inventions that I thought were pretty cool.




You could tour the Raygun Gothic Rocketship.




This was like a giant piano, the keys would go up and down when you turned the red wheel on the right side. No, this did not make any sound...that would have been better.



These muffins were whizzing by everyone at the fair. There are actually people inside maneuvering these delicious looking pastries. They are put together by Acme Engineering.



A neon land shark that was attached to a RC car. One of them were speeding around, trying to trip people out.

This was probably the most exciting thing we saw there. An experiment performed by EepyLab that consisted of 108 bottles of Coke Zero and 648 Mentos. It was windy that day and we could feel/taste the sprinkling of the Coke Zero...yum! Fortunately, for us we sat far back enough where we didn't get soaked by the coke, unlike some other observers. So, it was worth it to wait the 30-40 minutes just to watch this 20 second performance.

Remember this? This was the dog statue near the San Francisco Zoo.

Food

These paellas were huge. It didn't look appetizing though.

We shared a Pabellon (chacapas filled with shredded skirt steak, sweet plantains, black beans and cheese) from Pica Pica. The fries were from another food booth. They were beer battered garlic fries...so good!

Overall, I don't think we'll go back next year, but it was still fun to check out.

bye for now...

*bri*

Product Reviews

For the Girly-girl...

I'm all about choosing products based on other people's reviews and recommendations. Usually it's helpful for me, especially since I'm very indecisive. This time I wanted to try a new eyeliner, mascara and eyelash curler. So, I hopped onto Sephora.com and Nordstrom.com to read up on some reviews. Below are the products I bought, and I'm happy with my purchases.

Smashbox Limiteless Eye Liner in Onyx {4 stars}

Dior DiorShow Blackout Waterproof Mascara in Black {4.5 stars}

Shiseido 'The Makeup' Eyelash Curler {5 stars}

Also, since I'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to makeup I thought it would be helpful to read up (on blogs), and watch some videos (on YouTube) to get some tips about makeup application. So, I've been doing that. Anyone have recommendations for any good blogs or videos with makeup tips?

For the Germ-a-phobe...

I think this may be the only product I have bought based on seeing it in a T.V. commerical. That product is the Lysol No-Touch Hand Soap System in Soothing Cucumber Splash. To some people this "hand soap system" may seem like a waste of money, but for the germ-a-phobe like me it makes sense. The hand soap dispencers I use at home are the pump kind, and when you pump down on it with your dirty hand, the pump has all the germs and dirt on it. So, wah-lah now you won't have germs sitting around on your soap dispencer or in this case your hand soap system.

bye for now...

*bri*

This past Mother's Day

I know this post is late, and it's been a while since I've posted something. It's partly due to laziness, not much to say, and forgetting to bring my camera with me so that I can take pictures.

For Mother's Day we celebrated with my mom's side of the family the day before, ate at a Chinese restaurant in Alameda, and then headed to my cousin's house for dessert. The next day my mom and I went for a morning walk around her neighborhood, and then we had dinner together with the rest of the family.

Since I didn't know what to get my mom for Mother's Day, she ended up telling me what she wanted, which was Vera Wang perfume. For my grandma I got her two pairs of fleece pajama pants.


This is the card I made for both of them.

I hope all the mothers out there had a wonderful day, because each of you deserve it!

Is anyone out there in blog land reading this? If so, don't be shy to leave a comment. =)

bye for now...

*bri*

Depleting My Wallet

On my recent shopping trips both in-store and online, I can definitely see that the Spring season is in the air. Also, I've seen more options of cute colorful tops, summery dresses, open-toed shoes and bold accessories. Then there are two trends that I've noticed, which are ruffles and stripes. The ruffles are romantic and the stripes are very nautical. Although, my recent purchases do not reflect these trends, I have found items with these details on my prior trips.

These are my recent finds...

~Tops~

Forever 21 - Floral Sets Woven Top: I love the embroidery along the neckline and hem (+). The material of the top is rayon, so it's easy to wrinkle (-).

Forever 21 - Sweethearts Knit Tee: This top reminds me of the time I went to China/HK, and the graphic is so adorable (+). However, it does run small (-). F21 - Black Cabled 3/4 Cardigan: I'm always drawn to any cardigan or top that has 3/4 sleeves, and this cardigan goes perfectly with a dress or tunic (+). Also, I already had a similar cardigan like this from F21 in Navy (++). Because this cardigan is cabled it can be easy to snag, it happen to my navy one on the sleeve (-). I'm hoping my mom will be able to repair it.

~Dresses~

F21 - Garden Spaghetti Strap Dress: I love the lace along the neckline and the button details (+). This dress is very short, so I'll probably end up wearing it with jeans underneath (-). F21 - Black Afternoon Woven Dress: I can dress this up or down, so it'll be very versatile (+).

~Shoes ~

Nordstrom - BP. Daniella Pump: I needed a black pump that would go with my dresses and jeans, these were it (+).
Nordstrom - Enzo Angiolini Merryann Pump: Just look at them. What's not to love about these pumps? They are gorgeous! (++)
Nordstrom - Jessica Simpson Black Crepe Wedge Sandal: I've worn these a ton of time already, and they are super comfortable (+).

~Accessories~

Banana Republic - T Moro Leather Round-Buckle Belt: I'm trying to accessorize my outfits more, and I thought this belt could add some flair to them (+).

bye for now...

*bri*

Lovely Weather...Lovely Weekend

It's so nice to get out on the weekend, especially when the sun is out. Since the hub hubs and I were already in the financial district, we decided to go the Ferry Building, and on Saturdays they have their Farmers Market. Another thing that made our trip all the more better was that we found free all day parking. We didn't have to pay the meter, or resort to the overpriced parking lot. =) The bummer of the day was that I forgot my camera at home, so I have no pictures to document the day.

Goodies at the Ferry Building...

• Mijita Cocina Mexicana { 3.5 stars }
• I Preferiti di Boriana - a must try are their Bomboloni...if you like donuts, malasadas, or sweets you'll love these too { 5 stars }
• Miette - for their caramels { 4 stars }
• Blue Bottle Coffee { 4 stars }
• San Francisco Fish Company - for their oysters { 3 stars }
• Delica { 3.5 stars }

The Ferry Building and along The Embarcadero are my favorite spots in San Francisco. This area has definitely changed through the years, and it just gets better with age.

Another highlight of my weekend...

As any other shopaholic can relate to, it's finding a good deal. It was happenstance that we were passing by Jeremy's, so of course I had to go in. After searching for bit I thought it was going to be another unsuccessful trip, but that's okay because I always have fun looking around. This time was different, I actually found something. I was so happy because it was the last one, and in my size!

bye for now...

*bri*

Cuppy Cake Lovin'

This week the hub hubs had a project for work in Napa, and since discovering Sift: a Cupcakery { 4.5 stars } on our last trip there, he was sweet enough to pick up some for us (actually mostly for me). They have three locations in the wine country, but I've only been to the Napa location. That one actually shares a space with a clothing and accessories store...kind of weird. Although, in San Mateo there's a froyo place that shares a space with an optometrist. Times are hard...why not share the rent?

Onto the goodness...

Top: Pink Champagne (fresh raspberry cake with champagne frosting; Bottom Left: Irish Car Bomb (rich chocolate Guinness cake with irish cream frosting); Bottom Right: Over the Moon (rich chocolate cake with pink buttercream frosting)

My faves are the Pink Champagne and Knock Your Sox Off (vanilla cake, bevarian cream filling with chocolate ganache). That one is not pictured.

Other cupcakes places I have tried around the Bay Area...

• Sibby's Cupcakery* (all flavors)
• Cups & Cake Bakery
• That Takes The Cake* (red velvet, banana and strawberry)
• Miette Patisserie
• Kara's Cupcakes
• Sprinkle's* (red velvet, banana and strawberry)
• Citizen Cupcake Cafe
• Mission Minis
• Bi-Rite Market
• Sweet Dreams
• Ambrosia Bakery

* my recommendations

These are all the places that I can think of off the top of my head, but for me a lot of these cupcake places have been a disappointment. Also, I have yet to find a place that has really good chocolate cupcakes, however, Sift come pretty close to it in my books.

Then there are cupcakes that I love that you can't eat. My lovely mom hand knitted each and every single one of these babies as the favor for my bridal shower. You can see where I get my craftiness from, but I do wish I was as talented as her.

bye for now...

*bri*

My Day Off

On Monday I didn't have work, I took the day off to go to my doctor's. After my appointment the hub hubs and I went to Delfina Pizzeria in Pac Heights. It was our first time there, and I've heard many good things about this place. However, I think we should have tried the one in the Mission instead. Don't get me wrong the food was good, but it was nothing that I would have to go back for. Here's what we had.

We started with the fritti, which had risotto and oxtail inside. There was definitely a lack of oxtail meat. { 3 stars }

Next we shared a salad, it was just the right portions. Albacore Tuna Conserva with cannellini beans and watercress. { 3.5 stars }

Then of course we had pizza. Prosciutto Pie, which consisted of prosciutto di parma, caciocavallo, mozzarella, pana, and arugula. The prosciutto was really good. { 4 stars }

To top it off we couldn't resist, and had the housemade gelato. Coppa with Tcho Chocolate and Tahitian Vanilla Bean. Yummy! { 4.5 stars }

Overall, I liked the food, but as I mentioned I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. For now I prefer Delarosa where the pizza is bigger, the service is better, and the prices are a little bit cheaper.

bye for now...

*bri*

Ahoy Matey!

My best friend's baby boy Lennon just turned 1 years old, and had a pirate themed party down in Orange County. Unfortunately, we weren't able to make it, but I'm sure it was a blast. For his card I wanted to make it special, so I decided to make a treasure box. This is how it turned out, and I'm pretty happy with the results.


I bought a box from the craft store, and wrapped the lid with the polka dot paper. The flag and telescope were embellishment stickers (Jolee's), but I made the pirate using different paper punches.


This is the final product. I drew out a treasure map, added some more embellishments, burnt the edges, and added some chocolate coins inside the box. I know he won't be able to eat the chocolates, but maybe his parents will be able to enjoy them. For Lennon's card, I sized a piece of card stock, where I wrote my birthday wishes to him, and adhered it to the bottom side of the lid.

bye for now..

*bri*

Happy Retirement Mom!

In January, my mom retired from her job of 35 years. That's commitment. She's so happy now, and I'm so happy for her. Personally, I have never stayed at a job for longer than 2 1/2 years, but I'll be hitting my 3 year mark with my current job in July.

To celebrate my mom's retirement we bought her some cupcakes from Sibby's Cupcakery, I made her a card, and then we headed to Las Vegas!

This was the retirement card I made for my mom.

In Vegas, we

...stayed at Aria. { 3 stars }

...ate at

• Cafe Vettro at Aria { 1.5 stars }
• The Buffet at Wynn { 4 stars }
• America at New York New York { 3.5 stars}
• Cafe Bellagio { 3 stars}
• Raku Japanese Charcoal Grill { 5 stars }

...shopped at

• The Forum Shops at Caesars { 2.5 stars }
• Fashion Show Mall { 4 stars }
• Miracle Mile { 4 stars}
• Las Vegas Premium Outlets { 4 stars }
• Crystals { 3 stars }
• The Grand Canal Shoppes { 3 stars }
• The Shoppes at the Palazzo { 3 stars }
• Bass Pro Shops { 4 stars }

...watched Cirque du Soleil { 4 stars }

* Disclaimer: my star ratings only reflect my personal opinions.

I can't wait to go back to Vegas to eat at Raku again. The food is so good.

bye for now...

*bri*

About me...

~Picture taken at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara at the Bella Vista Restaurant~

• I LOVE cupcakes. Love them!


• I married my best friend last year in August, and went to Kauai for our honeymoon.


• I am an amature crafter. I try to make cards instead of buying them.


• I'm very grateful to have loving parents.


• I am a shopaholic, but buy things within my budget. Of course you have to splurge sometimes.


• I love traveling, but I don't get to travel as much as I would like. Two things called work and money hinder a lot of my travel plans.


• I have a closet full of black clothing. It's very monochromatic, but I try to throw in some other colors at times.

• I still don't know what I want to do with my life. Hopefully, one day I'll get to do what I love for a living when I figure that out.


• I'm a shy person.
  

What you'll find on this blog...

• A lot of randomness.


• Things I like and things I don't.


• My recent happenings.


• Craft projects.

bye for now..

*bri*