Out With The Old, In With The New.

Much like George Washingston, "I cannot tell a lie." I can't wait for 2009 to end! This year has been so stinking hard for Bryan and I both. We did have some fantastic moments (of course) that were laced with miracles and laughter. But bunnie and I are glad to bid the year a not so warm good bye, while welcoming in 2010.

2009 highlights:

1. Soba becoming potty trained & learning to sit. {click.}
2. Acting in a great short film. {click.}
3. Bryan's band playing SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST.
4. Forging amazing friendships.
5. My skin clearing. (Thank you Dr. Kim!)
6. Bryan's promotion to the Studio City Urban Outfitters.
7. Best live concert: CURSIVE
8. Bryan winning #3 WILD THINGS ARE contest {click.}
9. Discovering the macaron. {click.}
10. Yazzie's 6th anniversary spent in Santa Barbara. {click.}
11. Living life through polaroids: {click.}

Llaves.

I needed a little inspiration.

I think I found it.

1. slevansantiquetrunks.com

2. countryliving.com

3. geekology.com

4. watchmgv.com

Into The Painting.

This was my favorite piece at the Santa Barbara museum.

Stuart Davis' winsome oil painting captured my heart.

I wish I could be painted into the picture;

a la Mary Poppins-jumping-into-the-chalk-art-scene.

I love the affect of the paint being stacked layer upon layer.

Graffiti Cat Spotted.

I've recently developed an affinity for graffiti.

The cat was spotted on a sidewalk in Santa Barbara.

It may, or may not have made me laugh.

Christmas Wonders.

Christmas came and went all too quickly this year.

I want to remember this blessed day year 'round.

I have a few snap shots depicting

my favorite memories of the day:

opening presents with Bunnie and Soba,

baking cookies, making bruschetta and Mahi-Mahi.

I feel content honoring my Savior Jesus Christ.

May we each have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.

Bunnie Moon: Flower Power.

I fell in love with these unidentified cactus blossoms.

They were a riot of color located at the Santa Barbara train station.

I want them planted in my front yard....when I finally have a

front yard-that is. Tiny technicality. See my dream house {here.}

Bunnie Moon: Inspecting the Town.

After our delicious made-to-order breakfast at the Orchid Inn, we made our way to the wharf. I loved the panoramic view of the harbor. The mountains nestled next to the seaside just cooed charm.
We were shocked by the chutzpa of the local pelicans. They had far too much confidence when approaching humans. Crazy birds.
We visited the bay museum on the docks. It's a pint sized museum, but it's very hands on and the workers are extremely knowledgeable. Bryan's favorite creatures were the jelly fish. I loved the sea cucumbers (they are slimy and squishy) I also loved the starfish. Their coloring is varied, vivid and inspiring.

Bunnie Moon: The Journey.

I arose from my bed Friday morning rubbing the sleep from eyes and stumbling over my puppy for the door. We raced to the living room to find a letter written in the curliest of cursive scripts. It was addressed to your's truly, wishing me a happy bunnie moon. I was left specific instructions to pack my bags and take a nice dress for dinner that evening. I would be taking the train at 2pm bound for the enchanting Santa Barbara. I squealed with shock and delight upon reading this tremendous news.
Bryan and I caught the train at union station and held hands the entire trip. My eyes were glued to the seaside view. The colors of the sunset kissing the sea were almost too much to take in. It was one of those truly magical moments in life. The tracks were so close to the beach that it seemed as if they would cross into the ocean at any moment.
Bunnie busied himself with music, munching on sugary treats, and thumbing through his books while I concentrated on the gorgeous view; trying my best to contain my excitement.
Bryan made thoughtful arrangements for us to lodge at the cozy bed and breakfast, The Orchid Inn. It was positively dream like. Above is the dining room in which we ate breakfast Saturday morning.
Above is the main quarters, it was a slice of heaven. I loved the simple twinkling lights. I felt right at home.
For our anniversary evening we haunted ELEMENTS restaurant and enjoyed an exquisite dinner. The Menu:

Appetizers:

1. tomato soup

2. cheese plate

3. bruchetta

4. rosemary garlic bread

Entrees:

Hers: braised Sword Fish

His: grilled Salmon

Dessert:

Hers: mint chip ice cream

His: coconut sorbet

The food, service and location is highly recommended by the Yazzies. The Orchid Inn was most hospitable as well. We would be pressed to find a more amiable arrangement. P.S. We stayed in suite number 7 if you are interested in looking at the specifics! Simply click on the link above.

Bunnie Moon.

Today marks my wedding anniversary. I can't believe we've been wed for six years. I must candidly express, that our marriage seems to just get better and better as the years tick on. I feel we are fortunate indeed for having found each other at such a young age. We've grown up together through the promise of eternity. When I saw this image for the first time I said to Bryan,

"When our children look at this picture, they will never wonder if we are in love."

Musical Myths Debunked.

Bunnie subscribes to SPIN magazine: basically it's for musicians. This month's SPIN debunked some popular musical myths. One cleared myth shattered life as I've known it;

This is Mike D from the Beastie Boys:

This is Dustin Diamond

aka Samuel "Screech" Powers from Saved By The Bell:

Contrary to popular belief, they are NOT brothers!

I remain completely upset by this development.

I feel as if the proverbial rug has been pulled out from under me.

I have believed this factoid since middle school.

Did you know the truth? Are you upset?

Inspired.

When I was a small child I attended a Lutheran school called "Prince of Peace." At mid-day we gathered in a tiny chapel and sang religious songs. I wasn't raised in a Lutheran home, therefore I didn't know the melodies as the other children did. Soon I learned. One of my favorite songs was, "He's got the whole world in His hands." I loved that song. I haven't thought about it for well over fifteen years. I remembered it tonight when I did an image search for the word 'inspiration.'

The above is a product of that search. Isn't it exquisite? It instantaneously reminded me of my childhood tune. As a direct result of the search; I'm in awe of all the possibility we have within our grasp. We can hold and shape our own "worlds." What will we choose? Will we create or destroy, desecrate or improve? The possibilities are infinite. Isn't that remarkable?

SPEAK: A New Assignment.

Last night I re-visited a sweet indie film entitled SPEAK. Side Note: I rang up Elizabeth Perkins at Anthropologie last fall, and I wanted to tell her how much I adored/was inspired by SPEAK. But alas, I chickened out!

My favorite character in the film is Steve Zahn's portrayal of a new age, epitome of cool, thought provoking art teacher. He is the catalyst for opening up Melinda's aching heart through art therapy. He assigned Melinda a tree for her year long project. She explored every possibility of trees. It was completely poetic. I want an equally stimulating assignment for the New Year. {Click on image to enlarge. Read the preface, then go to Blockbuster.}

Graffiti: Los Feliz Village.

I happened upon this graffiti and fell in love.

There is beauty to be found in every corner of the world.

Your Challenge: Look for unexpected treasures.

Alternative Decorations.

I think Soba Sobes makes a superb tree topper.

This reminds me of HARRY POTTER when the

Weasley twins charmed a garden gnome and place it atop

their Christmas tree. Clearly Sobes wasn't amused.

Inspiration Station: December Board.

This is my blue period for my inspiration board.

It's odd how a simple change can make a dramatic difference.

Love My Body Now Series: Tame Your Hair.

In lieu of loving our bodies and appearance, and in conjunction with the LOVE MY BODY NOW SERIES-I have determined to discuss hair. It has been said that a woman's hair accounts for 50% of her beauty. And you know what? I believe that hook, line, and sinker. I am NOT a natural beauty. I have flaws just like everyone else, but I clean up well and know how to play up my best asset....my hair. I'm of the opinion that every woman's esteem would shoot up 20 more points if her tresses lived up to their potential.

How did I learn about hair? Great question. My first job was working at a salon for three years. I washed out hair color, took out perms rods, removed foils, blew out hair, sold product and observed up dos and styling in general. Furthermore I've been in theater my entire life and you learn amazing tricks for time period specific styles {Which never go out of style.} Below please find the products that I stand by and view my 2 step-by-step signature styles that are scrunchy free!

STYLING PRODUCTS:

Curl Booster:

To Bring some definition to curl/wave squirt a dime of THE BODY SHOP'S "Cottonseed Curl Boost" into your slightly damp hair. Then scrunch hair and define waves.

Pomade/Wax:

To polish look and for more definition use THE BODY SHOP'S "Beeswax Texturizing Wax." This product is also great for taming down fly- aways for up dos/pony tail and for husband's hair!

Hair Spray:

I only use hair spray for a crazy up do, or when curling my hair. When I do, I use "GARNIER FRUCTIS STYLE FULL CONTROL HAIR SPRAY"

HOT TOOLS:

Straightener:

If you have curly/wavy/processed hair settle for nothing less than a Chi. Anything else will leave you looking like a frizzy troll. When straightening hair, make certain hair is completely dry! You are begging for split ends if you disobey this law!

Wavy Giselle curl:

Use a basic 1 1/2 inch to 2 inch curling iron on the highest setting. Spritz your hair with hair spray then wrap a strand of hair around the barrel, NOT clamping it. Hold it in place for 30 Mississippis then carefully release from barrel.

*****Warning: use your hot tools sparingly. Breakage can and will occur if used over zealously. Give your hair a break by shampooing at minimum every other day. If you have colored/processed/curly hair go longer if possible!

BRUSHES/COMBS:

"Every woman should own a paddle brush,

wide tooth comb, and a round brush." -Ashley Yazzie

Wide Tooth Comb:

After towel drying, gently comb out your hair with this comb only! This avoids damage and breakage. Is your hair super tangly? Spray with a detangler or rub a small amount of conditioner on the ends. (Purchased mine at BODY SHOP.)

Paddle Brush:

Great for general brushing when dry, and for initial drying of hair.

Round Brush:

• A quality round brush from Sally's or Ulta will run you about $24-$40. Just buy it. I've had mine since high school. The investment is well worth it to blow out your own hair.
• After towel drying your hair, get the majority of the moisture out with the paddle brush. Next apply some straightening balm if you have curly hair (see my pick below) or if you have fine/thin hair massage some mousse into the crown of your head for volume. Section off your hair, and pull the brush from root to ends until the strand is straight and dry. Tedious, but well worth the reward.
• To keep your hair straight as long as possible, shower with a cap and avoid pulling your hair back in hair ties. Dents are NOT acceptable! Just because you can't see the back of your hair, doesn't mean everyone else can't!

CONDITIONERS:

My Favs:

1. ABBA MOISTURE SCENTSATION (massage product root to tip, and leave on for 3-5 minutes in the shower.)
2. Nice 'N Easy is my colorist. I color my hair every 4 weeks, so I need lots of moisture. Their conditioner they give you is awesome and always leaves my strands feeling silky
3. NouNou Conditioner/Illuminating Cream with tomato extract. (Great deep conditioner)
4. L'Oreal Vive Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz Serum. Use this every time your blow out your hair!!

TWO HAIRSTYLES TO STEAL:

#1 SIDE BUN:

Step One: Have at least day old hair that hasn't been straightened by a flat iron!! Part an exaggerated part in your hair, swooping to the side. Rat out your hair ends as seen above.
Step Two: Pull your hair to preferred side, mocking a side pony tail. Keep the tail close to nape of you neck.
Step Three: Twist your tail around until it mocks a honey bun.
Step Four: Continue twisting into desired positioning. Then pin the entire perimeter into place. I like messy buns for day time, as to not look too prom-esque. But, if you have a swanky event, comb neater and tidier for a sleek look.
Step Five: Enjoy all the compliments you'll receive from your cronies.

#2 HEIDI BRAIDS:
I learned how to do Heidi Braids two summers ago when I was wigged for a show. It has become one of my favorite hairstyles. It's tres HAROLD AND MAUD meets STAR WARS.

Note: If you are wearing wig: do the braids then wear a wig cap underneath. This promotes a more natural look and prevents itchiness!

Step one: Please have dirty hair that has not been straightened! Part hair down the middle or choose a part to one side. Braid hair as high up above the ears as possible.
Step two: Pull braids across head in opposite directions. Then secure with hair pins at ends to keep in place. Note: some prefer to use rubber bands at ends.
Step Three: Enjoy a hassle-free, frizz free hair do. Side Note: This is a great look for the beach to avoid looking like a frizzy troll. Trust me, I've been that troll. Enjoy!

Tiny Pictures.

I recently came across these pictures in my e-mail archives.

I love the top picture with Bunnie's chesticle taking center stage.

I wish I had a larger version to add to our non-existing scrap book.