Sunday, October 25, 2009

New York City Reflections



Tonight I sit in front of my computer wondering what to write about my New York trip. There were many moments that I wanted to freeze and capture and share. Lots of food and shopping, catching up with wonderful friends, wandering around the city alone and with my sister, figuring out the subway system, reading, strolling through parks, walking through the Frick, the Met, and the Museum of Natural History, watching movies, sitting in cafes. But despite all the excitement, amazing cultural attractions, and culinary diversity of New York City, the most valuable was time with my sister and friends. I guess traveling alone makes you appreciate good company.



Steph is also the sweetest big sister ever . . . one who gets up early to make you breakfast and pack you a lunch so you can save a little money. A sister that leaves home way before she needs to in order to ride the subway with you so you don't get lost. And one that lets you borrow all her clothes, gives you nice hand-me-downs, doesn't yell at you for making holes in her tights, buys your drinks and coffees and food, cooks dinner for you, and packs your suitcase willingly. That last one really amazes me. Even though we always seem to fight, I still love her to bits!

Here she is cooking up a healthy and scrumptious meal on my first night.



Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Eat cake!



Last month we celebrated grandma's birthday. A sweet cake for my sweet granny.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Home Sweet Home

Due to popular demand of one person -- I'm back! I think I'll try to re-cap some of the events from last month. My sister was here, so I took advantage of her amazing decorating skills. Her idea of decorating includes foraging in the dense forest of dusty and unused items dating back to the 1980s that have accumulated in my parents' home. My mom does not throw anything away! Even tonight, when I brought home a broken suitcase and dad said "throw it away," mom immediately and definitively stated, "NO! We don't throw anything away!" Her exact words. So being as that is, we were able to salvage a few things from the attic and keep costs down. Steph was all about re-using and finding everyday items to decorate with. One night of gathering and working on projects and one power shopping day (we hit Ross, Savers, Pier One, and Home Depot) later, my place finally looked all dressed up.

Here's some peeks . . .


Finally I have a place to sit and eat! The picture is from a popular Hawaii artist and was a gift from my mom one Christmas.


I love my kitchen! The Japanese lantern over the window was my idea. Pretty innovative, right?! ;)


I love my new plants, too!


A clean, well-organized, well-lighted place.

More pics on the home to come! So now that it's all nice and inviting and homey guess what?! I'm probably -- hopefully -- going to move out! I may soon own my own little piece of Hawaii real estate!