356 : a new year

2010 was a hard year for me; both personally and professionally. Lots and lots of difficult decisions... some welcomed, some hard. Lots of tears, lots of laughs, lots of amazing clients.

Here's to 2011 and 365 days of happiness, success, love, family and laughter.

355 : making bread

A little burnt, but still soooo good!

Vasilopita is a traditional Greek bread that is eaten on New Year's Day. With a coin (wrapped in foil), baked somewhere inside, it is said that the person who receives this piece will get good luck in the New Year.

For me, it is a tradition that I look forward to. For the past several years,  I've helped my grandma and great grandma (the supervisor :) ) make the bread. In a huge bowl, with tons of ingredients, we stir and then hand mix the dough. After the dough has risen, one main loaf (with the coin) and several smaller, braided loaves are made.

We made it today...can't wait to eat it. Yum!

354 : four years

Today my feisty, smart, cuddly little guy is 4! Time flies.

353 : happy hamster

I'm drawn to hamsters. They're cute and tiny... but the thing I really like about them... when they run around in a plastic ball.

When Monique and I were still a design duo, I tried to pursuade her to let me get an "office" hamster. But her having had them before said they smelled bad. Ugh.

Fast forward a little while later, and what did she get me as part of my Christmas present this year...

A battery operated hamster in a plastic ball. The fun of a real hamster without having to feed it or clean its poop. Super awesome.

AND Gizmo seems to think it's his new bff. He chases it and then runs away thinking it will chase him back. So cute <3

352 : -21.2

A little over 9 weeks ago, the bff and I decided to start our resolutions early and start eating better and hitting the gym on a more consistent basis. It's been hard work literally accounting for every single thing that is put in my mouth (LOVE the My Fitness Pal app on my iPhone), and being on the elliptical for 4 hours a week.

But it's all been worth it. I am happy to say that my goal of dropping 20 pounds by the end of the year was achieved (and then some)! Now to just keep the momentum going to drop the rest.

351 : after xmas sales

I almost always go shopping the day after Christmas. Which is funny because I hate crowds. But sometimes you just can't resist the call of a good sale. This year, my first and only stop... Crate and Barrel? Yup. I seriously love that store. I arrived (by chance) 10 minutes after they opened, and the parking lot was PACKED. I guess other people heart the Barrel as much as I do. Luckily, with some interesting maneuvers and reaching around people's legs, I managed to snag up a bunch of the vintage inspired ornaments I had my eye on. I even managed to get the bff some more meese ornaments (dude, it's an inside joke. I know it's moose). Score!

350 : paris tea

A month ago, while browsing at the Torrance Antique Fair, the bff craved coffee. Luckily there was a little coffee spot, and he ran in while I continued to browse. I wanted some Earl Gray, but was pleasantly surprised when he got me a cup of some super yummy tea. Having no clue what "Paris" tea was (besides some sort of black tea blend) I tore off the little tag on the tea bag and made a mental note to get some.

The super amazing guy that Jeff is, also made a mental note, and bought me some for Christmas. Hooray!