Blogger by day

Chicken a la carte

2009-05-08T05:20:00.001-07:00

Please watch this short film

http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/1081/Chicken-a-la-Carte

Vote

2009-04-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you for for signing the petition to Governor Schwarzenegger to create Harvey Milk Day.

Harvey Milk was not only an inspiration as one of the first openly gay men elected to office, but as a trail blazer who understood the value of working with allies, the importance of living our lives openly with authenticity and the power that our stories have to change hearts and minds.

A day in his honor, the first for any LGBT leader, would pay tribute to the sacrifices he made to advance equality.
Please urge your friends and family to go to www.eqca.org/harveymilkday to sign the petition befor May 22, Harvey's birthday, when the petitions will be delivered to the Governor.

Last year the Governor vetoed similar legislation. But this year, with your support, he will know that Harvey was not only a figure of local sigificance, but an inspiration for millions across the state and nation.

Warmly,
Geoff Kors
Executive Director
Equality California

P.S. Raise visibility online—on Facebook, MySpace or anywhere else—by setting the image below as your profile picture. Also, join our Facebook event and online rally!

National Anthem

2009-04-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Iran's national anthem and translation

Ey Irân, ey marz-e por-gohar

Ey khâkat sarchešme-ye honar

Dur az to andiše-ye badân

Pâyande mâni to jâvedân

Ey došman ar to sang-e khârei man âhanam

Jân-e man fadâ-ye khâk-e pâk-e mihanam

Mehr-e to chon šod pišeam

Dur az to nist andišeam

Dar râh-e to, key arzeši dârad in jân-e mâ

Pâyande bâd khâk-e Irân-e mâ

Sang-e kuhat dorr o gohar ast

Khâk-e daštat behtar az zar ast

Mehrat az del key borun konam

Bar-gu bi-mehr-e to chon konam

Tâ gardeš-e jahân o dor-e âsemân bepâ'st

Nur-e izadi hamiše rahnamâ-ye mâ'st

Mehr-e to chon šhod pišeam

Dur az to nist andišeam

Dar râh-e to key arzeši dârad in jân-e mâ

Pâyande bâd khâk-e Irân-e mâ

Irân, ey khorram behešt-e man

Roušan az to sarnevešt-e man

Gar âtaš bârad be peykaram

Joz mehrat dar del naparvaram

Az âb o khâk o mehr-e to serešte šod gelam

Mehr agar borun ravad tohi šavad delam

Mehre to chon šod pišeam

Dur az to nist andišeam

Dar râh-e to key arzeši dârad in jân-e mâ

Pâyande bâd khâk-e Irân-e mâ

English translation

Oh Iran, oh bejeweled land

Oh, your soil is the wellspring of the arts

Far from you may the thoughts of evil be

May you remain lasting and eternal

Oh enemy, if you are of stone, I am of iron

May my life be sacrificed for my pure motherland

Your love is my calling

My thoughts are never far from you

In your cause, when do our lives have value?

May the land of our Iran be eternal

The stones of your mountains are jewels and pearls

The soil of your valleys are better than gold

When could I rid my heart of your affection?

Tell me, what will I do without your affection?

As long as the turning of the earth and the cycling of the sky lasts

The light of the Divine will always guide us

Your love is my calling

My thoughts are never far from you

In your cause, when do our lives have value?

May the land of our Iran be eternal

Iran oh my green paradise

Bright is my fate because of you

If fire rains on my body

Other than your love I will not cherish in my heart

Your water, soil and love molded my clay

If your love leaves my heart it will become barren

Your love is my calling

My thoughts are never far from you

In your cause, when do our lives have value?

May the land of our Iran be eternal

Burlesque Show

2009-04-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

If you are easily offended by nudity....STOP NOW, if not enjoy, it was a great show :)

Botanical Garden

2009-03-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Do you see the happy face on one of the flowers....wierd!

Haircut

2009-03-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Logan hasnt gotten groomed in sooooooo long and after he got neutered and took his cone off, the first thing I did was take him in. His bands were getting so long he could see it was just too scruffy looking. Here is a before and after

Google

2009-03-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Obama & Noruz

2009-03-20T06:14:00.001-07:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/20/barack-obama-iran-message

Best Doggy

2009-03-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have the best dog ever, he's so cute and cuddly, he sleeps with me and every morning creeps closer and closer off his pillow to come lick my face or flip on his back so i can give him a belly rub, he's so fluffy and I LOVE HIM SO!

Haft Seen

2009-03-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

So people ask me the meaning of different things that we put on the table and what they mean for Persian New Year and I have no clue. So here is the information!!

A few days prior to the New Year, a special cover is spread on to the Persian carpet or on a table in every Persian household. This ceremonial table is called cloth of seven dishes, (each one beginning with the Persian letter Sinn). The number seven has been sacred in Iran since the ancient times, and the seven dishes stand for the seven angelic heralds of life-rebirth, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience, and beauty.

The symbolic dishes consist of:

Sabzeh or sprouts, usually wheat or lentil representing rebirth.
Samanu is a pudding in which common wheat sprouts are transformed and given new life as a sweet, creamy pudding and represents the ultimate sophistication of Persian cooking.
Seeb means apple and represents health and beauty.
Senjed the sweet, dry fruit of the Lotus tree, represents love. It has been said that when lotus tree is in full bloom, its fragrance and its fruit make people fall in love and become oblivious to all else.
Seer which is garlic in Persian, represents medicine.
Somaq sumac berries, represent the color of sunrise; with the appearance of the sun Good conquers Evil.
Serkeh or vinegar, represents age and patience.

To reconfirm all hopes and wishes expressed by the traditional foods, other elements and symbols are also on the sofreh):

a few coins placed on the sofreh represent prosperity and wealth;
a basket of painted eggs represents fertility.
a Seville orange floating in a bowl of water represents the earth floating in space.
a goldfish in a bowl represents life and the end of astral year-picas.
a flask of rose water known for its magical cleansing power, is also included on the tablecloth.
Nearby is a brazier for burning wild rue ,a sacred herb whose smoldering fumes ward off evil spirits.
A pot of flowering hyacinth or narcissus is also set on the sofreh.
A mirror which represents the images and reflections of Creation as we celebrate anew the ancient Persian traditions and beliefs that creation took place on the first day of spring.
On either side of the mirror are two candlesticks holding a flickering candle for each child in the family. The candles represent enlightenment and happiness.

Happy St. Paddys Day

2009-03-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

Went outside during work while the parade was going on and snapped a few pictures. It was chaos & I got yelled at by a grandma (New Yorkers!)

Happy Persian New Year from Colbert

2009-03-17T19:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/221462/march-12-2009/mahmoud-s-non-consensual-endorsement-deal

Photo Blog

2009-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

Been MIA for a little bit but I have a good reason. I have been working on my other site. Please forward to anyone you know!!!

http://ellies-photography.blogspot.com/

Sushi anyone?

2009-03-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.geekologie.com/2009/02/roll_one_up_america_obama_sush.php

Logan

2009-03-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

Yes I baby talk to him and Yes I am obsessed
:)

Vegetarian Enchiladas

2009-03-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Enchiladas

• Package of Tortilla bread
• Trader Joes Enchiladas sauce
• Shredded jack cheese and mild cheddar
• Cooked Brown rice
• 1 Can refried beans
• Sour cream/Guacamole/salsa
• 1 chopped Tomato

Prehead oven to 325 degrees
1. Spray a baking sheet with spray butter or olive oil, just a little for the bread not to stick to the bottom.
2. Open the trader joes sauce and pour about a spoon full onto both sides of each tortilla and spread it around
3. Scoop a big spoon full or two of the refried beans, brown rice, top with cheese and some chopped tomatoes
4. Roll up the tortilla and place in baking sheet, add some more cheese to the top of the enchiladas
5. Continue the steps above depending on how many you want
6. Place the enchiladas for about 15minutes in the oven or until the top of the cheese has melted.
7. Serve with Sour Cream, Guacamole or salsa on the side

Vet

2009-02-27T09:12:00.000-08:00

I gotta say I have the best Vet for Logan in the entire world...he is so nice and caring and when Logan was sick he took such good care of him, I felt bad crying infront of him everytime I came to visit Logan. But when he was all better I baked his entire offie a batch of cookies and gave him a big hug. :)

He's been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers on his work. Check him out. Dr. Kaplan rocks!

http://www.tobyproject.org/

http://www.cityvetcare.com/defaultmenu/default.htm

Here is one of his rescue dogs Toby:

Toby is a 7 year-old male, mixed-breed dog. He was adopted by Dr. Kaplan from New York's largest animal shelter, Animal Care and Control on 110th street in October of 2001. He loves to fetch, swim, eat and sleep. He can usually be found at City Veterinary Care lounging on the waiting room couches or sleeping under the front desk. His favorite toys are those that squeak. He doesn't plan to have a family of his own one day, because he is neutered. This doesn't sadden him because he knows that this City is confronted with a massive pet overpopulation problem that claims 45,000 lives in the boroughs' shelter system each year. He feels lucky to have gotten out of the shelter alive and he inspired his dad to start The Toby Project.

wanna play?

2009-02-27T07:25:00.001-08:00

Book rental

2009-02-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

This isnt for me, because I like to keep my books but this website is like netflix but for books, you can rent books (for a monthly fee) and they ship to you and once you are done you can ship them back, you can also purchase the book if you like.

www.bookswim.com

Rescue Me

2009-02-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

Another great reason why our president and family is the best well they announced that they are getting a dog but not just a regular old dog but a RESCUE Portuguese-Water-Dog.

As for names this is what Michelle had to say:

"Oh, the names are really bad. I don't even want to mention it, because there are names floating around and they're bad," Mrs. Obama says with a laugh. "You listen and you go – like, I think, Frank was one of them. Frank! Moose was another one of them. Moose. I said, well, what if the dog isn't a moose? Moose. I'm like, no, come on, let's work with the names a little bit."

Computer Gender

2009-02-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.
'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'
'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'

A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether 'computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:

1 No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for
possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself
spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be

Masculine ('el computador'), because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

Photoshoot

2009-02-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

I took Arezu her mom & sister out for a photoshoot, here are some of my favorite shots of this goregous family!!!

I added one more that I realized I loved..its so natural and cute

More pics

2009-02-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

Pepper...my favorite picture of her

Hungry birds

Great friends

The Getty!!!

2009-02-24T07:13:00.001-08:00

I never knew how pretty the Getty was...who knew I could enjoy museum :)

Not my style

2009-02-23T08:56:00.001-08:00

On a hike in Laguna, we stumbled on these way to modern looking homes. Def not my style
This was the walk from the garage to the house

Look at the ugly mailbox

Garage??

I'm back

2009-02-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

Back from California...it felt really short as always even though I was there for 9 days. I got a chance to go to see friends in the bay area as well which was nice. I have sooooo many pictures but I havent fixed them yet. So here are a few

WHOOHOO

2009-02-13T09:54:00.001-08:00

I'm going going back back to Cali Cali....

vacation starts from this moment!

Update

2009-02-12T06:53:00.001-08:00

With borders & the backing fabric

Completed!!!!!!

Pictures

2009-02-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

I went fabric shopping :)

My pillow

2009-02-10T05:33:00.001-08:00

My pillow is the best, so soft and squishy, so comfy and warm, just look at it :)

Quilts

2009-02-10T05:03:00.000-08:00

My latest project I've been so antsy to show to Arezu for her bday. Now that I have I can post pictures. I dont have the final product but I do have the top, but I also added a border to it, the backing is so cute too. I think I will call it 'for the love'

Progress

Fabric I got from the store

Cut out the fabric

Putting the blocks together

Putting the rows in

Once I have the end I will post it

Street Photography

2009-02-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

I went to Mcsorleys to take some pictures of the oldest bar in New York. Here is what there website says about the place.

McSorley's Old Ale House has been a gathering place, a watering hole, the subject of art and literature and even a supreme court controversy. Established in 1854 - McSorley's can boast of being New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon. Everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon have passed thru Mcsorley's swinging doors. Woody Guthrie inspired the union movement from a table in the front - guitar in hand, while civil rights attorney's Faith Seidenberg and Karen DeCrow had to take their case to the Supreme Court to gain access. Women were finally allowed access to McSorleyÕs in 1970! So belly up. Enter the sawdust strewn floors and history patched walls for a trip back through time. Share the McSorley's experience with the spirits of 150 years!

Shih tzu

2009-02-09T06:35:00.001-08:00

I had a couple Shih Tzu's come over Thursday to play with Logan, except Logan keeps trying to hump Hugz and she was NOT having it. Here's some pictures of Hugz & Kisses..

More Amber & Zoe

2009-02-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

My long time friend Amber ( known her since 5th grade) is 9 months pregnant and almost ready to have her 2nd baby, I got a chance to take pictures of her, her first child Zoe & husband Taylor

Happy Birthday AREZU

2009-02-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

Arezu hope you have a wonderful day, you are such a special friend to me and I love you so much. We have been such good friends for so long and know we will be 80 years old and the best of friends still. :)

Zoeeeee

2009-02-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

Friends of a friend of a friend...etc

2009-02-05T09:09:00.001-08:00

Fabric store- Purl

2009-02-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

My favorite trendiest fabric store in Soho, I love it so much. Its a hole in the wall, but the best hole ever.

Amazing

2009-02-02T12:25:00.001-08:00

This is one of the most amazing pictures. I'm sad to say its not mine. Chinese New Year Confetti, I feel like I can reach out to my computer screen and touch them. The depth of field/composition everything is truely amazing.

My lil old man

2009-02-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

Some pictures of my cute lil man, he's too cute.

Rest of the pics
http://www.mbeshir.com/photos/logan_ellie/

Parade pics

2009-02-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year, year of the OX. I took pictures at the parade. Here are some of them.

Rest of the pics here

Taxi Ride

2009-02-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

I am almost done with my 'taxi ride' quilt. I put on the borders yesterday and a few other steps and it will be done (Few other steps take awhile though) Its really looking good. My sewing machine was acting up and I didnt think I would finish it but I was determined so I kept fussing with and finally got it to run again. YAY!

Progress

With borders

Waltz with Bashir

2009-02-02T06:34:00.000-08:00

I saw this movie this weekend, its a documentary of the filmmaker trying to put pieces together of the war when he served in the Israeli army. The 1982 Lebanese war of Palestinian civilians massacred in West Beirut. This is all done in hand drawn animation. This was also done in Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis which I truely loved. Waltz with Bashir is a very sad story and the ending leaves you stunned. This is a foreign film so there are subtitles. It has already won a bunch of awards, if you like documentaries & artsy movies, I highly recommend it.

Reference

Who are you cheering for?

2009-01-30T16:58:00.001-08:00

Cant wait for Sunday!!!

Party party party (be safe)

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/43

No shows

2009-01-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

So since there are NO shows that I'm really into except for Big Love (its only on sunday nights) The City (Monday nights) I dvr it because I'm usually assleep, Entourage (I dont think its on yet) and thats about it, I'm bored outta my mind. Its too cold to take Logan for a walk, so I've been getting alot of sewing done. So here are some pics of my boredom :)

Color schemes

2009-01-28T12:48:00.001-08:00

Cant show my next quilt till I give it to the person :(
Sorry, gotta wait cuz it will ruin the surprise

Brrrrr its cold outside

2009-01-28T11:42:00.000-08:00

I miss the summer its freezing outside snowing/raining/slushy/yucky weather

I miss Italy
The Food & Wine

The Ocean

The fat Italian men getting a tan

The toothless homeless cat feeding Italian woman outside our hotel, aka Betty

Friends

Ahhh

2009-01-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

Just finished the monster quilt...well the top :) time to go back to the fabric store...this is too addictive!

Freaky

2009-01-26T14:15:00.001-08:00

This just cant be a real dog, its scary looking

http://i42.tinypic.com/2dmf7yd.gif

Questions

2009-01-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

An interesting meme that's been floating around:

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michelangelo's david in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies.
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in Times Square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person
96. swum in the great salt lake.
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee

New Quilt

2009-01-26T06:19:00.001-08:00

One of my good friends here in New York is pregnant and I made her a baby quilt. It only took me a couple of hours to do and it turned out so cute. Cant wait to finish it :)

A beautiful day

2009-01-20T17:13:00.001-08:00

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/inaugural_preparations.html

Quilt

2009-01-19T10:07:00.001-08:00

This monster is taking forever

US Airways

2009-01-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

US Airways flight goes down in the hudson river, madness in NY, I can hear all the ambulences going by our street to get to the river...

SO scary!

protest

2009-01-15T07:14:00.000-08:00

Between 1000 and 1500 people marched marched from Rockefeller Center to the Israeli Consulate on 2nd Avenue to protest the Israeli government's bombings in Gaza.

Trader Johns?

2009-01-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

So I'm going to trader joes in Union square and I see a new store opening up across the street. Trader Johns, what is that? Then a couple weeks go by and I read in the paper that Trader Joes is suing Trader Johns for infringements and the owner is saying that his name is John and he's a trader, loool.

Britney

2009-01-13T09:05:00.001-08:00

Do you have what it takes to be Britney Spears online guru manager, sounds fun :)

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/10/britney-spears-is-hiring-an-online-media-manager/

Sunday!

2009-01-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

HUGE HUGE GAME....Whoever wins I will hear it for the next century at work

But I will be rooting for the Giants :)

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T11:50:00.000-08:00

I cant believe its 2009 in about 9 hours. The other thing I cant believe is people actually standing around in 10 degree New York weather (tourists only) from 11am this morning, its snowing/rainy and freezing...

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, BE SAFE

WATCH THE PEOPLE IN TIME SQUARE FEEZE BELOW

http://newyears.earthcam.com/ts/

Merry XMAS!!!

2008-12-26T06:57:00.000-08:00

It was cold in New York, it snowed the week before and it was so pretty until it turned into slush..

Doggy Birthday Party

2008-12-19T13:10:00.001-08:00

I went to my neighbors dogs bday party. It was so much fun. She baked doggy cupcakes for them and had food for us and doggy goody bags. Heres a picture

Throw a shoe!

2008-12-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

I know you want to do it!!! Only a few more weeks and he's outta here

http://www.sockandawe.com/

I heart Smart Cars

2008-12-19T12:15:00.001-08:00

They are so freaking cute. And in the city it makes so much sense to have one. Do you know how many more parking spaces there would be in New York if everyone drived one of these? A TON MORE
Maybe just maybe parking wouldnt cost 300 dollars a month!

Its raining Its snowing

2008-12-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

Yep...snow is here, brrr I want to be at home with my doggie and snuggle under my blankets with some tea :)

Logan

2008-12-17T07:17:00.001-08:00

My sunset pics

2008-12-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Twilite.tv

2008-12-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

Sign up its for artists to network & share ideas. (photographs, videos, actors, music, clothing any type of artwork can be added) DO IT!

Spread the word....This is a non-profit organization based in Orange County!!!

AHH California sun

2008-12-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

10-Mile hike called "I think I can" in Laguna

Girls picture in Laguna

Volunteer at Pimco

Sunset at Laguna..I guess I was there alot

OFF

2008-11-21T06:41:00.001-08:00

To Cali I go till December 2nd...Whoohoo warm weather, no more 28 degrees freezing cold for 12 days...ahhhh cant wait

Obama

2008-11-19T08:49:00.001-08:00

People are still so excited about Obama being elected (As they should be) Here is some pictures of what has been going on.

LV for Xmas

2008-11-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

Louis Vuitton is right across the street from my work, they unwrapped there holiday design display yesterday.

Wrap yourself in LV

Donna Karan Bunny butcher

2008-11-19T08:39:00.001-08:00

There new ads from Peta on 36th street & 9th avenue in New York popped up. There so sad but get noticed.

Here is the link to the article from PETA.

http://www.peta.org/actioncenter/ActionAlerts-item.asp?id=2643

Xmas already?

2008-11-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

I cant believe it already feels like Xmas in New York. Its so cold, and I saw some snow flurrys this morning and all the window displays are going up. Anthropologie has a cute window display & Bergdorf Goodman is one of my favorites and they are working on theres.

Anthropologie

10k

2008-11-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

I'm running in the Dana Point Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, so I can burn some calories before eating my turkey, pototoes, pie, rice (yes thanksgiving is persian style) Yum yum

http://www.turkeytrot.com/

National Geographic

2008-11-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

GO TO
http://books.nationalgeographic.com/visions-of-paradise/editors-picks

week 3 picture 12 is my picture i submitted!!!!

SOOOOOOOOO exciting

In the works

2008-11-17T07:04:00.001-08:00

A quilt at the beggining stages....Its my favorite so far :)

Too cute!

2008-11-11T14:05:00.001-08:00

Live stream of these puppies, yes im that bored at work. I've been watching them play, eat, poop all day long and now you can watch too :)

http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/317016

Fall is here!

2008-11-10T07:03:00.001-08:00

Central Park looks amazing, all the trees are changing colors and looking so beautiful.

Photoshoot

2008-11-10T06:54:00.001-08:00

I had my first photoshoot this weekend. My friends are sending out holiday cards and wanted me to take some pictures of them. Here are a few which I liked. I think they are choosing 3 to put on a card.

Link below

http://picasaweb.google.com/ellie091/AlisonJustin?authkey=11WQLahYLdw#

First one is my fav!

Quilts

2008-11-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

More quilts I made, I still havent put any borders on them so its half done :)

Pumpkin muffins

2008-11-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

Ate them so quickly forgot to take a picture...but they were nummy

Pumpkin Muffins
1 serving cooking spray (5 one-second sprays per serving)
18 1/4 oz unprepared yellow cake mix ---instead of eggs/oil/water use 1/3 cup apple sauce, makes it REAL moist and so low in calories/fat
12 oz. canned pumpkin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Coat two, 12-hole muffin tins with cooking spray.
Combine cake mix, pumpkin and spices in a large bowl and beat until light.
Divide batter among muffin tins and bake according to directions for cake mix.
Yields 1 muffin per serving.

POINTS = 2
Servings = 24

Yes We Can!

2008-11-04T11:10:00.001-08:00

Quilt

2008-11-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

I got inspired on making a quilt (Thanks to Amber) so I took a class & here is my lil baby quilt...too bad i dont have a baby yet.

Stowe

2008-11-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of Vermont I took.

http://picasaweb.google.com/ellie091/Vermont?authkey=EpApb6jag2A#

Also, please keep Logan in your thoughts, he's so sick & its his 2nd night at the vet..GET BETTER!!!!!!!!!!! :(

Change

2008-10-30T09:46:00.001-07:00

Read this please!!

http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/

New Puppy

2008-10-28T05:54:00.001-07:00

I got my precious new puppy on saturday. I'm so excited, he is the sweetest thing in the world. His name is Logan, here are some pictures.

Pictures from Union Sq

2008-10-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Baked Tomatoes

2008-10-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

4 tomatoes, cut lengthwise in half
1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
Salt, pepper & garlic powder to taste
1 tbsp dried basil (sprinkled on top)
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a small baking sheet with tin foil & spray with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, olive oil, parmesan cheese, seasonings (except basil) and mix thoroughly. Scoop crumb mixture on top of tomato halves and place on baking sheet, sprinkle dried basil over each tomato then spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 45 minutes until tomatoes are softened & crumbs are golden brown. Enjoy!

Potatoes Au Gratin

2008-10-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

4-5 large Idaho russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 th inch thick
1/4 cup butter
1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp flour
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
2 cups of non fat milk
2 cups of extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)----I used Mozzerella
1/4 dry Italian bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Scrub potatoes and peel. Cut into 1/8-inch slices to measure about 4 cups. If you have a mandolin slicer, use it.

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion in butter about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly; remove from heat.

Slowly stir in milk and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute until the cheese is completely melted.

Spread potatoes in casserole dish. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes. Bake uncovered for 1 hour. Mix remaining cheese and the bread crumbs; sprinkle over potatoes; add a bit more salt and pepper. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes longer or until top is brown and bubbly.

Apple Brown Crisps - Sweet, Light, & Yummy

2008-10-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is what happened to some of my apples after apple picking on saturday

3 apples, preferably Granny Smith
7 slices wheat bread
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) regular/salted butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons water

Peel apples and slice them. Slice bread into a small dice, or tear into very small pieces. Coat baking dish with butter, then add 1/3 of the brown sugar, 1/3 of the apple slices, and 1/3 of the breadcrumbs. Repeat twice more, ending with breadcrumbs. Slice butter and lay slices all over the top of the bread crumbs. Sprinkle dish with water and a little more brown sugar, and bake in a 375-degree oven, covered in foil, until done—about 45 minutes. Remove foil in last few minutes of baking to brown the top.

Rice

2008-10-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Brown Rice or white rice (4 servings), prepared per instructions
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 sweet yellow onion, diced
1 1/2 cups of button or cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
Salt & pepper to taste

Prepare rice per instructions. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft then add mushrooms, continue to sauté until golden brown. Once rice is finished cooking, add mushrooms, onions, peas, butter & soy sauce. Enjoy.

Salmon with lemon, garlic, basil

2008-10-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

3 fillets of Salmon
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh basil or 1-2 tsp dried basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp lemon zest
Salt & pepper to taste
Combine the above ingredients in a large zip lock bag making sure to mix them thoroughly. Marinate for 2-4 hours. Only add the zest for marinating...don't add lemon juice until you are cooking the meal because the acid in the lemon will start to cook the fish.

2 lemons juiced
2 tsp butter
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1/2 tsp lemon zest

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a glass baking dish with cooking spray. Add the lemon juice to the fish in the bag. Combine ingredients well then pour into baking dish; add bits of butter to the top of the fish. Cover with lid or tinfoil and cook for 10-12 minutes per 1 inch thickness. Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon zest & lemon slices.

Vote---DO IT!

2008-10-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olpCyDA4kYA

Leonardo Dicaprio is amazing :)

Cookies!!

2008-10-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

I made these cookies last night and I brought half of them into work, I put them out at 8:15 and its 8:36 and they are all gone...Two things could be going on here.
1. My work people are pigs
2. There really good cookies

I'm hoping its two but you make them and be the judge of that.

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold – cut into chunks
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs- I realized 2 isnt enough so I mixed 2 & the egg white of a third one
2 teaspoon vanilla
3 ¼ cups all purpose flour (13 ½ oz)
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
12 ounces (2 cups) good quality semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1 cup nuts (pecans or walnuts)

If using dough right away, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and both sugars just until creamy. Don’t overbeat. Add the egg and vanilla and beat just until incorporated.

Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. When thoroughly mixed, add to batter and stir just until blended. Stir in chips and nuts. Dough should be neither too sticky, nor too dry.

Divide dough into 12 big 4 oz lumps. Bake on ungreased cookies sheets (one sheet at a time).
Bake times:

Put the cookies in a 375 degree oven and set timer for 8 minutes. When timer rings, without opening oven or removing cookies, reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake for another 8-10 minutes or until cookies appear set.

Otherwise, you can bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes or until done

Pizza!

2008-09-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
Pizza Dough: Makes enough dough for two 10-12 inch pizzas

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast (check the expiration date on the package)
3 1/2 cups bread flour (can use all-purpose but bread flour will give you a crisper crust)
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
Pizza Ingredients

Olive oil
Tomato sauce
Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, shredded
Mushrooms, thinly sliced
Chopped fresh basil
Onions, thinly sliced

Sprinkle on the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved. Stir to dissolve completely if needed at the end of 5 minutes. Add in the rest of the ingredients to make the dough. Place ball of dough in a bowl that has been coated lightly with olive oil. Turn the dough around in the bowl so that it gets coated with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap. Let sit in a warm place (75-85°F) until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If you don't have a warm spot in the house you can heat the oven to 150 degrees, and then turn off the oven. Place the bowl of dough in this warmed oven to rise.

At this point, if you want to make ahead, you can freeze the dough in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Preparing the Pizzas
1 Place a pizza stone on a rack in the lower third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour.

2 Remove the plastic cover from the dough and punch the dough down so it deflates a bit. Divide the dough in half. Form two round balls of dough. Place each in its own bowl, cover with plastic and let sit for 10 minutes.

3 Prepare your desired toppings. Note that you are not going to want to load up each pizza with a lot of toppings as the crust will end up not crisp that way. About a third a cup each of tomato sauce and cheese would be sufficient for one pizza. One to two mushrooms thinly sliced will cover a pizza.

4 Working one ball of dough at a time, take one ball of dough and flatten it with your hands on a slightly floured work surface. Starting at the center and working outwards, use your fingertips to press the dough to 1/2-inch thick. Turn and stretch the dough until it will not stretch further. Let the dough relax 5 minutes and then continue to stretch it until it reaches the desired diameter - 10 to 12 inches. Use your palm to flatten the edge of the dough where it is thicker. You can pinch the very edges if you want to form a lip.

5. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil (to prevent it from getting soggy from the toppings). Use your finger tips to press down and make dents along the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Let rest another 5 minutes.

6 Lightly sprinkle your pizza peel (or flat baking sheet) with corn meal. Transfer one prepared flattened dough to the pizza peel. If the dough has lost its shape in the transfer, lightly shape it to the desired dimensions.

7 Spoon on the tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and place your desired toppings on the pizza.

8 Sprinkle some cornmeal on the baking stone in the oven (watch your hands, the oven is hot!). Gently shake the peel to see if the dough will easily slide, if not, gently lift up the edges of the pizza and add a bit more cornmeal. Slide the pizza off of the peel and on to the baking stone in the oven. Bake pizza one at a time until the crust is browned and the cheese is golden, about 10-15 minutes. If you want, toward the end of the cooking time you can sprinkle on a little more cheese.

More Italy pics

2008-09-25T05:48:00.001-07:00

Back

2008-09-23T06:50:00.001-07:00

I'm back from Italy. I had an amazing time there. Food, scenery, friends, what more could someone ask for. The places we visited were, Rome, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Salerno, Almafi, Positano, Naples, & Pompeii. By far my favorite time was in Cinque Terre. This place was so beautiful, it was a small quaint town, I will def go back one day. Here are some pictures.

I'm off

2008-09-11T11:47:00.001-07:00

To Italy that is!!! Whoohoo cant wait, I will put up tons of pics when I get back.

Birthday fun

2008-09-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

I went out to Tao for my bday, yum!! Then on friday night Sara came over and we went and had yummy frozen strawberry margaritas then a dive bar afterwards...Happy birthday to US!!!

Labor Day weekend!

2008-09-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

I went on my friends boat in Long Island all day, it was goregous out, so I was trying my best to get a little color :) I didnt go in the water because there were soooo many jelly fish out. Jelly fish are so gross looking.