tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171699212024-03-19T02:53:36.605-07:00Anne K. in L.A.Jotting a few thoughts here and thereUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-25885720409692228342010-01-11T10:52:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:58:15.736-08:00Starting FreshIt's a new year and I've got a new blog. With all the changes in my life, I thought it was time I retire this blog. It's been a fun 5 years, but all good things come to end. Please update your bookmarks, blog readers and RSS feed readers to.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.AdventuresofAnneK.com"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 78px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4galjAhR5Cu-Z2Ga0FtSR_8P4uj9K9HQqDWQl7p6gacMZ8vfUNuiYYIwDzfsIQ51Ks8YbbYgifnyODBKPTj5LVFEUzQ4nMPqSnFkgfmUDjUSNLDtS5ieczuWux-CEBNiJPXDpg/s400/AdventuresofAnneKHeader.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425557948959741922" border="0" /></a>The new web address is <a href="http://www.adventuresofannek.com/">www.AdventuresofAnneK.com</a><br /><br />I've been a busy gal and I have lots to share. I hope you'll mosey over to the new blog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-23230890150824594582009-12-17T11:42:00.000-08:002009-12-27T00:24:49.534-08:00Delays and Transitions<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiC5DEYfYj_I9tz1iS989mled8HEGwjQLv-4tqLLz7gtUCwmhiqfgz15UAYbuO69QVnaqUwMQmNcEhm5_Xpj1AJlgvcxgoywwL32Z0OcUH6Bn4kXcCiis3fZRd1pQKKzjM8WAxA/s1600-h/2247180420_1fa3acd1bd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiC5DEYfYj_I9tz1iS989mled8HEGwjQLv-4tqLLz7gtUCwmhiqfgz15UAYbuO69QVnaqUwMQmNcEhm5_Xpj1AJlgvcxgoywwL32Z0OcUH6Bn4kXcCiis3fZRd1pQKKzjM8WAxA/s400/2247180420_1fa3acd1bd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419635522506583234" border="0" /></a>Photo by <a href="http://search.creativecommons.org/">JasonJT</a> via Flickr (<a href="http://search.creativecommons.org/">Creative Commons</a>)</div><br />In the midst of the chaos that is my life at present, I want to thank everyone that has been so supportive. Family and friends alike have called or messaged me with much needed encouragement. I have been moved to tears. {Good tears, I promise}<br /><br />I apologize if my previous posts came off as harsh or abrupt. When I stated that we didn't wish to discuss the divorce, I made that statement in the hopes that Rob and I wouldn't be bombarded by gossip mongers and busybodies. It didn't work. Busybodies are still busybodies. Some people can't resist a bit of gossip. I did not mean to shrug off concerned parties. While this situation is upsetting, it is not as terrible as my posts might seem.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4218447934/" title=" by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4218447934_8910ee231a.jpg" height="450" alt=" " /></a><br />The last 2 weeks flew by. I got oodles of quality time with Dottie. {Lots of naps and snuggle time} I've shopped and eaten at a few of my favorite L.A. haunts. However, the going-away shindig never quite made it into my schedule. In fact, socializing in general got left off of my schedule. I had so much paperwork to attend to and a design job that took over my life. {Picture 230 wedding invitations and numerous shipping delays.}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4217682521/" title=" by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4217682521_a9cf270752.jpg" width="450" alt=" " /></a><br />Speaking of delays, I've run into quite a few. The first of which pertain to the divorce. There have been a few small snafus. Nothing major. It's just that whenever this much paperwork is involved things NEVER go according to schedule. The cross-country roadtrip has also been postponed. I ran into some hiccups with the travel arrangements. So, I'm flying back to Virginia for the holidays.<br /><br />What this means is that I haven't 100% moved. I'm kind of trapped in transition and it feels really odd. I don't feel like I belong in L.A. and I don't quite feel moved into Virginia. I'm in a sort of limbo with no roots.<br /><br />There are a few bright sides to all of this. I can still have my going away shindig and see a few more people before I go. My trip can be rescheduled for a more convenient time. I also I have time to compile a more comprehensive L.A. Hit List aka places I want to see. {Once I come up with the list, I'll be sure to share.} For now, just call me In-Between Anne ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-49872424831216397262009-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:002009-12-01T20:54:24.919-08:00BIG News - Part 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Nh7t-RaBmZmrb1XE_NODOpmjdujO-Po9s4nKu5NjKD4_F2e0dE6O-L1nRhdygPYtNwfZktBw4Xs4Y54yAgt4mjWo5L7a8en8OkhtZgwvEQGssdssqsqu7MP3DCst5DfRJgfDYQ/s1600/DSC_6486.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Nh7t-RaBmZmrb1XE_NODOpmjdujO-Po9s4nKu5NjKD4_F2e0dE6O-L1nRhdygPYtNwfZktBw4Xs4Y54yAgt4mjWo5L7a8en8OkhtZgwvEQGssdssqsqu7MP3DCst5DfRJgfDYQ/s400/DSC_6486.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410378780237694370" border="0" /></a>Aside from moving and getting divorced, there is a third part to all of this....<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dottie is staying with Rob in Los Angeles.</span></span><br /><br />A few weeks back when the details were being hammered out and arrangements were being made, it was decided that Dottie would stay with Rob. Again without going into too many details, this was a heavily discussed and debated topic. I can only say that when we finally came to this decision I was so upset that I could not speak to anyone for a week.<br /><br />Even now as I write this, I am teary-eyed and emotional. Dottie is the first dog that I have raised from the time they were a puppy. We rescued Dottie when she was only 5 weeks old. Ironically, Dottie is the 1st Christmas gift Rob ever gave me.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eByCfF8AXZFB3bl5rKkKHF-oLq96LJZH0HEqpuQbmvw6AsMtPnr-R60iFJ8iFYUwMKwqhe0yplY2zctTFEtwNiUGR92LuS_YjYuKAtHVMXKmXO3WGqKIADF-W-4FpM5Q_9XUTw/s1600/IMGP1034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eByCfF8AXZFB3bl5rKkKHF-oLq96LJZH0HEqpuQbmvw6AsMtPnr-R60iFJ8iFYUwMKwqhe0yplY2zctTFEtwNiUGR92LuS_YjYuKAtHVMXKmXO3WGqKIADF-W-4FpM5Q_9XUTw/s400/IMGP1034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410378798019591906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Dottie the morning after she was rescued - 01/14/05<br /></span></div><br />I cannot underscore how difficult this is for me. Because I have been working from home for the last year and a half, Dottie has become my constant companion and my muse. I photograph her, crochet scarves for her, sew jackets for her, etc., etc. She is the best napping buddy a gal could ask for. In the deepest of my depressions, Dottie has been there to make me smile and feel loved in a way that only a dog can.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskPLjdiDIOrNxXoT5SFLlJx39_HHdJycihkds-CmE1XLvbV8FRoQHStnVpTM6eU4C_iYR0AnINqTjY5z0s7FFpuAMaLkCBGf7avMxZO5PBypdcqqpMcQq2BmzWlQsisU6iZvk3A/s1600/DSC_6496.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskPLjdiDIOrNxXoT5SFLlJx39_HHdJycihkds-CmE1XLvbV8FRoQHStnVpTM6eU4C_iYR0AnINqTjY5z0s7FFpuAMaLkCBGf7avMxZO5PBypdcqqpMcQq2BmzWlQsisU6iZvk3A/s400/DSC_6496.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410378783250400418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Dottie and one of the many balls in our home 10/09</span><br /><br /></div>As hard as this is, my best friend Cicely reminds me that Dottie isn't in a bad situation. She's not ill or worse, dead. She is just staying with Rob. For as much as Rob and I could not agree on many topics, Dottie is the one thing we could always agree on. He loves and spoils her as much as I do, if not more. I have no doubt that she will still be loved and cared for.<br /><br />By staying in L.A., Dottie is not far from her best friend Piper (the Shiba Inu) and her buddies Kevin and Lu. Lastly, she won't be far from the mountains and hills where she loves to play. My pup is an outdoors dog. She would hate not having mountains and hills to romp around in. The flatness of Virginia Beach would drive her crazy.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-Sx4Wx7qoxOcNDTTSaSXxaWXzOqUJVllwAhPqwvTemB61eAQiALjSbeKOzkEdASycagxSXl-aVg4CiyjoVjJmrcahMPPjxhVgP81F32a7g9X1E_IKSek21_Lc6BbYLA7lzPFnw/s1600/IMG_4428BW_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-Sx4Wx7qoxOcNDTTSaSXxaWXzOqUJVllwAhPqwvTemB61eAQiALjSbeKOzkEdASycagxSXl-aVg4CiyjoVjJmrcahMPPjxhVgP81F32a7g9X1E_IKSek21_Lc6BbYLA7lzPFnw/s400/IMG_4428BW_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410420396171469426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">June 2008 - photo copyright ©2008 <a href="http://www.shinepetphotos.com/">Shine Pet Photos</a><br /></span></div><br />Of course, Rob agreed that whenever I'm in L.A. I am more than welcome to pick up our pup and spend time with her. Because of the bond that Dottie and I share, I know that she will always be my pup. Time and distance will never change that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-39414474140963081192009-12-01T12:00:00.000-08:002009-12-01T12:05:26.937-08:00BIG News - Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_2EFMGe2teJJkf6w4taGkqnp1MVDsj8ED_W-EEsXSIp74V02gxk45rm8sy4_LUnh13wHatKXqsDg8S_w0fmekmpLjIfPrX7ZwH1Qc_8p1vztJnn8KGIGjFE9HDGyxlG6iRTEsg/s1600/brokencake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_2EFMGe2teJJkf6w4taGkqnp1MVDsj8ED_W-EEsXSIp74V02gxk45rm8sy4_LUnh13wHatKXqsDg8S_w0fmekmpLjIfPrX7ZwH1Qc_8p1vztJnn8KGIGjFE9HDGyxlG6iRTEsg/s400/brokencake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410174546968143746" border="0" /></a>There is more to my move...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I'll be headed to Virginia alone. </span></span><br /></div><br />With a heavy heart and without going into too much detail, Rob and I are ending our marriage. It is a decision that may not be a surprise to some and a complete shock to others. It is a decision that has been thoughtfully considered and agonized over. We did not enter into marriage lightly nor are we leaving it lightly. Although it has not been mentioned until recently, this is a decision that came about over the course of several months and extreme efforts. All other avenues have been exhausted. I know that as a blogger and a person on Twitter much of my life is available to the public. However, I respectfully ask that you refrain from offering any unsolicited advice or prying about the causes behind the collapse of our marriage. This is a decision that we have already been well-counseled and advised by professionals and individuals who know us well. We understand that people often mean well by offering their thoughts or advice. <span style="font-weight: bold;">However, it is a painful situation that is not open for discussion. If either one of us wishes to talk about it, we will approach you.</span><br /><br />Of course, I am not naive. An announcement like this will pique curiosity. Rather than have misinformation circulate like wildfire, I will say a few things. First, there is no infidelity or abuse to blame. More or less, Rob and I have irreconcilable differences. For the sake of privacy, I will not say any more than that. Lastly, our divorce is amicable... or as amicable as the situation will allow.<br /><br />It goes without saying that I appreciate the support I have received and continue to receive from my family and friends (both online and in real life). I don't know what I would have done without them. I am moved by their generosity and loving support and amazed by the outpouring of love and understanding.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-48003272434426343922009-11-30T21:11:00.001-08:002009-11-30T22:20:14.250-08:00BIG News - Part 1<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-MU9M3-RxOToTjdj28-aJWmf1Nrain7S5E21du2wZl7rnppsDZGru-HmjB47cGTkxDJYZ3eJVOJAZff7kZ2lTnd3kzNfCgWdAfURR0Ozxx_cIsAkbwkBk8UTGXNuLRSNUtdu2Q/s1600/272455_8024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-MU9M3-RxOToTjdj28-aJWmf1Nrain7S5E21du2wZl7rnppsDZGru-HmjB47cGTkxDJYZ3eJVOJAZff7kZ2lTnd3kzNfCgWdAfURR0Ozxx_cIsAkbwkBk8UTGXNuLRSNUtdu2Q/s400/272455_8024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410131057890831698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by Rachel Spauldilng</span></div><br />I know I have been very bad about blogging. Truth be told, I've had a lot going on in my personal life that I was not comfortable sharing with all of the internet. {Believe it or not} There are things I keep to myself and my inner circle. Now that I have hammered out a few details, I feel comfortable sharing part of what I've been cooking up. Everything will be revealed in parts so as not to overwhelm {and give me fodder for future blog posts}. Ok... Here goes....<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >I AM MOVING! </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Anne K. is leaving L.A.!</span><br /></div><br />For those that are Facebook and Twitter friends, it should be no surprise that I am leaving Los Angeles. After 7 years in this city, I feel as though I've overstayed my welcome. I am definitely a city girl, but not necessarily an Angeleno. I could not decide what city I would prefer to relocate to. In the interim, I'll be moving back to my hometown of Virginia Beach. Over the next couple of months, I'll be "auditioning" {read:visiting} cities to decide on my next locale. I am open to suggestions. The move will give me an opportunity to further develop and focus my energy on <a href="ThePaperStylist.blogspot.com">The Paper Stylist</a> and spend some much needed time with my family.<br /><br />Here's where it gets a little crazy...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >I'm leaving L.A. for good on December 14th.</span><br /></div><br />I'll be having a going-away soiree so that I can say, "see you later" to some of the wonderful people I've met during this chapter of my life. Please email me at AnneKDesigner@gmail.com if you'd like to join me.<br /><br />My two year blogiversary just passed. I'll be sad to change the name of this blog, but I don't think Anne K. in L.A. will be quite so appropriate when I'm living in an different city. I'm open to ideas for a new blog name. If I choose the blog name you suggest, I'll send you an awesome gift. <span style="font-style: italic;">It'll be good, I promise.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-5417949182331033392009-10-24T22:56:00.000-07:002009-11-19T01:53:25.454-08:00Crazy for Hello Kitty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdQe2UD6SasIhqhnqEbl17q5GnBYTfSupMiJHrkFYo5uMYZXMVGWnwTGPn98CIy3ZkpQ5v9H18LF1x8_JF-oDRTd6XwbmhDxGXUD_UGUNi3OMOrWN1RUI1VHcPID_1v2E4UEBcw/s1600-h/three_apples_550.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdQe2UD6SasIhqhnqEbl17q5GnBYTfSupMiJHrkFYo5uMYZXMVGWnwTGPn98CIy3ZkpQ5v9H18LF1x8_JF-oDRTd6XwbmhDxGXUD_UGUNi3OMOrWN1RUI1VHcPID_1v2E4UEBcw/s400/three_apples_550.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403492591015730802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Disclaimer: This is a post with photo overload. It may take a moment to load all of the photos. Most of the photos were taken with my point-and-shoot Casio Exilim. I left the Nikon SLR at home. </span><br /><br />When I read about<a href="http://sanrio.com/threeapples/"> The Hello Kitty: Three Apples Exhibit</a> on <a href="http://www.hellokittyjunkie.com/">the Hello Kitty Junkie blog</a> , I was ecstatic. And when I found out that it was in my neck of the woods, I was thrilled.<br /><br />I know I am a gal in my 30s, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Hello Kitty. I was born in Japan and frequently visited the Philippines while growing up. As a result, I had quite a bit of Hello Kitty toys and trinkets. Hello Kitty stationery contributed to my love of paper.<br /><br />My partner-in-crime <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela </a>joined me for the opening day of the exhibit. My BFF Cicely was there in spirit via Facebook. {She's a bigger fanatic than me}. The exhibit was divided up into sections.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4108620990/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/4108620990_283aa79f70.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="333" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela Masters</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089277586/" title="CIMG1969 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4089277586_9b1b2b3e95.jpg" alt="CIMG1969" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088518401/" title="CIMG1967 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/4088518401_8156c103e5.jpg" alt="CIMG1967" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The first part was a Hello Kitty retrospective. There were Hello Kitty merchandise from the last 35 years on display.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088518969/" title="CIMG1971 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/4088518969_49a830388a.jpg" alt="CIMG1971" width="450" /></a><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">They designed a Hello Kitty apartment. I loved it, but I don't think I'd ever go that far.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089276866/" title="CIMG1964 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4089276866_10eb27c379.jpg" alt="CIMG1964" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089277032/" title="CIMG1965 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/4089277032_69dc255519.jpg" alt="CIMG1965" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089277160/" title="CIMG1966 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4089277160_09c5a82535.jpg" alt="CIMG1966" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />As I was looking at the throwback items, I was giddy recollecting which pieces I once owned and which ones that I still have.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089278202/" title="CIMG1973 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2799/4089278202_da913af72a.jpg" alt="CIMG1973" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088519415/" title="CIMG1974 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4088519415_5de84dbd53.jpg" alt="CIMG1974" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089278474/" title="CIMG1975 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4089278474_de3e2661f2.jpg" alt="CIMG1975" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088519707/" title="CIMG1976 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/204/4088519707_d5b361c448.jpg" alt="CIMG1976" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088519849/" title="CIMG1977 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/4088519849_fea2106af3.jpg" alt="CIMG1977" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089278920/" title="CIMG1978 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/4089278920_1ef28e7c89.jpg" alt="CIMG1978" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089279202/" title="CIMG1980 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/4089279202_9914f614a8.jpg" alt="CIMG1980" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There was a gift shop that had a line out the door just to view the merchandise. We bypassed that, but I now regret it. There was also a cafe serving Hello Kitty high tea, which also had a very long wait. From other blogs, I've seen cute little Hello Kitty tea sandwiches and cakes.<br /><br />My favorite part of the exhibit was the <a href="http://www.sanrio.breakofdawn.org/">art show</a>. <a href="http://www.japanla.com/">Japan L.A</a>. did a spectacular job curating the show. The variety and quality of the pieces on display was phenomenal.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088523889/" title="CIMG2006 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4088523889_fa25f86853.jpg" alt="CIMG2006" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089279352/" title="CIMG1981 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/4089279352_38f0cf96fe.jpg" alt="CIMG1981" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088520871/" title="CIMG1984 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/4088520871_7a3a9d23e9.jpg" alt="CIMG1984" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088521149/" title="CIMG1986 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/4088521149_3d0c1b9d4c.jpg" alt="CIMG1986" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089280452/" title="CIMG1989 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4089280452_7b71031dea.jpg" alt="CIMG1989" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088521657/" title="CIMG1990 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4088521657_d4ea35cc5d.jpg" alt="CIMG1990" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088521931/" title="CIMG1992 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4088521931_7521f7ef38.jpg" alt="CIMG1992" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089281546/" title="CIMG1996 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/4089281546_f04121168e.jpg" alt="CIMG1996" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089281820/" title="CIMG1998 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4089281820_afd19521ce.jpg" alt="CIMG1998" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088522923/" title="CIMG1999 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4088522923_06fb92afca.jpg" alt="CIMG1999" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088523311/" title="CIMG2002 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4088523311_e6f2917f35.jpg" alt="CIMG2002" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088523599/" title="CIMG2004 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/4088523599_0422dcbeeb.jpg" alt="CIMG2004" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089283314/" title="CIMG2009 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4089283314_4aa73214f3.jpg" alt="CIMG2009" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089283450/" title="CIMG2010 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4089283450_a6b3ba840c.jpg" alt="CIMG2010" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089283530/" title="CIMG2011 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4089283530_7c04fb46e0.jpg" alt="CIMG2011" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089283682/" title="CIMG2012 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/4089283682_d6892acf25.jpg" alt="CIMG2012" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088525301/" title="CIMG2017 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/4088525301_d93394e230.jpg" alt="CIMG2017" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088525589/" title="CIMG2019 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/4088525589_b4f49e91bd.jpg" alt="CIMG2019" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088525705/" title="CIMG2020 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/4088525705_0556bd2636.jpg" alt="CIMG2020" width="450" /></a><br />Click here for an <a href="http://www.sanrio.breakofdawn.org/">online gallery of the Hello Kitty Artwork</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Our day was not complete without a photo op with the Birthday Girl.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4108621786/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/4108621786_c6f516c92d.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela Masters</a><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4107857031/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/4107857031_9c7e2ea886.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After traipsing around the <a href="http://sanrio.com/threeapples/">Three Apples Exhibit</a>, it seemed appropriate to head to Little Tokyo for a late lunch. It must have been my lucky day. I finally got to eat at <a href="http://www.daikoku-ten.com/dkltmp.html">Daikokuya</a>. It sounds crazy, but I have been trying to eat at this place since I moved to L.A. in 2003. There is always a line. On this day, there wasn't. <br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4108624482/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4108624482_995dca8e9f.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela Masters</a><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Now that I've eaten there, I understand why there's always ungodly line. It's THAT good. <br /><br />I love the gyozas...<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088525865/" title="CIMG2021 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/4088525865_1c5275001e.jpg" alt="CIMG2021" height="375" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">...but the Ramen is the best. Their broth is perfect.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4088526149/" title="CIMG2024 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/4088526149_595c6ff134.jpg" alt="CIMG2024" height="375" width="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Can't you tell how much I'm enjoying my meal?<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4107857937/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/4107857937_9f5a50c2bc.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela Masters</a></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />We swung by <a href="http://www.fugetsu-do.com/">Fugetssu-do</a> where we picked up a few treats.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4107860423/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/4107860423_405d904c00.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela Masters</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Despite my wonky facial expression, I really love what I picked up.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4107860983/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4107860983_99c9b4b5fa.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela Masters</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It was double dessert day and Pamela introduced me to <a href="http://www.yogurt-land.com/">Yogurtland</a>. I'm ruined. I love, love their yogurt. Forget Pinkberry. This is the real deal.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4108627486/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2688/4108627486_b8d5b79674.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo by <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela Masters</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In keeping with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness_in_Japanese_culture">kawaii </a>theme of the day, they had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokidoki">Tokidoki</a> cups and spoons.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4089285410/" title="CIMG2025 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4089285410_1b602586d9.jpg" alt="CIMG2025" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was exhausted and I'm glad I didn't pass out from the cute overload.<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-31334891624603018072009-10-17T00:24:00.000-07:002009-10-30T03:28:14.521-07:00Sew Much Fun<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057886796/" title="SewLA1 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/4057886796_e94fbff452.jpg" alt="SewLA1" width="450" /></a><br /></div><br />In high school, I took a home economics type class. I made a lop-sided duffle bag and a deformed chocolate chip cookie pillow. I had a such a terrible time making both projects that I didn't sew again. I've always been envious of my friends who can sew.<br /><br />All the craft shows that I've been to in the past year have inspired me. I decided that I wanted to learn/relearn is how to sew with a sewing machine. I want to do basic things like make decorative pillows, maybe some pajamas.<br /><br />I used trusty <a href="http://www.yelp.com/la">Yelp.com</a> to find sewing classes. My search led me to <a href="http://www.sew-la.com/home.htm">Sew L.A.</a> It's this hip sewing studio in Silver Lake. It's definitely not like your grandma's sewing shop. They teach classes and have a small shop. They carry some great specialty and import fabrics.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057886882/" title="SewLA7 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4057886882_e75f1a4bf2.jpg" alt="SewLA7" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057148555/" title="SewLA4 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4057148555_9799184db0.jpg" alt="SewLA4" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057886900/" title="SewLA5 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/4057886900_34c87883f8.jpg" alt="SewLA5" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057148629/" title="SewLA6 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4057148629_9648c3116b.jpg" alt="SewLA6" height="450" /></a><br /><br /></div>I signed up for their Machine Intro Class and Return of the Machine Class.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057886832/" title="SewLA3 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/4057886832_a52d297291.jpg" alt="SewLA3" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057148519/" title="SewLA2 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/4057148519_49543886a9.jpg" alt="SewLA2" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Learning to sew was much easier this time around.<br /><br />After the 1st class, I made this.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057194043/" title="SewLA_r12 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4057194043_c163445fcb.jpg" alt="SewLA_r12" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The second class was about different stitches and what they are used for. Here are some of my sample stitches.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4057194017/" title="SewLA_r11 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/4057194017_541561bd87.jpg" alt="SewLA_r11" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm addicted. I plan to take more classes soon, but the break in my design schedule is almost up. My mind is racing with all the different things I can make. For now, I'm really hoping Santa will bring one of these.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pREkXXLXgv9dX9fackND8_lhyqSbQqIJczXeGsUOt-zlHLS0PW_CNavIc_gvSe2OOmpBYz1b8FZkprmw5JP3Quc6dnvKHUb-TYsrWYXCr9YraNxZ_yGLTIQFPzwU5jVYVmYw7A/s1600-h/140-Janome-TB-12_lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pREkXXLXgv9dX9fackND8_lhyqSbQqIJczXeGsUOt-zlHLS0PW_CNavIc_gvSe2OOmpBYz1b8FZkprmw5JP3Quc6dnvKHUb-TYsrWYXCr9YraNxZ_yGLTIQFPzwU5jVYVmYw7A/s400/140-Janome-TB-12_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398334720089098882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Janome-ThreadBanger12-Stitch-FreearmSewing-Machine/dp/B001I1IZ2K">Janome Threadbanger 12 </a><br /></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-6155241076495977742009-10-05T01:32:00.000-07:002009-10-24T15:41:15.634-07:00Cathee invades Cali<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">September 24-28, 2009</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013754106/" title="DSC_6945 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/4013754106_c7d68374cc.jpg" alt="DSC_6945" height="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cathee with our niece Brooklyn</span><br /></div><br />My sister Cathee came to town to visit for a few days. She normally visits with my incredibly awesome nephews, Franky and Ethan.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3623960413/" title="DSC_4696 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3623960413_5ac88eb730.jpg" alt="DSC_4696" width="450" /></a><br /></div><br />Unfortunately, she opted not to bring them with her this time. {Insert sad face here} This was a probably be a good thing because Cathee and I did A LOT of running around town.<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><br />When Cathee arrived, she was starving. We headed to Hodori for some Korean BBQ. <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela </a>joined us.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012988625/" title="CIMG1921 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/4012988625_1721efeae6.jpg" alt="CIMG1921" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013755690/" title="CIMG1925 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4013755690_247fa33ab2.jpg" alt="CIMG1925" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Galbi - Short Ribs</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After Korean BBQ, the three of us headed to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.elcholo.com">El Cholo</a> for some margaritas.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt142StCbdC1Fr4_6RPyRS_XX9iEMOsTIZilz2m2iz8Ut08yDzIa717fsTBimxmm5-fN2kat8wh46hodaRTU5FISpD-j1JNvda_tet5ostaQTMvrrhZgBc3rcIv85sc3gI19SzQ/s1600-h/la_reina_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt142StCbdC1Fr4_6RPyRS_XX9iEMOsTIZilz2m2iz8Ut08yDzIa717fsTBimxmm5-fN2kat8wh46hodaRTU5FISpD-j1JNvda_tet5ostaQTMvrrhZgBc3rcIv85sc3gI19SzQ/s400/la_reina_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396269250418268034" border="0" /></a><br />Two margaritas into our gabfest and Cathee was ready for bed. We headed back to my place. Cathee got ready for bed. Dottie and I left for a short walk around the Rose Bowl. As Dottie and I were returning home, we returned to a scene similar to this.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Yv_wRNYJgzRXlzk6BjQ335EMXLG2SQ3uP_4hsUDwkhMLjavgy5FV2OSnuR987VnYkBThcMXoxvHSSc0RRBdi8HPF_qkLzglxOX6B6w6fMBE6maP7PjpHQuQiJqXdbJSi55m3vQ/s1600-h/GhettoBird.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Yv_wRNYJgzRXlzk6BjQ335EMXLG2SQ3uP_4hsUDwkhMLjavgy5FV2OSnuR987VnYkBThcMXoxvHSSc0RRBdi8HPF_qkLzglxOX6B6w6fMBE6maP7PjpHQuQiJqXdbJSi55m3vQ/s400/GhettoBird.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396269138179317330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">photos from Apartment Therapy L.A.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was horrified. My sister who lives in the suburbs was passed out at home alone in the middle of a police fugitive search. Oh.my.God! We weren't permitted to go down the street. There was a police cruiser parked in the driveway of our place and officers in our yard. I called Cathee and thankfully she was safe with our neighbor. I was relieved. The fugitive was apprehended on another street and we were allowed to go home. The funniest part of this story? Cathee was sleeping through ALL of it. Police helicopter overhead. Officers in the yard. <span style="font-style: italic;">She had no idea.</span> The only thing that woke her was our neighbor who banging on the door with a police officer to check on our safety. Needless to say, I need a stiff drink to calm my nerves after that. Cathee promptly went back to sleep.<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkzqWzyMdFtU8PPk5SucIK9I5PRrKdxvHdz61DO8YFbfG3Il9ZSn7PuGC1nOmdeR0-YMDq_94B-faikqzXz1cNwt4M9rRiojpH5Xo1e0_UHTng5RUs89aQvoMZ5pD5Y_kFDJg-A/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkzqWzyMdFtU8PPk5SucIK9I5PRrKdxvHdz61DO8YFbfG3Il9ZSn7PuGC1nOmdeR0-YMDq_94B-faikqzXz1cNwt4M9rRiojpH5Xo1e0_UHTng5RUs89aQvoMZ5pD5Y_kFDJg-A/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392751560485316482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Map of Friday's stops.</span> </div><br />Thank goodness for a good night's sleep. Friday was jam-packed. We started with a hearty breakfast at <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/5/69917/restaurant/Lincoln-Heights/Llamarada-LA">La Llamarada</a> in Lincoln Heights.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013756068/" title="CIMG1926 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/4013756068_3cc1306886.jpg" alt="CIMG1926" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chile Rellenos </span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />After breakfast, we headed to the Fashion District. To make up for the previous night's drama, we stumbled upon <a href="http://www.californiamarketcenter.com/faq/samplesale.php">Sample Sales at the California Market</a> building.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013757852/" title="CIMG1929 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/4013757852_69676cbc09.jpg" alt="CIMG1929" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We spent HOURS at the sales. Cathee made out like a bandit and bought tons of stuff. She got cocktail dresses, costume jewelry and other miscellanea. I was good (read:broke) and bought only a few small things.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013758162/" title="CIMG1930 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/4013758162_fb9e3b8bd2.jpg" alt="CIMG1930" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cathee takes a break</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />After the Fashion District, we stopped off in Chinatown to buy a few things for the boys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc1bvAQkpLGzGEXoGPL90-APfdczYS185HqOPpyWVCBrs5zi2-OsTdrl937enwbVQ1lJ0K8NOPhoNoiGLtma9NlBL7D-PV5LkSYYwamij4bJCbL9-OyouFto6z4MLfyIIY9LzAw/s1600-h/about.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc1bvAQkpLGzGEXoGPL90-APfdczYS185HqOPpyWVCBrs5zi2-OsTdrl937enwbVQ1lJ0K8NOPhoNoiGLtma9NlBL7D-PV5LkSYYwamij4bJCbL9-OyouFto6z4MLfyIIY9LzAw/s400/about.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396291013196797954" border="0" /></a><br />All the shopping made us thirsty. Next stop: <a href="http://www.sodapopstop.com/home.cfm">Galco's Soda Pop Stop</a>. It's a neighborhood gem.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013758508/" title="CIMG1937 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/4013758508_da6fea083a.jpg" alt="CIMG1937" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013757198/" title="CIMG1939 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/4013757198_988d9dee7e.jpg" alt="CIMG1939" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, a visit with me is not complete without cupcakes. We dropped by <a href="http://www.auntieemskitchen.com/">Auntie Em's Kitchen</a>, another neighborhood gem, for mini cupcakes.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012990359/" title="CIMG1943 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/4012990359_126f02cac2.jpg" alt="CIMG1943" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013757528/" title="CIMG1945 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/4013757528_c2892b8efd.jpg" alt="CIMG1945" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We went home to catch up with Rob and rest for a bit {read: sat for 1 hour}. We then headed to Long Beach to meet up with our cousins at <a href="http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/">Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles</a>.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012990779/" title="CIMG1950 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/4012990779_21c7a51dde.jpg" alt="CIMG1950" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012988227/" title="CIMG1948 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4012988227_65547c34fd.jpg" alt="CIMG1948" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Saturday</u><br /><br />Cathee is a shopping marathoner. She opted to do some "light shopping" before we headed to Orange County to hang out with our cousins. "Light Shopping" = Nordstrom Rack, Ross and Michael's for two hours. She is the shopping champ.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012986975/" title="DSC_6939 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/4012986975_515152ae19.jpg" alt="DSC_6939" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I dropped her off with my cousins and headed home to work a photo gig.<br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Rob and I met up with my cousins and Cathee in Long Beach to pick her up. We headed to the Santa Monica pier for another sightseeing stop. We took some fun photos, but those photos are on Cathee's camera (read: they'll never be downloaded from her camera)<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012992813/" title="IMG_0034 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/4012992813_96e8f66f2f.jpg" alt="IMG_0034" height="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It goes without saying that I needed a vacation after Cathee's vacation. I've never done so much shopping in such a short period of time. I'm not even sure how she got it all home.<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-51716755354676719182009-10-04T23:38:00.000-07:002009-10-15T01:30:45.458-07:00Out-of-townersIf there was a keyword for the last couple of weeks, it would be "out-of-towners". I had an old friend visit along with some new internet friends. Thankfully, all of these visitors arrived throughout the month. With each visitor, I got to introduce them to some of my L.A. favorites.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Anthonine - 9/13</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012985635/" title="DSC_6472 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/4012985635_d1a9a4a8ed.jpg" dsc_6472="" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013752418/" title="DSC_6470 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/4013752418_ae961a9dfb.jpg" alt="DSC_6470" height="450" /></a><br /></div><br />I met Anthonine through twitter, where her screen name is <a href="http://twitter.com/pricelessrock">pricelessrock</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013752678/" title="Anthonine by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/4013752678_d648a634b5.jpg" alt="Anthonine" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo borrowed from facebook</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">After spending months tweeting back and forth, it was fun to put a face to the name. Antonine was in town with a few of her friends from Brooklyn. They were having a mini-reunion of sorts.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">We had the dinner of champions. Margaritas and cupcakes. Anthonine is among a group of cupcake afficionadas. So, I brought some cupcakes from the renowned Sprinkles Cupcake bakery.<br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012986473/" title="8921_584985183104_26300342_34387802_2100651_n by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2597/4012986473_c60ec8073d.jpg" alt="8921_584985183104_26300342_34387802_2100651_n" width="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">photo borrowed from facebook<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012986449/" title="8921_584985158154_26300342_34387800_4611080_n by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/4012986449_e2b908a456.jpg" alt="8921_584985158154_26300342_34387800_4611080_n" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo borrowed from facebook</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Neleh & Shane - 9/21</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012986285/" title="DSC_6920 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/4012986285_52a6b482b1.jpg" alt="DSC_6920" height="450" /></a><br />Neleh & Shane<br /><br /></div><a href="http://helenbackwards.blogspot.com/">Neleh</a> and Shane are old friends from college. They were in town for their friend D's wedding. Rob and I caught up with them for a margaritas (again!) and Thai food. They had a very busy weekend. So, we only got to hang out with them for a few hours before they headed back to Virginia.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012986179/" title="DSC_6918 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/4012986179_7e0dc9abdb.jpg" alt="DSC_6918" height="450" /></a><br /></div><br />For a while now, we've been dying to take Shane, who is Thai, to our fave hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant. We were curious to see how authentic it was. The food was good enough to impress Shane. Apparently, they carried a variety of dishes that Shane hadn't had since he was a kid.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4012986395/" title="DSC_6928 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4012986395_d2e025a956.jpg" alt="DSC_6928" height="450" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My sister Cathee - 10/24-28</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013757528/" title="CIMG1945 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/4013757528_c2892b8efd.jpg" alt="CIMG1945" height="450" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;">We did a lot of things while Cathee was here. So, I'll save that for a separate post.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Feisty Tourist - 10/1</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013752762/" title="2009-10-1 LA 012 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/4013752762_d3ddb44298.jpg" alt="2009-10-1 LA 012" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">photo borrowed from FeistyTourist's blog</span><br /></div><br />I know <a href="http://feistync.wordpress.com/">Feisty Tourist</a> through <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/">Elizabeth Anne Designs Living</a>, but this was the first time we've actually met in person. I love her blog because she is an avid traveler. She was in L.A. courtesy of <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/12/news/companies/jetblue_unlimited_flight_pass/index.htm">JetBlue's All-You-Can-Jet Pass</a>. She requested we get <a href="http://www.hotdogonastick.com/">Hot Dog on a Stick</a> and <a href="http://www.pinkberry.com/">Pinkberry</a>. I laughed when I got her email. It was like having lunch at a State Fair. I have to admit that corndogs are a guilty pleasure.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/4013752742/" title="2009-10-2 LA 003 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4013752742_669f2b55d2.jpg" alt="2009-10-2 LA 003" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">photo borrowed from FeistyTourist's blog</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">She was on a quest to see as many blog friends as possible and spend as little money as possible. Please visit her blog, <a href="http://feistync.wordpress.com/">Feisty Tourist</a> to see her adventures around the country.<br /><br /><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-69464081847253962252009-09-30T16:11:00.000-07:002009-10-06T16:14:42.841-07:00Take a peekMy first photo posting is up on my <a href="http://thepaperstylist.blogspot.com/2009/09/portraits-amber.html">other blog - The Paper Stylist</a>. Please feel free to take a peek over there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3986230551/" title="DSC_6647_akr2 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3986230551_ee346453ec.jpg" alt="DSC_6647_akr2" width="450" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-49239951742276713392009-09-24T23:58:00.000-07:002009-10-01T12:53:23.477-07:00Return to my First Love<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihoko-o/2467616042/" title="Old Camera &quot;Canon FTb&quot; 1971 by Mihoko Ozaki, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/2467616042_f78a4e60d4.jpg" alt="Old Camera &quot;Canon FTb&quot; 1971" height="332" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">{Image from Flickr user </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihoko-o/2467616042/">Mihoko Ozaki</a><span style="font-style: italic;">}</span><br /></div><br />I received my first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-lens_reflex_camera">SLR</a> camera when I was 15 years old. My dad was cleaning out his closet when I saw his Canon FTb still in its original box. I begged him to let me have it and he obliged. The poor man didn't realize it was the end of my would-be medical career and the beginning of a long love affair with photography. From that point forward, I immersed myself in photo classes. I took classes in my high school and through the gifted program. I became a photographer for the school newspaper and literary magazine. I was also fortunate enough to have had some of my photographs exhibited in Student Art Shows. Photography was the vehicle of self-expression that sustained me through my painfully awkward teenage years and kept me out of trouble.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIR9m9Mq_-huL0V19lP4Ao1RdQl8FHPq_mSLbQK4ZwAZk74SWBT4LdqmwUgy19Mg1Wdw-sY88zhSFq4RgfVSU6j96p6Ld8zVPV06dlN-AQFlk7j6dVMAnx1BiuuY9CvqSTPqX0w/s1600-h/ContactSheet2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIR9m9Mq_-huL0V19lP4Ao1RdQl8FHPq_mSLbQK4ZwAZk74SWBT4LdqmwUgy19Mg1Wdw-sY88zhSFq4RgfVSU6j96p6Ld8zVPV06dlN-AQFlk7j6dVMAnx1BiuuY9CvqSTPqX0w/s400/ContactSheet2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178112137137868402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">{A Contact Sheet of my work circa 2000}</span><br /><br /></div>While in college, I decided to switch majors from biology to art. I wrestled with being a graphic design or photography major. In the end, I chose graphic design. I didn't choose it because I loved it more, but because I knew that it was something I could do without getting quite so emotionally involved. My 20s were a time when I struggled to find my own voice and balance what I wanted for myself and the expectations of my family. At that time, photography was a deeply personal form of expression and escape. I'm also chagrined to admit that it was way for me to meet guys. <span style="font-style: italic;">What guy is going to say no to a cute girl asking him to model for her?</span> My ploy wasn't all that clever. I learned that it only brought me narcissists that were in love with themselves. <span style="font-style: italic;">Oh well! At least I had some fun;)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexmelillo/430393320/" title="what i shoot with - No.2 - YashicaMat by RonJe, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/62/430393320_40fc248896.jpg" alt="what i shoot with - No.2 - YashicaMat" width="400" /></a><br />{Photo by Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexmelillo/">RonJe</a>}</div><br />It was also during that time, that photography became the way I experienced life. Minute and magnificent moments have been captured by my different cameras. Photography was a constant in my life until the Summer of 2006. My Nikon D70 and all of its accompanying lenses were stolen. It was a blow and I was inconsolable. I took it as a sign that I was no longer meant to be a photographer. I took a sabbatical from photography... or so I thought.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34101879@N08/3288100621/" title="Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Anti-Shake Optical Zoom (Black) 01 Front by flickraccount20, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3288100621_7ba3d67c3a.jpg" alt="Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Anti-Shake Optical Zoom (Black) 01 Front" width="400" /></a><br /></div>Throughout my break, I still took photos, only I used a point-and-shoot camera. It was an challenging and humbling experience. It forced me to really focus on composition and lighting. It was also a reminder that my camera is merely a tool. It was still up to me to decide what is captured and how it is lit. It came to a point where the poor little point-and-shoot couldn't keep up with me. I finally bought a digital SLR last summer.<br /><br />In the year since that purchase, I've been photographing as though my life depended on it. In some ways, my life does depend on it. The more I shoot, the more I realize how much I'd missed it. In the midst of this rediscovery, my best friend Cicely and my dear photographer friends <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela</a> and <a href="http://helenbackwards.blogspot.com/">Neleh</a> have been insisting that I consider shooting professionally. I'm ashamed to admit that I've been shying them off for months with the excuse that I'm only shooting "for fun". After the last couple of months of shooting, I have to admit they were right. I take my work too seriously for it to be simply just "for fun".<br /><br />My photography is now a part of my professional repertoire. I am in the process of finding my specific style and niche. Before anyone jumps to any conclusions, I am NOT getting into wedding photography. I shot a few weddings in the past and am convinced that it is definitely not the best avenue for my creativity. I have much love and respect for people in that industry, but I know it is not the best fit for me. For now, I'll be shooting a lot of portfolio work in order to better refine my style. I look forward to displaying that work alongside my design projects on <a href="http://thepaperstylist.blogspot.com/">The Paper Stylist</a> blog.<br /><br />It's feels good to know that my first love never left me; it just took a seat on the sidelines.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-53429602347094003862009-09-15T20:19:00.000-07:002009-09-29T01:13:43.938-07:00A Delectable Afternoon<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sepetember 13, 2009</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3923726067/" title="K12_Yelp-0_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3923726067_a5c1c41c5e.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-0_lo" height="450" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;">If you've been reading my blog, you know that <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela</a> is my creative partner-in-crime. In the last two months, we have been happily photographing a variety of events and have been networking as much as possible. After shooting <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/08/special-request.html">Joella's dinner party</a>, we became friends with Michael Kay of </span><a href="http://www.kitchen12000.com/">Kitchen 12000</a>. When we received the email inviting us to shoot<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/yelps-sweet-september-elite-party-culver-city"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Yelp's Sweet September Elite Party</span></a>, we were delighted. The Sweet September Elite Party is a shindig strictly for Elite Yelpers.<br /><br />The event was held at the <a href="http://lameetingcenter.com/">Los Angeles Meeting & Event Center</a>. There were several other photographers at the event. As such, Pamela and I coordinated with one another to ensure we had more well-rounded coverage of the event. Since Pamela's forte is shooting people and atmosphere shots, she photographed the servers, make-up artists, and overall party. I covered the food and its preparation.<br /><br />Here are the passed hors d'oeuvres<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3923728173/" title="K12_Yelp-4_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3923728173_5c6ff01baf.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-4_lo" width="450" /></a><br />Crustless Pizza shooters - Buffalo Mozzarella Balls in Tomato and Tomatillo Bases<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3923728475/" title="K12_Yelp-6_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3923728475_03a8532364.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-6_lo" width="450" /></a><br />Chicken Breast Cubes with Thai Peanut Sauce<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3924512246/" title="K12_Yelp-10_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3924512246_c95974dd2e.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-10_lo" width="450" /></a><br />Grilled Pear with Sour Cranberry Reduction and Feta Crumbles<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3923729063/" title="K12_Yelp-8_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3923729063_48c97411f8.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-8_lo" width="450" /></a><br />Smashed potato medley in filo shells with red onion marmalade and queso fresco<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3924514898/" title="K12_Yelp-9_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3924514898_3564e96633.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-9_lo" width="450" /></a><br />Seared Tuna topped with Seaweed Salad and Tobiko in Filo Shells<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3924512988/" title="K12_Yelp-5_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3924512988_cedbfe3864.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-5_lo" width="450" /></a><br />Open-faced ciabatta rounds topped with Asian Pulled Pork topped with Mango Cole Slaw<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3924513566/" title="K12_Yelp-3_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3924513566_d4d91e285b.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-3_lo" height="450" /></a><br />Citrus Soy Marinated Baby Portobello Mushroom caps filled with a 3 cheese blend topped with truffle oil<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3923726817/" title="K12_Yelp-11_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3923726817_9d2c5c86a6.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-11_lo" height="450" /></a><br />Yogurt Blend topped with Pop Rocks<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3923727083/" title="K12_Yelp-12_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3923727083_8d217ae3e7.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-12_lo" height="450" /></a><br />Blueberry, Acai, and Mangosteen Juice with candied Ginger<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Since this was Yelp-sponsored event, there was some awesome </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://swag-swag.urbanup.com/2794379">swag</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964995514/" title="K12_Yelp-35_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3964995514_e651818f08.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-35_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yelp Special Edition lunchboxes</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3923726347/" title="K12_Yelp-1_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3923726347_b69d42bd93.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-1_lo" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kitchen 12000 had favors made-up to look like illegal paraphernalia. They were filled with oregano, sugar, and syringes filled with pomegranate syrup</span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964995078/" title="K12_Yelp-34_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3964995078_bc119354ee.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-34_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Choclates from </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.essentialchocolate.com/">Essential Chocolate Desserts</a><br /></div><br />Here's some photos of the Kitchen 12000 crew in action.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964216581/" title="K12_Yelp-14_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/3964216581_e55b0bf5bb.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-14_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964991332/" title="K12_Yelp-15_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3964991332_ab0a042072.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-15_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964991762/" title="K12_Yelp-22_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3964991762_265d89d1d8.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-22_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964992124/" title="K12_Yelp-23_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3964992124_57ee615c1e.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-23_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964992538/" title="K12_Yelp-32_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3964992538_2e066d2114.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-32_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />A few photo ops with Dawson from Yelp L.A.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964218849/" title="K12_Yelp-36_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3964218849_3896e52c7d.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-36_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964219709/" title="K12_Yelp-38_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3964219709_394578653e.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-38_lo" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3964219285/" title="K12_Yelp-37_lo by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3964219285_bf6c1bfd51.jpg" alt="K12_Yelp-37_lo" height="450" /></a><br />Here are the awesome event vendors:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kitchen12000.com/">Yelp</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kitchen12000.com/">Kitchen 12000</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.essentialchocolate.com/">Essential Chocolate Desserts</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lameetingcenter.com/">L.A. Meeting & Event Center</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.floralfields.net/">Floral Fields</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.djarmandoevents.com/">DJ – Armando Jovel</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;">Lillian Vicky, Makeup Artist – lillianvicky@yahoo.com</p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >As always, please <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/?p=805">check out Pamela's blog for more photos from this event</a>.</span><br /></div><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-53377244752817605462009-09-08T01:37:00.000-07:002009-09-25T02:59:53.579-07:00High Dollar Celebration<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">September 5, 2009</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Ordinarily, Rob and I love to eat at hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Whenever we have an occasion to celebrate, we usually head to one of our faves. This year for Rob's birthday we decided to venture outside our bubble and into the not-so-new Americana at Brand shopping center in Glendale. It's new to us.<br /><br />For dinner, Rob selected <br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sbe.com/katsuya/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 60px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8WRGQCK8VuS5PQa_rc6WWYVBhQwQxFaKjXV12zXlagCRi0J1g-AdJhffJ3egQAnLl2-Xla2Txf9U53QHV74xREuIJcPHRnOuKawEzBF9kyaZj2dasfYqSQ7KxW2ZavJllC41lQ/s400/top_logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385336245366720082" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952938404/" title="DSC_6298 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3952938404_2c0a9d5208.jpg" alt="DSC_6298" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The interiors were modern with a sophisticated sense of humor. Then again, what would you expect from Philip Starke?<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952931580/" title="DSC_6289 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3952931580_4360c097b8.jpg" alt="DSC_6289" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952933450/" title="DSC_6290 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3952933450_f847e87557.jpg" alt="DSC_6290" width="450" /></a><br />The birthday boy relaxes at the sushi bar.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952150811/" title="DSC_6270 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3952150811_2f8c5af2a1.jpg" alt="DSC_6270" height="450" /></a><br />Rob's beer<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952152787/" title="DSC_6269 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3952152787_ac75d6841f.jpg" alt="DSC_6269" height="450" /></a><br />My delicious cocktail - Katsuya Fresh<br />An inspirited apéritif of hand crushed English cucumber kissed<br />w/ vodka, sake & freshly squeezed lime juice<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952151849/" title="DSC_6275 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3952151849_af0d352cc9.jpg" alt="DSC_6275" width="450" /></a><br />Special Katsuya Roll<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952930834/" title="DSC_6284 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3952930834_1713f761ac.jpg" alt="DSC_6284" width="450" /></a><br />Spider Roll<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952932526/" title="DSC_6282 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3952932526_92899aa827.jpg" alt="DSC_6282" height="450" /></a><br />A Katsuya Specialty - Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952934970/" title="DSC_6294 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3952934970_34be5aa92c.jpg" alt="DSC_6294" width="450" /></a><br />Hamachi Collar<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952936794/" title="DSC_6296 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/3952936794_ed46c9b8f9.jpg" alt="DSC_6296" width="450" /></a><br />Spanish Mackerel Sashimi<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952149795/" title="DSC_6273 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3952149795_6ec3724d4e.jpg" alt="DSC_6273" width="450" /></a><br />Hamachi Sashimi<br /></div><br />This was only part of what we ordered. Some of the items just didn't photograph well.<br /><br />Instead of cupcakes, we got<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.muginohousa.com/index.php"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN_XSPxQ7pb2ACGW0pxC6XQX_a1n1Kl3v-XCwqPvoYxOzkm3S4G2qwahNkiLCM2i4vHDTH7yTeXSmt7z2hFXH8eXtrPWvWp_y00Qd1MfSy1y8Tg2uMvamru-x0Qp82VCOJx2l3w/s200/beard+papa+logo+sep+08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385338086044290258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952997104/" title="DSC_6304 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3952997104_2b42e89623.jpg" alt="DSC_6304" width="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Creampuffs and Eclairs<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3952937688/" title="DSC_6301 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/3952937688_df20bc3895.jpg" alt="DSC_6301" width="450" /></a><br />Who says you can't put candles in creampuffs and eclairs?<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-64315533601392574682009-09-04T03:00:00.000-07:002009-09-24T03:51:17.808-07:00Long-awaited Homecoming<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >September 1, 2009</span><br /><br />After an extended stay at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Brooklyn finally came home. She still has a long road ahead of her, but we're all happy that she's home. I dropped in for a visit and a brief photo session.<br /><br />She slept with her momma (my cousin) Jasmine.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3950315090/" title="DSC_6177_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3950315090_c57e21d23c.jpg" alt="DSC_6177_akr" height="356" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3950311262/" title="DSC_6178_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3950311262_962a4fbc6f.jpg" alt="DSC_6178_fb" width="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />She also slept in her crib.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3949537711/" title="DSC_6232_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3949537711_1b52f5324a.jpg" alt="DSC_6232_akr" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">She opened her eyes for a little while...<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3949536927/" title="DSC_6197_alr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3949536927_b5592315bb.jpg" alt="DSC_6197_alr" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">... but she did more sleeping than anything else.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3950314062/" title="DSC_6220_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/3950314062_d5e332f59a.jpg" alt="DSC_6220_akr" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3950312686/" title="DSC_6227_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3950312686_02a252ebf0.jpg" alt="DSC_6227_akr" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Look at the teeny, tiny toes.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3949533207/" title="DSC_6223_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3949533207_82de0bf9b0.jpg" alt="DSC_6223_akr" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Even though, she's got an East Coast name, Brooklyn tried to rep the "Westsiiide".<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3949531673/" title="DSC_6181_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/3949531673_4d97949aa7.jpg" alt="DSC_6181_fb" height="500" width="458" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />She gave us a look that reminded us that she's most definitely Jasmine's daughter. (Her momma has a facial expression just like this one.)<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3949531817/" title="DSC_6250_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3949531817_4d639cfde8.jpg" alt="DSC_6250_akr" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3950311262/" title="DSC_6178_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-57735114016390279922009-09-02T00:38:00.000-07:002009-09-23T04:18:37.878-07:00Up in flames<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">August 28-31, 2009</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3946527223/" title="Picture 2 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3946527223_383373b233.jpg" alt="Picture 2" width="450" /></a><br /></div>When the Station Fire broke out in the Angeles National Forest, Rob and I were alarmed. We weren't in any imminent danger, but it was large enough that we could see it from our home. As an East Coaster, I couldn't look away. I had never seen anything like it. The compulsion to be an amateur photojournalist overtook me. So, Rob and I drove to a safe vantage point and I took photos a different intervals.<br /><br />I started with the some shots during the day.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3869107308/" title="StationFire-10_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3869107308_33d26a9c00.jpg" alt="StationFire-10_akr" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Plane drops fire retardant on Western flank of Station Fire - Friday, 8/28/09 2:15PM </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3869108080/" title="StationFire-6_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3869108080_339a48d0a3.jpg" alt="StationFire-6_akr" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">View of the Western flank of the fire. 210 Freeway in the foreground. Friday, 8/28/09 2:15PM </span><br /></div><br />The smoke could be seen for miles. It was frightening, but we were completely awestruck.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3868326869/" title="StationFire-12_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/3868326869_ea40fe7d5a.jpg" alt="StationFire-12_akr" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Friday, 8/28/09 2:15PM</span><br /><br /></div>When we returned later that evening, the fire had advanced significantly.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3869111260/" title="StationFire-13_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3869111260_0d03dd19e9.jpg" alt="StationFire-13_akr" width="450" /></a><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Friday, 8/28/09 10:25PM - 210 Freeway, La Canada High School & JPL</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3869109650/" title="StationFire-20_akr by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3869109650_e3aefeaeca.jpg" alt="StationFire-20_akr" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Friday, 8/28/09 10:25PM - La Canada High School & JPL</span><br /></div><br />In the midst of watching it the hillsides burn, I couldn't help but feel sick to my stomach and saddened. The very same hills and forests that were on fire were the exact ones that had become our playground over the last couple of years. It's hard to believe that we wouldn't be taking any photos like this for a long while.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3946519521/" title="IMGP1773 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3946519521_a35cef3d8e.jpg" alt="IMGP1773" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">JPL trail on the way to Brown Mountain - Angeles National Forest - 2005</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3018115167/" title="The Boys go Hiking by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/3018115167_26928f0577.jpg" alt="The Boys go Hiking" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Angeles National Forest - July 2008<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3946328004/" title="IMGP0079 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3946328004_4f8b9a4f0d.jpg" alt="IMGP0079" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dottie on Strawberry Peak gazing at Josephine's Peak - </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Angeles National Forest - Feb 2009 -photo by Rob</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3946329392/" title="IMGP0114 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3946329392_e07de7e28c.jpg" alt="IMGP0114" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Angeles National Forest - Feb 2009 -photo by Rob</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3946330810/" title="IMGP0115 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/3946330810_cffd31e605.jpg" alt="IMGP0115" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Angeles National Forest - Feb 2009 -photo by Rob<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3218561627/" title="CIMG1801 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3218561627_c805c8aaab.jpg" alt="CIMG1801" width="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Angeles National Forest - </span><span style="font-style: italic;">January 2009</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3219414956/" title="IMGP0010 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3219414956_2f22510858.jpg" alt="IMGP0010" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Angeles National Forest - </span><span style="font-style: italic;">January 2009<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3218554563/" title="IMGP0015 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3218554563_4fd79d6f71.jpg" alt="IMGP0015" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Angeles National Forest - </span><span style="font-style: italic;">January 2009</span><br /></div><br />All of the landscapes and natural areas featured in the above photos were destroyed by the Station Fire.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-84220548226682232722009-08-27T23:51:00.000-07:002009-09-08T13:51:14.896-07:00Snacks and Crafts<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">August 23, 2009</span></span><br /><br />I met up with two lovely ladies, Ivy and <a href="http://www.indieoscar.com">Lindsey</a>. We had a leisurely afternoon planned. On the agenda, lunch and some craft <del>shopping</del> browsing. First up was lunch at <a href="http://snackbarltd.com/">Snackbar</a>. We spent a looooonnnnggg time chatting at the restaurant. Of course, this was my favorite part of the afternoon. There's nothing like good food and catching up with friends.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899091149/" title="DSC_5975 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3899091149_cee708bfa1.jpg" alt="DSC_5975" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899087831/" title="DSC_5956 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3899087831_a0a6f3ef83.jpg" alt="DSC_5956" width="450" /></a><br />{Appetizer: Grilled Watermelon}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899869400/" title="DSC_5959 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3899869400_5de11d8c55.jpg" alt="DSC_5959" width="450" /></a><br />{Lunch: Buffalo Burger - Manchego : Roasted Corn : Gala Apple : Red Grape Aioli}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899088205/" title="DSC_5960 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3899088205_45d2f383de.jpg" alt="DSC_5960" width="450" /></a><br />{Dessert: Funnel Cake!}<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We then headed over to the mini-market that was sponsored by my favorite group, <a href="http://www.uniquelosangeles.com/">Unique Los Angeles</a>.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8HPXI7Fy7M6sZO996z7qp0vPRy1aHBX2QcWetuvP-QiVdbfm0o5T91HlTPEmqymJa0H0jFWmxSvHUHaljEMouxBkV7thFV-CgcLxfrGONbhPW12mdNhmdK9i7lvk5JxLkPElMg/s1600-h/l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8HPXI7Fy7M6sZO996z7qp0vPRy1aHBX2QcWetuvP-QiVdbfm0o5T91HlTPEmqymJa0H0jFWmxSvHUHaljEMouxBkV7thFV-CgcLxfrGONbhPW12mdNhmdK9i7lvk5JxLkPElMg/s400/l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379192675476336018" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I did a lot more looking than buying, which made my bank account happy. I did, however, come away with a necklace {Thanks, Ivy!} and some cute hair barrettes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-jUdJZ5NAsCHF2QoUxW-Fad4sHbkot7eGVeqsZjWmNQRnduuLvT7JNC0mGLWk2S8pnvA8Sle8pBBUp9VaMnpLOt0LvVt92-Xz4nsqdM32oKzv2oETPyqSrJ6orusInoBtEZD_Q/s1600-h/il_430xN.88631558.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-jUdJZ5NAsCHF2QoUxW-Fad4sHbkot7eGVeqsZjWmNQRnduuLvT7JNC0mGLWk2S8pnvA8Sle8pBBUp9VaMnpLOt0LvVt92-Xz4nsqdM32oKzv2oETPyqSrJ6orusInoBtEZD_Q/s400/il_430xN.88631558.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379192688689740578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP-wf0zS8BNkn2k4aiQJEMjm2mdT-IYc4qapF7pPRyabmHSrUdlpZTtFhqWNhPg5VSOzjdXN0c0JdE7pWwD0wOkfMZ8oL75aXFlO3kjQLHo8oZQYAzU00e1cEWh36DuOZRX0gAQ/s1600-h/il_430xN.81673276.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP-wf0zS8BNkn2k4aiQJEMjm2mdT-IYc4qapF7pPRyabmHSrUdlpZTtFhqWNhPg5VSOzjdXN0c0JdE7pWwD0wOkfMZ8oL75aXFlO3kjQLHo8oZQYAzU00e1cEWh36DuOZRX0gAQ/s400/il_430xN.81673276.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379192682314765970" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5928981">{Oh Hello Friend}</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899872902/" title="DSC_5970 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/3899872902_7321454876.jpg" alt="DSC_5970" height="450" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Ivy and Lindsey check out </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5077384">handmade by minzer</a>'s booth</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I picked up a t-shirt and a ring for my sister from this booth.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899872108/" title="DSC_5973 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3899872108_b23a25b116.jpg" alt="DSC_5973" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5245012">{Steppie}</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I should have bought Dottie a new collar from these folks, but I totally forgot to come back to their booth.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899090965/" title="DSC_5969 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/3899090965_c7764f2cc9.jpg" alt="DSC_5969" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899089787/" title="DSC_5968 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3899089787_b776875a85.jpg" alt="DSC_5968" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6853334">{Sophie's Threads}</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899870106/" title="DSC_5962 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3899870106_89564a2c8a.jpg" alt="DSC_5962" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899089493/" title="DSC_5963 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3899089493_5fcbf06f2c.jpg" alt="DSC_5963" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6020605">{Knicker Rocker}</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899090075/" title="DSC_5971 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3899090075_b0fce1d8af.jpg" alt="DSC_5971" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.rocksocks.net/Home.html">{Rock Socks}</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899869868/" title="DSC_5965 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/3899869868_a0352a90eb.jpg" alt="DSC_5965" width="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The giraffe that Ivy purchased for Joshua peeks his head out of the bag.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3899091739/" title="DSC_5974 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3899091739_b3fa4eb455.jpg" alt="DSC_5974" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6152699">Angela Mesna Designs</a><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-44933561347326018652009-08-25T14:12:00.000-07:002009-09-07T23:34:41.335-07:00A Special Request<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">August 12, 2009</span></span><br /><br />Sometime in July, my friend Joella contacted me to do flower arrangements and tablescapes for a birthday party she was hosting. I agreed to assist her. Then, I didn't hear from her again... until the day before the party. {Yikes!} Apparently, the party had been canceled and reinstated at the last minute. Joella needed help with the party decor and a photographer. So, I called <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela</a> to see if she was available to shoot. Thankfully, she was free.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkUgLr7z9D8ZPDY4lrQUwCOK-DS268W6AlY_aFbjt_PPUCRbZRWKjGlbcLjJUrsLN0VkZoPpzpITiw4VIGAiRvMGhtz4MDxgUHBNK5JY-VjFSE7zf0OebnLuwznlQcep_9GsDBQ/s1600-h/msw_su_06_bouquet_gloss_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkUgLr7z9D8ZPDY4lrQUwCOK-DS268W6AlY_aFbjt_PPUCRbZRWKjGlbcLjJUrsLN0VkZoPpzpITiw4VIGAiRvMGhtz4MDxgUHBNK5JY-VjFSE7zf0OebnLuwznlQcep_9GsDBQ/s400/msw_su_06_bouquet_gloss_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378936531269439458" border="0" /></a>{From MarthaStewart.com}<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This left me with a very daunting task - conceptualize and execute decor in 24 hours. The party was for Joella's male cousin. It was a catered dinner party for 30 people in Beverly Hills. Her only request is that I use white flowers. It sounds simple enough except I am not a professional florist nor have I ever been. I'm simply a woman who <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2008/04/orange-explosion.html">enjoys</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2008/04/sunny-sunday-afternoon.html">playing</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2008/08/flower-run.html">with</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2008/08/its-all-about-janice.html">flowers</a>. I scoured the internet for images to inspire me. I found these.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD3F4r73Nub8DE4fa2ZCiCBkLfl7r6A2qQVjAe7HTz6qQFwuohTaRh_GYL5SI2yWT4gj4OkpWfs-7ltetdm3R10fyNs7TDCNkWDF30RzzvIOXpV3vqh2zw1ST0YaELVb-GQc0mg/s1600-h/wide_ribbon_sum98_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD3F4r73Nub8DE4fa2ZCiCBkLfl7r6A2qQVjAe7HTz6qQFwuohTaRh_GYL5SI2yWT4gj4OkpWfs-7ltetdm3R10fyNs7TDCNkWDF30RzzvIOXpV3vqh2zw1ST0YaELVb-GQc0mg/s400/wide_ribbon_sum98_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378936539626328914" border="0" /></a>{From MarthaStewart.com}<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMSCNf3riJeFcHq18wiHf4mZ1RL8twdgySSWppxYDdJumh4NPivoJtzCn1BQ4fTHNCSjYpCv1WeRkUPgHqa0-LIWTqVyKK4gzQdACsl6HO6QSjgpF28mhVmBebg8N3ygIBn2KNg/s1600-h/bouquet_on_stand_sum98_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMSCNf3riJeFcHq18wiHf4mZ1RL8twdgySSWppxYDdJumh4NPivoJtzCn1BQ4fTHNCSjYpCv1WeRkUPgHqa0-LIWTqVyKK4gzQdACsl6HO6QSjgpF28mhVmBebg8N3ygIBn2KNg/s400/bouquet_on_stand_sum98_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378919781928731458" border="0" /></a>{From MarthaStewart.com}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjTgSV4CvK_i4t9c7vw7395Epgxg2FGYv9bSasSEyeDhsBuEd9zmmXSgKRSXzEoCw2WLGSoRaznrvvHSMKYdPLlKiNhVqCGXDV2fiOuOud6oBtWbkglKuRSmtUL5MBUVIpV-_yA/s1600-h/a100078_sum03_romanticmdl_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjTgSV4CvK_i4t9c7vw7395Epgxg2FGYv9bSasSEyeDhsBuEd9zmmXSgKRSXzEoCw2WLGSoRaznrvvHSMKYdPLlKiNhVqCGXDV2fiOuOud6oBtWbkglKuRSmtUL5MBUVIpV-_yA/s400/a100078_sum03_romanticmdl_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378936525395212866" border="0" /></a>{From MarthaStewart.com}<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nGgsI-WLlZV6w0PaNNIWeCWLtn_zwSCE16G8KM1R2AxKPEqsA913aBY2ap6Cb1HQuAgCrusAyRhMkHwKnCaZ9rjFeLqxv5qRvVRurPazQBE1gNpp-YXTizdB27B_DDq9Qm0zUQ/s1600-h/a99587_fal02_sweetp01_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nGgsI-WLlZV6w0PaNNIWeCWLtn_zwSCE16G8KM1R2AxKPEqsA913aBY2ap6Cb1HQuAgCrusAyRhMkHwKnCaZ9rjFeLqxv5qRvVRurPazQBE1gNpp-YXTizdB27B_DDq9Qm0zUQ/s400/a99587_fal02_sweetp01_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378936516704853394" border="0" /></a>{From MarthaStewart.com}<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDwqieR04phA40l3ilOKyAC5dtu7_e0H7wCL9FCN_FeGam40Be7-aXmVl3cboeMkBbjs4YMPVfjIbXdxxMF2YXYPXTMBt3yQZBkgCxJlB3S6rWYm3DZoUNh1hFly71R8svQiiHA/s1600-h/20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDwqieR04phA40l3ilOKyAC5dtu7_e0H7wCL9FCN_FeGam40Be7-aXmVl3cboeMkBbjs4YMPVfjIbXdxxMF2YXYPXTMBt3yQZBkgCxJlB3S6rWYm3DZoUNh1hFly71R8svQiiHA/s400/20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378937605824077938" border="0" /></a>{Source Unknown}<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFPSpottXiNrQpAyzY-HJpBGwxSXd0nHdk6wmroE1saRsqf-RVa_l18U_2nAzU5NP07RvB2xcxyXUilWFytGR_fzaUfkeeDcPIjV0YIozjJb9YkxafsdwloBHh-dDwfaXftV_pQ/s1600-h/2698101398_a52c86e66d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFPSpottXiNrQpAyzY-HJpBGwxSXd0nHdk6wmroE1saRsqf-RVa_l18U_2nAzU5NP07RvB2xcxyXUilWFytGR_fzaUfkeeDcPIjV0YIozjJb9YkxafsdwloBHh-dDwfaXftV_pQ/s400/2698101398_a52c86e66d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378937601284447362" border="0" /></a>{From MarthaStewart.com}<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I sketched out an idea inspired by these images and ran around town. I went to Ikea, Crate and Barrel, Cost Plus World Market, CB2, and various retailers in the Flower Mart. I was a woman on a mission. I was also an unbelievably nervous woman. This was the first time I'd ever been hired {read: paid generously} to do party decor.<br /><br />I got up early the morning of the party and went to the Flower Mart to purchase these:<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3893240501/" title="DSC_5816 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3893240501_47c2d8412a.jpg" alt="DSC_5816" height="450" /></a><br /></div><br />I pre-arranged them and headed out to Beverly Hills to the party location. The caterer that Joella hired, <a href="http://www.kitchen12000.com/index.html">Kitchen 12000</a> was already prepping dinner. Although, they very graciously offered to help me setup the tables. I appreciated the help. I was so nervous that it took me a few minutes to get composed and focused. Fortunately, the nerves passed quickly and with Pamela's assistance I was able to get everything set up in time for the party's start. Here's what it looked like.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3894033662/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3894033662_a20a509e79.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="500" width="363" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3894033406/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3894033406_f9b66b57cb.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3894033612/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/3894033612_4b3dd8bca4.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">*** Above photos were taken by Pamela Masters.<br />I was too preoccupied to photograph anything properly.***<br /></div><br />Since it was such an intimate party with only four tables, I selected low centerpieces with lots of candlelight. I used flowers of varying texture to create visual interest. I became enamored with clear and mercury glass candlesticks. I found the candlesticks at various retailers.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3894033550/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3894033550_f4fabd73d7.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="500" width="378" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{photo by Pamela Masters}</div><br />I also created these flower floats for the pool. Combine button mums and tealights and you have magic.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3894032006/" title="DSC_5853 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3894032006_8d4f7507bf.jpg" alt="DSC_5853" width="450" /></a><br />I also designed some place cards for the table settings.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3894033484/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3894033484_d87283f13c.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" width="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{photo by Pamela Masters}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3893244973/" title="photo by Pamela Masters by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3893244973_8615af6895.jpg" alt="photo by Pamela Masters" height="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{photo by Pamela Masters}</div><br />For entertainment, these two gentlemen played acoustic guitar. They were very talented. They had a great and varied repertoire. They played classics, but the real treat was when they played the theme to the Super Mario Brothers video game. Everyone was amused. They also threw in a few TV show themes, which also got a few laughs.<br /><br />After setting up the tables and decor, I helped Pamela photograph the event. I focused mainly on the food. I feel most comfortable behind the scenes and I always love being in a kitchen. I feel guilty writing about another caterer, <a href="http://www.kitchen12000.com/index.html">Kitchen12000</a> (especially since Rob is in the catering biz), but the food really did look amazing. The few bites I got to taste were divine. Here are some of my shots.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3894032546/" title="DSC_5854 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/3894032546_e4675e1b2b.jpg" alt="DSC_5854" width="450" /></a><br />Dinner started with Sake bombs<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3893243759/" title="DSC_5869 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3893243759_4f016d9c69.jpg" alt="DSC_5869" width="450" /></a><br />Chef Steve Scherer preps the starter course<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3894032800/" title="DSC_5865 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3894032800_63ff610587.jpg" alt="DSC_5865" width="450" /></a><br />Starter Course: <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Double Prawns with Kimchi and Red Cabbage shred,<br />topped with a Citrus Soy reduction</strong><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3893243873/" title="DSC_5882 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3893243873_f265fe1921.jpg" alt="DSC_5882" width="450" /></a><br />Chef Michael Kay preps the Salad Course<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3893244001/" title="DSC_5886 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3893244001_6b3691715e.jpg" alt="DSC_5886" width="450" /></a><br />Sous Chef Nick Bakti assists with the Salad Course<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3893244717/" title="DSC_5900 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3893244717_ca07229657.jpg" alt="DSC_5900" width="450" /></a><br />Salad Course: <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Marinated Cucumber Carpet with 3 Potato Hash,<br />topped with a Radicchio and Frise Sesame Salad</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3893244559/" title="DSC_5922 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/3893244559_0238d6e491.jpg" alt="DSC_5922" width="450" /></a><br />Intermezzo: <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Chilled Glass Noodles with Blueberry Citrus Broth and Candied Ginger</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3893244907/" title="DSC_5936 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3893244907_78bf0b44be.jpg" alt="DSC_5936" width="450" /></a><br /><strong style="font-weight: normal;">Main Course: 4 Style Japanese BBQ Sampler with Steamed Rice and Black Rice Vinegar Dipping Sauce (Marbled Beef, Chicken Breast, Shrimp {not pictured}, Ahi Tuna</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Check out the blog post on the Kitchen12000 site, <a href="http://www.kitchen12000.com/index.html">click here</a>.</strong></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I think it's safe to say the party was a rousing success. Joella did a fantastic job of pulling us all together at the last minute. I really appreciated the challenge and opportunity to work on something so unique.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Even though, I appropriated some of her images, check out Pamela's </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/?p=594">blog post</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> about the party.</span></span><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-63498575999144949782009-08-24T17:29:00.000-07:002009-08-29T23:27:02.742-07:00Big Boy at the Park<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday August 9, 2009</span></span><br /><br />The last time I saw Joshua, he was this big and his mom Ivy was still on maternity leave.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3868641145/" title="IMG_0113 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3868641145_c864cab127.jpg" alt="IMG_0113" height="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{iPhone photo}<br /></div><br />Pamela and I met Joshua and his parents Tai and Ivy at the <a href="http://www.arboretum.org/">Los Angeles Arboretum</a>. I know I sound like a sightseeing pimp, but if you haven't been... check out the Arboretum. Its gardens are lush and vast. The flora and fauna are breathtaking. If that's not enough, they have wild peacocks wandering the premises.<br /><br />I came to assist Pamela on a family photo shoot and to catch up with Ivy. I hadn't seen them in months and it was obvious. Joshua has grown significantly. He's now 8 months old. He sits up and has a very distinct personality.<br /><br />Here are some of the photos I took.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3858726560/" title="DSC_5716_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3858726560_92f7ca8ce4.jpg" alt="DSC_5716_fb" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I thought it would be funny to take photos of Joshua on a bench.... all by himself. It turned out to be a bit of challenge, but we got a few shots and I swear he was not harmed in any way nor were his parents very far. Tai was just out of the camera's view ready to scoop Joshua up.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3857937319/" title="DSC_5728_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3857937319_d3c9aec3dd.jpg" alt="DSC_5728_fb" height="450" /></a><br /></div>Joshua flirted with Pamela...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3858729264/" title="DSC_5718_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3858729264_febd8e807f.jpg" alt="DSC_5718_fb" width="450" /></a><br />...and gave his mom and me a big smile.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3858727798/" title="DSC_5777_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3858727798_dd3eb4a164.jpg" alt="DSC_5777_fb" height="450" /></a><br />He played in the grass...sorta.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3858728192/" title="DSC_5743_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3858728192_97f2d2b1e7.jpg" alt="DSC_5743_fb" width="450" /></a><br />Then quickly realized that he did not like grass AT ALL.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3857936657/" title="DSC_5752_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3857936657_6a05209120.jpg" alt="DSC_5752_fb" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Ivy brought this cute "walking" balloon. That bounces along the ground as you pull it. Here she is showing it to Joshua.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3857935991/" title="DSC_5762_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/3857935991_3211e69f09.jpg" alt="DSC_5762_fb" height="450" /></a><br />Joshua demonstrates that pigs are meant to be eaten.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3858729052/" title="DSC_5769_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3858729052_7c96ceb43b.jpg" alt="DSC_5769_fb" height="450" /></a><br />A peacock decided to drop in for a few shots.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As always, here's a photo of Pamela in action.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3857937151/" title="DSC_5765_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3857937151_331cb9deb8.jpg" alt="DSC_5765_fb" width="450" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Please skip on over to </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/?p=628">Pamela's blog to see her fantastic shots</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-60736791805362559892009-08-23T01:53:00.000-07:002009-08-26T05:09:05.784-07:00People surprise youIt's been a rough year, but July had an especially low point. I discovered that a friend/former client had posted photos of my design work on her website without crediting me. From all appearances, I was intentionally uncredited. The text accompanying the photos inferred that the design and creation of the invitations and various wedding paper accessories was solely the work of my friend. There was a small blurb that she hired a graphic designer, but I was left unnamed. The initial work on the invitations was a collaboration between the two of us, but the design was my work. In all of my blog entries, I made sure to give her credit for all of her hard work in printing and assembling the pieces. I was stunned to see the photographs of my work with a credit for the photographer, but not for me, the designer who spent hours conceptualizing it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yCzpA8K-gmouvF5fazVgQQfmQo98lZ4QPFYUw_LnGwY5h3vjS1Q9eqt7GOm0i0UWCT6muvWBX4dcDbWqPsOYPknE9_FQYtJlCFlCNIBgxJ6ywzGZBPh8XduipZwBvbHK-dELwg/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yCzpA8K-gmouvF5fazVgQQfmQo98lZ4QPFYUw_LnGwY5h3vjS1Q9eqt7GOm0i0UWCT6muvWBX4dcDbWqPsOYPknE9_FQYtJlCFlCNIBgxJ6ywzGZBPh8XduipZwBvbHK-dELwg/s400/Picture+6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374199651314757266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My creative policy </span><br /></div><br />I was a big ball of emotions. I was angry. I was stunned. And I was hurt. She was my friend... close friend even. We were heavily involved in each other's lives. I felt betrayed. I didn't want to write a horribly rude letter in that moment. I decide to wait to contact my friend.<br /><br />********<br /><br />In the interim, I vented on Twitter. I am aware that it was an immature thing to do, but I had enough presence of mind to not name my friend or her website publicly. I asked for advice on how to deal with this situation. The support that I received from other designers (specifically other invitation designers) and creatives was overwhelming. I was reminded that competition does not mean taking advantage of others and that most creative professionals have profound respect and admiration for their peers. A few people offered to draft letters for me. I declined these offers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkKem1zRV59liHRjH_WuDOYv9iAaEJshyphenhyphenmx7lGy6P2a0gHWLFfOcBa5oKBV1_et5aIbYNPzOp4-SH0WKcHTcdSkDgmZ5AoxhpsAl2a1FlpKDWCJPP8HDTk3yh0HQdELvvzCPuxw/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkKem1zRV59liHRjH_WuDOYv9iAaEJshyphenhyphenmx7lGy6P2a0gHWLFfOcBa5oKBV1_et5aIbYNPzOp4-SH0WKcHTcdSkDgmZ5AoxhpsAl2a1FlpKDWCJPP8HDTk3yh0HQdELvvzCPuxw/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374228691964479218" border="0" /></a><br />I received especially useful advice from Jennifer Berson of <a href="http://www.jenerationpr.com/">JenerationPR</a>. Jennifer frequently posts info regarding media, marketing and tech info on <a href="http://twitter.com/jenerationpr">Twitter</a>. I have been corresponding with her for months. So, I wasn't surprised when she asked me for my mailing address. I jokingly told her not to send me junk mail and assumed she was going to send me additional info regarding copyright issues. Instead, this arrived via Fedex.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3858742522/" title="DSC_6029 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3858742522_d2523e67d9.jpg" alt="DSC_6029" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I cannot blog the package's contents, lest I get Jennifer in trouble. Let's just say that I will not have to buy any high quality hair care products for a very long time. I messaged Jennifer to thank her and ask why she sent me the package. She simply said that she felt that I needed something nice and that sometimes the people who deserve to win don't always win. I was moved beyond description. I know it was just some beauty products, but the gesture and the thoughtfulness are priceless. This little box saved me from sliding into such a low. I don't even think that Jennifer fully realized how a small thing could make such a big difference.<br /><br />After receiving Jennifer's package, I was able to compose a simple letter that addressed my issues with the my friend's website. I asked to be credited or the photos removed. The photos were removed and I received a short, terse message notifying me of such. I have not heard from my friend since. I suppose is safe to assume that our friendship is no longer. I am disappointed and saddened by this, but what can you do?<br /><br />A friend hurt me deeply and a total stranger lifted me up. People really surprise you sometimes.<br /><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-92070586936084723412009-08-21T21:52:00.000-07:002009-08-22T00:20:05.937-07:00An afternoon at the Viceroy<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">August 4, 2009</span></span><br /><br /><blockquote>For months, <a href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/">Pamela</a> and I have been discussing some artistic collaborations. We've finally arranged our schedules and got to work. Now that are schedules are in order, we have been working like mad women! We have found that we work very well-together. This the first of many projects that we have lined up.</blockquote><br />Jen and Jerome contacted Pamela about doing a portrait session. Jen is a childhood friend of Pamela's who she recently reconnected with via Facebook. {Gotta love Facebook} Pamela selected the <a href="http://www.viceroysantamonica.com/index.html">Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica</a> as the location for the shoot. She invited me along to assist and take a few pictures of my own.<br /><br />I am in love with the Viceroy. The colors and the interiors are stunning. I guess it doesn't hurt that the interiors were done by world-renowned interior designer <a href="http://www.kellywearstler.com/">Kelly Wearstler</a>. Here are a few of my shots of the interior.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844717490/" title="JJ2_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3844717490_0cc63395d2.jpg" alt="JJ2_fb" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843928435/" title="JJ5_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3843928435_63b9c71132.jpg" alt="JJ5_fb" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843926907/" title="JJ3_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3843926907_523011abfe.jpg" alt="JJ3_fb" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844825968/" title="JJ6 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/3844825968_e972d73f29.jpg" alt="JJ6" height="450" /></a><br /></div><br />Jen and Jerome brought their adorable dogs Lou and Lola to the shoot. They wanted some family portraits with their dogs. I was happy about the inclusion of their dogs, because as everyone knows <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/02/another-girl-and-her-dog.html">I</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/06/puppy-love.html">love</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/06/every-dog-deserves-his-day.html">to</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/04/silly-willie-wonka-dog.html">take</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/03/piper-dog.html">pet</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/03/gone-to-dogs.html">portraits</a>. Here are a few that I was able to sneak in.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844951056/" title="DSC_5634 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3844951056_1d5669ed02.jpg" alt="DSC_5634" width="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844718074/" title="JJ9_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3844718074_b7d4621146.jpg" alt="JJ9_fb" height="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843927501/" title="JJ12_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3843927501_c3b4b08230.jpg" alt="JJ12_fb" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">While Pamela was getting this shot...<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu_6G_jLC9WZR9pb-Mpgj33q34V3O1ApfiWvTj_Dwmi38PYISYhRvITwaGT6WKC40AdLSQcoqOyWnyJoscEPzULg4ivZorPTpEXqJxrFahpl9Gqa6dSBLVDqAJbLhGG3gaCSrag/s1600-h/jjblog10-662x1024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu_6G_jLC9WZR9pb-Mpgj33q34V3O1ApfiWvTj_Dwmi38PYISYhRvITwaGT6WKC40AdLSQcoqOyWnyJoscEPzULg4ivZorPTpEXqJxrFahpl9Gqa6dSBLVDqAJbLhGG3gaCSrag/s400/jjblog10-662x1024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372672747668341202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Pamela Masters</span><br /><br /></div>...I got this shot of the dogs peeking in on their "pawrents".<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844718244/" title="JJ8_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/3844718244_ee7a2b0cbf.jpg" alt="JJ8_fb" height="500" width="205" /></a><br /></div><br />While Pamela got this gorgeous shot of Jen...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMCJ3nsX5BcCIWVZ4Egyt9xPL69PPqiwYkBrGEZDA-RWni-hMb16mx4A_MGRrQh_VUQNx8CVj9WqPxQqgt-iIMu04FLmOYQM9uTvm32faRD7PfdTt_Xzt89NF36yRMUFK_yq__w/s1600-h/6735_114545078014_637098014_2392771_6101557_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMCJ3nsX5BcCIWVZ4Egyt9xPL69PPqiwYkBrGEZDA-RWni-hMb16mx4A_MGRrQh_VUQNx8CVj9WqPxQqgt-iIMu04FLmOYQM9uTvm32faRD7PfdTt_Xzt89NF36yRMUFK_yq__w/s400/6735_114545078014_637098014_2392771_6101557_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372672740025883330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Pamela Masters</span><br /></div><br />... I got this sequence of Jerome.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844718408/" title="JJ16_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3844718408_127da33942.jpg" alt="JJ16_fb" height="370" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Lola and Lou were good sports. They were well-behaved and very patient with us through the whole shoot, which lasted 3 hours.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844108223/" title="JJ30_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3844108223_b02b917ec1.jpg" alt="JJ30_fb" height="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But even the most patient of folks, get bored.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843926747/" title="JJ18 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3843926747_52e99b5cc0.jpg" alt="JJ18" height="412" width="500" /></a><br /></div>Thankfully, Jerome's sister Melissa came along to watch the dogs and help with Jen's Hair and Make-up. Melissa was great at being both dog handler and Hair/Make-up Artist. {Seriously, if you need a Hair/Make-up person, you should give Melissa a call.}<br /><br />I was able to get a few shots of Jen and Jerome.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843928889/" title="JJ32_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3843928889_0e76bbefc3.jpg" alt="JJ32_fb" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843929259/" title="JJ29_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3843929259_fc723464c1.jpg" alt="JJ29_fb" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843928687/" title="JJ33_rb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3843928687_27796b4a36.jpg" alt="JJ33_rb" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843928257/" title="JJ_a1_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3843928257_705cba37da.jpg" alt="JJ_a1_fb" width="400" /></a><br /></div>I didn't get many shots of Jen and Jerome because... well, that's not what I was there for. I came to assist Pamela. Believe or not, I had a blast doing it. I was heavily involved in the art direction and set dressing. Pamela and I got some amazing images. Of course, it helped tremendously that we had great models and a great location. Not only are they incredibly attractive, Jen and Jerome are witty and fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You must see more photos of Jen & Jerome. Mosey over to </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://pamelamastersblog.com/?p=522">Pamela's blog</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span></span><br /><br />I couldn't resist snapping some photos of Pamela in action. It's intriguing for me to capture someone while they're shooting. Most people don't think that a photo shoot is work, but it is and here's proof.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844945870/" title="DSC_5574 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3844945870_ae1f28b740.jpg" alt="DSC_5574" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844720206/" title="JJ24_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3844720206_5931c4e03d.jpg" alt="JJ24_fb" height="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3843929095/" title="JJ21_fb by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/3843929095_cfa30464b1.jpg" alt="JJ21_fb" width="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This last shot is my favorite.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3844958202/" title="DSC_5696 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3844958202_b1544ae579.jpg" alt="DSC_5696" height="450" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-85917461654450616572009-08-20T14:58:00.000-07:002009-08-20T15:03:49.054-07:00Mini Crafty GoodnessRegular Updates are coming, but I wanted to share this info... The <a href="http://www.uniquelosangeles.com/">Unique L.A</a>. folks have another show this Sunday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hbZhyqb_vpSHZqrCuPnImJEK0DHgXGTfrzvXXO-rSrPrjmtHAiKyVnEsNEHT4T1Q8hZGC1QnW9alBmrf5qZqLLRFQp0vEk6nxViBSmNVxs2DMlpXZzgCPkRo9L8sJn9Q9mRFwg/s1600-h/lrg_minimarket_flier_front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hbZhyqb_vpSHZqrCuPnImJEK0DHgXGTfrzvXXO-rSrPrjmtHAiKyVnEsNEHT4T1Q8hZGC1QnW9alBmrf5qZqLLRFQp0vEk6nxViBSmNVxs2DMlpXZzgCPkRo9L8sJn9Q9mRFwg/s400/lrg_minimarket_flier_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372168912317656978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrn5yonTHe2LSGkwEU4MF-GlbkibUI3SeC_6JzxOo2WK7Y13OJaB0ddiLwTj2T_G4TgoNf_pc-IyGa53HXTe5twthAozL09ur-u5J-fUdX82wNivykpd9OxT1uqSUodnuAut3uA/s1600-h/MiniMarketMap.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrn5yonTHe2LSGkwEU4MF-GlbkibUI3SeC_6JzxOo2WK7Y13OJaB0ddiLwTj2T_G4TgoNf_pc-IyGa53HXTe5twthAozL09ur-u5J-fUdX82wNivykpd9OxT1uqSUodnuAut3uA/s400/MiniMarketMap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372168916196197170" border="0" /></a>Here's a tip from the Unique L.A. folks:<br /><blockquote>p.s. Because the Farmer's Market takes up Ivar and Selma, we recommend parking at the seven-level Arclight lot, located about two blocks down on Ivar (just below Sunset). </blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-60465492221751027752009-07-31T23:43:00.000-07:002009-08-18T01:42:15.807-07:00Nate's Escape<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">July 21-30, 2009</span></span><br /><br />Despite our 9 year age gap, my brother Nate and I are fairly close. He comes out to Southern California to visit me and our family in Orange County. Typically, he comes to visit 2-3 times a year. Because of other family obligations, he hadn't come out to visit in over a year. As such, there was A LOT of things he wanted to do and see once he made it out here.<br /><br />There was a lot of shopping... although Nate did most of the buying. We discovered that shopping at mid-day, midweek in L.A. is the way to go. In four hours, we were all over town.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVCDmCpVoss_J-zr7RrjzC4_Yj73EIAz1-_0K63R410UpM_hnm7Grq9EATHh9-v7s1T3C6PwzGq_wGaczTWRTkeobDIVzq-vAMuOfASkjrOwSJnpak_mov_T81dTsosoodAYTPg/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVCDmCpVoss_J-zr7RrjzC4_Yj73EIAz1-_0K63R410UpM_hnm7Grq9EATHh9-v7s1T3C6PwzGq_wGaczTWRTkeobDIVzq-vAMuOfASkjrOwSJnpak_mov_T81dTsosoodAYTPg/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371210040875088114" border="0" /></a>Map of the places we visited<br /><br /></div>On the first day, we went to <a href="http://www.undftd.com/">Undefeated</a>, Union, Supreme, Stussy, Hundreds, Diamond Supply, Huf, Active, and Neo39. In other words, we went to the hottest sneaker shops in L.A.<br /><br />On his 2nd day in town, we went the <a href="http://www.agendashow.com/">Agenda Tradeshow</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3833151604/" title="DSC_5475 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3833151604_62540defd0.jpg" alt="DSC_5475" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3832358109/" title="DSC_5467 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3832358109_6688509489.jpg" alt="DSC_5467" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3833151102/" title="DSC_5465 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3833151102_9e8871520d.jpg" alt="DSC_5465" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3832358223/" title="DSC_5471 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3832358223_6308d96cc6.jpg" alt="DSC_5471" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3832358293/" title="DSC_5468 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3832358293_f7ccca5fe2.jpg" alt="DSC_5468" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3833151484/" title="DSC_5473 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3833151484_3bda6579a0.jpg" alt="DSC_5473" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Of course, we spent lots of time with family. After the tradeshow, we went to visit Jasmine and Baby K-lynn (Nate's nickname for Brooklyn)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3833155582/" title="DSC_5494 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3833155582_10df3c44d2.jpg" alt="DSC_5494" height="500" width="369" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3833155730/" title="DSC_5495 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3833155730_6a81eaa860.jpg" alt="DSC_5495" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Nate spent the rest of the weekend with our family in Orange County. I had some <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/07/more-mariachis.html">quality</a> <a href="http://www.annekinla.com/2009/07/we-scream-for-ice-cream.html">time </a>with Rob.<br /><br />I picked up Nate from our relatives' house in O.C. We ended up having a all-night gabfest, my aunt and uncle included. Once we got back to L.A., we did a little more last minute shopping. Again, Nate did most of the buying.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3832275673/" title="DSC_5502 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3832275673_97238cae85.jpg" alt="DSC_5502" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3832275585/" title="DSC_5500 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3832275585_e9c06d6a83.jpg" alt="DSC_5500" height="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3833069304/" title="DSC_5503 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3833069304_2bc8518d6b.jpg" alt="DSC_5503" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />We had a family dinner at one of Nate's favorite places. Roscoe's <a href="http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/">House of Chicken and Waffles</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3833069956/" title="DSC_5526 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3833069956_5cd6aea1bd.jpg" alt="DSC_5526" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3832276065/" title="DSC_5520 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3832276065_1a05c01802.jpg" alt="DSC_5520" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Janine & her boyfriend Joe</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3832276121/" title="DSC_5522 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/3832276121_7667faa5ce.jpg" alt="DSC_5522" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Nate & Jasmine</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3832276199/" title="DSC_5521 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3832276199_7c7ae9410f.jpg" alt="DSC_5521" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jovan & Bella</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3833069888/" title="DSC_5523 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/3833069888_d241f8a946.jpg" alt="DSC_5523" width="400" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rob models his "Sunset" - half fruit punch, half lemonade</span><br /></div><br />Once it was all said and done, I need a vacation from my lil' bro's vacation. Although, I didn't mind. When I'm in VA again, I plan to order Nate around;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-23988703910930150922009-07-27T23:56:00.000-07:002009-08-10T13:09:07.123-07:00We scream for Ice Cream!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, July 26, 2009</span></span><br /><br />The past week was a scorcher. The weather has been un-Southern California like with temps in the 90s with humidity! We typically don't see these temps until about mid August and humidity is unheard of. Like the rest of the locals, we turned on the air conditioning and hid out for the duration. When the heat subsided, I suggest we get some ice cream. The summer heat gives me an instant hankering for a sugar cone. I suggested good ole' Baskin Robbins. Rob offered to take me to a local Ice Cream Parlor in Alhambra - Fosselman's. I love to try new places. So, we headed to the San Gabriel Valley.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3807301020/" title="DSC_5487 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3807301020_a717d97528.jpg" alt="DSC_5487" width="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fosselmans.com/">Fosselman's Ice Cream</a><br /> 1824 W. Main St.<br />Alhambra, CA 91801<br />626-282-6533<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Apparently, we weren't the only ones who thought of ice cream.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3807300810/" title="DSC_5485 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3807300810_c64b94790a.jpg" alt="DSC_5485" width="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">They have quite a selection of flavors. All of which they make in house.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3807300006/" title="DSC_5482 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3807300006_b6543e1c7b.jpg" alt="DSC_5482" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3807300482/" title="DSC_5484 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3807300482_77696ae3dd.jpg" alt="DSC_5484" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Rob holds my ice cream while he waits for his ice cream sundae.<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3806483075/" title="DSC_5483 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/3806483075_df70a79975.jpg" alt="DSC_5483" height="450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3807299738/" title="DSC_5480 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3807299738_2d9fb12d0d.jpg" alt="DSC_5480" height="450" /></a><br />Rob holds up my Dulce de Leche Ice cream for a close-up<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The verdict? Delicious. I would definitely head back there again. Although, I'll pass on the Dulce de Leche in lieu of one of their more exotic flavors like Lychee.<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-29407383949978972552009-07-26T21:32:00.000-07:002009-08-09T23:37:22.409-07:00More Mariachis<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, July 24, 2009</span></span><br /><br />Rob and I were invited by a friend to attend what she called an outdoor Mariachi Show in Long Beach.<br /><br />Turns out it, it was a CD release party at the Museum of Latin American Art.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3805931361/" title="CIMG1886 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3805931361_b6e02f6cac.jpg" alt="CIMG1886" width="450" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpeDenNNJTbbi4rFXvZrnHYcBLLI0DkdgkJcmGMcY5I8ck6lZRO6rkaSfLS0O4xy_DbJVAAX_qeQTVJ4yivxJe-j9ugHmbknJ9wj6RFjNwU8uWu0c7Y7j1mTk78np1uxlzJTRIA/s1600-h/fotojulio.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpeDenNNJTbbi4rFXvZrnHYcBLLI0DkdgkJcmGMcY5I8ck6lZRO6rkaSfLS0O4xy_DbJVAAX_qeQTVJ4yivxJe-j9ugHmbknJ9wj6RFjNwU8uWu0c7Y7j1mTk78np1uxlzJTRIA/s400/fotojulio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368193361069015010" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately, I was a tad under-dressed. <span style="font-style: italic;">I really hate when that happens. </span>I had on a maxi dress with high-heeled sandals. The other women in attendance? Cocktail dresses. Our companion? Chic black outfit. To make matters worse, they were only serving beer and cheap liquor. It was bad times. The only positive, it was a gorgeous night at a beautiful venue.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3806748788/" title="CIMG1870 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3806748788_9edf7c1a55.jpg" alt="CIMG1870" width="450" /></a><br /></div>We only saw the first 10 minutes of the performance. The mariachi performer's new CD was his "breakout" CD of Spanish love ballads. Our companion was not pleased. So, we exited almost as quickly as we appeared. I wasn't complaining.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3805930687/" title="CIMG1872 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/3805930687_48f80eb907.jpg" alt="CIMG1872" height="450" /></a><br /></div>While waiting for the valet to bring us our car, Rob decided to strike a pose with one of the statues.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3805931069/" title="CIMG1881 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3805931069_ef15cd0af3.jpg" alt="CIMG1881" height="450" /></a><br /></div>It was still early (9PM). So, I suggested we continue with the mariachi theme. Both Rob and our companion have raved about <a href="http://www.lafondala.com/">La Fonda Restaurant</a>, but I have never been there. So, we headed to MacArthur Park.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lafondala.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lafondala.com/pics/albums/restaurant/0027.jpg" border="0" width="450" /></a><br />{photo from <a href="http://www.lafondala.com/">La Fonda</a> website}<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3806749996/" title="CIMG1890 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3806749996_a1c64cd490.jpg" alt="CIMG1890" height="450" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">LA FONDA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE<br />2501 Wilshire Boulevard<br /> Los Angeles, CA 90057<br /> Phone: 213.380.5053<br /></div><br />While en route, our companion made a reservation and inadvertently spoke to the Executive Chef. She flirted and sweet-talked our way into a great table close to the action.<br /><br />I immediately ordered a margarita. Not so surprisingly, the night took a turn for the better.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW3gHzzEhYLYeLVrJt3G75v-DVW2X73mUcESQS5NzisQVCpnMnCQR2rTL8Y5a4t-i8Gkv_rM9j_Rkb9H1moS1-5dd-QAARNooYJ_m883IQxxd5_mkdkzbK3i3S4tFplC_B58ogg/s1600-h/IMG_0327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW3gHzzEhYLYeLVrJt3G75v-DVW2X73mUcESQS5NzisQVCpnMnCQR2rTL8Y5a4t-i8Gkv_rM9j_Rkb9H1moS1-5dd-QAARNooYJ_m883IQxxd5_mkdkzbK3i3S4tFplC_B58ogg/s400/IMG_0327.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368218376821395954" border="0" /></a>{Please excuse the bad iPhone photo}<br /><br /></div>Because of our companion, we received stellar service.<br /><br />I had the Chef Special - A White Fish Dish served with Shrimp. It was superb.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3805932203/" title="CIMG1897 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3805932203_a131652523.jpg" alt="CIMG1897" width="450" /></a><br /></div><br />Rob had a Mignon en la Huitlacoche-<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3806750970/" title="CIMG1898 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3806750970_8bd180eb3c.jpg" alt="CIMG1898" width="450" /></a><br /></div>We ordered my favorite, flan, for dessert.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annekinla/3805933131/" title="CIMG1906 by AnneKinLA, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3805933131_2b426af2a2.jpg" alt="CIMG1906" width="450" /></a><br /></div><br />The performances were awesome. My Spanish is limited, but I understood enough to have a good time. Here's a preview of the show.<br /><br /><br /><center><object height="338" width="451"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6025922&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6025922&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="338" width="451"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6025922">Mariachi Encore at La Fonda Restaurant</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/annek">Anne K. </a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p></center><p></p><br /><br />What started off as a bad time turned into a good time. If you want to see a good mariachi performance in L.A., head to La Fonda.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169921.post-52298742162730501952009-07-23T23:25:00.000-07:002009-08-26T05:20:21.661-07:00Such a tease!<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >July 22, 2009</span><br /><br />I am a fan of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Burlesque">Burlesque</a>. This is not to be confused with your run-of-the-mill strip shows at seedy bars. I am not interested in any of that. I enjoy the elaborate sets and costumes that are involved in a good Burlesque show. I especially like how the emphasis is more on the tease rather than the strip part of the show.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LatinHHY8GM/SnpRRbB24-I/AAAAAAAAEMQ/OVcQqqlm4Ks/s1600-h/243602421_2546_detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 195px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LatinHHY8GM/SnpRRbB24-I/AAAAAAAAEMQ/OVcQqqlm4Ks/s400/243602421_2546_detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366691265720542178" border="0" /></a><br />Because of my fondness for this genre of performance, I am a fan of Dita Von Teese. I follow <a href="http://twitter.com/DitaVonTeese">her on Twitter</a>. She announced on Twitter that she was having a L.A. show. I jumped at the chance to see one of her shows. As always, I sent out the perfunctory email inviting whomever was interested to join me. Because it was a weeknight, I didn't have any takers except <a href="http://mastersoflosangeles.blogspot.com/">Pamela</a> {who is quickly becoming my L.A. partner-in-crime} and a few of Pamela's friends. I bought two tickets "just in case" anyone else could make it. Inevitably, Amber joined us despite just having her wisdom teeth removed. {I guess a good show is worth suffering for;}<br /><br />We had a great spot close to the stage, but it came at a price. We were standing right beside one of the security guys. Because there was "no photography allowed" and I'm not terribly clever, this post has no photos .<br /><br />Dita did not disappoint. Seeing her perform was worth the price of admission. Her costumes and sets were phenomenal. However, as a a whole, the show was only okay. I was disappointed with many of the other acts. They either lacked polish, gusto or moxie. I won't complain too loudly. The tickets were only $30.<br /><br />For those who want a peek at the show, here's a promo video.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">***Warning this video contains some partial nudity.</span> **<br />It's tasteful, but nudity nonetheless. Consider yourself warned.<br /><br /><center><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MYl2RfSuicM&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MYl2RfSuicM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450"></embed></object><br /></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1