Found Some Wall Art @ Art.com

I think I've finally found some art prints that will work for my bedroom. What do you think of the "Douglas" prints below? I love the colors in these mosaics. I think what I'll do is, divide the poster into 4 individual pieces (4 mosaic squares per piece), and then matt and frame them. That way, I get 4 pieces of wall art for the price of one. Since I already have so much red in my home, I think I'll end up using the blue mosaics.

What Can I Design for You Today?

I've really been in need of a creative outlet lately. So, I've focused my attention on t-shirt design. I can never find t-shirt designs that I love - so I've decided to create my own. Here's one that I did recently for Otakon. It's a portrait of Usagi from Sailor Moon. I did two other shirt designs for the old school Nintendo games 'Bubble Bobble' and 'Mega Man', and had them printed at Cafepress.com. They're pretty silly - but still fun to design none-the-less. I'm open to suggestions if there's something YOU want to see on a shirt. I should sell some of this stuff online!

Totally Unfair

Once again, I missed the San Diego Comic Con. This past year looked like the best one yet. There were tons of movie panels, and most of my favorite actors were there...James Franco, Gerard Butler, the cast of Heroes, the cast of 'The Watchmen", etc.

You best believe I will be there next year. The 2009 dates have already been released. I know it's totally nerdy - but I'm not ashamed.

DC Foodie Review: Fresh Meal

No offense to my past or future dc foodie review establishments – but Fresh Meal is hands-down my favorite deli in downtown DC. This deli/sandwich shop is true to it’s name. It ‘takes the cake’ when it comes to fresh and delicious deli sandwiches, salads, local fruit and assorted pasta salads. Their sandwiches are always immaculate. I’ve never seen a sandwich so neatly made in my life! You will never have wilted lettuce, broken bread slices, or soggy tomatoes here.

I usually opt for the chicken salad on cruissant or the ‘Italian Hero’ on toasted wheat. And the best part is, they have available just about every topping you can think of – including a quite potent peppercorn-mustard sauce. And in a city where ‘time is money’, Fresh Meal understands that its patrons don’t have a lot of time to wait for their food. That’s why there’s an assembly line of employees that crank out sandwiches, soups, and salads lightening fast. Sandwiches are accurate, and well worth the money. Prices are reasonable with no salad or sandwich surpassing $6. Conveniently located at 19th and L Street, this place is truly a hidden gem for superb lunch fare. My advice, skip the Potbellys and Corner Bakery nearby.

(P.S. – No photo of me stuffing my face this time.)

Shoes 4 Sale

I don’t mean to hock stuff on my blog, but I have these green Bandolino’s available if anyone wants to purchase them. I’ve only worn them once. I honestly don’t need another pair of shoes in my closet. Let me know if you’re interested. $30. And you cant find them in stores anymore – this color is all sold out.

What I Loathe Most About DC is…

Metro. I would go so far as to say it’s probably the worst public transportation system in the nation. First off, riding the trains in DC in the summer is a truly miserable experience. The trains are a cesspool of body odor, sweat, tourists, commuters, strollers, and humidity. To top it off, most train cars and platforms do not have air-conditioning, and outside it is usually a balmy, humid 95 degrees.

Yesterday was a great example of the metro subway system at it’s worst. I get off work at 5:30pm. I couldn’t catch a train until almost 6pm. The train platform at Farragut North was crowded with hundreds of commuters impatiently waiting for a train. I heard there was some sort of power outage earlier that caused a delay. I finally ‘bumrush’ onto a train. It’s crowded. I’m miserable. But thankfully, this car has working air-conditioning. I find a seat, and then pull out my cell phone to play a little Tetris to calm my nerves. Our next stop is Metro Center. Hundreds of people fight to get into our train. Finally, when everyone is nicely packed in, the worst thing happens. The train doors wont close. I know it’s only seconds before they offload the train. The conductor asks commuters who see the open/malfunctioned door to try and push it closed. No avail. We are offloaded. Mind you, hundreds were already waiting at Metro Center prior to our trains arrival. I funnel to the back of the crowd and frantically try to call friends/family that maybe drove in that day, to see if they could give me a ride home. Sadly, Verizon Wireless doesn’t work in Metro Center. I can’t find a signal. Stupid metro! You said you had cell towers in there!

Finally, after 20min, I get on another train. I need to get to Glenmont – this train only goes to Silver Spring. Whatever. I get on so that I can finally get out from underground. This time I don’t get a seat. It’s packed and I end up standing next to a guy determined to read his stupid newspaper. He scratched my arm with the ‘Metro Express” all the way to Fort Totten. I get to Silver Spring and wait another 10min for a Glenmont train. Metro, when you have major delays, why don’t you let your Silver Spring trains go all the way to the end of the line at Glenmont?! It’s almost as if you enjoy torturing your patrons.

In any case, I get home about 7:30pm – sweaty, angry and starving. I scarf my dinner, watch ‘House MD’, and go to bed to await yet another joyful day on DC metro.

Sometimes I want to drive to work to avoid metro, but gas prices are just as depressing. SERENITY NOW! SERENITY NOW!

Changing My Style

My style is very conservative. It has to be. My family is conservative, my employer is conservative, and majority of my friends are as well. My family would be totally embarrassed if I didn’t adhere to the norm. My employer would be embarrassed if I didn’t have anything but business-attire at the office. I’m generally very ‘straight-laced’. The most non-conformist thing that I’ve done in the past is cut my hair short and dye red and blonde streaks in it.

But sometimes, the art brat in me wants to bust out with something outrageous and extreme. I just found these tights on American Apparel. I LOVE THEM…I WANT THEM….I MUST HAVE THEM….but what do I wear with them?!

I’m sure I’ll find a use for them. The electric blue ones are awesome! Oh, and this week, I’m getting some copperish-red streaks died in my hair, for old time sake. VIVA LA VIDA!!!!

Does that Come in My Size?

I covet the print on this lady’s dress. Had to share.


Enjoy your weekend!

A Good Deed - Flowers Bakery Café

I’m a regular reader of Washingtonian magazine. It’s basically my ‘DC-bible” for area restaurant reviews and events. I’ve noticed that whatever restaurant/café gets reviewed in there, instantly becomes an overnight sensation.

In February this year, I got the brilliant idea to recommend my favorite local bakery to the magazine. I wrote to the food editor at Washingtonian magazine and told him that ‘Flowers Bakery Café’ was worth recognition in their magazine and that they should send someone over to check it out. I also got a few friends/family to write in recommendations as well. The editor wrote back, and told me that he would send someone out to investigate - but I figured that was just his standard response.

However, I just found out this past weekend that NOT ONLY did a Washingtonian food critic stop by the bakery, they also took photos and wrote up a little review in this month’s issue of the magazine! I went to ‘Flowers’ on Saturday for my weekly éclair fix, and noticed a little Washingtonian plaque up on their wall and copies of their review available for patrons. I was so excited!

After telling the bakery ladies that I recommended them, they thanked me with a free slice of chocolate mousse cake and offered to give me a free cake for my next special event. Woohoo! I love free food! The ladies at the bakery also told me that since the review was published, they’ve had a major increase in business.

I’m so happy Washingtonian followed up with my request. This bakery deserves recognition. Please stop by the bakery and try out some of their wonderful treats. You’ll be hooked. (Flowers Bakery Café, 14300 Layhill Road, Silver Spring MD – 301.438.6087).

The Power of Pom

I’m constantly in a state of forcing myself to be a healthier person. I eat all whole grain/whole wheat breads, shop for fruit at Trader Joe’s, and try to cut back my portions. My one downfall is multi-vitamins. I take Vitamin C supplements, but I know I need more to boost my energy. I recently found an article in Men’s Health magazine online about the benefits if Pomegranate Juice. Apparently, people in the Middle East and Asia have been drinking it for centuries. It has medicinal value, and reduces blood pressure. It also has half your daily intake of vitamin C. I think I might switch to drinking this daily. And the best part –it tastes great!

The company “Pom Wonderful” sells purse Pomegranate juice.
Here’s the article from Men’s Health Magazine (some of the tips also apply to women).

Project Runway is Back!

Don't forget - Project Runway tonight at 9pm on Bravo! Set your TiVo!

Doggy Destruction

I knew a day would come when our wild puppy would destroy something. This past week, we came home to find that ‘Ash’ had dug a hole through our floor and dug a hole through our drywall.

The floor already had a small hole that we just placed epoxy over. Somehow Ash dug and scratched at the hole so much that dirt came out of it. We were totally dumbfounded. Did the dog dig through our foundation?! And then, there’s the wall. She’s already dirtied it up with her paws, which is why we never painted the room. Take a look at the nice gouge she left in our drywall. Lovely. She really needs obedience training, because when she’s bored, she’s destructive. I cant imagine what she would do to the furniture if we let her lose through the house during the day.

We completely finished this room in the basement specifically for our puppy. We shelled out tons of cash to put up dry wall, shelving, flooring, etc – just so she could eat it! Ugh.

Muzik 4 u (v2.0)

Here's another excellent song.

Plumb - Cut

Muzik 4 u

I think Aaron and I are part of a minority that loves Trance/Electronica. He just recently found a pretty awesome track. What do you think? I've been blasting this in the car all week.

Bellatrax - I Can't Help Myself (feat. Sophia May) Sunfreakz mix

11 Random Facts About 'Moi'

1. I attended 3 different high schools
2. My favorite tv shows are House, Heroes, Project Runway & Hell's Kitchen
3. If I wasn’t an artist, I’d love to be a baker
4. As a kid, I was allergic to Mr. Bubbles (do they even sell it anymore?)
5. I have a fear of apes. I hate monkeys, gorillas, etc. They’re disgustingly creepy.
6. I attended the 2007 Sundance Film Festival
7. In school, I always won the Spelling Bee (I admit to being a nerdy kid)
8. I currently collect the new state quarters (I still need UT, AK, AZ, NM, HI, OK)
9. I’ve never broken a bone (but I've had stitches)
10. I’m allergic to red apples, but not green
11. I love to travel, but I get anxiety attacks on airplanes

And the Winner of Hell's Kitchen Is...

Christina!!!

Sorry Petrozza. I could listen to you say "onion rings" all day. And I'll venture to say Chef Ramsay will not write Jen a letter of recommendation. Now to add 'Kitchen Nightmares' to the TiVo.

DC Food Review: Chop’t

I hope you all appreciate this post today. I walked 5 blocks in the searing hot DC sun and humidity to venture to restaurant Chop’t (near Dupont Circle) for my first restaurant/food review.

I noticed Chop’t a couple of months ago. It took the place of a sad little noodle house that, I guess, had hardly any patronage. However, Chop’t always seems to be packed with lines darting out the door.

Chop’t is basically a salad joint on steroids. You can pick either a salad, or a salad sandwich (salad toppings wrapped in a whole wheat pita). The sky is the limit with toppings – there are even over 20 different salad dressings to choose from. And all choices are great if you’re watching your figure. There are plenty of low-carb/low-cal/low-fat choices on the menu. If you feel totally overwhelmed by the topping choices, there are also standard menu items to choose from too.

I usually opt for the salad sandwich with crisp baby greens, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh grilled chicken, red onions, cucumber, black olives – all topped with home-made balsamic vinaigrette and wrapped in a warm whole wheat pita. Sounds tasty right?

Also, the preparation of the food is also a key to the significance behind the restaurant name. I don’t know about the salads, but the salad sandwich toppings are all piled together and placed on a cutting board. The chef then takes a mezzaluna knife and finely chops up all the toppings into little bite sized pieces. It’s actually pretty cool.

Check out their site for more details, and all their DC and NYC locations. I highly recommend this place. And for DC, the prices are excellent. Everything is basically under $10. And as far as “design” goes, they must have a great marking team! The restaurant interior, menus, and website are fantastic and aesthetically cohesive.

And by the way, Chop’t is pronounced “Chopped”. Not “Chop It” or “Chop-Tee”. (!)

Who Are You, & Why Are You Famous?

Heidi/Spencer – You both have the most annoying faces. Spencer, you’re creepy. Heidi, you’re not talented – you can’t sing. I’ve seen that weird low budget music video on TMZ. And does anyone really watch the ‘Hills’? (or MTV for that matter).
Zack/Vanessa – Apparently you’re part of some weird phenomena called “High School Musical” – which I’ve never seen. Zack, you’re too pretty to be male. I’ve heard of ‘guy-liner’, but you also wear concealer and foundation. Vanessa, you look like a hamster.
Jonas Brothers – Where do I begin. I really have no idea who you are at all. I’ve never heard your music. And you all look the same – big hair, big eyebrows.
Sienna Miller – I’ve heard you’re a huge actress across the pond – but yet, I’ve never seen you in any movie. And you’re always greasy. And your eyebrows are always ten shades darker than your hair. Why?

I'm Officially a Geek

The other day I found a huge box full of old comics – some X-Men stuff, but mostly manga (Japanese comics). I used to have a major obsession with Ranma ½ - a anime/manga series that was really popular in the 90s.

Finding that old box got me wondering if there were still any local comic cons or anime conventions that I could attend, and maybe sell some of my old stuff. I found out about ‘Otakon’, which is going on in Baltimore in August.

One big part of comic cons/anime convention is Cosplay. For those of you that aren’t familiar with ‘cosplay’ – it is basically translated “costume play”. You dress up as your favorite anime/manga character and strut your stuff around all the other anime/manga geeks.

If you’ve never seen cosplay before, here are a couple pics. Some of the costumes are awesome, and many of them are sewn by hand. I find it pretty fascinating.

For old time sake, I’ll most likely try to find a Ranma 1/2 t-shirt on EBay, or make one on CafePress for ‘Otakon’. And maybe I’ll make some cash selling some of my old stuff too!

It's Bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S...

Sorry about the corney title. Just wanted to share this print that I found online. It's a drawing of singer/actress Josephine Baker in her famous banana skirt (by artist Paul Colin). This drawing is one of my favorites - besides the colors, I love the line contours and movement. It's "home" is on my office floor at the moment. I have yet to figure out where I want to hang it. If you'd like to buy the print yourself, you can find it here.

Home Decor - Part I

Recently, we’ve finished renovating our home. Thank goodness! I was so tired of cleaning up saw-dust, and having junk all over the place. Since construction is done, it’s now time to focus on finishing the decorations – starting with our bedroom.

I love everything in the room – except our duvet. It’s so ‘blah’, and the paisley swirls give me a headache. What was I thinking when I bought this thing?! I’m turning to my ol’ faithful store for ideas – Pottery Barn. I adore PB - everything they sell is totally my style. What do you think of the duvet cover below? Of course, I’m going to wait until its marked down near clearance, as PB’s prices are a little outrageous. I think the new duvet matches perfectly with our wall color, which is Sherwin Williams “Blonde”. It’s a very warm yellow – not drab, not too egg-yolk-like.

Now I need to find some cool wall art. That’s going to take loads of time because I’m extra picky about artwork.

Skin Care

Lately, I’ve been really obsessed with my skin. I have eczema, and the skin on my face is also pretty dry. Because make-up usually irritates the eczema, I try to steer clear of foundation. In fact, I usually only wear eyeliner, lipstick and a little mascara. Since I have these skin issues, I changed my daily skin regimen. I’m determined to have skin that is so clear and blemish free that I’ll never need foundation.

So far, my new regimen is working. I used to use Cetaphil and Aveeno – which were fine when I was a teenager, but now that I’m 27 I found that I needed something more intense. I recently switched to Dermalogica and Kinerase products. They are definitely wayyy more expensive than Aveeno, but well worth it. Here is my new am/pm routine:

1. Dermalogica Special Cleaning Gel
2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
   (really nice rice-based exfoliant, doesn’t irritate skin)
3. Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream (great moisturizer that also evens out pigmentation)
4. Dermalogica SPF 30 (It’s really important to use SPF ladies!)
5. Kinerase Under Eye Rescue (well worth the $75 price tag! Trust me!)
6. Kinerase Clear Skin Blemish Dissolver (dries up acne overnight)
7. L'occtaine Shea Butter (great for hydrating elbows, knees and feet)

I rarely have acne now, and my skin is never dry or irritated. My face looks hydrated and the pigment is even. I know my post just sounded like a major QVC infomercial - but I felt the need to share. I’m always interested in new products too – so let me know if you also found something that worked well for face or body.

Weekend Hiatus

Sorry for the lack of posts since late last week. I was out of town in Richmond VA. By the way 'Virginians' - what's up with all of the vanity license plates? I've never seen so many custom tags in my life. Anyways, I'll have a proper post for everyone tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy this photo of actor James Franco (hehe).