The Sunday Five

This week is going to suck.  I realize that by making this statement, I
A. sound like a grade schooler via my use of the word suck, &
B am guaranteeing that the week will indeed suck. 
Here is my week, and let me mention that I have literally have only 12 days of class left this semester.  I have two tests tomorrow, one in operations management, and one in real estate finance.  I have a paper due Tuesday, in my interpersonal relations class, I also have a business law test either on Wednesday or Friday, and I have an event about BEER I have to go to for my strategic management class on Thursday night, as well as the second to last round of the business simulation competition due on Thursday night. But I digress, even with the insane amount of work I have I still have pleanty to be happy about.  Getting past all the complaining/venting here is my Sunday Five!

1. John Mayer- it seems that this amazing singer/songwriter/guitarist has had some bad press recently. I pretty much just ignore it and think what I want, the phrase I do what I want comes to mind...  But I hadn't listened to my extensive collection of John in a while. I was in my roommate's car yesterday and Heartbreak Warfare came on the radio when she turned on the car.  If you follow me on Twitter, you will know exactly how this made me feel.  But since I have more the 140 characters to express it here let me tell you again.  Hearing that song come on the radio was like running into someone you LOVE but haven't seen in a really long time at the grocery store.  You didn't expect to see them but your heart just fills with joy and you want to run up to them in the middle of the store and hug them super hard.  I have know idea why I reacted this way but it was the image that went along with my feelings right at that moment.  I wish I could have hugged, John in the flesh, his music makes me so happy, reminds me of great times and some of my favorite people! Ok I will stop sounding like a crazy fan now. But In case you were wondering this is what I am listening to now...

Half Of My Heart (with Taylor ...

2.The sunny weather seems to be making a reappearance, although weather.com says it's only temporary.  Knowing my days in California are numbered, literally 28 until I graduate, seems to make every sunny day that much more precious.  Seattle summers are gorgeous, but usually include more than enough rain.  Every second I can be outside in the warm sun the happier I am.

3. Glee!  Have you seen the most recent episode?  Well it was totally Madonna themed, and super amazing! Sue says that Madonna is empowering and well, the episode was just that.  I mean its a musical TV show, so the stories are going to be exteme, but the message was clear!  I love love love Glee, and adding Madonna to the mix just made it that much better!

4. I had a comment this morning on my blog on my dollar store post, the Zipped Cuff

   "Michelle L. said... This is beautiful! Extra thank you for the no-sew part. Also (first time reader here)  you are an amazing writer. If I'd been drinking milk it would have come out my nose."

 What an amazing complement! I try SO HARD to be funny and most of the time I fail, so when people actually laugh it makes me feel incredible.  In addition she said I am a great writer, which I always love to hear.  Now if my teachers all saw it that way... But the comment really made my morning!

5. I had a wonderful relaxing walk this morning with my friend Denise, in Coronado.  I love walking the boardwalk, and the beach.  It was a great way to get the morning started, and since I have been so busy lately it was nice to catch up on the goings on here at USD.  It was just what I needed to start this week off strong and kick butt on my tests (3) and paper (1). 

Bonus #6. The Vampire Diaries was AMAZING this week.  Only two episodes left!!  I just watched it this morning and it totally rocked my TV world.  I am always in such shock during the episodes.  I even did the Home Alone Face...

**Image Via Google 

Seriously, I do that, just ask my roommates! I know I say this all the time but I love the show so much, I am addicted.  I spend so much time reacting to all the craziness, I am constantly caught off guard by what happens next.  I never see anything coming.  My only prediction is that Elena is going to become a vampire.  But my guess is that won't happen this season.  I can't wait for the next episode!

Okay party people, I have shared what is making me happy this week, its your turn! 

What is making you happy this Sunday??

The Sunday Five

What a week! So much to be happy about in life right now! So lets get started

1. Disneyland- I spent yesterday with two great friends at the happiest place on earth! My current roommate and my former roommate headed out of San Diego yesterday at about 7AM and spent the day on rides; alternating between laughing and screaming! We had an amazing time!

2. I could probably write this every week, but the Vampire Diaries really really makes me happy. I don't watch too many TV shows regularly anymore, but I look forward to TVD every week and it just keeps getting better and better! Only 3 episodes left until the season finally!!!

3. I have a few things coming around the bend that are also making me giddy, just looking forward to them! One is my friend Jackie is coming to visit me in San Diego, and I am so excited to show her around, while I still call California home!

4. Another thing I am looking forward to is the NFL draft. I don't think many people are as insane as me, but I pretty much watch it for 48 hours straight. I am really nervous and excited to see who goes where. The draft is really exciting especially when you follow college and NFL football, its like you really know the players!

5. Even though they always make me happy, I just want to throw a shout out to my roommates! They make me so happy and we just have a great time together. We watch movies, play card games, and even do insane workout DVD's together! I am so lucky to have great roommates, it make school SO SO SO much better!

The Sunday Five

Welcome to the Sunday Five! As I write this it is a gorgeous 76 degrees with pure blue sky and sunshine.  In fact I can't believe I am inside on my computer, but I love blogging too much! Today was a wonderful day spent with different friends and doing things I love.  Onto The Sunday Five

1.The Beautiful San Diego weather.  The constant warmth of the sun, got me out the door and to class this past week, and sitting in the sun made studying much more enjoyable.  I have to say, I am a bit of a tan-aholic.  

Can you tell how tan I am?

Note the UW shirt and the messy spot in the back corner- that's my bed...

2. New yarn!  Although I am poor, I went on a thrift store adventure with my friend and former roommate  today, and two of three were closed. But we were close to The Grove in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego. I bought two skeins each of a minty multi-colored Blue Sky Cotton and some slightly variegated blue silk and merino from Louisa Harding Yarns.  I know they look pretty similar, but this is what I am into right now.

   

3. Did I mention midterms are OVER!  I Cannot even express how happy I am that the tests are over. I still have a quiz and a paper on Tuesday, but doing your work in advance is for, well not me. 

This is what I was taking to the beach all last weekend. Ya.... Business Law, that book weighs almost twenty pounds, almost ripped the seams off my towel/beach bag. 

4. This weekends Harry Potter movie marathon.  Between yesterday and today my roommate and I have watch Harry Potter 1, and 4-6.  I love Harry and CANNOT wait for the last movie to come out. 

5. Working on a new pattern for the new accessories line.  Not many people know about this, but I am in an early early stage collaboration for a line that I hope to start on Etsy later this spring and hopefully into some local stores eventually. Here is a sneak peak...

Hummmm... the colors look similar to the yarn I had up top.  I am REALLY grooving on the teal, mint greens and blues.

Make sure you tune in tomorrow for my take on the place mat for this weeks Dollar Store Challenge!

Happy Sunday!!!

Sunday 5

I am just going to cut to the chase... here is my Sunday Five
These are the top five songs that are making me happy RIGHT now! Make sure you add your own in the comments section!

1. Breathe Me- Sia
2. Cut- Plumb
3. Wait Til You See My Smile- Alicia Keys
4. One More Time- Daft Punk
5. Alice (From "Alice In Wonderland")-Avril Lavigne

Fair warning, these songs are addictive! Another note: I have midterms for the next couple weeks. I will still be posting fashion forward Wednesday and Food Friday but I am not sure how much time I am going to have after studying and going to class. Well see. But don't worry I will be crafting!

Happy Sunday!

The Sunday Five

Hey!! This week I have a lot to give thanks for and be happy about, but I am in a terrible mood! While I am visiting Seattle for my spring break I have no car. Usually I can borrow my Mom's car, but she had to take it since my Dad took his car golfing this morning. So I am stuck in the house with NOTHING to do. I really really really dislike being bored. But I am trying to get over it. I will stop the complaining rant and get onto what is making my happy this Sunday. Remember to hit the comment section after this and add your own Sunday Five, its all about spreading the love people!

1. Being in Seattle- I love being home even if I can't do anything or get talked into doing yard work...
2. The song Cut by Plumb. Everyone should listen to this song, totally amazing!!
3. Coming home to my back issues of Shape magazine that I somehow get for free! Pretty sweet!
4. Being totally inspired by Alice in Wonderland- saw it last night, loved it, already want to see it again. The colors and the clothes- everything very inspiring to an artistic type like myself.
5. That my parents still have jobs. My parents are self employed and have been looking a little guilty lately. My dad builds custom homes and remodels on a very small scale. This economy downturn has hit my family fairly hard, and while my parents have savings they feel bad that they aren't giving me some extravagent graduation present. It doesn't bother me at all and I am glad that business seems to be picking up.

Well that's it for the Sunday five! Since I am going stir crazy I might delve into a crafty project later today, so there could be an update later today. Maybe- no promises here- plus the Oscar's are on tonight, and that will keep me busy later.

Happy Sunday!!

The Sunday Five

What is making me happy this Sunday?

1. The rain appears to be over. After a long weekend of cabin fever, the sun is out and the extended forecast seems to be dry. Finally! I know that I am from Seattle, but at home the rain doesn't keep you inside. Here is San Diego it is dangerous to drive in the rain, people here don't know how and drainage is very bad so standing water is a big problem. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
2. Curling- Could be my favorite sport of these winter Olympics. I lot of people think it is a lame sport, but once you understand the rules, it is SO intense. As an extra bonus, my second favorite country won a gold in curling, SWEDEN!! Sweden also medaled in at least one XC skiing event. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
3. Olympics being over- this may seem to conflict with my joy over the Olympics, but I am ready for them to be over. I probably wouldn't feel this way if NBC did a better job covering the games. Instead I end up staying up till midnight every night, when the coverage could be hours shorter if the announcers didn't like hearing the sound of their own voices so much. Also everything is delayed even though the actual events are in my own time zone, and the coverage is so sparse on non-USA dominated events. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the games. I love the Winter Olympics, but I could have written a book with just the ridiculous phrases the announcers came up with. "Get the monkey off her back" WHAT??? So I am happy to get back to my regular sleep schedule, and not be glued to the TV all night, watching the same commercials over and over, Milkaholic, thanks moms, go world, swagger wagon, the marriage ref... Wait this is supposed to be a post about happiness? Right, I am happy they are over tonight. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
4. Alice in wonderland- I am SOOOOOO excited to see this movie which comes out on Friday. While this movie totally scared the crap out of me as a child, I am super excited to see a new version as a grown up. I never wanted to see the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but this one looks so much fun. I have always been very intrigued by the other, not so innocent, themes in Alice and Wonderland, and this new version will highlight those more I imagine. In this same vein, Disney at Ruffles and Stuff, just posted some great photos of necklaces she just made. I can imagine Alice wearing a lot of them. I am thinking this movie is going to be a great source of inspiration. Click here to check out the necklaces over on Ruffles and Stuff! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
5. The exhibition figure skating and ice dancing performances last night. Last night during the Olympic coverage of the final runs of four man bobsled, the winners of ice dancing and figure skating were able to perform one more time, for fun. Not only were these performances beautiful, but it was obvious that without the pressure of competition, these amazing skaters few higher and had amazing smiles on their faces. I especially enjoyed the Canadian ice dancing couple with the combination of a song from the Nutcracker and some other disco song, maybe, that I cannot remember the name of right now. Maybe I am in shock becasue I just watched the end of the USA Canada hockey game. Just saying.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   

Well in my quest to keep this post happy, I should really end before I hear the start of Oh Canada. I start taking cheap shots when my team, or country loses.

Happy Sunday!

The Sunday Five

Are you ready? Here we go...

1. We saw this in Business Law on Friday


2. Coldplay- the band in general is playing A LOT on my ipod. After seeing my in concert this summer Coldplay is almost an addition.

3. A new Cd called Lungs by Florence + The Machine. I first heard the song Cosmic Love on The Vampire Diaries, and totally fell in love. The whole album is worth your ten bucks.

4. The Olympics- I mean I am watching them right now, and won't stop until they are over. Go USA, Then Sweden!

5. The Olympic announcers. Can they be any dumber? For two days straight my roommates and I have been making fun of these guys. They say the same things over and over and OVER again. But its really entertaining to make fun of them.

You know the drill-
Share what's making you happy right now!

The Sunday 5

What a day! Today for my Sunday 5 I am feeling really happy about having things to look forward to.

While I was watching the Super Bowl, I was kinda down, thinking about how I had no sports to watch for a while, and how my team was losing. Then I was sad because I was thinking how awesome it would be if the Seahawks went back to the Super Bowl, but then I remembered; the new coach is my arch-nemesis. Then I fell asleep during the 4th quarter, I know I know, how is that even possible? I have only ever fallen asleep during one other football game in my life, also an important game. But I was woken up by my roommate yelling because the Saints had just scored. Not something I was happy to wake up to. I am really a messed up sleeper, and this too has been getting me down lately. I am not tired so I cannot fall asleep, but then I cannot get up in the morning and it is a continuous bad cycle of sleeping in, and I cannot seem to control it. But I realized I am lucky to have the time to sleep in. I am also lucky to have so much to wake up for, something I need to keep in the front of my mind as I try to get on a better sleep schedule! And now for the 5 things I am happy to look forward to...

March Madness

The NFL Draft- who will draft Colt McCoy? Is his arm better?

The Winter Olympics- just a few hours north of my home
Spring Training

Spring Break- Bring on the spring skiing!!

Right now is a good time to think about all we have to look forward to with happiness. The unknown dark of the future can loom out in the distance causing stress, especially to someone about to graduate college. But staying focused on awesome things is the best way to add some bright spots to that darkness. No matter what job I have or where I am after May 23rd, I know I will at least have baseball.

Happy Sunday

Please comment and share all you are looking
forward to in the next few months!

Superbowl & Food

I guess this is becoming a theme, starting a blog entry with things I love. Today is the Superbowl, which is a day that combines SOO many things I love. Football, TV, food! Oh how do I love the food I get to eat because of the Superbowl. So today I thought I would share a couple different things I associate with game days. The first recipe, if you can call if that, comes from my grandma. It is SOO terrible for you, but I have remade it so I never feel guilty eating it and sometimes even have it on days other than game day...

First grab those ingredients I mentioned in my last post
-Hot Dogs
- Bacon
-Cheese
-Toothpicks
-a bun, or bread if you have some around

Now this is how my grandma makes them. First she butters the buns, wraps them in foil and sticks them in the oven so they will be warm when you're done. Next she takes a hot dog and cuts a slit down the middle. Here she inserts a few cubes of cheese. Next grab three toothpicks and a slice of bacon. Attach one end of the bacon to one end of the hot dog with a toothpick. Wrap the bacon around the hot dog securing with another toothpick in the middle and at the end. Now place on a broiler pan and broil this puppies until the bacon is cooked to your liking and the cheese is melting. Unwrap a bun, remove the toothpicks and take a big bite, today is the Superbowl you deserve it!!

What if you are like me and want that bacon to extra crispy? Here's my advice, cook the bacon a bit first in a pan. Now don't go to crazy here, cook it low and slow, and remember it has to bend once you wrap it so don't cook it all the way.

Another version? Lighten this up using Hebrew National reduced fat, or 97% fat free hot dogs and turkey bacon. I can't tell the difference between reduced fat and the regular, but the 97% guys do taste different, but its a small price to pay when they are 35 calories and when wrapped in bacon, I mean what doesn't taste great wrapped in bacon??

Another great way to make these is with a George Foreman Grill. I wrap mine and stick it on the grill, this way I don't need toothpicks, just make sure you rotate every a couple of min. Then I toast my bun in the oven with a couple of slices of cheese on the bun. Fantastic!

One final tip, if you are doing this on an actual grill outside, soak your toothpicks first so they don't catch fire. This makes them extremely hard to remove...

Have you got your cheese grated for the typical gameday nachos yet? Here is my number one tip for great nachos, layers. It is all about the layers people! For a big batch lay out some foil on a cookie sheet and then a thin layer of chips. Take care that the chips are not in a huge pile, spread them into a thin layer. Next add your shredded cheese. Add another layer and then more cheese. Do not skimp on the cheese, it is the binder between the layers and it's also really yummy! Layer up until you have enough and put your cookie sheet into a hot oven. Somewhere around 350. Check often and make sure the inside layers are melted before you take them out. If the top is getting too done, put a sheet of foil over the top. You can also do this on a microwave safe plate, but cover with plastic wrap before you cook, and remember to leave a vent.

If you plan on adding various veggies put them in the layers as well. Some add ons are better just on top, because they are so flavorful, like jalapenos. Some good veggie ideas? Green onions!! These are the best topping EVER!! Also tomato or a pico de gallo are good for tomato lovers, or make your nachos Cali style and cut up some avocado! The options are endless, just remember LAYERS!! Layers people, layers!

See you after the game! Enjoy whatever Super food you decide on this afternoon!

The Sunday 5

Wow so much is making me happy this Sunday. Right now I am having a ball watching the Grammy's with my roommates! But it was the start to my day that was really fantastic! In fact its #1 of the Sunday 5! Without further delay...

1. Getting up early- this is really hard for me usually so I was proud of myself to get up on a Sunday Morning.
2. Walking Sunset Cliffs this morning. Pictures and story to follow...
   
3. Having frozen yogurt for breakfast! Strawberry and Pineapple with strawberry pieces, YUM!
4. 3 loads of laundry. Today I did three loads of laundry and now have a closet full of different outfits! Exciting!
5. Staying in touch with all my Seattle people via Twitter. Its amazing and we stay connected this way. Sometimes I am amazed with technology. Twitter to my phone?? AWESOME!!

Sometimes, especially when I am home for a long break, I really rag on California. I even refer to it as the land of the vain. But that is just me being negative Nelly. Today when I was walking the cliffs with my old roommate Denise, I remembered just how much I love San Diego and the beach and USD. Sometimes my Pacific Northwest friends taint my opinion of Southern California, because they might not like it. But I it love here, I chose this place and I love it. So here's to San Diego, where all of the Sunday 5 took place this week. California YOU ROCK!!!

Sunset Cliffs...a story in Pictures!

Isn't it pretty? The park is mostly a trail right along the cliffs. It was warm but the cliffs have a nice ocean breeze and spray! Lovely!

This guy's surfboard broke in HALF!!

We did in fact see a rescue! I surfer apparently lost his board? And then I saw this guy jump off a cliff and try to rescue him. Well he failed! The guy was totally stuck in a spot by the cliffs that was pulling him every which way. The guy who jumped in ended up leaving him. Then a life guard came and got him. Then a boat came to pick them up, and THEN a helicopter flew over!


What can I say, has there ever been a better argument for The Heather Cam? If you have no idea what The Heather Cam is, it all centers around all the crazy things I see. But if I were to wear a camera on my head, like a helmet camera, I could document all the loco stuff I see.
Happy Sunday!!!

The Happy Triggers

This Sunday is an extra anxious Sunday. See tomorrow is the first day of the spring semester here at USD. But I am feeling pretty calm. I was waiting the tummy ache, or the chills, or the freak out to come. And, well, it hasn't. Which is great, no complaints here. At first I thought, finally I have outgrown the Sunday night tummy aches, on this my very last semester of college. But what I was quick to realize is that I have just learned my happy triggers. While I sat on my bed contemplating the new week about to start I had an idea. Why not share my happy triggers with the world and ask you guys for yours. Thus begins...



The New Sunday Tradition

Every Sunday, on this here blog, I will be sharing 5 different things that are making me happy right now. This week, and, I am sure many weeks to follow, my list will consist of music that is keeping me upbeat and positive. All I ask of you is to add a song or five in the comments section, that makes you happy. Consider it a happiness trigger karma bank, give a penny take a penny, so to speak. So without further ado here are my top five happy songs for this my very last first week of school!

1. Moondance- Van Morrison
2. I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas
3. Whatcha Say- Jason Derulo
4. Just Say Yes- Snow Patrol
5. Strawberry Swing- Coldplay

Happy Sunday!!