mismikado down the sidewalk

Travel Boards: Riga, Latvia

2013-05-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

So it's been almost 2 years since I got the idea of Travel Boards. With our summer vacation, I decided it would be fun to create one for some of the major places we will be going. Today I am starting with our ultimate destination: Riga, Latvia. Here is what I would love to pack for our trip if I could by all new things for it :)

7 Steps to Spread Art Love

2013-05-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I talked about building my Art Collection more and spent a lot of time window shopping for Art on Etsy. This got me thinking about how to spread love for visual art in the blogosphere. Therefore I came up with 7 easy steps for bloggers to spread "Art Love."

Once a week go to the Art Section of Etsy https://www.etsy.com/browse/art?ref=fp_ln_new_art
Open each category in a new tab
Click through the first 3 pages of each category*
Heart your favorites
Make a treasury with your favorite pieces from that week
Share a link to your treasury on your blog, twitter, FB page or any other social media outlet :)
Buy one of your absolute favorite pieces each month

I think these simple steps, we can make the independent art community an even more loving and welcoming environment and help new artists get discovered! So here are my favorites fro this week...

'Art Love - 5/20/13' by mismikado

Brownie Camera // Original L... SparkBoxStudio $20	AUSTRALIA TRAVEL DIARY - ri... danadamki $7
Illustration. To kill a mock... Tutticonfetti $19	Baby Birth Announcement Prin... FirstLov $22
Wabi-Sabi: Original Illustra... libbyburnsdesi... $12	Spring Fashion Artwork (Digi... catplusmouse $20
Paris illustration - The Eif... tubidu $20	8x10 Art Print, THE OUTSIDER... JazzberryBlue $12
Portrait with Pet Bat Print ... theblackapple $16	Watercolor Painting and Penc... ABitofWhimsyAr... $30
Flamingo Art Print from my O... calamaristudio $13.5	Aldo's Tennessee Moonshi... strawcastle $19.99

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

*If your perusal leads you down the rabbit hole of a specific artist's portfolio or favorites, just go with it ;)

Instant Bargains by Kimberly Danger

2013-05-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Instant Bargains: 600+ Ways to Shrink Your Grocery Bills and Eat Well for Less by Kimberly Danger
Publisher: Sourcebooks (January 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1402225121
ISBN-13: 978-1402225123
304 pages
All Ages
Buy Here for $10.97
My Rating: 4/5
Summary from GoodReads: SAVE YOUR CASH SAVE YOUR TIME SAVE YOUR SANITY!
Perfect for anyone who wants to buy smarter, spend less on food, and get the best nutritional and economic value for their buck, Instant Bargains offers more than 600 tips and tricks from Coupons.com family savings expert and mommysavers.com founder Kimberly Danger. No time for coupon clipping? No room to stockpile? No problem!
* Harness dozens of ways to save online
* Use technology to make menu planning and shopping easier
* Shop and cook efficiently by spotting inexpensive ingredients
* Create homemade versions of your favorite grocery items like sauces
* Make the most of leftovers
* Use couponing in a way that works for you
* Beat supermarket marketing tricks and capitalize on loyalty programs
* Eat healthier while spending less
A must-have collection that fits in your purse, Instant Bargains features one-stop shopping for savings ideas you can use today.
The Verdict: This book was very informative and interesting for a budget-minded lady like me. While I was familiar with some of the tips and techniques, there was definitely a lot to learn too!
While I had made a whole price book while wedding planning, I had never thought to do it for weekly groceries. Instant Bargains really drove home the point that every penny-pincher should have one with prices of their most frequently bought groceries and I have already started working on mine.
Another super helpful tip was the use of Rain Checks. I never knew that was actually federal law for grocery stores to offer them on advertised prices. I thought it was just a courtesy.
I also got great advise for when I plan to accomplish my shopping the peripherally of the supermarket for 2 weeks goal on the 101 in 1001 list.
All in all I fully recommend Instant Bargains to anyone who enjoys looking for ways to save money :)

Borderlands {May 17}

2013-05-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

We've all heard of guard dogs, but this was a very pretty guard cow. She let us pass but we had to give her a good head rub first and she mooed a greeting our way before we left. Seeing large animals in residential neighborhoods is something that took a while to get used to when I first moved down here. It wasn't rare for me to have to wait for a bull to get out of the road before I could pull into our driveway.

Borderlands is an ongoing photography project that features anecdotes from our life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Adventures in Highlighting and Contouring

2013-05-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

So I found this post on HAC-ing via Pinterest. I was intrigued and decided to give it the try. Well here are the details...

Time Spent: 40 mins

Products Used:
Various Mary Kay eye shadow brushes, EcoTools MINERAL Brush Set, Mary Kay blush brush (for contouring), and Artist's Loft (similar to this one) 1/2 angular shader (for highlighting)

Mary Kay yellow concealer and Indulge soothing eye gel for eye puffiness and bags

Mary Kay eye shadow in mocha over Maybelline Eye Studio in blackest black for eye liner

Mary Kay blush in bronze sands for contouring

CoverGirl TRUconceal Concealer, Shade 4 and Mary Kay pressed powder in 400 for highlighting

Almay Wake-up Hydrating Makeup in Beige for foundation

Wet n' Wild Silk Finish blush in 171 Threesome (broken up into loose powder)

Almay Intense I-color Kit in 401 smoky-i for browns

Revlon Lash Curler with Maybelline Volum' Express One By One Washable Mascara in Very Black

CoverGirl Outlast Lipcolor Faint Hue 590 under Mary Kay nourishine lip gloss in Pink Diamonds

The Verdict: So my usual make-up routine takes 10 minutes and only includes this stuff.

And honestly I didn't see that much of a difference to convince me to spend the extra 30 minutes to hack. I will probably continue to follow Cara's tips for Baggy Dark Circle Rehab which timed at only adding another 3 minutes to my routine.
Sorry but for now HAC-ing isn't for me. Has anyone else tried it?

Window Shopping for Art

2013-05-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, I spent the day perusing Etsy for art pieces to add to my collection. Before I knew it the whole day had gone by and I had dozens of pieces I wanted. It took the weekend for me to narrow down which ones I would buy and also to ruminate on the idea of creating some of my own inspired on the ones I love. Her are just a few of my favorites...

'Art Collection' by mismikado

Print- Reckless lif... DanielaVolpari $16	To the Moon and Bac... LisaBarbero $20	Los Angeles photogr... sixthandmain $14	Feather Modern Art ... RosyHuesArt $14
All You Need Is Lov... theloveshop $20	Cupcake Illustratio... longbluestraw $14	Doctor Who Print - ... GeekMyWalL $25	The IT Crowd Quote ... TheGeekerie $18
Give Me Problems, G... BurnsidesManor $8	Behind The Lens - ... NanLawson $16	Rock a Bye Baby // ... huntedandhandm... $5	Print 5x7 - Human E... TheDaytimeHero... $10
Alice in Wonderland... sandragrafik $22	Desert 1 - 5x7 Digi... HeidiMicheleDe... $6	Vintage Camera - Vi... TheRekindledPa... $9.98	Erin Featherson 201... DannyRoberts $20

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

You can see all my favorites here and stay tuned for the beginning of June when you can find out which ones I ended up buying in my May Purchase History.

How do you view food?

2013-05-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

The key component to my diet is changing my views of food and how much I eat. Most Americans eat food without a second thought of what is actually in what they are eating or how bad for them it is. That's why I love this video so much. It shows exactly what the recommended 2000 daily calorie diet looks like in common foods.

Borderlands {May 10}

2013-05-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Going out in service gives me a lot of opportunities to see unique things. This caged Jesus was truly "unique". Seeing various religious images in peoples' yards is normal, but the one-of-a-kind displays are what are exceptional.

Borderlands is an ongoing photography project that features anecdotes from our life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

In My Mailbox: April 2013

2013-05-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

Purchased for Myself

Twenty

For Review via NetGalley

Seven // Nine // Ten // Eleven // Thirteen // Fourteen // Fifteen // Sixteen // Seventeen // Eighteen // Nineteen

Borrowed from Library

One // Two // Three // Twelve

Swapped on PBS

Four // Five // Six // Eight

Purchase History: April 2013

2013-05-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

So April was all about buying more stuff for our Evacuation kit and our Summer trip. I also finally bit the bullet and bought a "new to us" iPod to replace Luke's old one that got stolen a couple years ago. Since the radio stations down here suck, I was going crazy not being able to listen to any new music. So now I was able to get my old iPod back and Luke could customize his to the music he likes. Win Win :)

Everest Luggage Backpack from Amazon // ER Emergency Ration 3600+ Calorie, 5-Year Emergency Food Bar for Survival Kits and Disaster Preparedness from Amazon // Avery Shipping Labels with, 2 x 4, White, 250/Pack from Amazon // 100 - Flat Glassine Wax Paper Bags - 3in x 5 1/2in from Amazon // Luzianne Specially Blended for Iced Tea, Decaffeinated, 48-Count Tea Bags (Pack of 6) from Amazon // iPod Video 5th Generation Black 60GB from Ebay
// Excelvan FM Transmitter + Car Charger for Ipod from Amazon // Camera ICS+ from Google Play Store // HDR Camera from Google Play Store // Custom Watercolor Art by Natan Yankelevich // Brown Cowgirl Boots from Etsy // BigOven Pro Subscription // Wrangler western shirt from Ebay // Purple Dress from Yard Sale // Daisy Fuentes Floral Tee from Kohl's // Dana Buchman Floral Skinny Jeans from Kohl's // Striped Long Sleeve Tee from Kohl's // The Fierce Reads Anthology: A Tor.Com Original from Amazon

This includes all clothing, accessories, home decór, craft supplies, make-up etc. This list does not include food, toiletries, household cleaning supplies, gifts, items for Luke, bills, fees for personal services, travel expenses or business expenses.

Borderlands {May 3}

2013-05-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest things that makes me upset down here, is the prevalence of animal cruelty. This house is a breeder for fighting Pit Bulls. They had at least 20 full grown dogs and it was one of the saddest sights I have ever seen. As a Pitty mommy, I hate the rap these dogs get. But I also acknowledge that once a Pit has been breed for aggression and fighting, you can never fully train that out of them and they will always be dangerous pets to have. That is what makes me so sad. Because wicked people like this have doomed all those dogs to either die in the fight or die in order to prevent tragedy.

Borderlands is an ongoing photography project that features anecdotes from our life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

My Take on 50 for a Fashionista

2013-05-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

So in no way do I claim to be a Fashionista but I do enjoy identifying my own personal fashion sense. I recently came across Chic Street Style's post on 50 for a Fashionista. I enjoyed reading through her list of must-haves and decided to share my commentary on the list ;)

The Clothes

1) A pair of dark wash skinny jeans - I just recently got to a point where I feel my body looks ok in skinny jeans and want a pair of these at my goal size. Have a polka dot dark wash pair now.

2) The chambray top - Don't have one yet. I would actually love something along the lines of this.

3) The sexy, skimming the ground flare jean - I have wanted a pair of these forever but haven't found the right pair yet. Anyone know what brand these are?

4) The perfect white blouse - I used to collect these in tuxedo style. Still have my favorite one but it's still a tad too snug :-\ Waiting until my goal weight to see if it will fit before getting a new one.

5) The striped long sleeve - Love these! My old favorite has been retired to a sleep shirt after some wear tears but just bought a new one to replace it :-)

6) A black boyfriend blazer - Getting back into rocking blazers and in the market for a solid black one.

7) A pair of colored jeans - Recently bought a really springy coral colored pair. Updated them with some pretty lace too. DIY coming soon :-)

8) The LBD - it seems I have one of these in every size and occasion. My current go-to one has a pretty bodice ruffle detail and touch of lace.

9) The sexy leather (or in my case, minus-the-leather) jacket - Just got a new one of these in green :-)

10) A tweed jacket - Got one of these in a fun pink color with contrasting patterned lining. It's still a little snug but should be the perfect fit for next fall.

11) A jean jacket - Used to have a favorite one but have never replaced it since it retired. Might have to keep my eyes peeled for a new one.

12) A pair of cut off denim shorts - Not so much :-\ I am not a shorts girl but I would substitute this for a knee length denim skirt. I need to replace my favorite turquoise one that is getting way too loose.

13) A patterned skirt - I have a lot of skirts but this item reminds me of a really comfy black and white one I upcycled during 30.30.30.

14) The perfect white tee-shirt - Need to find one that is thick enough that I won't need a cami under it to hide my bra.

15) A great day dress - I have this amazing rayon maxi dress that I love for long service days or comfy days out.

16) A big chunky sweater - Not a fan of the added bulk of chunky sweaters on curvy frames. I'd much rather stick to light cardigans thank you very much.

17) A striped blazer - Mine isn't striped but I got this great paisley print one that is due back from the cleaners :-)

18) Black skinny jeans - Don't have the jeans but just got a pair of pants that are like a thicker legging.

19) A crew neck sweater - Actually just dug out a couple of my "skinny" sweater tops. They are short and 3/4 sleeved for Texas weather versatility and solid to go with more outfits :-)

20) The “I’m sexy and I know it” dress - This year's Memorial peplum dress fits this description. I love how skinny I feel in it :-)

21) A pencil skirt - I had several of these but I anticipate them being too loose soon so I may be in the market for a new one.

22) A pea coat jacket - Mine is a little longer than "pea" and is purple but I love it and it's totally me! :-)

23) A “fun” winter jacket - Winter is such a relative term down here. My most frequently worn coat is my hot pink trench that can finally button again and always earns many compliments :-)

24) Lets talk boobs. You need a strapless nude bra - Definitely need one of these. A good strapless bra has been an impossible quest for my full-figure girls :-\

25) A seductive bra - Not so much on the seductive side but I have finally found the best bras for me and stocked up on an arm load full of them :-)

26) The no-show underwear - Underwear in general is a sore spot for me right now. Since I've been in a transition of sizes, none of my old ones fit and I can't find a style/cut I am happy with. Hi-rise ride to high now since my belly is smaller but every thing else seems to cut in the most unflattering way on my tummy :-\

The Accessories

27) A black thin waist belt - I have actually been reconsidering my stance on belts here lately so I might need to keep an eye out for one of these.

28) A nude belt - I'm gonna just start with the black one for now.

29) A big (floppy) hat - I used to be a big time hat person until I had to start wearing my glasses (instead of contacts) 90% of the time. Now I find only knit beanies or headbands look cute with them.

30)A great pair of gloves - I love my vintage estate sale pair! From now on I will only go vintage since lady's hands were smaller back then and they actually fit me ;-)

31) An infinity scarf - Yes! Absolutely love the one I made last winter :-)

32) A red handbag - There was a time when I would only sport red purses. I've gotten away from that the last few years but I might have to consider picking another one up :-)

33) A black or nude tote - I don't use dainty purses but something more along the lines of small luggage. So I can usually fit everything I need or pick up in my bag. Plus I have tons of reusable totes for anything extra.

34) A cross body bag - I need a new one! I've had several different ones over the years but really could stand to get a nice new one. Actually on second thought, if I could find my old Kenneth Cole black leather one, I would be set. Wonder where that is stashed? :-\

35) A clutch - I have a couple but I am much more into the wristlet wallet these days that can also hold my phone. I'm really wanting one that has a long strap that I can wear cross body when shopping. Maybe something like this one?

36) The perfect watch - I go through phases of wearing and not wearing a watch. I definitely need a new one and am still digging the white style from a couple years ago.

37) Stackable rings - I actually have a long-term goal involving stackable rings. I want to get a thin micro pave band for each child we conceive and then wear them all stacked together :-)

38) A pair of diamond studs - I love me some diamond studs and have a couple pairs. But no matter what I do, I just can't wear earrings. It doesn't matter the metal, after 30 mins I get the most mind-splitting headache that I have to take them off. I'd really like to find a clip on pair I could wear though.

39) Pearl studs - see above.

40) A chain necklace - I have the perfect vintage one that an old "old lady" friend gave me. I love wearing it with other long chains, doubling it for a shorter look, or wearing it long and solo :-)

41) Layerable bracelets - I have a whole collection of these that I break out from time to time.

42) Sunglasses - Despite being very cheap when it comes to my sunglasses because I always lose them, I am also very particular. They have to be oversized. Like cover my eyebrows big. And they have to have true black tinted lenses. No color, no brown or I'll get a headache. And I especially love a white frame :-)

43) A major cocktail ring - I have this great chunky 70's gold and garnet number my Grandma gave me as a little girl. I love busting it out from time to time.

The Shoes

44) The black pump - I found a great pair last year. I had the same amazing pair for like 7 years until they finally wore out. But I like my new ones nearly as much. They have a cute rounded toe (timeless to me) with a wedge heel.

45) The “oh-so boho” chunky wooden platform - These are my absolute favorite pair of dress shoes (my sweater clogs win in all around)! They are the perfect blend of strappy and chunky with top straps in varying shades of brown so they go with everything.

46) Strappy Sandals - While I have lots of sandals, there's only one pair that is truly strappy. It's all white and by Carlos and not practical at all but oh so cute.

47) The ankle bootie - I hate most ankle booties. There have been a few exceptions but they lean more to the chunky wedge side anyways. So needless to say not a player in my wardrobe but I would be open to a pair like these.

48) The black (knee-high) boot - I have been absolutely dying for a pair of these but can't justify the expense when the actual use I'd get out of them is so little. It will be a must-have when ever we move North.

49) The ballet flat - While I have flats, I'm lacking in the trendy ballet category. I have a friend with a totally enviable collection that always makes me want to run out and buy more even though my feet like to breathe.

50) The nude heel (or wedge for more casual lifestyles) - Definitely want one of these. I'd like a patent pump but it hasn't been a huge rush since my aforementioned chunky sandals read as nude on my tanned skin ;-)

Sprucing up Store-bought Spaghetti Sauce

2013-04-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

So a couple weeks ago, I was able to snag a great deal on Reduce-Fat Ground Pork and Prego Jarred Spaghetti Sauce. I know some people are very picky about their spaghetti sauce but I'm not. That's not to say that I don't think some taste better than others. It's just that no matter what brand I buy I always add my own flavoring to spruce things up.
The other day when I was heating up a batch I decided to take photos to share my process.
The basics are that while heating up the sauce, I add in the following seasonings:

Fresh Ground Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Oregano
Garlic Salt

There is no real science for the quantities of each. I just add to taste. But the real key ingredient here is the Garlic Salt.

We picked up this blend by Lawry's from Sam's and love the dash of Parsley that it includes. I add this stuff to almost everything I make.

Once the sauce it warmed through, I just pour it over my favorite pasta. You can optionally add mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and your fave ground meat.
I'll be sharing soon how I've been turning that ground pork I scored into Italian sausage Spoiler alert! It's all in the seasoning ;)

Borderlands {April 26}

2013-04-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Down the road from us is a giant wind energy farm. It is amazing and the windmills are so beautiful! One day we took a drive out to it, and pulled up underneath one of them. The amount of wind and loud roar they generate is truly unbelievable. I felt like I could literally fly away. It is even cooler at night since they have these blinking lights that are all synchronized. It's kinda eerie to look over while driving down the highway to see hundreds of red lights blinking simultaneously. But I love living in an area that has embrace renewable energy.

Borderlands is an ongoing photography project that features anecdotes from our life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Commissioning Custom Art for only $5

2013-04-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Photo by Alondra Andrade

So I did it... I commissioned a piece of art representing me and Luke. And no, it's not a piece by Vittoria Volovik. Although I still want one and am holding the door open on that.
Actually this was a spur of the moment unresearched purchase that only cost me $5. Yes $5. I still can't believe that one! O_O
A couple weeks ago, I read about Fiverr in an article on WiseBread. While they were talking about offering a service for $5 on there, I thought it was worth a look to see what I could get for only $5. That's when I came across user Malkinatan aka Natan Malki. He is offering custom watercolor drawings for only $5. You can send him any photo and he'll send you back a scanned copy of his sketch. At $5 I figured it was a worth a shot!
I decided to send him this photo of me and Luke.

It was taken during our 2nd Anniversary shoot and I love that it features a sunflower which was not only our wedding flowers but always makes me smile.
Well less than 24 hrs later, Natan had sent me this...

I absolutely love it! It is such a beautiful piece of art to add to my collection. And I still can't believe it was only $5. I plan to print it using my Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper which will make it look so nice and professional! Totally worth the $5!
I loved his work so much that I am commissioning several more pieces from him because I just can't resist the quality of work for the price. If you've ever wanted a custom watercolor piece, Natan is your guy!

Borderlands {April 19}

2013-04-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

When we first moved to the Valley in 2007, it was reported that 1 in 6 people here are involved in drug trafficking. Talk about feeling like a sheltered teen at that time. As the years have passed, conditions have gotten worse and more blatant. And to a point we have become desensitized. We still notice it but we usually have to just keep your heads down and continue about our business since it is just a way of life for so many.

Borderlands is an ongoing photography project that features anecdotes from our life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Treat Yo' Self: April

2013-04-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

{source}

I've seen various bloggers compile a wishlist of things they have been wanting for each month. I like this idea because it means I can share things I love that I probably would never shell out the money on for myself. I decided to name this series after one of the best episodes of Parks & Recreation.

April is all about Spring down here. It's starting to get hot again (we are already in the 80's and 90's folks!), the sun is always out, and stuff is turning green again (well not everything since we are in a drought too). So I wanted to fill my list with things that celebrate the new season and warmer weather.

White retro rouched one piece swimsuit made to order - I absolutely love this retro feminine swimsuit. It makes me so happy that the vintage style suits have come back and I really want one for this summer.
Audrey Hepburn Fine Art Print Pencil Drawing Portrait - I would love to add this drawing to my art collection. Ileana Hunter is amazing at creating photo quality portraits!
hair art - bun print - "Top Knot 16" giclee print - I've been noticing myself gravitate towards art of redheaded ladies. Maybe it can be a mini collection off my main one.
ASOS Bandeau Maxi Dress - I have been really wanting a nice maxi dress and a new simple LBD. This one seems perfect for both. My only complaint is I wish it had straps :-/
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens - I have been coveting this lens for so long. I big part of me has been strongly considering getting it to use on our trip. Haven't fully justified it yet...
EZC Playing Cards - These cards would be absolutely perfect to add to my collection. I love how they serve an intentional function (for seeing-impaired) but feature cool design too.
My Ideal Bookshelf - I want this coffee table book! It would look so cool in our cube shelf when it is finished :)
Yonanas 902 Ice Cream Treat Maker, Black/Silver - I love the idea of Banana Ice Cream and having a handy little machine to make it would be incredible.
High Waist Leather Skinny Leggings Pants Tights Full Treggings - I have always wanted a pair of "Grease" pants and probably will snag a pair of these when I reach my goal weight.

Twin Portraits

2013-04-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I took the 2 yo portraits of my friend, Jessica's, twins. It was a total blast to just follow them around and catch them at play. It took me a while to work my way through all 1300 shots and edit my faves but I absolutely love how they turned out.

While shooting, the cutest scene happened and I was so happy I could catch it on camera. I turned the series of shots into an animated gif and I absolutely love how it turned out!

This session also debuted a new format for my portrait sessions. I am now offering free sessions. Then I edit the best images and post them to an ordering/proofing site. That way clients can choose whether to buy a CD of all of the photos or just order prints of their favorite shots. I like this setup since it fits any budget and helps build and diversify my portfolio.
Let me know if you'd be interested in scheduling a session! :)

Borderlands {April 12}

2013-04-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

This was a neat little memento while cleaning the house one day. Our house used to be my great-grandparents so there is a lot of their things still lingering around. I was named after my great-grandma, Severina. Her name was originally Seberina but it got mixed up when she moved here from Mexico. It's amazing to live in an area where most people are immigrants themselves or only 1st or 2nd generation US nationals (like me on one side). In most parts of the country families have been rooted in the states for generations but here the influx of immigrants grows each year. And it has a huge bearing on the development of culture and customs in this part of Texas.

Borderlands is an ongoing photography project that features anecdotes from our life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Starting an Exercise Routine and Progress Update

2013-04-11T16:01:00.001-07:00

Me at 11 - one of the last time
I wore shorts since I still had toned legs

I used to be a dancer. Have I ever mentioned that? I did it for 4 years and loved it but quit when I was 11 and realized I wasn't good enough or liked it enough to be a professional and didn't want to waste my parents' money anymore. But I can easily say that was the healthiest time of my life. I exercised regularly every week and actually enjoyed doing it. And then I stopped.

I never enjoyed exercising again after that. I enjoyed dancing but I felt like a fool doing it by myself at home.
Well this week I decided to get over that. As part of my 101 in 1001, I wanted to get into the routine of exercising at least 10 mins 3 times a week. I know that isn't much but for Ms. Sedentary-me over her, that is a big deal.

The timing is perfect for me to start implementing this routine since we only have a couple more months before Europe and lots and lots of walking. In my current fitness condition, I know that there is no way I could handle all that so I need to get into shape fast.

I have decided to start by utilizing a little routine I have worked up. 3 times a week (preferably Tues, Wed, Fri) I will dance for 15 minutes. I am using this video to warm up and cool down. And using Pandora's Club/Dance station for my songs. I like it because each session is unique and it works out to only about 4 songs.

But even then I am exercising at a high intensity level since my heart rate has been in the 160/170's. That means diet-wise, I am burning 3 points worth every time I do my routine. The other benefit is that I have been feeling it help the aches and pains I get in my back and neck.

I have been tracking my sessions using the Simple Workout Log app. The name says it all and I like that it will help me track my progress.

Tomorrow will be my 3rd session for the week and will help me complete a successful first week of my routine. I am excited to incorporate this into my weekly schedule and make it a way of life.

Also I owe you guys a recent progress photo...

That is me a few weeks ago at 18 lbs down. I have since lost another 4 more and that dress no longer fits me. I will do another update photo after another 2 lbs when I'll be the same weight I was when I first started dieting at 17.

In My Mailbox: March

2013-04-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Purchased for Myself
Five // Nine

For Review via NetGalley

Ten

Borrowed from Library

One // Two // Three // Four // Six // Seven // Eight // Twelve // Thirteen

Swapped on PBS

Eleven // Fourteen

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

2013-04-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
Point; 1 edition (January 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0545240778
ISBN-13: 978-0545240772
288 pages
Ages 12+
Buy Here for $11.95
My Rating: 4/5
Summary from GoodReads: From the much-buzzed-about author of THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB (already blurbed by Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Myracle, and Jen Calonita), a prom-season delight of Jane Austen proportions.
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.
After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn't interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
Lizzie is happy about her friend's burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles's friend, Will Darcy, who's snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn't seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it's because her family doesn't have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk - so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

The Verdict: I really enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice retelling. While the plot was identical, I found the modern day twist to be quite refreshing. I have never been a big Mr. Darcy fan but he seemed more endearing in this book and Lizzie was more open with her flaws.

Being such a well known story, Prom and Prejudice is a very quick read that I was able to finish within a few hours. I like to read books like this between longer in depth ones since they make fun little breaks. Kinda like sappy made for TV romcom.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book and will be looking for more from this author :-)

Purchase History: March 2013

2013-04-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

I feel a little late in writing this but I finally had a chance to sit down and log everything I bought in March. I picked up several clothing items in smaller sizes since I have lost 22 lbs and most of my old favorite clothes no longer fit. Kinda a bittersweet feeling.

Also worked on adding items to our Evacuation Kit and I snagged some note cards for super cheap at Target since I'm trying to get better about sending thank you's and paper correspondence.

LifeStraw from Bass Pro // Stove in a Can Fuel Cell from Bass Pro // Stove in a Can Overnighter from Bass Pro // Waterproof Match Box from Bass Pro // Waterproof Matches from Bass Pro // Waterproof Fire Sticks from Bass Pro // The Premium Designer Freebie Bundle from StackSocial // Croft & Barrow Cardigan from Kohl's // Elle Gray Sequined Crop Jacket from Kohl's // Elle Green Leather Jacket from Kohl's // Lee Polka Dot Printed Jeans from Kohl's // AB Studio Pintuck Peplum Dress from Kohl's // Mara Mi thank you cards from Target // Mara Mi note cards from Target // Greenroom note cards from Target // IPod FM transmitter and charger from Amazon // 4 pairs Apt. 9 tights from Kohl's // Zipper binder for couponing from Target // Black & Pink Dress from Thrift City // Coral Jacquard Fabric from Joann's // (2) A4 Prints (Indecisive & Moby Dick) from Rachel Corcoran // (2) Layering Camis from American Eagle // Retro Camera from Google Play Store

Borderlands {April 5}

2013-04-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest things about living so close to the border is how regularly we get to cross over. Even for little things like grabbing a snack of Elotes :) Whenever my family goes, we walk across since it is safer against carjackings and avoids the traffic of crossing back. I love the walk across the bridge and can't help but stop to "stand in two places at once" every single time.

Borderlands is an ongoing photography project that features anecdotes from our life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Blog, Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho

2013-04-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

Blog, Inc.: Blogging for Passion, Profit, and to Create Community by Joy Deangdeelert Cho
Chronicle Books (September 19, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1452107203
ISBN-13: 978-1452107202
184 pages
All Ages
Buy Here for $11.53
My Rating: 4/5
Summary from GoodReads: With roughly 95,000 blogs launched worldwide every 24 hours (BlogPulse), making a fledgling site stand out isn't easy. This authoritative handbook gives creative hopefuls a leg up. Joy Cho, of the award-winning Oh Joy!, offers expert advice on starting and growing a blog, from design and finance to overcoming blogger's block, attracting readers, and more. With a foreword from Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge plus expert interviews, this book will fine-tune what the next generation of bloggers shares with the world.
Learn how to: - Design your site
- Choose the right platform
- Attract a fan base
- Finance your blog
- Maintain work/life balance
- Manage comments
- Find content inspiration
- Overcome blogger's block
- Choose the right ads
- Develop a voice
- Protect your work
- Create a media kit
- Leverage your social network
- Take better photographs
- Set up an affiliate program
- Partner with sponsors
- Build community
- Go full-time with your blog
- And more!

The Verdict: As a long time blogger, I wasn't sure how much I would learn form this book. But I am a firm believer that there is always more to learn and as creative professionals we should always admit that we learn from our peers. While I'm really happy with the state of my blog these days, it is not prefect so what little tid bits can I learn to make it better.

Since Blog, Inc is part of the Inc series of books that I have enjoyed so much, I figured it was the perfect book to turn to for blog inspiration. While most of the info in it was not new to me, it definitely lit a spark under my butt and got my creative juices flowing on a bunch of new blog ideas. Plus I did learn some exciting things like...

Expensing items bought for posts and review on my blog
Writing a business plan for my blog
Creating a Media Kit to sell ad space and sponsorship

Plus I loved what a fast read this was. I was able to finish it in a day and while it might not have been mind-blowing informative to me, I think it is a great book for anyone just considering or breaking into blogging. It isn't super detailed but provides a nice broad over-view of blogging for newbies.

Can't wait to read the next book in the Inc series, Mom, Inc.