Gabriella Hewitt

Demons Out! Luck In!

Happy Setsubun! You are probably wondering what I am talking about, so let me explain. One of the beautiful things about living or being exposed to another culture are all that various festivals that often revolve around ancient practices, legends or mythologies.

February 2nd is Setsubun in Japan. Think of it as the day before Spring officially starts (regardless of the weather or Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction). In the past, when Japan followed a lunar calendar (like the Chinese calendar) the start of spring often coincided with the start of a new year. So, Setsubun became something of a New Year’s … Read More »

Wicked Wednesday – Dwayne Johnson

THE ROCK! Totally ripped and delicious. He is one of my favorite Asian fusion dishes.

There is something about him and his witty talk and brillant smile with that cute dimple.

Rocking tattoo and bulging biceps are a nice touch, too.

Not only can the man pull off a pair of tight speedos complemented with a big gold belt

but he also looks fabulous in a tutu;)

There is no doubt he will be absoloutely adorable and gorgeous in his latest venture, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. … Read More »

Nada Surf — Waiting for Something

Waiting for Something is the title of a song on Nada Surf’s latest album, The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy. Waiting for something is exactly how I feel at the moment. I’ve been in a bit of a funk that I really can’t explain. Things seem to be flying at me from several directions, but rather than bounce back or hit back, I seem to be absorbing the blows and simply waiting…waiting for something.

Nada Surf has been around since the nineties with their brand of alternative guitar-based rock. There’s a quote in Wikipedia about how the group got it’s … Read More »

Happy Australia Day!

Okay, so it’s one day late. Technically, yesterday was Australia’s Day to celebrate. But, I say it’s never too late to join the party.

My great-grandmother was born to a French woman and an unknown father in New York City (at least that’s what Nana always told me). My French great-great-grandmother married an Australian widower with children when my great-grandmother was still an infant. He took them back to Australia. This was turn of the 20th century. Can you imagine what Australia must have been like at that time? Nana studied ballet and singing in Sydney and when she was … Read More »

Wicked Wednesday – Ryan Gosling

Sweet and sexy, Ryan Gosling is an adorable hottie. This baby faced actor has taken on some compelling roles like The Ides of March and Blue Valentine. His latest endeavour is a bit fluffy but if you are into sport cars and muscle head men like I am then you are probably going to love Ryan in Drive.

Ryan is best known for his part in Ides of March and Murder by Numbers. Both, men and women agree that Ryan is a crowd pleaser.

What do you think? Agree or disagree?

Oh, who the hell cares! Just checkout his rockin’ … Read More »

Happy Chinese New Year!

I have such wonderful memories of going to downtown Chinatown in NYC to watch the parade. I loved to stay late and watch the fireworks and the dancing dragons, best of all I loved eating the cuisine, which looks nothing like the stuff you get at the local Chinese fastfood restaurant. Tastes so damn good!

It is the Year of the Dragon, it is a lucky sign to be born under. My hubby is a dragon and I can say he is one of the luckiest men I know because he married me;)

Check out this cool video explaining the … Read More »

Chocolate Mexicana Picante– Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate

We’re in mid-January and the temperatures are dropping. For those cold winter evenings, the best is snuggling up with someone you love, but a good second choice is a hot steaming cup of chocolate.

Did you know the word chocolate is said to come from the Mayan word xocoatl; the word cocoa from the Aztec word cacahuatl? In addition, the Mexican Indian word chocolat comes from the words choco, meaning “foam” and atl, meaning “water.” I so love to research, and with my Shadow Warriors series focusing on Aztec mythology, I run across all kinds of … Read More »

Wicked Wednesday – Jordy Nelson

Today I choose Jordy Nelson. A sweet farming boy done good, he has made it to the Superbowl and this year is leading the Green Bay Packers with some serious moves.

His adorable face and humble demeanor definitly has won me over.

His cute little backside isn’t too bad either. Totally would be like the guy behind him grabbing for his rear

Awww…how sweet. Now imagining it is me instead of the trophy. ((SIGH))

The best part is that he really is a simple hometown boy who knows how to cook and tend cows. Now that’s a man! Read more … Read More »

Got $7 Million to $11 Million to Spare?

We are so spoiled by technology. Seriously. E-readers have come out and now we expect books to be as low as .99 cents. Why not? No paper. No wherehousing. No shelves. It’s an age of instant demand.

Go back 200 years ago before mass market production, where books were a luxury and where many simply could not read. During that age, French-American ornithologist and naturalist, John James Audubon printed his work in a series of books titled The Birds of America. What makes this work stand out is that this four volume set is each three feet tall and … Read More »

World Bodypainting Festival

Did you know there’s a World Bodypainting Festival? Me? Didn’t have a clue. Not until I stumbled across photos on Flipboard on my iPhone. (Talk about an awesome app.) Anyway, being the curious person that I am, I did a little research and came away amazed.

The festival hasn’t been around that long, having gotten its start in 1998. Alex Barendregt was working for a local travel agency in Austria when he was put in charge of organizing a festival for the town of Seeboden. He had read something about bodypainting and thought it might be just the thing. It … Read More »