tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79381034614937067822023-11-16T03:33:03.214-08:00masika waBits of My LifeMarikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08753977090799687855noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-89452011163996139922013-01-29T22:17:00.001-08:002013-01-29T22:17:33.490-08:00Compliments and CochellaWhat an pleasantly odd day today was. I spent all day shopping for a
client with one of my co-workers. It was so much fun! We went crazy and
basically filled my co-worker's Jeep Cherokee to the top with pillows,
vases, art and other nick-knacks for the installation tomorrow. <br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
Something weird happened to me while I was at Home Goods though. <br />My
co-worker was talking to our boss on the phone and I was left in charge
of our cart. I was following her down an aisle when this employee walks
up to me. He stood there looking at me and instead of asking me if I
was finding everything ok (like I expected him to), he asks me if I'm
Canadian. At first I didn't think I heard him right but he asked me
again and I answered, "Nooo.... I'm American..." I must have looked like
a total douche in my confusion, but he sweetly and nervously replied,
"Well you look wonderful." <br />I felt so bad! I said thank you and awkwardly maneuvered the cart away. <br />I'm
such a dummy sometimes. So if that kid is reading this, seriously,
thank you for the compliment. You really did make my morning. <br />
<br />
In
other news, anyone going to Cochella? By some miracle, Alex scored us
some tickets for week two and I cannot be more excited! Tegan and Sarah,
Modest Mouse, Vampire Weekend, RHCP... Woo!<br />You going?marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-52244970677460034232013-01-20T02:10:00.001-08:002013-01-20T02:10:37.769-08:002012 AwardsI may be 20 days late, but I was on my Myspace account (what's that?!?!) and found a blog post for the 2008 awards and decided it's something I should do each year to remember the highs and lows. So. Direct to you, courtesy of old myspace posts, I present to you: The 2012 awards. <br />
<br />
1. Drinking Buddy of the Year: Alex. We spend most of our time together so it's only natural that we <i>mix</i> in a few drinks here and there. har-har-har<br />
<br />
2. Lifetime Service Award (longest friend): Well the lifetime award would have to go to my bff Marie. We've known each other since Kindergarten and still hang out.<br />
<br />
3. New Comer Award: My newest friend of 2012 would have to be my new co-worker Kati. She's super sweet and very good at her job. Definitely someone I look forward to working with more and learning from.<br />
<br />
4. High Point of the year Award: When Alex proposed. D'aw! I've always known that we would be together forever. It's nice that he finally put a ring on it though... lol<br />
<br />
5. Low Point of the year Award: Losing my job back in January right before my birthday. Didn't think 2012 would amount to much at that point.<br />
<br />
6. Best Holiday of the year: New Years Eve. I was actually home for once and was able to spend it with great friends and family.<br />
<br />
7. Favorite Song for 2012: I'm going to say Scream and Shout by Will.I.Am feat. Britney Spears because I can't get enough of British Britney and Alex gets soooo annoyed when I sing it to him.<br />
But if we are going to do a serious song... I'll go with Tegan and Sara's Closer. I can't wait for the 29th when their new album comes out!<br />
<br />
8. Favorite Movie for 2012: I loved Looper, The Avengers, Ted, Hunger Games.... and uh... many more? lol<br />
<br />
9. Restaurant of the Year: Probably Boudin Bakery because I went there twice in 2012. The first time was the weekend before I lost my job and the second time was the day Alex proposed.<br />
<br />
10. Game of the Year: If we're talking board games, I'll go with Settlers of Catan. Yo, you got sum wheat?<br />
<br />
11. Best Decision Made This Year: Applying for another job. I'm heading in the right direction now.<br />
<br />
12. Plans for 2013: Gettin' hitched and having a great time planning it with Alex.<br />
<br />
13. Stupidest Idea When Drunk Award: Making a podcast called "Let's Get Drunk and Play with Your Mic!"<br />
<br />
14. TV Show of the Year: The X-Files. Never got into it as a child because, well... it was terrifying! But now I love Scully and Mulder.<br />
<br />
15. Biggest Change of the Year Award: Goes to my relationship status and job title<br />
<br />
16. New Year Resolution: Grow into a more mature version of myself by way of clothing and attitude. Be better than last year, take more photos and keep learning.<br />
<br />
17. Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Well getting engaged (obviously!) but I'll add in: going to the Drink and Drag on Fremont Street in Vegas, my friend winning $100 at the slots, going to my very first client meeting, and moving back into my parents house for three weeks while switching apartments.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading and thank you 2012 for being so delightful. marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-25037184271959007572013-01-05T00:18:00.002-08:002013-01-05T00:18:50.645-08:00Happy New Year!Hello, I'm back! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and New Year! I know I did! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8348023875/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=". by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8348023875_880eb0d2bf.jpg" height="500" width="353" /></a></div>
21 days after our 4 year anniversary and 4 days before I left for Christmas in Denver, Alex asked me to marry him! I was not expecting him to propose (even though we've been talking about it for a while) but it was definitely an awesome surprise! And great timing too because as Alex put it, he could not send me all the way to my grandma's house without a ring! Almost every Sunday for the past year or so, Bubba would ask me when we were getting engaged and all I could say was, "Ask Alex!" <br />
Needless to say, Bubba and the rest of my family were incredibly happy for us. During my vacation, Bubba kept saying, "See! I yipped at you on Sunday and Alex proposed a week later!" So thank you Bubba, for inspiring Alex to propose. :)<br />
Alex's family was on a whole other level of excitement about the news! We went to his grandparents' house for his family's Christmas celebration after I came back from Denver. As we pulled up the drive way, Alex's whole family came rushing out of the house with a video camera singing "Here Comes the Bride" and greeted us with hugs, kisses and congratulations. It was really awesome and such a great way to be welcomed into the family. <br />
<br />
Anywho, getting engaged: a great way to end a year that started out super crappy.<br />
I have a lot to be thankful for in 2012. I got out of a job that wasn't fulfilling, interned for an architect, got hired as a designer for an interior designer/general contractor and got engaged to my very best friend. I'm really excited for what 2013 has in store for us. On to the wedding planning!!!marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-18943088927388079122012-12-11T22:36:00.001-08:002012-12-11T22:36:26.894-08:00Christmas Decorating!Alex and I are huge fans of the Christmas Spirit. We love the lights, the ornaments, the egg nog... you name it, we like it. We are also the type of people who buy our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Here is our apartment's transformation over the Thanksgiving weekend.<br />
<br />
Here is our messy living room before:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8262035686/" title="IMG_6122 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6122" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8262035686_81765741a8.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
We headed to a little Chirstmas tree lot by our house. They had cheap trees, free delivery and we were helping out a little boy scout troop. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8260970005/" title="IMG_6123 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6123" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8260970005_17cfc3bc06.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
After a stroll around the lot, we found our tree. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8260977387/" title="IMG_6127 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6127" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8260977387_ded5372d97.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />
<br />
After the awesome boy scouts lugged the tree up to our apartment, we threw on the lights and ornaments and the room started to glow. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8259486353/" title="IMG_6142 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6142" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8259486353_7036622b2f.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
But that's not all... we decorated our mantle* too! Christmas mantle!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8262114840/" title="IMG_6067 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6067" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8262114840_0d6bd54cfb.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
We weren't sure if we were allowed to put lights up outside**, but we figured it's better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8260566322/" title="IMG_6130 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6130" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8260566322_aaca2d14e4.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a> <br />
<br />
* Thanks to my mom for letting me use her decorations! She doesn't use them too much anymore and has an excellent collection of little Santas and vintage glass ornaments.<br />
** We received a newsletter from the complex that said it's OK to decorate so... woo hoo! <br />
<br />
Happy Holidays everybody!marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-71572844839616027712012-12-09T23:30:00.001-08:002012-12-09T23:32:11.859-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8259478477/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Paint chip heaven at Benjamin Moore in the San Francisco Design Center by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="Paint chip heaven at Benjamin Moore in the San Francisco Design Center" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8259478477_197397936d.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a></div>
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Let me tell you about the exciting week I had at work! </div>
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Alex and I got our Christmas tree (more on that later) last Sunday and my computer somehow stopped working in the process of moving it from the living room to the kitchen. It eventually started working again but my boss's husband M wanted to take a look at it anyway to make sure it really was OK. He didn't find anything wrong with it but as soon as I brought it home, it decided to stop working again. The computer is back with him again and I'm working from my laptop now. </div>
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Aaanywho, on Wednesday, my boss J, my co-worker K, and I met up at 7:00 am in Napa and drove down to San Francisco to the Design Center. We attended a networking breakfast and watched a presentation by an architect named Andrew Skurman. He is a renowned architect that specializes in Classical architecture and recently published a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Classical-Architecture-Andrew-Skurman/dp/1616890886/ref=la_B008VGQ0FO_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352760020&sr=1-1" target="_blank">book</a>! He's a very interesting guy and his work is amazing. It was kind of intimidating to be in the same room with such an accomplished person. </div>
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After the breakfast, J and K took me around the different show rooms at the design center to pick up samples and look for pieces for our current clients. K was such a pro at the design center. We were zipping in and out of show rooms grabbing this and that. I told her how impressed I was with her knowledge of the place and she just laughed saying that there was about two months during the summer where she would make weekly trips to the SFDC. I wonder if that responsibility will be in my hands in the future? </div>
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The photo above is one I quickly took at the Benjamin Moore show room... I mean look at it! You wonder how many other ways there are to present paint chips besides what you see at hardware stores. I just love how they've stepped it up with the flooring and lighting. So clean and beautiful and anti-hardware store.</div>
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On Thursday morning, I was back in the office working on some last minute drawings for a meeting we had later that day. The project is a master bathroom remodel for a guy who loves the rich Tuscan look. We had three designs to show him, one of which I had a lot of influence with. J had told me what she was looking for but pretty much let me at it. I found a really nice vanity for the client and added some arches here and there in the interior. He liked all of the designs but his face really lit up when he saw what I came up with and chose to go in that direction. I don't want to say that I "designed" it, I was only following direction but it was still exciting having someone want something that I put together. All in all, my first official client meeting was a success! I can't wait to see what comes up this week. </div>
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marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-28386530690486467072012-12-09T22:16:00.001-08:002012-12-09T22:16:16.885-08:00Five Senses: Sunday Night Edition Seeing: Photos "uploading" on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/" target="_blank">flickr</a>. My internet doesn't like uploading photos while Alex games and I try to watch Netflix. <br />
<br />
Tasting: Popcorn. My favorite snack food.<br />
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Hearing: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYtGl1dX5qI" target="_blank">"Scream and Shout"</a> by Will.i.am featuring Britney Spears. I absolutely hated it the first time I heard it on TV but it has evolved into my guilty pleasure. I can't get enough of British Britney!<br />
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Smelling: Apple Cinnamon Glade Candle. Makes my house feel cozy...<br />
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Touching: 24x36 Building plans. Getting ready for Monday at work!<br />
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<br />marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-68169792065533176652012-11-30T00:26:00.001-08:002012-11-30T00:26:37.823-08:00TGIF! Tomorrow marks the completion of my first 40 hour work week in... <b>eleven months</b>!<br />
Can you believe that? My body is in shock!<br />
Alex laughed at me when I mentioned that because not too long ago he was working about 60 hour work weeks. <br />
The new job has been good! My boss is trying to make a space for me at the office so that we can all be in one location. Sounds like my sleepy chic work-from-home days may be numbered. I'm pretty excited for that though because there is so much to learn from those ladies. However, I must admit that I will miss going to my mom's house to eat lunch and watch Days of Our Lives. <br />
<br />
Next week is going to be pretty busy. On Wednesday we are heading down to San Francisco to hear a talk about windows and then do some shopping for a client and on Thursday I will attend my very first client meeting to go over a design that I've been working on.<br />
I can't even tell you guys how excited I am about this job. To think just last year I was sitting in my cubicle at my old-old job, drawing pipe supports and wondering when/how I would ever get into interior design. Now, after five months of unemployment and another five months interning, I'm finally heading in the right direction. I know this is just the beginning, but it's so nice to see my hard work finally paying off. <br />
<br />marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-31436861290370008982012-11-21T00:12:00.000-08:002012-11-21T00:12:27.207-08:00Paleo Pumpkin Pie!Thanksgiving is here! My favorite holiday. I always look forward to the long weekend to spend with friends and family, to eat absurd amounts of food and to celebrate Alex's and my anniversary (sorry, had to throw that in there).<br />
<br />
My absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving is dessert and in my house we usually have pumpkin pie. Since my family and I have started eating Paleo, we've been a bit worried about the upcoming festivities. It will be a "free day" for us but I thought this would be a great opportunity to try out another paleo recipe.<br />
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This past weekend, I did a bit of research and found a couple of paleo pumpkin pie recipes to combine into the easiest and tastiest recipe for me to create.<br />
Here is what I came up with and it is awesome!<br />
<br />
Last month I made a <a href="http://masikawa.blogspot.com/2012/10/paleo-apple-pie_15.html" target="_blank">paleo apple pie</a> and really enjoyed the crust and decided to use that recipe for this pie too. The crust is not only easy to make, it is super tasty.<br />
<br />
<b>For the crust you will need:</b><br />
9 eggs (room temperature)<br />
3/4 cup of honey<br />
1 cup of coconut oil (heated to liquify)<br />
2 cups coconut flour (amount varies) <br />
<i>(This actually made enough dough for two pies, which was the amount I needed but you can cut the proportions if you want)</i><br />
<br />
-Preheat oven to 350.<br />
-Put eggs, honey, and coconut oil in the food processor and pulse until
smooth. Mix in the
flour a little bit at a time until it looks like dough.<br />
-Grease a 9 inch pie pan with coconut oil and then press the dough into the pan evenly to cover the bottom and the sides.<br />
<br />
I found a very simple pumpkin filling recipe from Ann over at <a href="http://twelve-in-twelve.com/2012/10/everyday-paleo-pumpkin-pie-recipe/" target="_blank">Twelve in Twelve</a><b>. </b>Ann found the recipe at the <a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/2010/11/15/thanksgiving-recipes-and-everyday-paleo-pumpkin-pie-cooking-demo/" target="_blank">Everyday Paleo blog</a>. Ann gave it good reviews and Everyday Paleo is a reliable source... so it was good enough for me to try!<br />
<br />
<b>For the Filling you will need: </b><br />
1 – 14oz can of organic pumpkin puree (nothing added, just pumpkin) <i></i><br />
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon -<i>I will actually be doubling the amount for my next pie because the cinnamon wasn't strong enough for me or my taste testers.</i><br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves<i></i><br />
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger <i>-I didn’t include the ginger and the pie was just fine without it.</i><br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 cup raw organic honey<br />
1/2 cup coconut milk -<i>I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk because that's what I had on hand.</i><br />
<br />
While the crust is in the oven, whisk all of the pie filling
ingredients together. Pour into the crust that has been baked for 10
minutes, return to the oven and bake for and additional 45 minutes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8205470110/" title="IMG_6053 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6053" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8205470110_c52e4693aa.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
I'm pretty sure my oven is the original that was installed in this
apartment back in the 80's so it's a little wonky. I baked my crust for
10 minutes before pouring in the filling and then baked it for an
additional 45 minutes but the pie would not set.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8205473360/" title="IMG_6059 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6059" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8205473360_9d5d984335.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
I wound up baking it
for an hour and a half, which caused the edges of the to blacken but it didn't taste burnt. When I make it again for Thanksgiving, I will probably lower the temperature and keep a better eye on it.<br />
Overall, it tasted great! The filling was perfectly smooth but not too sweet. My parents didn't believe that it was paleo and were excited when I told them that I'm making another one for Thanksgiving day.<br />
As for Alex...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8205472448/" title="IMG_6058 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6058" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8205472448_5a72d94985.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
I think he liked it. ;)marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-49112020489075015402012-11-15T00:15:00.001-08:002012-11-15T00:15:32.904-08:00I'm Officially Working from Home!Back in January, I was laid off from my job as a drafter for a construction company. It was my first job after college and although it helped me pay bills and I enjoyed working there, it was not a job that I could see turning into a career. It was day in and day out of steel construction so you can imagine it got really boring for a girl who studied interior design in college. <br />
After being unemployed for five months, I was finally hired by a small architecture company in town as a part timer. I learned a lot from that job and I was especially grateful because it was my first design-related job. As much as I loved it, I was not working as many hours as I wanted and being an independent contractor, job security was an issue.<br />
Now, after working my first design-related job for the past five months and applying to countless firms and designers, I finally landed an interior design job! <br />
It was total luck and looks like a job that I can grow in to. I'm working for a design/build company in Napa as a CAD drafter. It's full time and the principal designer said that I will also have the opportunity to try my hand at designing as well! <br />
I'm super stoked and one of the perks is that I will be working from home. I've never had to work from home before and have already been warned by a number of people that I will soon be apart of the "I'm Never Getting Out of My Pajamas Today" club. In an effort to not end up dressing like a frump, I made this little "Sleepy Chic" outfit. Something cute but comfy. Something that I can throw on but not be embarrassed in if someone came knocking on the door. Cute, no?<br />
Welp, tomorrow is my first day...wish me luck!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/working_from_home/set?.embedder=2337049&.svc=blogger&id=63395446" target="_blank"><img alt="Working from Home" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/0foiLIUf9SUWIUMZz3qOHQ/cid/63395446/id/ijFC13gRTcqnIabScnFtxg/size/c600x524.jpg" force="1" height="524" title="Working from Home" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/working_from_home/set?.embedder=2337049&.svc=blogger&id=63395446" target="_blank">Working from Home</a> by <a href="http://masikawa.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2337049&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">masikawa</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cuffed_pants/shop?query=cuffed+pants" target="_blank">cuffed pants</a></small></div>
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<br />marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-36882558555735231212012-10-15T00:06:00.001-07:002012-10-15T00:06:38.102-07:00Paleo Apple Pie<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8080133152/" title="Paleo Apple Pie.ai by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="Paleo Apple Pie.ai" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8080133152_0de3de9c4e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
So it is Fall (kind of... it's just starting too cool down in the Bay Area) and after seeing <a href="http://soaphie.tumblr.com/post/33105379385" target="_blank">this post on tumblr</a>,
I decided that I wanted to bake an apple pie. My mom has an old tree in
her backyard that grows these delicious red apples and always gives me a
large bag of them to bring home.<br />
Since I am still on the 30 Day Paleo Challenge, I looked up a paleo friendly recipe online and man, did I score. This <a href="http://midlifearmywife.com/blog/2012/07/02/gluten-free-paleo-apple-pie/" target="_blank">recipe</a> is not only simple but it is delicious too (and gluten free)! I found it over on <a href="http://midlifearmywife.com/blog/2012/07/02/gluten-free-paleo-apple-pie/" target="_blank">Midlife Army Wife</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>For the filling you will need:</b><br />
10 apples – peeled, cored, and sliced<br />
1/2 cup raw honey<br />
1 tablespoon cinnamon<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8079982291/" title="IMG_5993 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5993" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8079982291_0dc3d0b449.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The recipe calls for 10 apples but I don't think I needed quite that many so I would say use 6-10 apples depending on the size that you have.<br />
Midlife Army Wife says, "Over medium heat, cook the filling ingredients until the sauce has
thickened and coats the apple slices. You want the apples to stay a bit
firm, or else they will end up too soft after baking. When thick,
remove from heat and set aside to cool while you work on the crust."<br />
<br />
<b>For the crust you will need:</b><br />
9 eggs (room temperature)<br />
3/4 cup of honey<br />
1 cup of coconut oil (heated to liquify)<br />
2 cups coconut flour (amount varies)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8079977021/" title="IMG_5996 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5996" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8079977021_db182496af.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Preheat oven to 350.<br />
Put eggs, honey, and coconut oil in the food processor and pulse until smooth. (I used a hand mixer and it worked out just fine.) Mix in the flour a little bit at a time until it looks like dough. Midlife Army Wife says, "If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to dry it out."<br />
Divide the dough into two halves, one for the bottom crust and one for the top.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8079968990/" title="IMG_5997 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5997" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8079968990_39cf16a523.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Grease a 9 inch pie pan with coconut oil and then press the dough into the pan evenly to cover the bottom and the sides.<br />
Fill the pan with your cooked cinnamon apples and then use the rest of the crust dough to cover the apples.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8079967234/" title="IMG_5998 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5998" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8079967234_b3b42cf11a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The dough was too delicate to roll out into one piece to cover the pie so instead, it is recommended to roll out smaller pieces and then place them together over the apples like a puzzle.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8079965774/" title="IMG_5999 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5999" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8079965774_a84fc6caf3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Bake the pie at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes and cover the edges of the pie with foil if they start to brown too much.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8079963934/" title="IMG_6013 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6013" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8079963934_14710faa8b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Midlife Army Wife recommended letting the pie cool over night before covering it. This will prevent the crust from becoming too soggy. I let mine cool over night and it was perfect the next morning.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/8079988099/" title="IMG_6009 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6009" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8079988099_5dbe8cce24.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The pie was delicious! It crust wasn't too sweet but if you took a bite of crust with a bite of the cinnamon apples, it was just right. I even heated a piece up in the morning and had it for breakfast.<br />
All of my taste-testers, my parents and my boyfriend, all enjoyed the pie. My mom even requested that I bring her more! There will probably be more apple pies in the near future because this baby is definitely a guilt-free treat! marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-25861460742822725942012-09-10T23:25:00.000-07:002012-09-10T23:25:14.089-07:00Paleo Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a major sweet tooth and since I eat mostly paleo, my beloved sweets have been cut out of my life. However, some awesome people in the paleo community have created paleo friendly recipes for sweets and other comfort foods so this weekend I decided to make cupcakes.<br />
You should note that even though these are technically alright to eat on the paleo diet, they are a once-in-a-while treat because they are still too sugary for you. <br />
I found the cupcake recipe at <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/paleo-chocolate-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Elana's Pantry</a> which also linked me to a <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/paleo-chocolate-frosting/" target="_blank">frosting recipe</a> as well. <br />
<br />
For the cupcakes you will need:<br />
<div class="ingredients">
<ul class="ingredients">
<li class="ingredient">¼ cup coconut flour</li>
<li class="ingredient">¼ cup cacao powder </li>
<li class="ingredient">¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt (I just used regular salt)</li>
<li class="ingredient">¼ teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient">4 eggs</li>
<li class="ingredient">¼ cup coconut oil</li>
<li class="ingredient">⅓ cup honey</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="instructions">
<ol class="instructions">
<li>Pulse together dry ingredients in a food processor<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B002I5DMTQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li>Pulse in wet ingredients</li>
<li>Line a muffin pan<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001RIY34I&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> with paper liners<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=elanaspantryc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000E8X118" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and scoop ¼ cup into each</li>
<li>Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes</li>
<li>Cool and serve</li>
</ol>
<div class="yield">
<span class="hrlabel"> Makes</span> <span class="hritem">8 perfectly moist cupcakes. My dad compared the flavor to an Almond Joy which is one of my favorite candy bars so, woo-hoo!</span></div>
<div class="yield">
<span class="hritem"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yield">
<span class="hritem">For the frosting:</span></div>
<div class="ingredients">
<ul class="ingredients">
<li class="ingredient">1 cup dark chocolate chips</li>
<li class="ingredient">⅓ cup coconut oil</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 tablespoon vanilla extract</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="instructions">
<ol class="instructions">
<li>In a small saucepan over very low heat, melt chocolate and coconut oil</li>
<li>Stir in vanilla extract</li>
<li>Place frosting in refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to thicken</li>
<li>Remove from refrigerator and whip frosting with a hand blender<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=elanaspantryc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0006G3JRO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> until thick and fluffy</li>
<li>Frost over Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes</li>
</ol>
You must, must, muuust refrigerate the frosting for 15-30 minutes. I forgot about the frosting and it just solidified to a giant sauce pan shaped chocolate bar so I had to reheat it to start over. I'm not too sure about the flavor of this frosting. No one else complained but I've never really been a fan of the coconut oil flavor and that was all that I picked up on while eating the frosting.<br />
<br />
All in all I would say there is barely any difference between these cupcakes and normal cupcakes. My three taste testers also approved them so I will say that this paleo recipe is here to stay!</div>
</div>
marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-13339021353788040142012-09-03T14:56:00.000-07:002012-09-03T14:56:44.711-07:00California Academy of Sciences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I wanted to do something fun this long weekend and I wanted to get out of the house. My first idea was to go down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium but after getting up too late on Saturday and then realizing that it takes almost 3 hours to drive down there, Alex came up with the great idea to spend the day at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco on Sunday.
I had not been to there since I was probably 12... way before the remodel so I was pretty excited to not only see the exhibits but to see all of the new renovations.
Here are a few pictures I took... in the 4 hours that we were there, I took almost 200 photos so you're pretty lucky that I could narrow it down to this many. There were just too many things to see there!
marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-31946499034575758512012-09-02T23:04:00.000-07:002012-09-02T23:04:03.743-07:00Candy Haul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Yesterday we bought candy. Lots of candy, which is unusual because for
the most part, we (and by we I <i>mostly</i> mean I - he still love his Honey Bunches of Oats) have given up processed foods. However, when I saw that
purple package of Choward’s Violet mints (the same one I’ve seen
floating around Tumblr) I knew I had to try them.<br />
<br />
Then I saw the Bon Bons. The same chewy goodness that I used to buy
from the French Club back in high school. How could I resist?<br />
<br />
Not wanting to feel left out, Alex picked out a candy too. <br />“Happy or fizzy cola?” he asked.<br />“Fizzy!”<br />
<br />
They may be empty calories but gosh dern-it, they are tasty. <br />
marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-20600086473929544382012-08-31T12:34:00.001-07:002012-08-31T12:34:15.530-07:00Weekend ProjectIt's Labor Day weekend! Woo-hoo! And since my boss is on an architectural pilgrimage to Chicago (she says you can't go to Architect Heaven without a voyage there), I have an extra long Labor Day weekend. What to do, what to do? I definitely have a lot of things to do... like today for example:<br />
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<br />
That's a pretty boring list (minus the Days of Our Lives action with my momma) and I want to do something fun and creative this weekend!<br />
Maybe you follow me on Instagram (@masikawa but probably not since I don't have too many followers on there). I recently posted a photo of my balcony at my new apartment:<br />
<br />
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It's a cute little space with a lot of potential (that little wind chime came with the apartment, haha). We've lived here for about a month and the balcony <i>still</i> looks the same. My plan is to spruce it up with some plants- probably succulents since those are <i>almost</i> Marika-proof, some seating, some lighting and something to hang on the wall.<br />
Lately, I've been seeing photos of sparkly garland floating around tumblr and pinterest. The most popular photo being of Emily Schuman's of <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/" target="_blank">Cupcakes and Cashmere</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/la/EmilySchuman_Image_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/la/EmilySchuman_Image_001.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/emily-schumans-modern-rustic-h-139001" target="_blank">(via Apartment Therapy)</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
That gorgeous garland comes from ConfettiSystem.com. It's a bit pricey for myself so I thought, "Why not do it yourself??" </div>
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After a bit (and by "a bit" I mean one Google search) I found a simple DIY-version of an outdoor friendly garland. </div>
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<a href="http://cdn4.blogs.babble.com/family-style/files/diy-garlands/garland01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://cdn4.blogs.babble.com/family-style/files/diy-garlands/garland01.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2011/07/prudent-home/how-to-make-a-fabric-tassel-garland-no-sew-2/" target="_blank">(via Prudent Baby) </a></div>
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It's a no-sew project which is perfect for me because I haven't touched a sewing machine since 2002 (I took a Home Ec class in 8th grade and made a pair of shorts!), and it's made of fabric which will hold up against rainy weather. </div>
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<a href="http://prudentbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://prudentbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/004.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2011/07/prudent-home/how-to-make-a-fabric-tassel-garland-no-sew-2/" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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Doesn't that look awesome? I think it's cool "wall art" for the exterior and makes it party-ready. Go <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2011/07/prudent-home/how-to-make-a-fabric-tassel-garland-no-sew-2/" target="_blank">here</a> for the tutorial. </div>
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Now I just need to head to the fabric store to get my little DIY project for the weekend going and hopefully my balcony will be a little more exciting!</div>
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marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-82694125153657356352012-08-17T23:42:00.000-07:002012-08-17T23:42:21.356-07:0030 Day Paleo Challenge: Completed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7806369200/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="30 Paleo Challenge by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="30 Paleo Challenge" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7806369200_d412abfbde.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
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I did it! I finished the 30 Day Paleo Challenge that my dad's work had us do. I have to say, it wasn't easy, especially the first week when all I was eating was plain salads and craving a double chocolate brownie. Luckily, with the support of my family, boyfriend, the Challenge group, and a few inspired recipes, I got through it and I'm so glad that I did. I feel <i>so </i>good! So much energy and the best part is that I don't really crave sugar anymore...well, I still want that brownie but the thought of what the sugar does to my body and insulin levels veer me away.<br />
Yesterday was the last day of the challenge so today my mom and I headed over to my dad's work for a end-of-the-challenge Paleo Potluck. There was so much delicious food and everyone looked so good! Everyone saw results and most (including myself) plan on continuing with this lifestyle.<br />
So just to break it down, for 30 days I didn't have any: sugar, carbs (breads, pastas, rice, noodles...omg I miss noodles!), or dairy (cheese, milk, etc.).<br />
I <i>did</i> eat a lot of: veggies, fruit (that had lower levels of sugar), meat (BACON), and eggs.<br />
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Here are my results:<br />
(In 30 days)<br />
Weight: -4.6 lbs.<br />
Bust: +1/4 inches<br />
Chest: + 3/4 inches<br />
Waist: -1 inch<br />
Hips: -1.5 inches<br />
Thigh: -3/4 inches<br />
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I'm so excited for these results. I've been trying to get into shape all year and while saw some results, I knew that I wasn't eating as clean as I should or could. My weight would fluctuate and my body just did not feel good. This challenge was just the jump start that I needed in order to be successful. <br />
Above are pictures of some of the foods I ate. They are all paleo friendly (yes, even that ice cream!) and tasty!<br />
I can't wait to see more results in the future!<br />
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<br />marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-43812190584808802212012-07-22T00:31:00.002-07:002012-07-22T00:31:39.220-07:0012:30am ThoughtsI should have taken Woodshop instead of Home Ec in junior high. I'd be so much cooler now. :Pmarikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-77621822364479863052012-07-17T22:38:00.001-07:002012-07-17T22:38:52.923-07:00Things I Pin/Reblog Before I Go Paleo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Key Lime Pie Cake</div>
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(<a href="http://www.bakerella.com/key-lime-cream-cake/" target="_blank">Bakerella</a> || <a href="http://masikawa.tumblr.com/post/26180799995/gastrogirl-key-lime-cream-cake" target="_blank">via</a>)</div>
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Peach Yellow Cake </div>
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(<a href="http://www.mintdesignblog.com/2012/07/youre-a-peach-cake/" target="_blank">Mint</a> || <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/48835977180042793/" target="_blank">via</a>)</div>
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Chocolate Dipped Coffee Ice Cream Glazed Doughnut Sandwich</div>
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(<a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/features/coffee-ice-cream-glazed-doughnut-sandwiches-recipe" target="_blank">Taste Spotting</a> || <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/48835977180047330/" target="_blank">via</a>)</div>
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The Health Committee at my dad's office (my old job) is starting a 30 day paleo challenge. Family is invited to participate so starting this Thursday, my family and I (and even Alex) are going paleo for a whole month. That means no carbs, dairy or sugar for 30 days! I don't know if it's possible for me to go that long without eating those foods.</div>
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Maybe subconsciously my brain and tummy are freaking out... that would explain all the delicious looking junk food I've been pinning and reblogging lately! </div>
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Don't you just want to take a big ol' bite out of that chocolate dipped coffee ice cream glazed doughnut sandwich?? O.M.G. </div>marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-47124155445960435472012-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:002012-07-13T12:00:00.796-07:00My Future Home: Acapulco Chairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My future home will have one...or four Acapulco chair. All different colors. All to bring a little eye candy into the room. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7560338936/" title="IMG_4996 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4996" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7560338936_9a887d6635.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Not too long ago, on a sunny day in April, my parents and I went to a nursery in Richmond called Annie's Annuals. It is an amazing nursery with all sorts of interesting plants. You could spend hours and hours there (and you know we did!) and there would still be plenty of plant species to see.</div>
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My parents are currently on a mission to xeriscape their front yard and were looking for plants that require little water to survive. We all fell in love with different flowers, grasses and succulents but nothing compared to...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7560313684/" title="IMG_5029 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5029" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7560313684_7214d53591.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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The Papaver Hybridum!!! AKA the Orange Chiffon Poppy (sounds classy!). Now, this isn't a xeriscape friendly plant. It requires "average water" according to the peeps at Annie's but I could not resist that bright orange flower so I bought it just for funsies. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7560310654/" title="IMG_5089 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5089" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7560310654_00964efc60.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I took my little poppy home, bought it it's own little pot in a color that would compliment the orange flowers (interior designers: always about complimenting colors), and hoped it would grow.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7560308412/" title="IMG_5344 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5344" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7560308412_998e1a9825.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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The little guy grew fast! This picture was taken about two months after I bought it, but it seemed to double in size ever time I blinked (that may be an exaggeration, but you get what I'm saying).</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7560311934/" title="IMG_5352 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5352" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7560311934_50aa167748.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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There's that bright orange I fell in love with! The blooms only lasted about a day each and I got six flowers off of this plant - kind of disappointing, but it was still worth it. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7560317288/" title="IMG_5696 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5696" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7560317288_f1b03df59a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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After the petals fell off, we were left with this bulb-y pod (me scientific! :P). They were huge and I kept wanting to poke at them. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7560315998/" title="IMG_5697 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5697" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7560315998_3f7c96bda8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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But I left them alone and sure enough, after a couple of weeks, the sides of the bulb turned down so that it could re-seed. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7560314804/" title="IMG_5700 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5700" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7560314804_0782058e48.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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I want to have tons and tons (at least more than six) of Orange Chiffon poppies next year so my mom and I collected the seeds. We took the dried-out pods and shook the seeds out into a plastic baggie. I'll have to do more research on how to successfully re-plant these babies, or I maybe I'll leave it to my mom who is a wizard at gardening. </div>marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-88011660914945945542012-07-07T22:36:00.001-07:002012-07-07T22:37:28.560-07:00My Future Home: Velvet Couches<div style="text-align: center;">
Some day, my future home will have a velvet couch. Don't these beauties look so comfortable? I can just see myself relaxing on one of these soft and comfortable couches. </div>
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I love the mustard color complimented by the neutral colors in the posters above. <br />
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Exposed brick, green velvet couch and Bill Cosby on vinyl? Done. </div>
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I love the electricity of the color on this couch. <br />
<a href="http://casapinka.typepad.com/casapinka/2010/02/i-got-an-email-from-deborah-at-couch-i-knew-id-seen-her-work-in-livingetc-and-i-really-fell-in-love-with-this-tuquoise-velv.html" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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Maybe I will choose something dark and sexy like this. <br />
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The light hitting the velvet makes it look like it's been frosted.<br />
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You can never go wrong with a classic blue. <br />
<a href="http://www.simplelovelyblog.com/" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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This photo reminds me of Margot Tenenbaum. <br />
<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/valentines-day-decor-inspirati-76643" target="_blank">(via)</a> </div>
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I can't think of anything clever to say about this one. I just love the color combination and the posters. <br />
<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/01/velvet-upholstery.html" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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Cute light pink with crazy wallpaper. Love! <br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/278519558175330457/" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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Dark navy velvet complimented with baby pink accents? So good. Now I'll just need the boyfriend to sign off on this combo! <br />
<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/new-prints-from-banquet.html" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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Can you believe that this is actually an Ikea couch with a velvet slipcover from <a href="http://comfort-works.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Works</a>? Maybe a velvet couch will be in my future sooner rather than later! <br />
<a href="http://prettypetals.typepad.com/prettypetals/2011/01/ikea-ektorp-sofa-comfort-works-velvet-slipcover-beautiful.html" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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<br /></div>marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-82222604419346093052012-07-06T11:21:00.000-07:002012-07-06T11:33:07.311-07:004th of July<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7513052678/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5590 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5590" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7513052678_6f3dfa7875.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious food to celebrate with.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7513048260/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5593 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5593" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7513048260_3295734bec.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ibu enjoying some BBQ chicken and smoked ribs with her box of chilies. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7513046964/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5594 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5594" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7513046964_c37f5b0960.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad enjoying the good eats!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7513044348/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5596 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5596" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7513044348_769608d667.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex in action.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7513043108/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5597 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5597" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7513043108_685a48466e.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribs are my favorite. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7513039352/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5600 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5600" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7513039352_87e0a26b69.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught eating potato salad out of the bowl. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7513034594/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5604 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5604" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7513034594_fc645c3154.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our blueberries were finally ready to be picked!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7513016626/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5617 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5617" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7513016626_12dc17338a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got a good amount this year. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7512995916/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5637 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5637" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7512995916_06e9ede8a3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks show from the river.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7512976740/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5654 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5654" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7512976740_025d863187.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small finale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7512985852/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5646 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5646" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7512985852_a6f676de63.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marie's dog Bruno was scared and went to Alex for comfort. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7512982388/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5649 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5649" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7512982388_95e26a7ea0.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wants the fireworks to stop. Poor little guy...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7512973190/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5657 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5657" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7512973190_915ca2a48d.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at home playing with fireworks. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7512964182/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5664 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5664" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7512964182_8ff361a90a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighting some sparklers.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7512957402/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5669 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5669" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7512957402_57490c3fdd.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with slow shutter speeds.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7512941752/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5680 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5680" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7512941752_ab6ffb36ba.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Hope everyone had an enjoyable fourth! It was nice having a day off in the middle of the week. My day was spent with food, family, friends and fireworks - a winning combination for a great Independence Day!marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-58421130618795933962012-07-02T12:10:00.000-07:002012-07-02T12:10:09.031-07:00Tequila Soaked Watermelon<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485336292/" title="IMG_5562 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5562" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7485336292_e7a5543772.jpg" width="333" /></a>
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I. Love. Pinterest. I found this awesome picture of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gateaux/3679854373/" target="_blank">Tequila Soaked and Salted Watermelon</a> and a recipe thanks to a commenter named <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/80897160@N06/" target="_blank">bigmamma22222.</a><br />
You will need:<br />
1 small seedless watermelon, quartered and cut into 1-inch thick wedges.<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
3/4 cup water<br />
1/2 cup tequila<br />
1/4 cup triple sec<br />
2 limes, halved or cut into wedges<br />
flaked sea salt or coarse salt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485334658/" title="IMG_5563 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5563" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7485334658_d0bde87c40.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Cut your watermelon into 1 inch thick slices.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485330428/" title="IMG_5566 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5566" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7485330428_57191d6941.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
Mix the water and sugar in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485329052/" title="IMG_5567 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5567" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7485329052_c6b3a34fd2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Stir the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves and let cool slightly. Then stir in the tequila and triple sec.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485325992/" title="IMG_5569 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5569" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7485325992_67208ef280.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Arrange the watermelon slices in a single layer in a 9"x13" baking dish.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485324360/" title="IMG_5570 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5570" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7485324360_792ca92486.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485322670/" title="IMG_5571 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5571" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7485322670_f37c62aecb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Then, pour the syrup over the watermelon slices.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485309938/" title="IMG_5575 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5575" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7485309938_03b928db75.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Refrigerate the slices for about 45 minutes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485308390/" title="IMG_5576 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5576" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7485308390_8e5fe298dd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
When ready, remove the watermelon from the syrup and arrange on a platter. I didn't have any limes but you should squeeze limes over watermelon and then season with salt.<br />
It was especially hot last weekend and Alex and I were packing up our apartment so these little guys were and awesome treat and welcomed break from moving!marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-19383877217071419452012-07-02T11:30:00.003-07:002012-07-02T11:30:30.198-07:00Moving On<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485311216/" title="IMG_5585 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5585" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7485311216_e9208ec347.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485315900/" title="IMG_5584 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5584" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7485315900_967083f714.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7485317574/" title="IMG_5583 by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5583" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7485317574_79d10fdd8e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Did a tornado come through my apartment? Nope! After 20 months, Alex and I are moving out of our first apartment! It was a good lil apartment but I'm glad to be moving on. Not that we are moving too far away... just to another (nicer) complex down the street. I'll still be about four minutes away from my parents and Alex will still be about a two hour bus ride away from the city. Hopefully by this time next year we will both be working and living in the city but for now my hometown will have to work.<br /><br /> <br />
Moving is never easy (and you're talking to a girl who lived in a different apartment every single year in college). This move was especially hard, however. After searching for a new place for about two months, we finally found the perfect place that accepted our application. The only problem was the lease on our old place ended June 30th and our new place won't be available until July 24th! Luckily, my parents invited Alex and I to stay with them until the new apartment is ready. That means that for three weeks, all of our belongings will live in a storage unit and Alex and I will be living in my childhood bedroom. It's going to be cramped but something we have to do. I'm just thankful for my parents generosity in taking us in.marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-8152806770818452032012-06-28T23:27:00.000-07:002012-06-28T23:28:43.368-07:00Tall, Dark and Handsome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.appliancist.com/smeg-refrigerator-fa800ao-nostalgia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.appliancist.com/smeg-refrigerator-fa800ao-nostalgia.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
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I didn't think I could love Smeg Refrigerators any more than I already do...<br />
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<a href="http://www.appliancist.com/refrigerators/smeg-refrigerator-fa800ao-nostalgia.html" target="_blank">Image Source</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/26036504066333160/" target="_blank">via</a>marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938103461493706782.post-33003408219045325012012-05-20T23:48:00.000-07:002012-05-20T23:52:51.891-07:00Solar Eclipse 2012<br />
<img alt="IMG_5125 - Copy" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7239319738_134c5c9de4.jpg" width="500" /><br />
As you probably already know, there was a solar eclipse today! Thank God for Facebook or I would have missed it! The light outside was very unusual. It felt like being in an apocalyptic movie where the end of days was near. <br />
You could not see the eclipse without some sort of filter (you do not want to damage your eyes!) so we made a pinhole projector.<br />
We used a long cardboard tube, a piece of aluminum foil with a pinhole and something to project on (we used a takeout box, haha).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7239220982/" title="IMG_5126 - Copy by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5126 - Copy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7239220982_b4f04c61b4.jpg" width="333" /></a> <br />
Here is my dad with our pinhole projector, trying to locate the projection on the takeout box.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7239225834/" title="IMG_5128 - Copy by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5128 - Copy" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7239225834_cca563f52b.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
There it is! A nice little crescent.<br />
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<img alt="IMG_5129 - Copy" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7239315206_5a348e7ea8.jpg" width="500" /> <br />
Here is the other end of our projector: the foil with a pinhole.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7239240908/" title="IMG_5136 - Copy by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5136 - Copy" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7239240908_9b4c195f4e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Another view of our projection. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marika_masikawa/7239309592/" title="IMG_5139 - Copy by masikawa, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5139 - Copy" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7239309592_ec105d596e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
We finally got our hands on a perfectly transparent piece of paper and used that instead of the little takeout box.<br />
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<img alt="IMG_5143" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7239252468_5f9da2cc1d.jpg" width="500" /> <br />
The crescent was getting thinner and thinner...<br />
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<img alt="IMG_5145" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7239268248_4dc61b5385.jpg" width="500" /><br />
Weird crescent shaped shadows were being cast from the eclipse. Cool and unusual stuff going on, people!marikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12030131992313424416noreply@blogger.com0