SugaDaily

Sunday Summer Night...

2011-08-07T20:59:00.003-06:00

Its been a really productive rested, and sweated weekend. I believe I was able to do whatever I must do to prepare for a great week following.. Owning a House verses Apartment. Is a super HUGE difference. I'm glad my husband grew up in the country, and has experience with yard work, and in general handy man stuff. Though I finally just shout up, and got to my part of garden responsibilities. So, I choose a really hot day like today to get our front pond addressed, and really I was asking for it. We love the pond, but unfortunately because of mosquitos, and the pond pump keeps on breaking down. We decided to do a rock garden, I thought of an more asian/zen approach, and covered the pond with black mulch, and sand. Then I found a white buddha to sit which really contrasted well with the black mulch and stones. But man it was hot, and everything was heavy to lug around, and I always get itchy when I do yard work, then the mosquitos were working me like crazy!! I have a lot of things that I do already besides being a mom, If I'm not working on design and art work, then its cooking, cleaning, and organizing. Adding garden work to that list just seems a bit insane. Anyways, the front garden is addressed, everything looks really pretty and cleaned up. Hopefully the dreadful mosquitos will be gone. As I sweated like no tomorrow, and I mean I sweated more sweat today then my hottest yoga class in my life, I had to come into the house quite a few times for cool air, ice water, and towel to wipe my face down. I was drenched, and sore like I ran at the gym for 2 hours straight. Though today I'm finishing this post with the news in the background about our local navy seals. Blessings and prayers of love to all their families. Times like this just really make me wish harder that the war of hate, ignorance, indifference may end with peace, for a braver new brighter world. I'm grateful today that I have my family next to me. I'm thankful tonight, and whatever craziness I endured with my front garden now, seems ridiculous.

This is us tonight, following august break photo play. My Ellie is growing up so fast. Bless all and have a great night..

My view at starbucks today, followed by popcorn at home..

2011-08-04T15:04:00.002-06:00

August break, with susannah conway..

2011-08-02T10:54:00.002-06:00

Last Week of Design Studio Launch. Well that was the deadline..

2011-08-01T16:30:00.003-06:00

July has been an interesting month, I have been really trying to push out my site by the end of the month, but the process this past few days has been difficult. It has nothing to do with my work ethic, time management, accountability, being a mother, yadayada. Actually, I have been working hard on really getting things in tip top shape, and planning out the launch process. The final details were suppose to be final, then I started to fuss around with the design elements over again today, resisting developing my new content, which slowed down the process, or else, the site without the content would've been done ages ago. Then I thought, let me take a look at Behance's Pro-site, and got sucked in there, wondering if really is going to work for what I do. I love that Behance is already part of a great community. But their blog plug in options, really did not work for me. Which is something I hope they will further develop, after all, a community of creatives is also supported by many non-creatives. Though the rest of pro-site, was quite amazing. So right before 11:00am I went back to my near completed squarespace site. It has been really fun to work with squarespace, and I'm really at 90% mark now. I just need to get my manifesto copy and service page up, though I been resisting that too. So at this point, I'm just taking break so that I can re-prioritize and focus back on some drawing, client work, and yoga this week. Really I have a great holding page up, and I can send you a quick hot quote via email if you need a logo design / facebook page. I'm also pretty great in delivering museums, galleries, and businesses some wonderful catalogs, you can inquire within email: victoria@weissdesign.net and I'll send you a private link to review. After all if you really would like to work with me, you sincerely would understand that my new site needs love, and it needs a break from my craziness in order to deliver something amazing and authentic that will not waste your browsing time. So stay patient with Victoria, she will not let you down;-)

When is everything going to move foward to the next chapter in my life!!!

2011-07-21T21:41:00.001-06:00

Its been a rough week, I have to say, I'm staying on top of bills, current clients, finally got my passport renewed, and booked plane tickets quickly as I will be going to montreal for a wedding for an amazing couple and family, that are dear friends and clients to my mother. I am also trying my best to carve out time to finish up my new site and get that baby launched!! Next week is the final final week, I do not care if things are missing, or will be on the way. I'm getting it out the door with a newsletter intro to all my contacts. So I'm blogging here to be accountable, on this. Along with online launch, I'm getting some post cards and posters created to promote my work a bit, along with new cards to bring with me on my trip to Canada. The last time I was out of the country was my honey moon, to mexico. It may sound sad to some people. But I've been super busy these past 5 years concentrating on building a really great but small cozy, secure family life, full of trust and love. It hasn't been easy, but I have been very willing and dedicated, and well fruits start to take place especially when my daughter Ellie was born, and we bought our first home shortly after. So as I'm accustomed to trailing off here again, its been a rough week because, we had a punk kid that pretended he was trying to sell magazine for a contest at school, show up at our front step, trying to scam money from my husband. What resulted was my husband asking him to leave, instead the punk kid pushed the door back at him, almost hitting our daughter. He ofcourse lost his shit, and chased after that kid so he will get off our property. Well I woke up from my nap, and saw all this going on from the window, and called the cops.

Sometimes the universe sends you these messages. They are either a warning of some sort. Or at moments it is a need to be more alert then usual. I take it as a sign, or incentive to step into our relocation dream a bit further. Also being mindful of our current circumstances. This violent, provocative, and aggressive energy is interestingly very close to home. I'm working on sending love and healing prayers this week for the world and my loved ones.

Summer life, quick recap..

2011-07-10T21:04:00.005-06:00

This summer has started really well..I've devoted a rich amount of time to yoga and exercise. My studio space is finally where I like it to be. Work is flowing, I'm keeping up when I can. And I'm moderating my social media time. The house has more of us in it now. Its feeling easier each day to maintain. Our daughter Ellie is growing. Our vegetable garden is starting to thrive. I've also been going to the beach often, and I'm really feeling great in my bathing suit. Its been a lot easier to move around this year physically. I've also been reading more often then usual, and any chance I get I'm reading my books on my iphone. We are also continuing to declutter our lives, from any extra bills we don't need. Objects thats taking up space in the garage, and simplifying our time spent getting ready. Things like beach items, and extra beach toys, sunscreen, pull ups is left in a bag in the car at all times. I plan to keep a small picnic set as well, and any other things Ellie may need that can be left safely in a car. I aim to be organized, so that we can continue to live our life spontaneously. It keeps things really simple and fun, when we wake up on a weekend, and we can just decide then on a location with less worries of packing. More action, and having fun in nature is the new mantra this summer!

Our first harvest this year

2011-07-10T20:10:00.001-06:00

This year, I was super late planting my vegetable garden. I think if its going to be a hot summer, definitely start late April. Well, I started planting after Ellie's birthday, which was end of June. But I finally did, and this will be the second year around. So far, cucumbers, tomatoes, zuccinnis, eggplants, all seem to do really well in this area. If this keeps up, we are planning to do a winter garden. Which, would be an array of kale and cauliflower. How I love cauliflower mash! So this years first summer harvest started with white eggplants, green tomatoes, and tons of zuccinni flowers. I fried the zuccinni flowers using a little bit of eggs, and some flower. After drying the white eggplants out, I pan fried it. The texture and taste of white eggplant is pretty amazing. I would say a lot better then your usual eggplants. Though next round of white eggplants that come out, I will turn it into a spread, and really let that pretty simple, white, glow come through. I can imagine the glowy spread in a jar, packed really cute, a fun illustrative sticker for a label, and whom ever is the lucky one, thats been a good human being, it will most certainly land in their hands as a gift from our garden.

Desiring to Relocate, Really its not you guys, its this country.

2011-06-28T06:58:00.002-06:00

I love my life, family, friends in VA and the states, but more and more I'm desiring to move out of this country, or find a place where I can live simply, with out killing my purse. Seriously I would put you all up if you ever need a vacation and we are living somewhere other then the US, because WE WORK LONGER HOURS THEN THE JAPANESE! As the hibachi guy that served us this weekend said the last samurai was indeed an american white guy. I think its an amazing thing to be passionate about what you do, how you are contributing and servicing through your talent, sweat, and work ethic to benefit others life. To be part of a chain for greater good, to serve the economy. To make money doing all this. Though really when is enough? When do say, really this is all I need. But do you say this is all you need, and then have no time for your family, your personal life your sanity. I'm an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, web designer, and business owner. I am also a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and at moments. I'm just simply Victoria, where I find these rare moments of just appreciating myself, is on the yoga mat. I also find these moments when I lit and inspire a fellow peer like me, and when my girl friends can talk to me and cry their eyes out, and I'm there for them. When a client and I are both growing and learning together. When I hear the stress on the phone with my mother and I help transform it. When I'm there for my daughter when she cries out for me. When my husband almost shed a tear this past weekend, when I made a toast during dinner. I guess what I'm saying, here is work, it will be done, bills will be paid, money will come, our life no matter how much money we desire to make, will be made. I know its a gutsy way of trusting, to tell my inner worrier, that this culture has embedded it in me that I'm freaking crazy. But we have a choice. We contribute to what we love and believe in, and it will unfold back to you. That I can absolutely promise you, because it happened to me many times. So yes I am thinking about relocating, though its been years, I actually moved to Virginia Beach as a temporary stop. I met my husband here, bought a house, started my studio, and with a 2 year old and our dog we move as a small compacted unit. Our small tuscan suv pack us up perfectly for a long weekend. Well talking about overworked weekends, my husband will be taking off 10 days, he has saved up his vacation days, and reminded him to use it before it runs out. Yes, thats how hard he works, he forgot that he actually can take off. So I'm looking foward to finally go kayaking with him, taking some yoga classes with him. He is also doing some personal clearing of all his old clothes, and stuff in the garage. So I'm excited to feel a newer him transform during these 10 days. Maybe we can finally dream together a bit more on a new possible location..

The epic power of napping.

2011-06-19T09:18:00.001-06:00

Its been really interesting month so far. I came to realize after the selling your soul event, and connecting with old and new friends, that I'm doing a lot. So what I did was instead of having a glass of wine last sunday afternoon, I napped. And I mean I napped good, like 2 hours or so. It felt insanely amazing afterwards. It was so good, that I'm going to put it on my weekly calendar. Being a mother, and those know, we are always ready to pop out of bed to check on our little ones at all times. Even though I sleep, but I feel like this past two years, I have been consciously awake at night. So lately all I needed was some carved out time for napping. Other things that have been happening, is I'm more moderate with social media, texting and using my phone during the weekend. I've asked my husband to hold my phone now on weekends. It helps us both this way as he is also starting to consciously acknowledge that I'm sticking to my word about family time;-)

Some other interesting things is, I'm able to almost finishing a good sized book called Women, Food, and God by Geneen Roth. I read a lot online, and easy, small little power books. But this book by Geneen Roth is amazing amazing amazing, life changing. I'm starting to talk to my body like a friend, asking, things like why are you eating this? How does the food make you feel? Do you need to really eat the whole thing? Results are that I have been slowing down my eating process, and instead of speeding through it, I'm really enjoying and savoring the taste in my mouth.

Other things that come up from my epic nap taking, is this not enough "time" thing, or not good enough thing, and it shows up in my work and relationships with people. I came from a family of powerful, divorced, chinese women. We are all about drama! the shows we watched, our time management, you name it, I inherited. And its funny now talking about it, I'm actually sane around them, like I'm calm, because someone has to be. Still, I just can't stand it so much, the stress and worry, that I will take naps, meditate, and continue to devote to hot yoga whenever possible, and exercise daily if I can, because I LOVE the way it makes me feel. And it melts that monster we called stress away, so we can spread some good energy!

I think the "not good enough thing" comes up with comparing and competing. I like the competitiveness when it comes to video games. I love drama when it comes to movies, and maeningful art shows. Like the drama is moving and inspiring someone, not stressing their audience out. Like its fun. Though, I really cannot STAND IT, if it had to come up with my art and design work. I just thinks its a waste of time, and for me the more I talk about something, the more it gets cancelled out. I quietly respect a pace (even though I resist and want to power through), I communicate, and take action deliberately. I guess, from the lessons learned before, all the mystery is gone, when our stress takes over, its no fun! I'm not perfect either with this, as I work hard in looking for resources to get inspired with, so that I can produce the kind of work that stands on its own. I've always been like that, its this unique practice that was developed back when I was in Parsons. And my friends in school, a unique handful, did the same thing. It was respective in boundaries. The problem with this, is I get so serious, and thats fine, but all the fun is gone. Of course the real world tells you different, we are feeding this giant monster of consumers, brands, and at moments meaningless point to no end. Though it brings us money in the bank, and work that is done, complete and out the door, bills are paid, and family is taken care of. So what is left? This is why I continue to paint, and work on meaningless arts and craft projects. They fulfill me in such amusing ways. At moments therapeutic, and spiritual as well. They just make me feel good, its like, I really don't care if this thing gets sold, but I loved that I did it, and I made it with my hands, and it looks and feels awesome. And if someone wants to buy it, I will make it available to buy. But I'm not going to kill myself about it, or work too hard, and essentially, squeeze the joy and fun out of it. So in order to honor this little haven, and this little creative process, that has caused great balance in my life, I will still need to continue to take on work that may not seem the most glamourous, though the clients behind these projects are amazing people, and the freedom of being able to schedule your own time with work is golden. I'm forever appreciative of my life, I love it, so I'm sharing it with you.

So I'm hoping to end this post soon, though I came up with a list here to share. Its that kind of list here to keep reminding me to be in touch with my soul.
-Yoga, meditation, exercise daily with ease more often and less force or trying too hard.
-More so then often laughing till you cry, then once in a while.
-Mountain Air, Forests, beautiful cliffs looking at the ocean
-Soak my feet more in rivers, creeks and sea
-To see my grandmother, my mom, and her side of the family more often, (or talk more often on the phone to start)
-Connecting with my daughter, eye to eye, with her language more.
-Massages
-Writing, journaling, sketching
-Rise earlier on mornings
-Switch routines with work, outside studio, by the beach, at more coffeeshops more often.
-Less fears and worries about getting work, it will come, and when it does, you will know if its going to work right away. Intuition is POWERFUL.
-Finances, Money, Bills, take care of it right away, and trust, resist, hone in, listen, learn, and be accepting & compassionate for your money management skills.
-Love, and just live your days like its your life.

What to do with your left over grilled corn from Memorial Day Weekend? You make Grilled Corn w/ Chopped Scallions!

2011-05-31T08:39:00.010-06:00

I hope everyone had an amazing memorial weekend. Scott, Ellie, Bogart, and I had a wonderful time. We made grilled corn, burgers, vegan burgers from scratch. I finally was able to jump into the pool this weekend due to the heat. Ellie had a great time, though she woke up with a fever today. So shes home with mama, and work will have to wait. As she naps, I chopped up some grilled corn from yesterday, and finely diced the scallions. Heated up sesame and coconut oil in a pan and poured it on top of the scallion and corn. I seasoned it with dried tomato/and spicy basil seasoning from Linda's Garden in Virgina. I used sea salt instead, and the result is a salty, sweet, savory, crunchy surprise. Make sure you pour the hot oil over the scallions first, it just cooks it slightly, and then toss it together. The sesame scent after it being cooked, is really beautiful. yum.

Ingredients:
-Grilled Corn
-Finely Chopped Scallion (Handful)
-Sea Salt, (Finger Sprinkles)
-Tomato Spicy Basil Dried Seasoning (Lindas Garden, VA)
-Sesame Oil and Coconut Oil heated up super hot in pan. 1 tablespoon
(Be Careful When Heating the Oil Up in the pan)

Thursday Heavenly Omlettes..

2011-05-26T06:06:00.004-06:00

Today was one of those mornings where, my husband Scott was able to drop Ellie off Daycare in the AM. The rare moments that this happens, I literally feel like a bird out the cage for a couple of morning hours, and things just start happening. I love my Ellie to pieces and we have our morning mother and daughter ritual before I drop her off. Though it is so ever nice that MOMMY V, gets a break every once in a while. So today I cracked two eggs and whipped it together, took out some pico de gallo, button cap mushroom, apple smoked bacon Gruyere cheese, sesame oil and made myself a delish spanish/chinese omelet. Its a bit chinese because I ran out of regular oil and butter, chinese sesame oil is great with fried eggs, but don't flood the pan with it. Just a dash would do wonders. GOOD MORNING! ;-)

I didn't think relaxing will be this hard, I guess it's an inherrited gene?

2011-05-25T16:51:00.002-06:00

After attending selling you soul, in NYC, with Danielle Laporte, and Marie Forleo. I feel that I just need to simplify. Funny thing is I thought I've simplified a lot already. One of the tips is to set three things from intuition that needs to be done for the day, and a stop doing list. This past weekend. I tried utterly to just relax and do nothing on a sunday. And I mean no phone, no social media, no work talk, just one day to be with my family. I prepared this past sunday, by doing a complete cleaning of our house a day before, including laundry. I mean the house was spotless. This made it difficult for me to get distracted on sunday with any to-do list. It was SO HARD to relax! Coming from someone that already does hot yoga often, this has been a very interesting day. Though watching how much fun my family was having cure most of the work addictive mode. I think the great thing about this is, knowing that I'm never bored, but that could attract many things I can't complete. So today third day of doing the three things per day priorities. Its going well so far, and I'm logging off! This is a wonderful picture of my ellie embracing summer! Enjoy!

Sugadaily's post-SOUL prompts

2011-05-18T11:58:00.000-06:00

1. What is your Ugly Chair — the thing you need to burn + banish, to free up solid gold SPACE to move around in?

I believe the Ugly Chair that needs to be burned, is that I feel the need for permission in order to take action with my dreams.

2. How will you build non-negotiable time for meditation / dance / movement / cellular-level self-care into your day — every day?

I'm already doing a lot of hot yoga, and working out, for those that have seen me right after I gave birth to my daughter almost 2 years ago, I've lost over 50 pounds since then. So its progress! I trust that I will be able to work in something everyday. I would like to meditate more in the evenings or lunch time, and taking more breaks..

3. Who do you need to get on your team, stat? An SEO specialist? An astrologist? A coach? A virtual assistant? And are you comfortable with being a (beautifully) crazy boss?

I have been ongoing looking for people to join my tribe, so now it has showed up all after the selling your soul event. I'm comfortable with being a beautiful crazy boss I think, because all I have is love in my heart. I can't go wrong.

4. When you catch yourself saying, “I can’t afford it,” what do you REALLY mean? (“It’s not a priority.” “I’m not ready.” “I don’t believe I’m worth it.”)

I think now, If its really in my gut and its calling to me as " I Really desire it" then its not a question of affording it, its a question on why and how I can own that experience. Mostly it is taking action with certainty and trust.

5. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “You become what you think about all day long.”  So — what do YOU think about, all day long? (And who are you becoming?)

I would like to think that doubts are good, that it makes me humble, yet I'm extraordinary, and I can do this. That I would like to think more often!

Back home from New York City!

2011-05-18T10:21:00.000-06:00

I went with my friend Mara Lubell, to NYC for an event called selling your soul, where Danielle Laporte and Marie Forleo amazingly led an audience of 150 women of all backgrounds from all over the world, rocking it left and right with their businesses, and answering most of all my burning questions and more. I loved the energy it has brought me! I have been deeply inspired and have been more then validated on the things I must do. I met a blogger that does blogging as her full time job, Tina Su at ThinkSimpleNow.com. We conversed at the afterparty, and when I told her all the things I wanted to do, she asked me simply, do you need permission? The word "permission" has been resonated with me ever since. It just seems like this big resistance that shows up on my dream path often. Why do I feel I need permission to succeed. Really whats the hold up? I authentically am so appreciative of my home life, and the little family I've created. My worklife is good, I'm ever so appreciative of the kinda of clients that have been coming into my life, and they have been just getting better each time. So I'm hopeful, I'm looking forward to the kind of art work that I will be creating this summer. I plan to wrap up parts of sugadaily and turn it into a travel/food/guide e-book, iphone/ipad friendly for travelers like myself! I also met an amazing lady, Anastasia Valentine, that runs, http://www.sandboxpm.com, canada. She blows my mind with what shes doing with her business and family life! I hope to meet her in iceland for a trip in September. So wish me luck for that!

So as much as I would love to blog the insane amount of amazingness that happened at the event, lets focus on some art, food, and friends! So artists, crafters, furniture hogs, you MUST check out ABC homestore on your next visit. I have not been there in years, and naturally did a dash in before I walked to union-square. Darn it, everything in that store was insanely beautiful, every inch of display was thoughtful, and the people that worked there were darlings. Here are some pics, (BTW, I am so inspired by some new color palates to paint my home in VA. ) Anyhoo, I basically melted in the shop and was flying around the store like a little fairy! Also they have a new restaurant attached to the store! YES freaking amazing store with FOOD! I soooo check it out, and took some pictures of it further along this post..I felt like a food pornographer. For real, eating good food is in my genes, my weiss and fang family is all about that...

So I ate at the ABC kitchen. Freaking awesome, the cute waiter suggested their prie-fix, lunch. 25.00. My first dish was a beet and radish salad tossed lightly with balsamic and olive oil on top of whipped yogurt. I love that the yogurt consistency was light and fluffy. (I'm starting to drool again now btw..) And then my main course was a tasmanian salmon infused with carrot ginger sauce and sweet little grilled carrot bits surrounded this pinkish beauty. My desert was an orange tart. The crust was a pie consistency, inside of the tart, the texture was like a sponge cake, and the orange filling sort of just poured out slightly onto my fork. Insane.

The trip continued as I stayed with a close girlfriends of mine, Jenn, she has beautiful daughter, Sophia, a little older then my Ellie. Jenn is kick ass, and even though I know shes humble about it, I will still brag here a little bit about the things shes up to, mostly she started We-Are-Familia.. An Artist Collective.. It has traveled to art-basel a couple of times already. She's also a single mom, and I am just really proud of her in so many ways, and I hope she knows I am here for her if she needs any help. I also got to catch up with friend Jac, she runs her studio http://www.oiyana.com/ We met at Budda Bodai, http://www.chinatownvegetarian.com/ an awesome vegetarian dim sum place. I was trying to catch up with her and her cute little baby boy, Eske, the food was so good! I hope I was a good listener to her new mom experience. Also catched up with my girl friend Nari, she took me to an Italian Restaurant around her neighborhood, called OVEST. so yummy. Nari, if you are reading this, you fed me so well that night, girlfriend next time you are coming to my house so I can feed you back! ;-) I have been overloaded with carbs this past week, but worth it. As all my girlfriends got back to me this trip, and it was packed all week. My close childhood friend Diana also came through and we grabbed a quick bite to eat, and we catched up a bit, She just came from work, but was so happy and in good spirits when she left. Sheesh! What was amazing is I made it to everything, that I planned this trip. It was sisterhood bonding times in ALL levels! Thanks everyone for being you! I'm ready to roll big like all of you guys! woohoo!

Beautiful Spirits By The Beach

2011-04-04T07:52:00.000-06:00

I started meeting with couple of wonderful ladies by the ocean front once a month, to catch up with things that are going on in our lives, exchange food recipes, try a pot luck, have some wonderful medicinal hand picked mixed teas, do some spiritual connecting, and exchange tips on motherhood. Before this meeting last night, I had did a much needed hot yoga class in the morning, followed up with some reading with my daughter in the afternoon while Scott did the yard. I made my signature asian vegan lettuce wrap potluck and off I went to the oceanfront to meet with everyone. We are sharing some readings from the ringing cedars series "Anastasia" I've read some chapters, what resonated me the most is a chapter about children and nature, it is suggested to never give any information that was taught to us to a child that is looking up at the night sky. I think it is a beautiful concept in that it leaves the childs curiosity, discovery and imagination untouched. I'm really feeling that. Other things we talked about is culture, being back in the states this past 5 years has been a huge adjustment for me, I do not get this eating food in 2 seconds and go. In chinese culture our work ethic is strong yes, but when we sit down to dine with family once a week, we feast, we talk all afternoon, we catch up, we enjoy ourselves. There is none of that here unless it's thanks-giving or maybe xmas. Do americans have to wait till once a year to get together and feast and be thankful?! Can we be thankful everyday, and manage a good sit down dinner often without the TV, or rushing ourselves through lunch, or eating by our computers daily. I think we can.

Other things came up too are questions like, Is keeping busy in your life really productive or counter productive. Do we act more re-actively or strategically, I'm opting out more and more these days for quality over quantity. Really I do not need to do 90 minute hot yoga classes everyday, I rather jog some days, walk my dog some days, and do hot yoga some days. Do I really need to drop my daughter off at daycare everyday, no we can play hooky and hang out together when i feel like it. Really as my friend Jenn said to me this weekend. Work, taking care a child, isn't that enough? How much do we have to do to feel enough. I felt like I walked out of my women's get together meeting with a million bucks in my pocket last night, and today I spending some time with ellie, as she has a slight fever and a little cough. Its going to be a beautiful day and week, I'm feeling it.

All women, especially mothers need this, what supportive physical network are you part of? And has it benefited you fully? Do they remain positive for themselves and you. Do they take a stand when you start to doubt your amazing self?

My awesome purchase from etsy arrived from paris

2011-03-28T17:42:00.000-06:00

Yes I have to say this is so awesome, its a breakfast pin. I love breakfast, I can have it all day long. Everyday. I love this pin. Oh yes, and I love the packaging its so insanely cute, its sitting on my shelf. I'm melting under memi the rainbow.

New Art Work..

2011-03-24T05:49:00.000-06:00

More birdies fly to me..

2011-03-16T07:06:00.000-06:00

I'm hoping that as much as nature has the power to destroy, it also has the power to heal. It has been crushing my heart these past couple of days seeing this madness of debri and destruction in Japan. Here are some resources and links for donation and assistance.
• American Red Cross
• Doctors without Borders
• Action Against Hunger
• United Nations World Food Program
• Direct Relief International
• Salvation Army
• AmeriCare
• Shelterbox

Coffeeshop Blogging, Good Music in the Ears, Gut Feelings about Projects, Spring Rain..

2011-03-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hanging out at a Coffeeshop, Music, Gut fire like feelings about projects, spring rain. What more can you ask, but I think a perfect post on inspiration and faith.. This morning I woke up, and I feel a mix of anger, happiness, energy, inspiration and a need to get clear on where I stand. I'm really done with anyone that has any sort of doubt about things they can do or cannot. I can't be around people that have no confidence and or/faith on what is possible. That kind of thinking, derails ideas and possibilities in dreams. It is a contagious kind of being, and today, I am the person to say stop it. Your string of contagious doubts is not going to work. There I said it, I feel better already. So back to being fired up, and inspired. I think of art, design, food and yoga as a form of healing process, it has helped me when growing up in New York. It has helped me to get in School. It has helped me through my career. It was my shield, when oh shit was going really wrong in different parts of my life. Below is a list of whom has inspired me these are a few, I hope it will inspire me as they do you. For my own shout outs today..I say Dwell Home, here I come, in the mountains, maybe..Yoga Teacher training, its Coming Up, and I'm riding it! Kickass projects with Kickass budgets, HOLLER here and check it, my studio is open with full embrace! New art work concepts and book ideas, hurray and in the works! Conferences in New York City, Lets try to dance towards it, and finally attend it, so we can connect it. More awesome and luminous friendships in life and work about to happen, I say surprise me! I love beautiful surprises from beautiful hearts, let it shine my way..lets shine together and make this world an even more amazing place to live in . So with that, I leave you with this list of brilliance, and keep that negative crap far away from me, no victims here, only birds that know exactly when to migrate and nest. Get with it.

Frida Kahlo-"Feet, who needs them when I have wings to fly?"

I love many of Fridas Work, this self portrait and the wounded dear resonated with me the most today. The most amazing part about her work, is how she trys to find a sense of understanding in the world that she lives in through her mexcian culture, wounds, healing, love, pain, anger, dreams, philosophies, our unconcious, our relationship with ourselves as women, our sacrifices, her relationship with Diego. Her subject matter and concepts of her painting still triggers the very same issues us as women still deal with these days. But she continues to paint and follow her dreams.

Maya Angelou -All great achievements require time.

Amelia Earhart-Better do a good deed near at home than go far away to burn incense.

Hannah Hoch- (the book) "I wish to blur the firm boundaries which we self-certain people tend to delineate around all we can achieve."

I've been following her for a while now, and her work has inspired some of my work and personal projects. I love that through her brilliant body of work, I always see a constant movement of experimentation and expansion. This include disecting and reopening current politics that were happening in Germany at the time, as well as revolutionizing the role the female artist played during the DADA period.

My Mom: Educate yourself on the things you want to do in life, it will help spearhead towards your dreams. There is always someone less fortunate then yourself, always give when you can, but work hard, do it meaningfully, no complaining and remember to enjoy yourself in the process.. And my absolute favorites: Travel, Travel, Travel, Spend, Spend, Spend. Today There is no schedule, Vicky, Today we have fun! Window shopping, if there is no money! Bloody Marys, and Champagne Sundays! ;-)

Raw Lasagna

2011-03-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

So after 18 months after the birth of my cute little daughter Ellie.. I'm still quiet frustrated with my weight. I finally got under the bench mark goal. I stopped weighing myself, because its just gets me really angry. So I just thought really, I'm going to work out everyday no matter what. I've cut out carbs, and have been still eating really well. This is possible due to the gift of my cooking. Or else I can see how hard it is for people to want to loose weight without the knowledge of preparing food. I'm not as active as I was living in the city. So I need to really pump it up at the gym, or start going to the 90 minute hot yoga classes 5-6 days week. The thing is, I'm already doing it everyday, but I've reached a comfy level.. So it's not exactly an New Years Resolution or impulsive decision all of a sudden. I just need to pump it up again. But my interest in getting on the treadmill at the gym lately, is as firery as a turtle that's laying out getting a tan.. So, I say I'm going to do 90 minute hot yoga everyday, and all of sudden, I got more and more interested in raw foods lately. As my old diet regimine in my college days was soups, coffee, salads, and ran everyday at the gym, and walked around NYC like crazy. I also went out dancing every weekend, and ate pretty much what I want when I had good work out weeks. I was pretty active, even if I missed gym time. Now, its no more walking often, I have an awesome little black suv, I drop ellie off at daycare, go to gym or yoga, come home, work on the computer, and then maybe a couple of appointments with clients during the week. Light personal errand running. Light dog walking. The rest of time is spent at home with ellie and scott. So dancing every weekend? Running around like mad without a car? This is all out the window living here. Don't get me wrong. I love it here, and it really takes time for the place to grow on you. I love discovering all these awesome little areas off the highway or by the beach to drop your kayak in and row.
In lieu of confronting these life changes here on sugadaily today. I've got interested in Raw Foods. I'm thinking of experimenting on a couple of recipies this week with some of my twists and alternating the seasoning to satisfy the my travel nomad nyc tounge. I've also cut out on alchohol, and threw out my cheeses after I found out how people gather and make most of our cheeses on the market. Here are some pics from today. My raw lasagna came out insanely delish. So I think I'm ready..

(the new discovery about this dish, is the substitute for the Riccotta cheese. In the Raw Cookbook I got today, it used macadamia nuts blended into a smooth consistency. The raw zuccinni if sliced super thin really can pass for a carb texture subsitute. And the meat substitute, I blended walnuts, vegan bacon bits, and mushrooms in the chopper, with some amino liquids in it, (that actually taste like a maggi soy sauce) The tomatoe sauce from fresh tomatoes, chopped really well with loads of garlic, also blend it in well with basil and sundried tomatoes to get a nice chewiness, similar to cooked sauces. I think I'm ready to go raw! But we will see as the experimentation goes, I see a lot of nut blends, so need to stock up and explore that..)

So tonight is a new night, and tomorrow is a new day, continuing my day 4 of hot yoga. It will be a morning hot vinyassa class, I'm hoping these past three days will help me prepare for this. Though, my fear is dissolved knowing that I can pace myself if it gets too overwhelming, that I'm not there to overwhelm myself, but to be with myself. Yoga classes these past couple of days at the new studio closer to my home, that I've joined has been a intense sneak up on you kinda of yoga. It wasn't that hard, being that I'm use to the heat, and can deal with it. But I have been feeling it at night. So something is working. My issue lately I think is patience, wanting to see results right away. I just have to get my body is not like laying out something on the computer.
On a side note about where I live today....I'm really enjoying the vast farmers markets, yoga studios, parks, and beautiful nature Virginia can bring. One of the most amazing things about living here are the sunsets. The clarity of stars, clouds, and the insane colors at dawn and night. Spring and Summer allows you to hear the trees, and a beautiful 70 degree walk on the boardwalk with your child middle of the week, surpasses any qualms I have raising a family here. Life is simpler, and for once I'm really diggin it!
A recent new article listing farmers markets:

9 months into our new home, I think I finally got this living in a house thing.

2010-08-30T10:36:00.000-06:00

After almost 9 months into our new home, I'm finally there.. I think. Interms of furniture placement, deciding what room should function as what, organization, color choices, object placement, lighting concerns, maintenance, reminding myself that we have AMPLE storage, gardening/yard work routine, replacing things, adding things, taking away things, sitting with, looking at, cleaning, moving, pretty verses convenience..You get the picture, the list goes on, mind you, I've been living in apartments most of my life. What I was use to, was maximizing on small spaces. I could make a small space into a small castle of goodness, and yet in this beautiful house we bought, I went through apartment withdrawal for sure! The house was well updated, renovated, and move in ready. The sellers did a wonderful job, the first couple of months, were a period of adjusting and understanding that there are still memories that were in this house. The problem was, it was a another family's history here. I was sensitive to that, so I had to keep on moving things around till it felt like it was ours. Poor Scott, has been a really good sport, hes actually getting into a weekly routine with yard work. We grew our first vegetable garden together, and it was a success. As the summer comes to an end very soon. We look forward to our 5th anniversary on the third. Ellie is officially in the toddlers level in daycare. I've had an great influx of new work coming in this month, that has been well received with good planning, and communication, which is equating less stress. I'm thinking this is progress in the weiss design office world. I'm steadily achieving a 2-3 pound weight loss plan per week, which has been well maintained by just sticking to better eating habbits, sustaining from white carbs, and 3-5 day workout plan, mixed with cardio and hot yoga. Today, I was able to make fresh breakfast, and sit down together with my daughter in our new dining room, that I LOVE! I had to switch out the stainless steel table, because I think I about had a heart attack when Ellie almost walked into the corner of it a couple of times. I settled for a simple child friendly, white tulip dining table from IKEA, ..My office will be converted to a guest room, and the new office space has found its way into the second sun filled dining area, I can hear my wind chimes now that hangs right out side the window in the morning. A great way to start the day.

play

2010-08-13T21:12:00.000-06:00

Past couple of days I have been working on some hand drawn typefaces..I'm just playing around, having some fun. Its long over due, like many things in my life now. I think I am resisting motherhood, but I also love being a mom...It's natural I suppose..this conflict.

tofu pattie w/lichee orange salsa and stir fry snow pea shoots

2010-08-09T16:01:00.000-06:00

I had to post this today, I made it for dinner, it was pure success, I was full and it was low in calories..As some may know I have said good bye to all white carbs for awhile now. When I reach my goal, I will say hi to all my white carb friends again, this time moderately..Pregnancy has a funny way of distorting your hormones, which made it hard for me to control my eating habits...Now after a year or so, I'm feeling much more in control now, and found that my new cooking style as an alternative way to eating better.. Anyways, here are the ingredients and recipe, I made some for my daughters lunch tomorrow..Lucky girl! From my kitchen to yours..Enjoy!

Tofu Pattie Mix
1 pkg of firm tofu
premade fresh salsa
Can of lichee
Orange Juice
Pack of organic snow pea shoots, (they look like wheat grass, trader joe has them..)
Pre-chopped garlic.
Apple Cider mixed with Maggi Soy Sauce
Hot + Sweet chili sauce

Once you bought the japanese tofu burger seasoning, it has all the basic info on the back. You mush the seasoning and tofu together, make your patties and pan fry it. Take pre-made fresh salsa, chopp up lichee into little squares, pour a dash of orange juice and mix it together with the salsa. Put a spoonful of it on top of one patty. Back to same frying pan, throw in snow pea shoot, then a tablespoon of chopped garlic, salt and pepper, a dash of water, stir it, cover it, and plate it. Do not overcook the veggies, just toss it enough that it has sord of a calming down look, like the way spinach cooks.. I added a drizzle of farmers market honey over it, pre-mixed the soy sauce and apple cider as one choice, and the hot and sweet thai chili sauce as another.. CHOW DOWN! yum!

ellie is walking..

2010-08-04T20:01:00.000-06:00

This past couple of weeks, my dish-washing machine broke down, my pond pump broke and I got hit big on the technology front. I just dropped a nice number for my super computerized, child safe dish-washing machine with stainless steel interior.. My laptop went from battery issues due to a conflict after updating it to snow leopard, to now it is asking me to restore the whole system. My printer went kaboom. and then my iphone started acting weird when I updated to 4. Now the battery will deplete after three hours. So I'm waiting for an upgrade coming to me in the mail. And I will need to purchase a new laptop, just because I will be spending another 400-600.00 fixing the old laptop, and it just seems insane that by selling it at its current state, I might as well be investing another 800.00 towards my new laptop, so I think it is really the wise thing to do. Besides the big negative on my apple gadget front, ellie, my precious little one, is walking around like a little mighty mouse..Its the funniest thing watching her. I'm having a strong urge to take her out of daycare and just watch her all day again while I work, though it maybe not the best thing for my attention span and focus..Study shows that multi-tasking is actually not very productive. I can see why now that this is the case, and a lot of details can be missed, and I'm usually drained by lunch if I am constantly checking email, twitter, facebook..and I really will not have alot of fun with ellie, because I may not be aware of ellie, now curious and adventurous getting into things here and there.. It's funny to observe children though in the case of multi-tasking. When ellie plays with something, she plays with one thing, and explores it to the fullest potential. I love that! I think daycare is still a good call. She's pretty happy when I drop her off there, she plays well with all her girl friends. Sometimes I envy the fact that new moms have their close relatives by, and they are available to help out when ever possible. That truly is a blessing and gift. Though tonight, as I look at my daughter, fast asleep, and she is in her clean clothes, bathed, ate well, played well, and now sleeping well. I'm surpassed proud, slightly exhausted because I hit the gym a bit harder then usual, moved my office to another space, and about to organize a master to do list that I know I may not complete it all at the time I would like it to get completed.. I am insanely, tired and joyous now,and very accepting of the fact that I am human, and its a beautiful thing.

ellie's first birthday turn out..

2010-08-04T19:54:00.000-06:00

Ellies birthday party weekend!

2010-07-01T11:10:00.001-06:00

So we finally decided to throw a proper first birthday for ellie this weekend. I wanted to keep it simple as I just wasn't sure how my work load will pan out. But things are looking good for time for the next two days, and darn it, I had to go on martha stewarts website today and found these awesome birthday cakes, and themes... I actually loveeee the igloo with penguins, though I'm not sure if it fits for a summer birthday party for a one year old, maybe I can give them sunglasses! At this point I'm leaning to get a bunch of different lollipops..Then there are all these cool party favors which make me think I should get some party favors for the kids that are showing up...The list is getting longer already! Most of my closest friends and family members are showing up this weekend.. I think scott is going to build a corn hole, not sure yet. I hope he'll read this blog today.. (Note to self, I need to get my battery charged for my nikkon camera..)

Ellie's birthday menu ideas, and food list:

- catered bbq | coleslaw | potatoe salad

- zuccinni slices, gorgonzola cheese, cherry tomatoes baked

- baguette toasted with ricotta cheese, and basil with olive oil (from our garden)

- taiwanese vegan meat mix, stuffed in endive, finished off with either
pine nuts or crushed peanuts.

- japanese cucumber salad | rice vinegar mixed with sugar and sesame seeds.

- ellie's lollipop candy cake, topped with a giraffe and a couple of
different animals I think I have in my craft supplies..

- cake premade, all white icing covered available from Harry teeters,
yellow + pink icing..

--
- 2 bottles of red wine
- 2 bottles of white wine
- 1 pink lemonade mix
- water bottles
--
(pre-blown form party shop)
- 4 pastel yellow balloons
- 4 white ballons
- 4 pink ballons
- party favors, animal masks?
- yellow+ white+pink mix roses and or tulips
- 1 more string of lights for backyard lights
- big ribbons
--

to view work as love, love as work.

2010-06-30T18:30:00.000-06:00

As I look out side today, in my backyard, the sunset is slightly coral and pink. I'm listening to a song called southern romance, a mix by olivier pryslack. In the midst of starting off this busy summer, I think I finally got the hang of this motherhood thing. This career thing..This business thing..This art thing..Even this famliy thing..and sometimes this married thing...I left two very intimate cities of mine to discover a simpler life. To understand the conventional and create something new out of the conventional. Therefore it is not conventional at all, it is just my life that I own. To not re-live a past, to focus only...moment to moment... I discovered this in one of my sketchbooks today, and for the record this is a copied quote and writing from another source. I intend to cite the source here, once I find it in my library but I thought I share it here to all, as everytime I read this, it sends shivers down my spine..
--
The real purpose of work is to give us an opportunity to practice being human. To discover everything that we are and all that we can be,both as individuals and as members of a community. As Marsha Sinetar puts it, "work can be used, as can anything and everything we do, to communicate our love for self and another. For the rare person who is religiously or spiritually inclined. Work even becomes a vehicle for devotion, a way utilizing ones gifts and talents to serve others. A way of truthful self expression." This is a reflection of that famous quote from the prophet by Kahilil Bibran: "When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.To love life through labor is to be intimate with life's innermost secret. All work is empty save when there is love, for work is love made visible.
--
I suppose, when I'm doing whatever housework I know how to do, in the midst of it, I ask myself why, and somehow the water that hits the dishes trickles a bit and sparkles..In the midst of trying to get my daughter to cooperate when I'm trying to change her diaper, she lets out the best laugh, and I join her. Doing the same yoga pose again and again yet if feels new every time, and your body just feels a little lighter.. When the meeting ends with a new client you both exchange a trusting eye contact. When you volunteer for a greater cause then yourself because you care about how a community thrives creatively. The never ending argument you have with your spouse that resolves itself when one of you just simply. stepped. back. When you stopped thinking and just painted. When your mother calls, and the first hello is a wave of laughter that follows..
--
Look back at your day..Where did the frustration and complaints lead to? Next time, just stop for a moment. Instead of always moving forward, move back a step. Instead of doing everything so quickly, slow down. Instead of driving down the same street take another way and discover a new neighborhood. Instead of trying to be right, just let it go.

New Album from Bonobo | Black Sands.

2010-03-29T11:20:00.000-06:00

it's finally out. hot. buy it. now @ http://www.ninjatune.net/ninjashop/index.php?cat=0&type=LP&by=6&code=ZEN140#ZEN140

Starting your own design business! I got what you need!

2010-03-26T09:44:00.000-06:00

Today I got an inquiry about some key aspects of creating a successful financial blueprint for your business. I think it was a calling here for me to journal this as I'm in shifting mode for mine after a slight hiatus giving birth to my first child. I'm listing resources here on how it all worked for me, and how if continued with daily practices of this, staying informed, being part of a community that fosters what you do will all be essential to your success. The following are things that I've already done, am doing, and will reach scenario. We are all on the same boat so to speak, I did not realize how much resource I can contribute now. As biz markie would say " I got what your need!" So whomever is reading this, it's your lucky day!

Starting your business: Sincerely, Ask yourself these questions..
-What are you planning to do?
-Whats your strengths and weaknesses? Make a List.
-Are you running your business from your home?
-Whats your overheard?
-Do you plan to have employees?
-Whats your bottom line?
-Whats your unreasonable financial goals?
-Whats your current debt ratio?
-Whats your current bills looking like?
-Do you have capital saved up or can borrow to hold you over after leaving your job?
-What are you willing to give up, let go, or invest in something thats new.
-Do you plan to do a sole proprietor, llc, corporation?
-Here is a link for the state of Virginia, (It is alot better and easier to navigate since the last time I was on it!)

http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/business_4096/starting_a_business_4100/establishing_or_registering_your_business.html

But also ask yourself these personal questions..
How is your current job situation?
What are your dreams and goals in your life beside Art+Design? Family? Love? Travel?
Look around you, what do you want to see more in the world?
As we all know especially being a designer, you know how powerful design can impact, are you doing that type of design at work?
Go back to the core and ask yourself, what made you to get into this creative world the first place, and nurture that inspirational moment again, thats your fire bird so to speak that got you here, respect it.

-----

Finances:
-If your married, it will really help to have a conversation of who will be managing what when you start your business, be prepared with your goals, and always start with a passionate yet productive conversation about what you are planning with your spouse. He or she is your best friend and supporter, remember that.

Banking:
-Make sure your bank has great online services that can link all your personal and business accounts together, this way it makes it easy/fast to watch your money (like a hawk) put money away in different accounts, and remember to pay yourself no matter what the amount you are comfortable with 1-2x a month. (Make note of that for your accountant too on the statements) (This consistent practice will help you if you need a business loan, mortgage, new credit card etc etc..)

Seminars, Education:
From the millionaire mind seminar that I took in Denver, Colorado 2 years ago with my husband, it is expressed that you need to have a total of 6 accounts. It should look like this:

Financial Freedom Account (10%)- used only for investments and buying or creating passive income streams. Money is never spent, only invested. Also, have a Financial Freedom Jar where you deposit money each day ($1, $10, loose change). Do something daily.
Play Account (10%)- Use this money to nurture yourself. Use it for extra-special things in your life. The only guideline is that you must spend the money every month. Use it each month in a way that makes you feel rich!
Education Account (10%) - Set aside money for your education (school, seminars,etc.) or your child's education.
Long-term Savings for Spending Account (10%)
Giving (10%)
Necessities Account (50%)

For a creative person like me, I basically did the same thing and just gave it different names, and used it for different purposes, you can use your existing accounts and start playing.

Quarterly Taxes:
Make sure they are filed, period. this will help with staying organized every 3 months, so that there are no real crazy surprises end of the year. Invoice your clients as quickly as possible, keep it organized easy to find. Your reciepts, however you like to OCD designer style and organize it, should simply look like this:

-Gas
-Office Supplies
-Restaurants, Coffeeshops, Events
-Charity
-Misc (anything you purchased that you are not sure of, keep to inquire with your accountant.)

Community:
Find a meet up group, create a group, and invite people that are already successful starting or doing their own business and commit to meeting up frequently to discuss goals and actions. They do not neccessarily have to be in the same profession as you. You may never know, they could need work from you, or you may need something from them. (Do not opt to trading services that just gets complicated. Keep things simple and direct. )

Joing your local AIGA! As I have at: http://www.aigahamptonroads.org/
Attend all the events, it will help to keep in the loop, also help with making sure you don't burn out. All and all design is just fun, and the AIGA community helps foster your growth as a designer.

Time Management:
Even though I do get things done on time, At times do wait for the last minute. The consequences when doing this often is DETRIMENTAL. I get burnt out often. My time is stolen from my family and friends. I'm not doing healthy things, this also goes for taking on too much work. It makes you loose the big picture. It may sound fufu to some people, but I'd like to view my life and work as a garden, I'm trying to create, build and maintain. I usually do a weekly list on a sunday evening before bed. Put A's on the must do's, Bs and Cs etc. etc. and just try my best to follow it that week. My mantra lately is, keep it simple and just trust.

Books that will help:
Shel Perkins: http://www.amazon.com/Talent-Not-Enough-Business-Designers/dp/0321278798

Handmade Market Place Etsy:
http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Marketplace-Locally-Globally-Line/dp/1603424776/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269622861&sr=1-11

Oldies, but still amazing as ever.

Design Culture:
http://www.amazon.com/Design-Culture-Anthology-Writing-Journal/dp/1880559714/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269625773&sr=8-1

Emotional Branding:
http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Branding-Paradigm-Connecting-Updated/dp/1581156723/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269622929&sr=1-1

Managing Projects, Work Flow, Pricing, Economy:
I work for myself, so I usually just quickly jot down the time, date, and hours spend in my note pad when I get done with something and get it into invoice mode quickly. There is also: http://projectbubble.com/ which is new free experimental company if you have larger/long term projects.

Pricing: The amount of schooling, years in experience, you deserve the best no matter what should all come into play. Stick to your guns, my dad would say, make sure you get paid quickly. Deposits a must. Get clear on the fears you have with money. Journal it, come to conclusion with it. Move forward. Celebrate it, there is enough money and work to go around, think global. AIGA and AQUENT has a link here: http://www.designsalaries.org/calculator.asp

Current Economy: TURN OFF THE NEWS, do not surround yourself with people that are complaining about it.

Other Creative Passive Income Avenues:
-All those awesome vector illustrations that never made it in your proposals, you can sell them here, respectively: http://www.istockphoto.com/index.php

-Merchandise:
http://www.zazzle.com/
http://bigcartel.com/

Networking:
Blogging, keeping a blog, Joining your local BNI group and try it out to see if it works for you. Have cards with you at ALL times. Keep up with all your forums that you are involved with online. Facebook is great, but make sure you are not there soley for personal reasons. Know your design business pitch by heart. Whether you have a tag line, you can talk about the last project you worked on, and your vision for your company. Non-profits may not pay a lot or at all, but they are great avenues for some free advertising for you. Flickr is a great online photo album network to share your work with people and get it out there. Going to local events, that foster business networking or new business developing helps too. All this helps to build confidence, and if this is really what you want, it will all work out!

kasha/dulse/duO/bombO!

2010-03-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

So after purchasing Dulse Seaweed, from She Sells Seaweed lady Kacie. I started playing around with some recipies. I found a box of unopened Kasha today in my pantry. Along with some dried shitaki mushroom, and starting cookin'! and OMG, this is so delish. I seriously deserve a prize for this one. I thought I share, too bad my husband is not into all the vegan stuff..Not sure if I can convince him to try it without giving him the honest breakdown of the ingredients..But I'll give them to you!

-Preparation time: 12-18 minutes
-Box of Kasha- (see pic above) : 1cup
-Dulse Seaweed: 1/4 bag
-Vegetarian Broth: 2 cups
-Olive Oil: 2 tablespoon
-Sherry or Marsala Cooking wine: 1 tablespoon.
-Brown Sugar: 1 spoon
-Butter: 1 tablespoon
-Premade Hummus: 1 table spoon
-Roma Tomatoes: 1 chopped
-Onions: quarter, chopped fine
-Cilantro: quarter cup, chopped fine
-Crushed pecans or walnuts: 2-3 tablespoons
-Raisons: (your preference)
-Black Sea Salt: Garnish.
-Lemon: Garnish

These will all be cooked/prepared separate, and thrown in a bowl in the end, just so you know!

Kasha:
Follow the basic instructions in back of the Kasha Package to make the Kasha. Kasha is middle eastern I believe, almost in between, cous cous, and rice. It has earthy, but smooth chewy taste to it. Its a great alternative to carb lovers that are trying to cut down/out. After you have made the kasha, put it aside in a bowl to cool down.

Dulse Seaweed:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in pan. When its super hot, throw in the dulse, cook for 2-3 minutes. Take out. Chopped it up and leave on paper towel to drain oil.

Dried Shitaki mushrooms:
With the same pan you fried the seaweed, throw in the dried mushrooms, then take a little bit sherry or marsala wine( 1 table spoon) and toss it together with the mushrooms. then put half tablespoon of brown sugar in there. Blacken it up, but do not burn it.

Back to Kasha Bowl:
Take the chopped up crunchy dulse, shitaki mushroom and mix it into the kasha bowl, let it sit.

Back to Pan and final.
Put about half table spoon of butter into the pan. Throw in crushed pecans, or crushed walnuts, and toast them in the pan. When done pour it into your Kasha Bowl. Toss it let it sit, and then take your chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro and toss it together, all with a wooden spoon. then take about 1 tablesoon of hummus and squeeze one wedge of lemon, and toss it together then. If you like raisons, I would say toss some in there. If not it will just taste as good.

Presentation:
It doesn't really look too pretty in the bowl, but oh my it tastes amazing. I suggest to scoop it into a small round bowl, and then take a plate, smack it together gently, and flip it over to contain the shape. Then garnish it with fresh lettuce or spinach, or lemon. Then sprinkle black sea salt ontop and around the plate on top. You may also want to sprinkle a bit of honey, or have some plain yogurt sauce on the side to dip/play with as an extra addition to your plate..

Results:
YUMMMM!

Box Art | Joseph Cornell Flash back

2010-01-12T16:57:00.001-07:00

I wanted to update everyone on my creative/crafts/fine art ventures lately, and it is surely and finally coming out of a decade of feeling stuck in subject matter, style, beliefs, and culture trends. These past 4 years I have not only detoxed from city living, quit smoking indefinitely for over 2.6 years now, and stopped looking at culture art trends that I was naturally drawn to for years. I'm acknowledging the beautiful past inspirations of the urban environment, and japanese anime that really fueled all my art work at the time when I was surviving in these different cities. Though something else has been calling for me, and hence why I have been hesitant taking on, drawing or looking for illustration work. This new year evokes a strong sense of creativity "soul" calling, that is gentle, true, patient, natural, and sculptural..I have had a craving to go beyond the canvas just a little bit, experimenting with crafts, design, painting, drawing and collaging.. Hence Joseph Cornell has been resurfacing quite often, along with Frida Khalo, hannah hoch..I'm also starting to become more intrigued with religious/sacred art works, mostly with zen or buddhist influence..amongst all this the cold weather has been conjuring up a desire for warm places..The ocean calls for warmer weather and warm ideas!

We are here 2010, and sleepless week it is!

2010-01-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling a little bit with sleeping a full night, as ellie has been doing a ritual waking up every morning around 3 or 4am..without this full night sleep, my morning has been a complete drama attack asking the heavens why this is happening, while my daughter looks at me funny. Then I stop and realize how ridiculous this whole thing is and get on with my day. So today is a dash of anger, stress, teary eyed, but very motivated victoria. I'm going to hit the gym this morning, after two days of rest, and get my written goals down on paper for the year. I think I have always been very hard on myself, and working on not being so hard on myself and being nurturing is no easy task. But I think I'm much better then last year..I just need to soak the success in, and I'm not letting it. It's the strangest thing, our hearts, and our egos..

2 days before 2010, what are your wishes for today, tomorrow, the new year?

2009-12-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

Looking past at 2009, I recall the first time I landed in san francisco last year and embraced 2009 quietly in a hotel, after a great dinner, 4 months pregnant with ellie..maybe motherhood hormones are a bit more intense then the norm right now, but I always shed a little tear on how absolutely amazing 2009 was for me and scott. As the world's economy in limbo, we kept positive on our boat and rowed towards the end of 09, keeping up with our daily rowing to stay on track, hitting a couple of small turbulent streams here and there, but we were on track, and truly believe all this is going to work out no matter what. Last night was my 32nd birthday, I had a full day taking care of ellie, while she sat on my lap kicking to oscar peterson's jazz ensemble.. I worked, updated websites, and tried to listen to recorded polaris conference calls, return emails, catch that phone call back to a client while ellie napped, and text friends to keep in touch during the holidays. In the midst of all these tasks, my brain buzzes all the wonderful creative art related projects panning out for 2010, and then I check for my voice mail to see if my mom called from HK, and she did in between meetings or getting on a train to china for her morning meeting with new factory manager maybe..Scott rushed back home and put on his new heather grey sweater top, over a light bluish plaid shirt underneath, Our nanny showed up on time, and off we went to see Sherlock Holmes. It was a very perfect evening, we had a great time, it's been a while I think..

My wishes today are simple, I would like to achieve all my goals for 2010, personal and work, and its just going to happen, I don't know how, but I know that when the end of 2010 comes, I'm going to shed an extra tear with a jump, cause I said I was going to do it and I did.

What are your wishes?

DIY Holiday Gifts..

2009-12-22T12:02:00.001-07:00

So I'm blogging a little bit today about DIY holiday gift ideas, that are seriously inexpensive, and how meaningful they can be for children and adults, always personalize it by creating a label or sticker from your inkjet on these gifts to give it that extra touch for an yearly tradition. Your friends and family will love you for it!

1-Food, cookies, homemade pesto sauce, soups even can really spark up a face when presented beautifully, maybe in a box, and wrapped in a beautiful ribbon. Get some mason jars and put custom stickers on it.

This morning I was watching the martha stewart show, and they were making these awesome looking glitter covered birds. It was the coolest thing ever, I think I reverted to about 8 years old when I saw them making it. Makes me want to jump up and do gitter crafts all day long!

Link here:

Now for the green bug in you and you want to use recycled craft ideas go here:
Link:

If you really want to get artsy fartsy, do some DIY famous artist stills, get dressed up like one of cindy shermans look alike here, and take a picture.

Link:

Online Internet Business Resource

2009-12-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Being a designer turned mom, really help me to put into perspective on what I really want to do with my art, design, home based business etc etc. I manage a couple of sites online, and have been trying to find new ways to create income without the need of me running around to endless appointments, and looking for new clients. As much as I loved what I do, it just seems like an obvious burnout situation parallel to being a first time mom, if I go back to what I was doing prior. This supermom stuff, is amazing and fantastic for some, but it really is not realistic for me. So back to the drawing board, what to do, what to do.

I came across this article that seems to be a good resource for people that would like a rich outline of possible online internet ventures:

Getting Started With an Internet Business

My Obsession with Ellie..

2009-12-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

5 months into motherhood, and with a bit of in home part-time care assistance, I am absolutely loving motherhood. The first 2-3 months was rough, but I'm back in the gym, and hot yoga has helped my sciatic pain to recover tremendously. My vegetarian eating habits are getting better, and I'm going to make an effort to really blog more often..Writing and sharing all the good things that are happening in our lives is trully valuable and good for grammar health..Ellie, is indeed a really good baby. As much as I worried about my work, and finances, it all worked out. Funny I never stressed about how Me and Scott were going to handle Ellie when she came, but Scott is hands down a FANTASTIC father, and motherhood has agreed with me well. Every morning, she gets me up, and her fussing turns into this giggling babble when she sees me peak over the bassinet, and then our day starts together like a violin and cello, our little duet flows back and forth with the hands on our spiral lotus clock. I can't wait to craft funny looking toys for her nursery from my old clothes..and her every little changes daily are amazing, they awake my heart that seemed at times so buried in meaningless things at times.. A good friend had said today on facebook, your worst fears end up to be the happiest things you can hope for. Ellie is sure the perfect proof for the quote she had on her status..love love love, the power of it. what a miracle, how beautiful is that..

dreams do come true.

2009-11-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

So 4 months into the birth of my first child, comes the birth of home ownership. I am trully thankful and my appreciation goes beyond words. Owning a home, has been a dream of mine since childhood, as I lived apartment to apartment for years. All of you former NYC residents will know too, how apartment to apartment, is the way of life. I'm not surprised why people actually are found sleeping in storage places while they are in-between places.. I also knew when my child can hold a rattle and throw it across the room, it put me on full gear to get in house owning mode.. My cute Ikea open style home office is not working anymore, as it has become a high traffic noise zone. The craving for a door to a home office is now a must. So more space for the child, a dog that needs a back yard haven instead of our bed, and a husband craving for manly garage space. Our good friend marlena found us this perfect little heaven so that our little family can thrive happily ever after..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugatank/sets/72157622497819995/show/

It's been too long since last update, but it's okay!

2009-07-22T09:41:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! I just went through a big shift this past two months of my life, as I gave birth to my first child Helen Elizabeth. We are all calling her Ellie for short. Motherhood to me right now consist of relating my daughter's poop to indian chicken korma curry, making milk every 3-4 hours, and watching my precious one nap into dreamland while I utilize the time to catch up on work. My main focus have been carving out a weekend in August for myself to recover fully by going back to jogging, massages, and my devoted hot yoga classes. Besides wanting to burn all the fat off, I crave for shedding out the toxins that were in my blood stream during delivery and post. Right now my sciatic is getting better in my left leg, which has been a blessing, as it has been driving me crazy these past couple of weeks. I want a pain free leg today and my higher energy level so that I can be there fully for Ellie. I'm sord of back on track this week and getting back in to work mode. I'm replanning my current business structure this summer. The goal is to create more time, money, and better work flow. Stay tuned on how that will happen.

Shark Attack Hat!

2009-05-15T09:31:00.001-06:00

I think it is a good time for a little post here today! With an awesome interface at facebook, iphones, a couple of computers in your home office, work flowing in non-stop, and a baby about to pop. It just have been non-stop for us. Here is an awesome hat find from my friend at daftcraft. It's not available for sale, I'm going to have to make i if I want it. I love it!

A Special Post for my BNI group and all.

2009-03-19T07:09:00.000-06:00

It's been a really interesting 6 months or so being part of a BNI group. Most of all, the relationships being built, and collaborations going on that is really help shaping my business, making it stronger to build a better client base and lasting fulfilling relationships with them. It also has been very interesting to really get what everyone does, and their commitments to the group.

After some recent article discussions in my linkedin AIGA network. I still feel at times that some of you may not be clear about what the whole web industry is about, and what my part is. Trust me, It is a very big one and I really don't expect you to get it fully unless you worked or are affiliated with the design and IT industry. I like to start with distinctions today of what some of the occupations are and where my part is in all of this.

Web Programmer: This occupation entails basic understanding of graphic applications, but expert in all programs related to the web. It is also necessary that a programmer is very knowledgeble in hard coding. Which is creating web pages from HTML, meaning with no software assistance. A Web Programmer though encouraged is not required to know design. Colleges across the country are starting to change that through creating programs that integrate more with design and coding.

Web Developer: This job entails PHP, AJAX, MYSQL, and amongst many other which I'm sure I can go in depth to answer. Simply, I'll use metaphors. When Banks for example, are looking for a Web person to develop their website, which is highly depended on security and heavy on database development they go to a WEB DEVELOPER. They sleep, eat and breathe that stuff, in order to maintain a high level of integrity with the clients. They are not required to know design, but again ones with a good design background, such as a web developer that went to MIT for example would excel tremendously in the industry.

Web Designer: A Web Designer is responsible for designing the shell of the site, the look, the user friendly part, new branding or staying consistent with the original. A web designer needs to have a very good back ground in Design, preferably graphic design. She or he also has a good understanding of programming, and also is educated but not required to know the concepts behind a web developers job.

All three job descriptions are ever changing, and that's why it is quite complicated when you walk into this world, and maybe why a little difficult in how everyone is trying to help me with a good referral.

So, this is what Victoria does, let's start with: What I am not. I'm definitely not the WEB DEVELOPER I don't breathe or eat PHP database stuff. But I am educated on it and usually collaborate with third party companies, or use pre-programmed systems/widgets for me to integrate into site for a client if he or she needs it. I can be considered or called a WEB PROGRAMMER, because I can code html pages without Software Application Help and have school and work experience based around programming. I'm also pretty good at animating, so anything online that you see with movement, or requires a bit of fancy flash integration, I'm opt to do well too. The best way to go is to be aware that I am most definitely a WEB DESIGNER.

My niche here with my web design business, is that I have a strong multi-disciplinary background in Art, Design and Illustration. But I think this steers people away of understanding what I do. This background is basically the SPINE of my business, It helps tremendously with the look, functionality, User Interface, and Budget with a website. Without this Design Spine, a site can be over saturated, overdone, over priced. Writing and communication is always important. Though, with just one powerful image, logo, and consistent branding to a site. Bam! you got a million dollar site and audience. Web Design is the Gate to your money being invested further if you decided to go online with your business so to speak. A good web designer is very resourceful, organized, collaborates and get that vision clear for you. It's almost the occupation of the New Web Creative Director. But to be good, is to have knowledge in all that I have listed in the occupation categories.

I would really like to thank everyone that took the time to read this article. I think no matter what this article will help with my 10 minute next month.

Have a good one!

Vegan Garden Mango Chutney Wrap

2009-03-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

With a little preparation of boiled eggs and frozen garden burger. This would be a great quick/in-expensive lunch solution for Home Business Owners. Light on the stomach so you don't feel tired after wards and just as healthy and filling.

Ingredients:
1 boiled egg/or leave out
1 handful of chopped lettuce
1/2 chopped and cubed cucumber
1 garden burger, pan-fried
1/2 tablespoon of Mango Chutney
1/2 tablespoon of Mayo/Veganaise
1 tortilla
salt and pepper
apple vinegar

Put together the tortilla between 2 piece of paper towels in the microwave for 40 seconds. Have all your pre-cooked items (egg and garden burger) chopped up ready. Assemble all the ingredients in the tortilla starting with the mayonaise on the tortilla first then a little bit of Mango chutney, followed by lettuce,cucumbers, garden burger and boiled egg. Then top it off with salt and pepper, and half tablespoon of apple vinegar. Wrap it up and chopp it in half. YUM! :)

The Credit Crisis Visualized

2009-02-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

(Thanks to my friend Jac for posting this on facebook.) I love it when they create visual designs of things that are just way too complicated to explain. This short animation film really makes it very clear for me as a future home owner. As I went into the complete house purchase process with little experience and unfortunately excitement turned into complete disappointment. I am very grateful of my position right now with my beautiful new "rented" apartment. It maybe a waste to some people, but I calculated on all the risks that's going on and I'm saving tons of money for myself, the baby, and my business every month presently. I'm really thinking about other ways to invest these days rather then houses or mortgages. Especially when I'm still so young! Enjoy the video.

Review for Stove, Portsmouth, VA

2009-02-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

We finally managed to try out Stove in Portsmouth this Friday. I found out about this place through an anonymous blogger that read my blog last year. This place had really good reviews and the customers all seem to be very happy with everything. I hear a lot of intimate compliments to the chef Sidney. Before I get in the food, I will start with the decor. this time. I absolutely loved the bathroom, the gaudy shrek lamp, dixie tooth picks, and awesome illustrations printed on the hand napkins were an absolutely treat. The wait Staff was enourmously friendly. The colors, people, and art work in the restauraunt was amazing. Okay so here comes the truth about the food. I really would like a second chance in ordering, and I'm not sure if my pregnancy had to do with it. But the food was a 5 out of 10 unfortunately. (again, I will give you the list what not to order, as I really had high hopes when coming here last friday;) Scotts big fresh romaine (thanks to mara hehee) lettuce salad with curly beets were really fresh, and the dressing was excellent, but I almost want a little bit more weird or interesting veggies/garnish thrown in there like, palm of hearts, or pomegranates to finish it off, even bits of fried sweet potatoe croutons like a southern touch would've have made my eyes sparkle a bit more. My appetizer called Susans Wild Mushroom Melange was again, very fresh and simple, but the rice under it was just a little boring. It would've been amazing if it was a surprised scoop of truffle based creamy rissotto and a thinly sliced cut of parmesean, on top of the mushrooms. Scott got the dumb waiter, and the shrimps were huge, sauce was good, but we were really imagining something completely different. I got the Duck Breast with fresh figs and sauce on side. The figs were great, but my duck was very bloody, and I was hoping it was thinly sliced already before it hit the table that night, as my knife though super slick and modern gave me a serious muscle twister on my finger when cutting it apart. Though I didn't give up, I asked greg our waiter for the steak appetizer, and it came with fried parnips on top. The steak appetizer was excellent, again, we needed some steak sauce, and didn't want to offend the chef. Maybe the Menu could've said with a (*) somewhere that the chef will custom make the steak sauce if needed:) If I was a hard core food critique, I would have to say, that everything on the menu needs to be amazing, especially when there is not a various amount of selections. I will go back and have drinks at the bar and maybe order appetizers or share a plate next time. But not for a full on dinner for fear of hit or miss or having to justify the food afterwards to friends/guests.

It's been awhile..

2009-01-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to migrate over to wordpress, but the perfectionist that I am, I'm trying to do all sorts of different things to the new blog, and hence work coming in, being pregnant, and just busy life stuff has really kept my writing on a hold. Whatever the story is, I believe and trust in my dreams therefore, I'm just going to go with it and as Richard would say keep on keep!

I wanted to post several restaurant's information here as we had a wonderful time in San Francisco on my Birthday and New Years. First we stayed at the DIVA Hotel.

http://www.hoteldiva.com/

For 139.00 per night, you can't beat that. The Bed was sooooo niceee. I slept like a baby. Then for my birthday, I really wanted to catch some ZZZ's so we came back from the SFMOMA museum, and ate early, and I knocked out like a baby.

For new years we really wanted to dine here but it was over booked:

http://www.aqua-sf.com/aqua/

So went here that was just as FABULOUS! I ate so well:)

http://www.lecolonialsf.com

And then walk thorough china town and little italy, we found this place. Their roasted garlic appetizer, wine, and filet mignon chilli was killer.
http://www.thestinkingrose.com/

Poetry for the day..

2008-12-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

How she let go-- and started to love/ starting with her interior sea of vastness/ that turbulent ocean current / where among decayed sea life / new growth/ new life/ beating its drums..

I'm on a roll today!

2008-12-17T08:37:00.001-07:00

Sugadaily reaches her first birthday after a year of blogging. Wow, a total of 83 posts! I feel accomplished! I have stuck through a year on this blog, that is just splendid! I never thought my attention span will last this long. I never thought of myself as a writer, but I like to write, talk, draw, and be absolutely serious but not serious at all.. I feel good so far with this blog, and even though it's not a money maker "yet". It really is this fantastic outlet to just write and blog about anything, simply there is just unlimited flow of life to share with everyone. Like my personal and work life, I've always been a wave, I would be really active out there sociallizing and then I would need my time away for solidarity with not much social interaction unless it is with my close family members like my husband and dog. Same with this blog. Anyone who is a fan here, or are new today. Thank you for being my audience:) Have a marvelous porkchops and applesauce day! Love to you!

Pregnancy Health Routine and more CHANGES.

2008-12-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

As many may know, I am 3 months pregnant and started my second trimester officially yesterday. I also heard my baby's heart beat for the first time too. I'm not sure how I was able to get back to work after my doctors visit, as I was happy and but also felt plain weirded out by the whole experience. It's like there is a fish swimming inside of my lower tummy. I didn't gain a pound, which was great great news, as I had started to eat meat again, and was a little worried that it may cause un-neccessary weight gain. I plan to get back more to tofu and soy, as I found a good mixture of day vitamins to take, and then my pre-natal pills in the evening. Sadly, I am stopping my hot yoga classes, as it wasn't the heat or poses that was of concern, it was that I got de-hydrated too quickly, and got really ill last week. So I purchased shiva rea yoga dvds that looked exciting and inspiring, and with our new bigger space we are moving into this week, I am sure to carve out a space for all my yoga meditaion stuff I do to keep me balanced. Other exciting news is that me and the hub booked a full on trip to San Francisco for my birthday into New Years. We have the money to do it now before baby arrives in the summer of 09. So we went full out but very smart with booking a boutique style stay at Hotel Diva. I'm looking forward to really good chinese food, and more food, art viewing, and a bit of shopping, and did I say more food? Yes we will be going to little hole in the walls to black tie dining experience to get a full effect. I say cheers to that with my virgin drinks, I guess baby wants to go to the west coast tis winter month:) (i'm so excited..can you tell?)

Everything is Changing!

2008-12-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

I love change. And I love big changes in my life, personal or work related. I love changes when they creep up on you without knowing, and you surprise yourself with these discoveries of accomplishments simply by stopping and looking back, then you look forward, then you stay still and see what's infront of you. Our brain is like a camera, it documents, records, and archives it self accordingly to how you are living your life at the present moment. It's like, if you are living your life to the fullest, your house is clean, your daily objects are in order/organized, and you do it everyday, your brain starts to archive that naturally. But the most marvelous thing about our brain, is that its connected to our heart, our emotions, and once in a while, it does almost like a lightning spark, and what you see, hear, read, or touch triggers your emotions that activates the heart and then to the brain, and you react. There is no time lapse because we are moving so quickly. I'm not sure why even I'm blogging about this today, and if there is any point to it what so ever. But I thought I share, cause I can, and I think its super interesting:)

Lovely Virginia

2008-12-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

I love my BNI group, we are a bunch of professional comedians, its very positive and it helps tremendously with me living here. Here are some things I'm writing here as a reminder. Virginia has really nice clean beaches, fun little hidden places to discover. People are in general pretty down to earth and direct. Community orientated with strong emphasis on good health, happiness, family and education..A lot young locals have not traveled outside much which has been interesting to me, as I am fortunate enough to travel a lot of places at a young age and in contrary never really had a very stable conventional home life till now. I'm setting things up at the moment so that I do not get sucked into too deep as a hermit. Instead, I'm allowing life un-folding before my eyes with a positive intention. It's been marvelous!!

Exotic Teas: Beach Flower Tea

2008-12-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

Giving up my every other day glass of wine came quite easy when I discovered that I was pregnant, and it was perfect timing as I was at a point of my health where I wanted to endulge more in the Art of Tea Drinking then Art of Wine Consumption. With respect to both taste traditions and culture. Tea to me now just seems so much more healing with a tremendous effect of feeling better afterwards. When I drink a well brewed cup of tea, a sense of clarity, and calmness overcomes my being that is unwaivering. I found this beautifully presented tea off a website called the Art of Tea. It is called the beach flower, and it truly looks like a tea for a beach flower goddess.

Designer X'mas Gifts

2008-12-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

I love big bold bracelets or cuffs, I love wood patterns I love 2 in one functions. I love this coffee cuff!

http://www.veer.com/products/merchdetail.aspx?image=VPR0005640

Asian Contemporary Art Fair

2008-11-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

It is actually quite nice to see more and more asian inspired art pieces influencing todays culture in Art and Design. I'm naturally drawn to the context of art pieces with an obvious yet subtle influences of Asian culture along with it's rich history.

http://www.designrelated.com/news/feature_view?id=37

A Great Quote: A.Hicks & Esther

2008-11-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

As you are born into these physical bodies, you experience the vibrational continuum of the generations that have come before you. Their desires as they have lived as individuals—and their Collective Mass Consciousness desire— has emanated to the boundary-less boundaries of the Universe, and Law of Attraction is answering all of those requests. So, each generation who follows the previous generation benefits by the desires that have been exuded by Mass Consciousness.

Poetry for the day..

2008-10-27T13:32:00.000-06:00

i see mountains today, the million color of shades, textured greens, hills and hills of waves locking my gaze into meditative state. i feel emotions today, deep behind my throat, a mixture of lemons and floral rhythms of happiness, like i'm about to tear.. but in absolute joy. i look above to the electrical wires just a few hours ago..on my drive to get lunch. little birds perched on it, so trustingly, flying off without drama or fear.. i'm peaceful today, less wars in my brain, more accepting of myself as i think of my goals. i'm thankful everyday, but today, i am blessed.

Friday funnies

2008-10-10T10:49:00.001-06:00

I hope this will bring some laughters into your weekend.

New Street Art Inspiration..

2008-09-19T08:50:00.000-06:00

Fall is here and that beautiful cool breeze during my morning run was so so so good. I was browsing through my friend's toofly's photo stream this morning, and found some interesting people with an absolute great eye for street photography in NYC. It started my nostalgia again with my old home. I am very committed to accomplishing all the things I've set out to do here in "Lovely Virginia." you can say I carefully designed, build, and invested in myself these past three years fully to get where I am now. Our house closing process is still on the go, it takes about 21-30 days for closing to occur, we are almost there, and I feel like we have been waiting for other people. Anyhoo, this art work just brightened up my day majorly!! It makes me feel just happy and passionate, but smart at the same time! I love anything that brightens me up like that!

Livingroom Inspirations

2008-08-26T14:36:00.000-06:00

I absolutley love these spaces, The mix match and natural flow of all the furniture goes so well together! It's easier now for me to imagine and put together my background, culture, and present life, into our design for the house now. hmmm..

-link to 1st and 2nd living room
-link to 3rd living room

Simple Kitchen Inspirations

2008-08-26T14:29:00.000-06:00

I pictured our future kitchen in similar fashion, even with the appliances are all on target too.

Dining Room Inspiration

2008-08-26T14:25:00.000-06:00

In the midst of house hunting, and looking for a boggle lovers online. I came across this amazing decor. link here to the flickr album:

Hot Sounds! Nina Simone: Remixed!

2008-08-26T13:47:00.000-06:00

Did not know this album existed. Super hot, I use to say wow, if my favorite dj's can remix the best of Nina, and this happened today. Type in Nina Simone Remixed in itunes for direct access, or buy the album at Amazon.

There is also a Billie Holiday Remixed, with a closer look, I see a friend connection: Nickodemus & Zeb. Thanks guys, I so needed this today:)

A house in Portsmouth, Virginia

2008-08-25T10:09:00.001-06:00

We looked at houses in Portsmouth yesterday, and found a 1930's gem. All I can say is the hardwood floors through out, beautiful traditional staircase flowing to the top of the second floor home, was amazing. After detaching ourselves with the house, and did some calculations on updating to 2008. I believe we can do it. This is the house we want. I will post pictures after we close on it, just to be exactly sure. But in the midst of being in a beautiful historic waterview neighborhood, I uploaded some benny goodman jazz from the 30's and found some nostaligic imagery reminiscnet of the time to keep with the good vibrations.

To express a little more about me and scott's relationship presently. I just realized this morning that everything I can't stand about him, is what I can't stand about myself. What keeps me going in our relationship is these moments of appreciation that occurs like clock work. It helps me wake up in the morning, it puts me to bed at night. I see children, family, commitment and security with him. In the end I trust him, and thats been the hardest I think to practice and come to finally.

HolymOly, muji meets dog bed.

2008-08-12T15:04:00.000-06:00

No comment, WOWBOW is the company. I think I may start a blog commenting on dog products. sheesh! but very cool!

After a very crammed weekend in PA.

2008-08-12T14:13:00.000-06:00

I have been practicing an enormous amount of patience living in a not so fast, but qauint beachtown, married, and runnning a business back in my apartment. It hasn't been the easiest to wake up every morning to try and shift your thinking positive, and to stick to a somewhat normal healthy life. Most of the time, I like living here, I like that it is less kaotic then the cities I use to live in. I love that its a pretty friendly community. It's a lot easier to own a pet here. Today I am tired, I am due for a 30-40 minute cardio work out. But somehow, I feel absolutely de-motivated. Puppy is keeping me happy. But I feel drained. From what I don't know. I just dont think I have stopped these past couple of weeks. I want Scott to be happy, but his past choices in his life where leads him here are not my responsibilities. I remind myself that each day so that I dont turn into my mother completely. He has been practicing being a good husband and all, I hope that I can be there for him most of the time. Though lately this week, after visiting his family, I am absolutely drained to the bone. I'm trying to express that to him, and I think he doesn't get it, because he is use to his family. I am still not! His mother is actually acknowledging me more and more which is awesome. I think I bonded with his sister whom is this amazing individual and character. Though her energy level is like a rocketship on steroids! Trying to keep up with his family is not what to do here. I do the opposite by doing my own thing, and help out when possible. Though with all the kids, nieces, and grandchildren climbing around, in the yard, and popping out from under my bed, I don't know what to do! Everyone is so trusting that a little dirt wont hurt the kids, meanwhile I'm freakin out like an over protective mother! We couldn't make it to falling water this trip as it was just too hectic, and I did not realize I need to pick up tickets 2 week ahead. We plan to go during fall again. I am determined dammit! I waited this long, a couple more months wont hurt. (Scott if you are reading this, you owe me big baby! start thinking about Taiwan, cause we will get there soon enough;)

2008-08-12T09:12:00.000-06:00

So what happens when a graphic designer owns a new puppy? you look for the best and coolest items for your dogs. But before you take out your credit card, I would browse browse browse! This is a daybed for your puppy, at Pampered Puppies.

A couple of quick updates!

2008-07-31T12:00:00.000-06:00

We finally broke down and got a puppy. Me and my husband's maternal instincts have kicked in bad last week after taking care of my baby niece madeline. We named him Humphrey Boghart, short name Boggie. He's a very happy and healthy puppy indeed. Likes to run and play hide and go seek, snores blatantly, likes to dream and started to watch TV with us last night.

I'm out there again on my meeting galore ventures locally, and work is getting packed this month so far."Mama need to make some money!" We will be heading on a road trip towards Scott's hometown next week in Muncy PA. We will also be making a drive up to Falling Water, By Frank lloyd Wright. That will truly be a dream come true when we arrive there. As I have been wanting to visit that place since my college days. I'm a nerdy rock collector now, believe it or not! Me and scott together collect 1 or 2 rocks where ever we visit and bring it back home. For the ones that knows city lady victoria, I have gone nature cuckoO, I love skyscrapers and all, but something about gigantic trees blowing in the breeze and easy access to the ocean, knocks me to dreamland..

And last but not least, Damien Correl's work is hot, I need to run out now and walk my puppy before he starts his pissing and pooping parade. BRB

busy summer, misc blah blah, & hawk influences.

2008-07-22T11:34:00.000-06:00

I am migrating my blog here to a different platform for better traffic, content control, and to make some money baby! I may be creating a brand new blog, though, I have a couple of personal projects that needs to be launched soon before fall arrives that I need to get on like NOW! When good timing comes around, I will probaly be in NYC this fall to visit lost friends, and attend an affiliate submit for work prospects on blogging. I'm trying to book a good solid 4 days to enjoy and be productive in the City at the same time, cause there is some serious catching up to do and money to be made, and creative endeavors to be met. Besides all the stuff coming up in October, we need to find a house, close on it, and all that good stuff. Also be good about money this summer, which isn't hard when you are trying to get back to a size 6! Becoming a vegan is surely serious business, but payoffs is great. I feel lighter and cleaner when intaking everything else besides meat. I had a vegan turkey salad from the Heritage that was divine, which makes me think veganaise is really not that bad. Besides cutting out chicken and fish, I need to cut out on certain flours, breads, and eggs too. I don't know how I would handle it when I go back to Taipei, and my grandmother is cooking up a storm of her favorite meat dishes for me. I guess, scott, my husband will be in complete delight, as he is the carnivore now. I have problems now handling and cooking meat these days too, scott's happy about that now, because he much rather cook his own meats. I'm never taking my body for granted anymore, meaning, I just can't see myself completely let go of my health. I feel like a hawk these days preying, observing, acting and being with every moment.

House Hunting, Hawk Mode: Forclosure Find

2008-07-15T13:02:00.000-06:00

To keep everyone updated on house hunting process, I'm posting some photos of a recent foreclosure find, which we see super potential in, I did a calculated cost of renovation fees (minimum to max, and it is looking good and within the budget.) I love this lofty style home with open kitchen and direct access to the backyard, with a small deck ready to be painted maybe, and nice amount of trees to make it feel foresty enough. There is a peaceful quietness, to the backyard which I adore. This house is in great condition comparison to some of the other foreclosure property we looked at, and I am learning not to get attached to it either, as there are sooo many house in the market. So help us with some positive vibrational thoughts for us to follow through with this one!

What makes a real "New Yorker?"

2008-07-12T06:01:00.000-06:00

I had a very good conversation with a photographer friend Derek Eley, yesterday, about what makes a real New Yorker? With the millions that live there, the heart of the city to me, are the taxi drivers, immigrants, and vendors. The concentrated areas of greeks, indians, or chinese from astoria to china town. The boriquas or ecuadorians in corona. The Brooklyn Italian pastry shops, with a man, at 75, still manages to make the best cappaccinos for me at a cost of 99 cents . I've met people from all walks of life while I resided in that great city. The bum in the subway station conversing to himself about science and planets, while I wait for the F train in Jamaica Queens to come in at 7:32am in the morning. I don't think I need to be kicked out of class again by a crazy,goth, art professor, whom has a couple of million dollar paintings displayed at the metropolitan museum. I figure, there must be something I can learn from her, so I bust my ass, and got on that train every morning, with Mr. Bum's Einstein words flowing kaotically in my head. I manage to sleep it off, and start the religious routine of work and play in my sketch book. Atlas I arrive at 14str. and 6th ave. Like ants swarming out of the station. Clothed with fake furs, leathers, scarves, on a cold Febuary Day. I see light after walking up the steps of a damp and pissy smelling stairwell. Then the 8:45am wind hits me like an ice cold chill blaster reminding me to WAKE THE FUCK UP! I manage to walk up to school in 5 minutes squeeze into a over-crowded elevator. On days I cant squeeze any more lemon juice in. I am taking that 9 floor stair up to class. Panting like a dog with asthma, yet relieved at the same moment, I manage to squeeze another 5 minutes of peace looking outside of the window. The gorgeous morning light comes shinning in, casting a light on the side of the building across the street.

Then there are these old school memories of pure joy. The days off, walking downtown, meeting a friend for a late brunch, catching up on some drawings at a sidewalk cafe. After clubbing hungers at 3am, dodging in stingy lulu's on St. Marks place where drag queens serve up chicken marsalas with mash potatoes. KRSone and Digable planets at palladium (which is now NYU dorms). People and style watching. Restaurants and stores bustling and hustling east to west, north to south.

This is the new york life that I remembered. Like many others, I had my usual complaints, though the place grew on me. Even with all the amazing art, design, architecture, food, shopping, museums, and street art. My fondest memories of NY had to be time spent with all my strong and beautiful girl-friends. Chowing down brisket sandwiches and Matzhboh soups with my mother at the original 2nd ave deli in NYC. Cursing at cab drivers when they cut me off right before I get onto the williamsburg bridge. Sill hearing frank sinatra's voice when I visited rockafeller center during x'mas with my southern husband. Walking into the met to meet with Mark Rothko, Picasso and then take a little trip to Eygpt. Was it all worth it? Of course. Am I in a different place now? Certainly. And in the year 2008, it really is not too hard to find and dial up your friends again, get in a car, or book a flight for another adventurous weekend away.

When it comes down to it, "perception" is what makes a "Real New Yorker" you have to live and experience it yourself to define it.

Words of Final Advise:
If you spit at nyc, it will spit right back at you. Watch out now;)

Culture in Virginia Beach?

2008-07-11T06:34:00.000-06:00

Hi, I need to delegate my writing compulsion a bit better I think, if I check and return all my emails in the morning, I usually would need to do something else after and not wanting to blog. Hence the late posts. I am starting to get super busy!!! But thats not what I'm taking about today. We maybe fully committed to our real estate lady soon, and she is colombian, with a slight spanish accent. I 'm really big on east coast spanish food, which is anything but Mexican. Mexican food is the best in the west coast, I don't know why when it immigrates to the east coast "literally" everything turns to shit, and you are running to the bathroom like no tomorrow. My jewish brother Ricky says its the water, hence we can't get a decent freakin' bagel down here either. Back to the topic of culture, I believe there is culture here, but its kinda like you accidentally walk into it, or you end up on a hunt for it, and then you find a gem. I think all accents whether broken or close to proper is a very amazing thing. An accent can evoke a place you have never been before, or conjure up an memory, or feel foreign to someone. Most the time it is absolutely comedic, and it always takes a big person to get the jokes and not get offended. (My thoughts are straying all over the place today), the point is, I found a Columbian restaurant here on Newtown Road called EL DESORDEN. My favorite Colombian Dish is called PECHUGA CHAMPIONES, I'm thinking they don't have a vegan version, but it is so freaking good. It's a mushroom cream sauce over chicken, with rice and beans with sweet plaintans on the side. Its definitely a comfort dish, and that would mean an extra lap around the track for me an hour later if I want to stick to my health goals. I got this inside info from my real estate lady Tere. She is quite passionate about finding a house for us, and have experience also in foreclosures, and investment property. I guess when you are with me and my husband, you need to have a sense of humor. We both work hard, but love to make it look easy. It makes everything so much more fun when that happens!

Some notes to this post:
Victoria's Favorite Bagel Spot in NYC: CLICK: Murrays!

Patricia Urquiola

2008-07-01T15:21:00.000-06:00

I first spotted this Italian Designer in a metropolis magazine (June 2005). I was naturally drawn to her design aesthetics. Her furniture pieces feel like its helping you re-generate your cells in your body. Or less dramatically, furniture with vitamins. The organic, contemporary and traditional take on her furniture, is beautifully composed with the human condition in mind. (Swing me into a bjork like dream state!)

Link here to Bio and Article:

Tord Boontje for Swarovski Crystal Palace

2008-07-01T15:04:00.000-06:00

The price of this is...wow... Though, it is quite amazing, and I want it over my dining section or living room in a vacation home in japan preferable on top of a mountain in kyoto. woof!
----------------------------------------------
materials:
iridescent clear and rosalin Swarovski crystal
metal structure
twinkling triple 0.1 watt white LEDs
----------------------------------------------
link here

Mason Jar DIYs.

2008-07-01T10:07:00.000-06:00

I collect any glass jars, I love all shapes, and use it for everything small that needs storage. Here is another great DIY find from design sponge that I'm digging. It's country meets vintage meets moss I suppose? heehee.

Southern Peach Beach Cosmo

2008-06-30T07:15:00.000-06:00

I'm not too sure if its too early in the morning to post this, but I am quite sure my new drink recipe inspiration is great for a a ladies get together in this town. It sounds sweet, but it's actually quite neutral. Why, you may ask? Using peach scented vodka's means less concentrated in sugars than liquors such as peach snapps.) And where did I learn this? I use to bartend. I got a couple of these questions during a wedding reception in Pittsburg last weekend, that I thought to post here. I do like my husband's attitude when it comes to a lot of questions asked by a stranger, just try it and if you don't like it, then get something else!

2 ounces Peach Vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec
1/2 ounce pineapple juice
1/2 ounce pomegrante juice (or liquor)
1/2 ounce fresh lemon or lime juice
Thin slice of peach or lime.

Tips: Leave Peach Vodka, a couple of martini glasses in freezer overnight, for super cold clean finish when mixing and serving the next day. My husband loves this so just add more vodka and pour it in a "masculine" on the rocks kinda glass, (the fufu stuff should buzz right out!)

ITS FINALLY DONE!

2008-06-17T10:48:00.000-06:00

After months of re-designing my site ( 5 th version), I finally got this done literally this morning! Nothing odd is going on so far. Once it's gone through the testing phase it will go out to the new world!

http://www.weissdesign.net

New Work

2008-06-12T08:28:00.001-06:00

New freestyle water color works, will post info on prints that will be available to interested buyers. Go here to see more:

http://www.weissdesign.net/illus/illustration.html

I just love it when designers leave the screen!

2008-06-09T08:28:00.000-06:00

I'm taking this quote:

The New Yorker, wrote last month that misspeak “is a word that is apparently thought capable, in its contemporary political usage, of isolating a palpable, possibly toxic untruth, sealing it up in an airtight bag and disposing of it harmlessly.”

And then you inhale and breathe afterwards. Then you think, how complicated human condition on truth is made out to be. And, then you leave the screen, find a bunch of wires, then crafted something as simple, kaotic and beautiful as this.

If you want to juice up your brain for more words on the NY times article click here:

or if you want to send compliments to the chef go here:

yay for Owen Gildersleeve at Eveningtweed

Backyard Heavens

2008-06-06T14:14:00.000-06:00

Purchasing a house has never crossed my mind when living in high priced real estate driven mania cities like Hong-Kong or New York. The last time I had a dream to live in your all typical "American Home" was at the age of seven. That was also a time where my parents divorce occured, and I went to live with my grandmother at her apartment in Taipei. I had a small space in her home, and came across a dozen of interior design magazines one day and started to read them religiously. I would daydream for hours to pass time as my grandmother napped away in the hot summer months of Taiwan. The grungy overcast of pollution in Taipei along with stained buildings was not part of that seven year olds vision. 23 years later, I am here, ready to put in our offer to this house, together, happily married to a wonderful husband. (Talking about realizing your dreams and having them come true for you with a bonus;) We got pre-qualified already, and most of the paperwork is in, so please help with your positive prayers for us too. The house is already to go, just calling out to us for color and love! Today I have been on the lazy side, I dont usually watch TV often, but came accross HGTV's summer backyard edition on their site. Funny I really don't think about designing a backyard that often till now, and it was so inspiring to see what can be done. We live close to Lowes and my husband is a project coordinator for an engineering firm, I think it will be quite interesting to see all the natural materials such as rocks, shells, pebbles, come in. I found the layout above to be very similar to our about to be new backyard below. It needs an extra Zen budda touch though so that I can practice yoga outside too! Woohoo! Great start to a sizzling' summer of 2008!

Expresso Book Machine

2008-06-02T12:36:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone, I'm currently revamping my company site again (the 5th time). I can safely said it is up to par and realistically close to my expectations. Most importantly the site is coming from my heart, and I want the site to express itself in an amazing, professional and inspiring manner. The site will exhibit and include as much as possible without overwhelming the viewer. Plan, organize, and and long over due baby, thanks dearly to my husband that has been tolerating my einstein madness this last week. I also found a dreadlock in my hair, and that usually happens when I am completely wrapped up and focused in my craft. (I quickly took care of that though, as I have no interest to dread my hair at all, so no worries in that department.) I took a lunch breather today. I met my oldest brother who's visiting at east bay marinas, (it is a cute little area where boaters dock their boats when visiting) and we had lunch overlooking the water with such BEAUTIFUL weather! Of course I had to drive around to check out these wonderful 7k single family homes, that are super cute and gorgeously well planned simple living! ( I am a big dreamer like sarah from Joy studios, too by the way) and off again soon to completing my print section. My niece will be helping to model some of my print pieces ;) And then on another note, I found...

I came across this link that I have nicely archived in my resource section, and read the article again on this fantastic invention! I need to try it out next time when I go to NYC. You can read what this baby does for the publishing industry and its readers. Two shots of book expresso coming your way. Click Here

We all scream for SNEAKERS!

2008-05-30T17:59:00.000-06:00

I'm a slight maniac when it comes to sneakers. I love them period. I love them so much that I think I am part of a generation of women in NYC that collects them religiously. I think that persistence created interest for top couture fashion designers that finally took notice in the late 90's and started collaborating with top sneaker giants. I love heels once in a while for fun really. But I still can't give up sneakers. I can rock a pair of sneakers that look like awesome flats or shoes into a meeting with a pair of swank editorial slacks or fancy yoga pants and get a hot compliment. I wore sneakers to clubs and galleries downtown to uptown NYC. And no one ever said "lady you can't wear those in". How? Cause you gotta know how to rock them. ( plus it helped when I was a hot 18 year old stylish girly!) Even if I can afford a pair of $2000.00 stilletto Gucci boots one of these days, I will still pull out my pumas, nike's, or ascis and look sexy as hell. So if you wanna buy these for me, go right ahead, I'm a 7.5 US size. Peace.

Robert Rauschenberg - Erased De Kooning

2008-05-15T12:46:00.000-06:00

This video resonates and relates to all of as designers or artists quite well I believe. As we work, we are inconstant flow of countless details and perfectionism in order to re-create a flaw or do something that is beyond human, because we want to make it our best and see poetry somewhere. Or as a web designer, we can spot a problem right away from gibberish amount of coding that the ordinary does not understand. Even with all the apple gadgets, there is still that raw designer thrill of xeroxing, using paint drip or crumpled paper textures to recreate a visual metaphor that is legible and can connect to the public in a heartbeat. Rauschenberg is a legend, I first saw his work in person when I had the privilege to see the mile long exhibition he had at ACE gallery downtown 10 years ago. A young rebellious art student attending parsons at the time, I think I ran directly to the art store afterwards to find acetone amongst other transfer toxins to work on my next master piece. I see inspirations of his paintings through my design at times, and I'm just honored to have that part archived nicely in my sub-conscious creative shelf of victoria's brain. So for those that ask why I charge the way I do, this is why.. Sooo Jack on the Rocks, and Cheers!

Tulips, Alessi, I broke down + cooked again!

2008-05-12T15:05:00.001-06:00

Well...I didn't exactly cook up a storm again. I just happen to make a vegan korma chilli during this weird stormy windy day in virginia beach for lunch, I'm not sure if I'm going to post a picture of it, as it really does not look as good as it tastes..so heres a simplified recipe:

1.vegan ground meat
2.pack of pre-made indian korma vegetable.
3.cook together
4.walla!

As you can see, there is some serious red, orange, thing going on around me and I am definitely attracting it. First the lovely Alessi metal coral bowl I purchased from urban life style in Denver, Colorado. And then the husband surprised me with these awesome sunset colored tulips! Twice in one month! Telling you single ladies out there, when you are ready to settle down, and know what you want. (woo thats dangerous;) you will stumble right into your husband, literally they pop up in your face, and it is all worth it! I also bought an awesome cd called SIREN, its a compilation celebrating all the amazing female singers from all genres. I highly recommend you buying the cd, as the packaging was beautiful, gave me chills when I opened it, and I'm a bit of picky design freak, so all worth the trip to starbucks and pick this baby up.

A Little Rockies Vacation

2008-05-09T08:34:00.000-06:00

We were away last weekend in Colorado to attend the Millionaire Mind Intensive Seminar created by T. Harv Eker, which is basically the foundation to the Peak Potenitals Training Program. My husband came with me, and I believe by June it will be the last one for free.

So look into it at http://www.peakpotentials.com. For those that know me well, I have been on a road of serious change these past couple of years, and I use to downplay it a lot, but now I'm celebrating all of it like having chocolate cake! The seminar was especially useful for me and scott. We have not started a family yet, and the reason being is we really want to be financially free by the time we have a kid, this way we can spent all of our precious moments together to the fullest instead of cramping into a very time consuming, work life! So we are very close to getting the house thing in order, I'm absolutely inspired on a new outlook of what I do as a designer. What's fantastic is me and my husband have tools now to grow our wealth!

Besides this, I'm actually going to to be cutting down on cooking, and concentrating on other stuff for the next couple of months. I want to keep my health simple and energetic! I may post restauraunt reviews as it is summer and this beach town is hopping and we will be hitting the skies or roads for our summer adventures again!

Continue to my Flickr Album for more Travel Pics.

Inspirations From Nature

2008-04-30T08:47:00.001-06:00

I am loving these light silver plated necklaces lately that I found from CHRZASZCZ (pronounced shawn-sh-ch).

(Please let me know if they have an online store as I haven't been able to find one)

I think I have finally adapted to living here this past month or so, loving and appreciating what can be offered here is coming to me easily. Desires to live in NYC, or back in Hong-Kong has shifted towards another direction. Naturally, you start to attract people, things, or places into your life that you could not imagine before. I'm seeing more joy and passion in my husband eyes that has brought a sparkle to my heart and butterflies to my stomach again. His passion and commitment in his life for work, friends and family is so sexy. He's one of those people that are selfless which reflects upon his clarity in judgements and decisions about everything. And what un-expected brilliant humorist! We are playing all the time! His continued respect for what I do has grown too. This means so much to me as an artist, designer, and wife. We are leaving for Denver, Colorado this week. I'm going for a mini-vacation and the millionaire mind intensive seminar. Scott will be joining me which will most definitley increase our chances together for abundance in wealth.

I think I can say that I am a vegan now, and have given up meat including fish entirely, and discovered amazing amount of varieties that opened up for me too. Simply, I feel really light, good, and joyful. The "anger" weight that I put on moving back to the states are surely shedding away;)

Vegan Meatballs with Squash Risotto & Tomato Salad

2008-04-14T08:58:00.000-06:00

Discovered these meatballs to see if it really looks how it taste. And survey says, yes it does. And if it wasn't for the tomato salad or brown rice buttersquash risotto on the side, I would stuffed myself silly with the vegan meatballs. Kay, think I'm going to do it fully now, no more cheating for me! I have a couple things that I need to attend to today. I will post the ingredients here later. I promised you will be so surprised on how easy it is to make this dish! Blessings for a very brilliant and healthy start of the week for everyone! namaste;)

Ingredients:

Meatball Sauce:
Vegan Meatballs
Fresh basil
Olive or Coconut Oil
Garlic
Any pre-made pasta sauce is fine
Equal or Sweet and Low 1 packet.

-------------------------------------------------
Cheat a Risotto mix:
Buttersquash Soup
Cinnamon
Uncle Ben's 1 minute Brown Rice Mix
Grated Parmesan
Grated Cheese
Soy milk or Half and Half
Vegetable Oil butter
Coconut Oil

-------------------------------------------------
Hoppa Tomato Salad:
(Hoppa means asian and western gene mixture)
Fresh Chopped Tomatoes
Mirin Japanase Cooking Wine
Pomegranate Red Wine Vinegar
Aioli Mayonaise

Anthony Bourdain Vs. Veganism.

2008-04-12T19:48:00.000-06:00

This would be a great fight to watch on MTV, chicken legs and tofu thrown at each other! Priceless;)
Endless Simmer..

I have stopped eating red meat, pork, chicken, and turkey. Now, I am really thinking about eliminating fish and eventually eggs out of my diet soon. Yet, I love my breakfasts at Doc Taylors by the beach, as well as that nice thin piece of tuna toro Capricio from the Budda Bar in NYC. I love my stinky cheeses, brisket sandwiches and like Bourdains taste for exotic food, I'm from Taipei, and what to do when I go home to visit my family, we are "funky food" craving goddesses!

I'm all for "you are what you eat", "eco-friendly products", and "organic markets", and have creatively been using tahini, coconut oil, and butternut squash for my soup stocks, and cooking foundations. I found a significant increase in energy and happiness which has been increasing my motivation in many parts of my life. I found that, bikram yoga, meditation in the morning, also helps with your vegan diet. I did have my breakdowns for meat, and discovered the next day, my appetite has increased aggressively. I think this transition is necessary in order to really observe if becoming a vegan fits you. Other things I've notice is that abstaining or pacing alcohol has become easier, as vegetarian dishes taste better with tea, or freshly squeezed juices. I've been also researching and experimenting with fasting, though all this with an intention of living a good life, and not by means of trying to starve yourself to look good. I quit smoking around October 15th 2007, and am going strong 7 months now. I've picked up so much more energy and discipline which is all coming to where I need to be. Oh also, the whole ,"when you get married you start to age myth." Ignore it, someone carded me the other day thinking I was 19, as she was 19 herself? Big new shift to start, is "you get younger when you get married!" That really sounds so much better then what I was raised on! Fuck yeah to that!

Corazon, Tango Shoes

2008-04-11T11:02:00.000-06:00

I have been online searching for tango shoes today because I am thinking of taking Linda's tango boot camp on the 19th of April with Scott at the Mambo Room Norfolk, we had a taste of the dancing at Linda's birthday dinner last night at AMAFi'F Norfolk. The food and service was disastrous so I do not suggest to ever go there for italian food, we were there for Linda, and she had a great time, which is all that matters! I was deeply inspired to learn tango, and window shopping on line didn't help either;) I came across couple of wonderful sites. Tara tango shoes is the site where I found this beauty. Its definitely out of my budget, and may be too much of an endulgence right now as I still have boxes of shoes acquired from when I lived in Hong-Kong to go through. Maybe the universe will surprise me!

Budda Dog

2008-04-09T07:56:00.001-06:00

Scott send this to me the other day, I think it is very brilliant and funny indeed.

Oohlala Vegan Vietnamese Wrap Parade

2008-04-06T11:21:00.000-06:00

I've been receiving a lot of great vibrations from my food section of this blog, and it is definitely helping me stay committed to bringing you more healthy delightful dishes! This is my first try using Elephant Brand MekOng Rice Paper, which you should be able to find it if you seek to make this dish. (chinese super markets, or grocery stores that has a dedicated isle to international foods will do for the lost)

I posted a good amount of visual data here for you to soak in and get a feel of the process. I have an un-conventional slick black chopping board that I have been loyally working on. A new discovery occurred when there was just enough water on top of the board which allowed the rice paper to slip and slide into form. Before you set the rice paper sheet on the board, let it soak 1-2 sheets at a time in warm water for about 3 minutes, (directions say 5 mins, ignore it, it gets too soft.) Place it gently back on the board, and kindly spoon out the pre-made confetti of shredded carrots, pinenuts, cut-greens, and chopped endives. (I will post a simple direction to this heavenly vegetable parade below). This is the trick. From the end of the wrap, fold over all of vegetables, then tighten it by pushing on top of the sheet above and slide it down, almost like a mowing action, or how the ocean water folds over the sand. I may post a video of this, so stay tuned:)~

If you are making more then one wrap, make sure when you lay it out on a plate for it to normalize, they are not next to each other or it will stick. Put a cover over it, and let it sit in refrigerator for a couple of hours. These taste great cold in the summer, or hot if prefer that way too. Make sure you accompany it with Peanut Satay Sauce to dip, or Thai Sweet and Sour sauce.

Ooohllaaalaaaa, serve lovingly with a wink! yum!

Ingredients:
1-Elephant Brand, MekOng Rice Paper
2-Cut French Green Beans
3-Carrots
4-Pine nuts
5-2 Hard Boiled Eggs
6-Few Endive Leaves
7-Garlic Cloves
8-Fresh Basil
9-Coconut Oil
10-Sesame Oil
11-Salt and Pepper

Suga's Secret Vegetable Parade Filling:

Cooked Vegetable Preparation:
In Frying pan, or stainless steel saucer, put about a table spoon of coconut oil into pot. Let it melt and stir around pan. Chop french cut greens into little pieces, do the same to the garlic and fresh basil. Throw garlic, basil, cut greens, and pine nuts all into the pan. Stir and stir with wooden spoon, throw salt and pepper sparingly to season. Then put a tiny dash of sesame oil. When the greens are cooked, set aside to sit.

Raw Vegetable Preparation:
I suggest to shred your raw carrots with a cheese grater. (It gives it a nice mushy texture, which will help keep everything together.) Take a couple of leaves of Belgium Endives, chopp it first into strings, then into little pieces. Now toss the raw vegetables back into the cooked vegetable pot and stir it together well with a wooden spoon.

Up to you, Boiled Egg Preference:
This addition is also up to you, add it for that extra protein intake you need, or for guests. It does make it tastier, but both with or without is still FAB!

Other Suggestions:
I have been eating very light, and discovered that coconut oil is wonderful together with vegetables. Sesame oil has an un-doubtful powerful asian flair no matter what. Do add a bit of balsamic and soy sauce if the taste is not as strong as you are use to. This vegetable parade is great if you want to make vegetable tempura balls. I will post that later on this week if I have a chance to make some!

OH yeahhhhh!

2008-04-03T18:25:00.000-06:00

http://www.planetbboy.com/

One of the many reasons why!

2008-04-02T17:43:00.000-06:00

I have been sticking to my morning meditation practice for the past two days now, and all I can say is WOW. I feel as if I'm completely in tuned with the world, everything is flowing so amazingly. I started the day off with a nice cup of earl grey with milk, and small piece of banana bread. I continued on by searching on line for some art and design inspiration to kick off the day. In-cidently came across renowned artist Jeff Aerosol's flickr gallery. I emailed him to request for permission to put his photos on my blog. I was in complete surprise that he emailed me back so soon complete with a zillion thanks and a beautiful okay from france.

I choose the above three works to publish on my blog today because for me it somewhat resonates an internal and external shift with how the world is communicating with each other these days. I'm very drawn to the melting typewriters piece especially. How beautiful too is it when universal symbols taken from nature then transforms to languages such as metaphors and codes for us to read. What do you think?

Love and light to you(Jeff) for using the textures of this world as your canvas.

Blessings!

Taiwanese Vegan Lettuce Wrap

2008-03-19T14:04:00.001-06:00

I created this dish for another great inspiring gathering at Pilar's this past monday evening. The gathering was for a introduction to International Investment Opportunities. We met Ted, a wonderful developer for a place called Iguana Hills. (A great surf spot and eventually eco-friendly living resort.) The response to my dish have been amazing, I believe, so here is the recipies for you all before the week disappears again!

-Pine Nuts: 1/4 cup
-Sesame Oil: Table spoon
-Fresh Basil Leaves
-A couple of Garlic Cloves
-Vegetarian Ham: Half Tube
(Vegan Frozen section Via Chinese Super Market, you can substitute for extra firm tofu cut to cubes too)
-Dark Sweet Chinese Bean Sauce: One Table spoon
-Cucumber: 1 or 2, peeled and chopped into tiny cubes.
-Fresh Lettuce of your choice or Endives for small easy spoon like presentation.

Stir fry basil, garlic, sesame oil in medium sized frying pan. Throw in tiny chopped cubes of vegetarian ham. For now another, half of 1/4 can of pine nuts, stir fry everything well, put a table spoon of chinese bean sauce in. Quickly stir, and another 1/2 cup of hot water to balance. Stir well, let it simmer, when it starts getting dry again, turn off heat, throw the rest of pine nuts in, stir well with wooden spoon, follow with cucumbers folded into batter. Pre-arrange in lettuce to serve, or help your self with the buttering tastes of endives combination, YUM!

(All I can say is thank all the buddhist-vegans in Taiwan, that created the most wonderful Vegan substitutes for meat, and the local chinese supermarkets that carry it in Virgina Beach)

and it just took that extra night..

2008-03-12T22:05:00.000-06:00

After months of creating template and design after design, I finally launched my site, I still would like to finish it with a couple more small touches like borders, and add on to the portfolio section. Though here it is..I need some sleep, and a nice yoga class tomorrow:) Enjoy!

http://www.weissdesign.net

A Captured Moment..

2008-03-11T14:18:00.000-06:00

Here is one of those rare moments after my mediation and yoga practice, that I was able to capture on paper. It felt like my face and brain was giving birth to birds, I guess it may just be a metaphor for feeling a sense of freedom, peace, and energy.

Ultimate Peep Show

2008-03-10T11:57:00.001-06:00

I will not post anything remotely un-serving, but I had to post this and serve it to you for a sweet laugh..Courtesy of my lovely husband.

Friday Mouse Breaks..

2008-02-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

As much as I love my apple gadgets, and the superfast ghrtzzz purrs as I slam out last minute jobs with a sweetness. I think I have been going through a slight resistance program against both my laptop and desktop. (You start to notice this when your shoulders get tight, your posture is slouch downward, and your eye lids are lazy..) I really would like to work on more handcrafted projects lately, but do not wish to take out all my materials and start a war with my paints, and get hooked on it for days--end and spend a afternoon cleaning it all up. I have some old moleskin's sketchbook that needs a bit of a spark, this exercise may just do the trick. To all designers and artists a like. Take a break from the screen.

Inspiration courtesy of : Ginnet Caron at Detour Online.

Banana Thai Vegan Curry

2008-02-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Story: I have been using a lot of okra since my trip back from New York. I was inspired when my Uncle whom is an Acupuncturist and Taoist that resides in Flushing. He invited us out for a Chinese Vegan Luncheon. We had Taiwanese Okra Curry that was absolutely DIVINE. ( Okra is very good to detox your body of wastes and toxins, from your respiratory to your digestive system.)

Directions: The secret to this dish is purchasing a small can of MASAMAN Curry from any Asian Supermarkets. Also you will need a can of coconut milk. I basically used all my favorite vegetables and first steamed it slightly and threw it in the pan to stir fry gently with fresh garlic cloves, basil, and olive oil. With half can of Masaman Curry I folded it into the vegetables with a wooden spoon, stir some more, and added about another quarter of hot water, then ended with another half cup of coconut milk. If you are watching your calories do not add too much coconut milk to the dish, instead add more Okra, which thickens up the sauce. Let it simmer. Add chopped bananas inside the curry or also use as garnish on top, and of course more fresh basil can create a wonderful aroma mix with any Thai Curries. Add raisin's or cranberries for a little pungent sweet and sour to start. Serve with Love.

Masaman Curry : Half Can
Hot Water: Quarter Cup
Garlic Cloves: A Couple
Fresh Basil Leaves: A Few Leaves
Olive Oil: Half of Table Spoon
Pre-Steamed Veggies: Spinach, Bokchoy, Carrots, Okra, and Chinese Squash.
Canned Straw Mushrooms: Quarter Can
One Banana

Valentine Print Related Continued..

2008-02-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

I cant help but continue to post related material for Valentines Day this month. Febuary has always been about Chinese New Year and Day of Hearts Month for me. Sadly this year, my mother parted with me to go back to Hong-Kong on the 14th, and rose petals turn into tears. It is a blessing and gift to have someone to spend your holidays with, so treasure your loved ones.

Here is a nice graphic illustrative article on Valentines day, taken from New York Times, Styles Section, Thursday. Thanks to my husband, whom grabbed a free copy from the hotel we stayed at just incase.

PHAT oysters!

2008-02-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Kay, the food doesn't stop here, have you tried oysters from the Oyster Bar, Grand Central Station? Gosh, I think I turned on the polish bar/oystertender, when I accepted his reccomendations on half dozen of Totten Virginica, Oysters from Washington State. My husband does not like seafood, but lovingly watch me slurp these babies away like a champ! YUM!

Korean Food Breakdown!

2008-02-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Continuing our journey to food in NYC! After the empire state and a few drunken monkeys (draft ale with dash of banana liqueror at Heartland Brewery) Me, my tanked mother, and southern husband manage to find Korean way 32nd Street (by the old Macys) and dashed into Kunjip. A young, hip, casual korean crowd pack up this place like sardines. Me and my mother are on line waiting for a table, she pulls out a prior reciept to check if she signed it correctly. Laughters break loose, while we discover the handwriting on the reciept belongs back in first grade. This follows a nice comfortable seat down. Binbin Bop, Bulgoggi, Sukiyaki meats, awesome kimchi, and korean plum wine flood our table. I have not touched meat in a while, so this was my break down. God! I ate like a greedy little piggy. Scott was trying to keep up, and never have I seen a southern man work those chopsticks like a PRO!

Valentines in New York City

2008-02-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

This year Valentines Day was spent in New York City with the husband. I have not been back in New York since August, and this time around mid and uptown was where we roamed. Ashamed but not out-numbered, as a former New Yorker, I have never been to the top of the empire state building. We arrived in NYC on the coldest afternoon ever, with my mother whom is on speedy gonzalez mode at all times, we checked in at the Tudor Hotel and off to the Empire State. There was absolutley no line or wait, in no time we were up on the 102nd floor. Right around sunset too. All I can say is how refreshing, beautiful, and brilliant it felt. Truly on top of the world, feeling like an absolute STAR with my mother and husband next to me sharing this celebration of an amazing life filled with such LOVE!

CLICK here for flickr album on the trip..