i literally laugh out loud...

you MUST read this blog: FU, Penguin.
i just bought the book on amazon.com and am counting down the seconds until it arrives on my doorstep.

check me out

i have setup a shop on Etsy.com, a wonderful website where people can buy and sell all things homemade. the website is fantastic, but i think you should check THIS PAGE out. :)

so far, i have posted some homemade cards in the shop. i will be continuing to update the shop, with different pieces such as custom magnets, coasters, and paintings. i have SO MUCH FUN doing all of these little projects, and more than anything else i love sharing it with other people.

so check it out- i hope you find something you like!!

this is me loving food.

my friend rachel has been raving about her new mark bittman cookbook for some time now. considering the godliness she has bestowed upon him, it only seems appropriate that this month's issue of Women's Health has an entire article dedicated to his recipes. these things look delicious and it's all i can do not to run into the kitchen and just start eating everything in sight. let me illustrate this for you:

lamb burger with smoked mozzarella

garlicky shrimp fajitas with guacamole

and these beautiful concoctions are supposed to do good things for my figure!? YES PLEASE. oooowe! i am SO ready to eat. for these recipes and 35 others that also look amaaaazing, click this.

proud member of the YMCA

yay! i did it! i joined the gym!! i braved the cold, wet weather and finally got it done! it was quick, painless, and now comes the hard part :) anyway, i didn't have workout clothes with me tonight, so i headed home - victorious - for a dvd workout. my parents got me a new workout for christmas... and just so you don't think "what kind of parents' give their daughter that", i'll let you know that it was on my wish list: Skinny Bitch Fitness : Body. 

the creators of Skinny Bitch have written four books, and most recently released two dvd workouts. the dvd that i have contains four twenty-minute segments, each focusing on a different area. tonight, i did the "ab blast" and the "leg shred". the moves are definitely challenging and something out of the ordinary. but what i found most interesting about the dvd was the use of phrases like "this workout is gonna kick your ass"... it was refreshing to NOT hear the woman on the tv tell me how wonderful i am and how fabulous i look despite never having laid eyes on me. 

so far, i give it two thumbs up!

www.skinnybitch.net

Emilia Ceramics

sean and i are enjoying some much needed lounge time. i cannot remember the last time we've spent this much time just being with each other. it is completely wonderful. zoe is relaxing on the striped chair in our room, sean is busy downloading music and movies, and i've gotten a chance to catch up on some of the blogs and websites i love to browse. 

this brings me to tonight's topic of choice: 

emilia ceramics.

my cousin emily has started her own business, which completely revolves around her passion for art, travel, and culture. she very well may be the only person i know who has managed to actually turn her recreational interests and passions into a career. and i find it SO inspiring. i've included some of my favorite piece from various collections, but there are so many fabulous things on the site, you must visit it yourself.

www.emiliaceramics.com

Set of 4 Espresso mugs

Detail of Espresso Mug

Planter - Mexico

Tequila Set - Mexico