tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29135921705735158852024-02-21T04:20:38.319-08:00Mrs. Johnson's Adventures in BridgetownLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-52864547827642745392011-07-30T11:08:00.000-07:002011-07-31T21:55:14.077-07:00Pink Cake!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRHNwQw00Q5DqWBsPclB1RG1qaLJA5rcIy1rzeP_8IsqeZAiiNvCKZ1MdDP8MSlDpJwtB2GpjEghp97WZdwycG1aTfj-1neh9cA2idvi2Za99SJ_b5iG7VNuEsQQ2SuRT6hCfqvmT6FE7/s1600/DSC_0428.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRHNwQw00Q5DqWBsPclB1RG1qaLJA5rcIy1rzeP_8IsqeZAiiNvCKZ1MdDP8MSlDpJwtB2GpjEghp97WZdwycG1aTfj-1neh9cA2idvi2Za99SJ_b5iG7VNuEsQQ2SuRT6hCfqvmT6FE7/s400/DSC_0428.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635572160693793330" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMJBARWSmAaQ81i1Y1hXKX8HfUMwImIRW16Auh-nePx9zuun5bkmwVtvxBbOr9bSOsodmyoGB-x4NXDkT5FAzWfYl6w7gZKNQQqsyapUG1AQxKZVl60Me_6MUqkYSRbuMriT5kLfKokGw/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMJBARWSmAaQ81i1Y1hXKX8HfUMwImIRW16Auh-nePx9zuun5bkmwVtvxBbOr9bSOsodmyoGB-x4NXDkT5FAzWfYl6w7gZKNQQqsyapUG1AQxKZVl60Me_6MUqkYSRbuMriT5kLfKokGw/s400/DSC_0441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635572333811654514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The last day of last month was my birthday. Happy belated birthday! I decided to share with you the awesome pink cake I made for myself. I know you are not supposed to bake your own birthday cake, but this desert had my eye for some time and I was waiting for a worthy occasion to try it out. It did not disappoint! We had people over to our place for a small party and my parents were able to come, which was special.<br /><br />This was a strawberry cake with real sliced strawberries mixed in. And I thought I did a pretty awesome job icing it. This was the first layered cake that I have made, you know- actual special occasion cake, that was both pretty and delicious. The recipe came from <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/">this</a> fun to read blog. Happy end of July!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-52259776568889917562011-07-30T10:49:00.000-07:002011-07-30T11:06:41.287-07:00Urban Otter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcEQXp6ULp_nhCUuzIH833LtgRk8CweRYqU4v5twcQ8FLl-WkQUjRMgwGXrJoxG0xzponviVzWmMB8c9MerKvgonrl3FDe6OQz961wVzXBy2wJxSZp8z3XsZPcXh4aFnY-AeAHpGjUBpT/s1600/gasworks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcEQXp6ULp_nhCUuzIH833LtgRk8CweRYqU4v5twcQ8FLl-WkQUjRMgwGXrJoxG0xzponviVzWmMB8c9MerKvgonrl3FDe6OQz961wVzXBy2wJxSZp8z3XsZPcXh4aFnY-AeAHpGjUBpT/s400/gasworks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635208131174663794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last night was a super beautiful northwest evening. The husband and I decided to take a walk at Gasworks Park just at sunset. It was like the whole city was out there and all looking at the water and lights. More awesome yet, we spotted an otter! Check...one more species of the west seen in the wild! Well as wild as it gets - this was a pretty civil otter living its life spying on houseboats. Next on the list moose and giant pacific octopus. I may be searching for a while.<br /><br />I was wishing I had brought my camera with me, but instead here is a nice aerial shot.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-67116543827407637982011-03-01T07:06:00.000-08:002011-03-01T09:08:42.712-08:00It's March<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bbD414dMCfUZKeMMz7mSZNbRKhg78bmF3Ne6aitdXa4uWjqyMRVz5yb6g53bRCo-sXPMQckOZ8YcZxT_ZTu8wxchDehYEoI1p0YBAe1zdckqUp9xZjapcMd4wGhue15S2YqVh_tRCOfJ/s1600/DSC_0237%2521.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bbD414dMCfUZKeMMz7mSZNbRKhg78bmF3Ne6aitdXa4uWjqyMRVz5yb6g53bRCo-sXPMQckOZ8YcZxT_ZTu8wxchDehYEoI1p0YBAe1zdckqUp9xZjapcMd4wGhue15S2YqVh_tRCOfJ/s400/DSC_0237%2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579158995290166226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIKjM6TuDHBdWMhrrCjrn1Rp_lNpQjFOiOeCipHE-hJ7bTvbwXG2n1Aphm5bLu5Uu1omPoIt5zjKOet_KLgaq47sNTgSmy48bGIkD5WVR9J9OU4fbkyG_KyEPeIh2rR1_HhP4_mesEWNs/s1600/calenderpinkroses1220.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIKjM6TuDHBdWMhrrCjrn1Rp_lNpQjFOiOeCipHE-hJ7bTvbwXG2n1Aphm5bLu5Uu1omPoIt5zjKOet_KLgaq47sNTgSmy48bGIkD5WVR9J9OU4fbkyG_KyEPeIh2rR1_HhP4_mesEWNs/s400/calenderpinkroses1220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579143042314063954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's March already, and a new month means a new picture on my etsy calendar. I have liked etsy for a while but had never actually bought anything from it until it was time to get a new calendar. I had seen Decor8 and other blogs doing "calender round-ups" of cool artistic calenders. And thinking back to my husband's face the previous year when - apparently a little late in the calender rush- I told him the options are the crazy cat calender or the twelve faces (and abs) of Edward Cullen, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62269529/2011-modern-design-calendar-85x11-size?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=2011+calendar&ga_spelling_accepted=2011+calander&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">etsy</a> sounded like a good idea.<br /><br />I feel like the winter has been going fast, winter term has been going much smoother than my first term of grad school. Classes seem calmer and I have had a chance to really look into the idea I want to peruse for my thesis project next year (and possibly a business after that)! I am super happy life has took us to Seattle and me to get my Masters. Its not a breeze, but the things my eyes have been opened to is totally worth it.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-11300736569410004932011-02-20T11:04:00.000-08:002011-02-20T11:53:01.431-08:00Apartment Tour Sneak Peak<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbutc-77CRC9EsPP59VYZkRcmG_BCbrFoD7pmjc18llY_smvS1sANtGqEkP9tbCgxJGFa50agdNadGDB779nx69r4IaJbiIag4Eql47X9gQH6HT3yM9K79Ct3mJnWtTLSM3-AZxgdFwhi/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 465px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbutc-77CRC9EsPP59VYZkRcmG_BCbrFoD7pmjc18llY_smvS1sANtGqEkP9tbCgxJGFa50agdNadGDB779nx69r4IaJbiIag4Eql47X9gQH6HT3yM9K79Ct3mJnWtTLSM3-AZxgdFwhi/s400/DSC_0224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575862075110845474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Since we have moved to Seattle, not everyone has seen our lovely place so its time for a tour. First off, I really love our new place. It is definitely the smallest place I have ever lived but I think that is partially what has made it so nice. We were forced to throw out much of our junk and even some of the not junky (but not amazing) things I would have otherwise held on to. It has hardwood floors, nice newly refinished hardwoods, check! The other big thing on the list was that the apartment would be bright. As we have been moving up the I-5 corridor there is gradually less and less sun so the more sun that comes in our windows the better! We are on the third and top floor and now when the leaves are off the trees we have a little view of the lake too. <br /><br />I know it is a little difficult to showcase different "rooms" of a home over the space of several blog posts when you live in a studio. But I am doing my best to just give you just a sneak peak so that I can go into a little more detail on some of the fun new furnishings in the next installments. I have had a super fun time getting our place to reflect or personalities and so I am excited to share.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-50405918989567057382011-02-20T10:49:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:10:18.848-08:00Date Night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXfpdYyycjNepWVtbWBtPR7czmI4NDClQyLTZxuWlRixyiB-zMMRFiRGPVLDBLLQlVXBA5y8w3GrC7kAbZB8nNgQF22thXhuUXdUrF8NJi77ukb_mAIi6Wpy02fjTiS3svlUydGUtk5x3/s1600/kidd+valley2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXfpdYyycjNepWVtbWBtPR7czmI4NDClQyLTZxuWlRixyiB-zMMRFiRGPVLDBLLQlVXBA5y8w3GrC7kAbZB8nNgQF22thXhuUXdUrF8NJi77ukb_mAIi6Wpy02fjTiS3svlUydGUtk5x3/s400/kidd+valley2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580076030797530834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhri85tKsxLsx6rA209zfJMZ52ksr4dWFoqVwK7xX96_iCqtWqu_3zpK44rcnarXB9pQtdDLRy-2BwIiGo-f3owDoq2EehkKegm1N1FSHWd320rFz7vzmXyjutDEWbCD71hT0wTh4jhntZf/s1600/kidd+valleyfries2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhri85tKsxLsx6rA209zfJMZ52ksr4dWFoqVwK7xX96_iCqtWqu_3zpK44rcnarXB9pQtdDLRy-2BwIiGo-f3owDoq2EehkKegm1N1FSHWd320rFz7vzmXyjutDEWbCD71hT0wTh4jhntZf/s400/kidd+valleyfries2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580253752891507442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tuesday night is our cheap and fun night out. I have a three hour night class every Tuesday. Really the class would probably be a little easier to digest if it was split up into two days a week of staring at a computer but... anyways, I can look forwards to a pretty rock'n hamburger with my husband on the way home. Kidd Valley is one of the local fast food chains. And while fastfood on road trips is just fine, otherwise I am not usually too excited about the prospect, but this is different. I get the cheeseburger, Mr. Johnson gets the fish sandwich, and we split fries and a shake (usually strawberry) the food is fresh, sandwiches are big and tasty this is no joke! Its all about enjoying the little things in life! What are your fun silly things you do?Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-46509103242880010762011-02-18T08:34:00.000-08:002011-02-18T09:02:48.349-08:00Friday FunSo here is a little Fashion Friday for you. I have been seeming to be surfing the web more than usual this morning and so I thought I would share. I know this trend is not new, but I am a fan. Last time I walked through Nordstrom (that is usually what I do- quickly walk through the first floor to a barrage of fragrances and swoon at the shoe department- there is no stopping or looking at price tags) I was greeted by so many platform pumps. So have a look. Fortunately these are not too spendy. They are so fun and might even look good with my fushia silk mini skirt from J.Crew.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZyk2kixmGhEJGzcJLqi-7x-KkAKImvE4PVzIzjQPvIi8LJh5QtgsQ-Ss1MpxYwYoDEyH7yhLSyCcZIxD-4pml4R0sqxhptcid0c3Nnu6OfYqoPdBths5T_O4OMf89u-CpTPcVguqH8MK/s1600/Steve+Madden+Caryssa+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZyk2kixmGhEJGzcJLqi-7x-KkAKImvE4PVzIzjQPvIi8LJh5QtgsQ-Ss1MpxYwYoDEyH7yhLSyCcZIxD-4pml4R0sqxhptcid0c3Nnu6OfYqoPdBths5T_O4OMf89u-CpTPcVguqH8MK/s400/Steve+Madden+Caryssa+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575073567082190994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Steve Madden "Caryssa"</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dt8dQtbddh9PvotMWYkcxyeIP47MqCQNKhfIUxeG3Opv_jr1AaYwD7gafvpi3XgwxIZj3CCyuED954vXnpOvTbUfDFB41tItTAMIAcoRE2CuCzJIaz2OhAEDW700ai9KH-fBp5MyPrI2/s1600/GUESS+Rapine.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dt8dQtbddh9PvotMWYkcxyeIP47MqCQNKhfIUxeG3Opv_jr1AaYwD7gafvpi3XgwxIZj3CCyuED954vXnpOvTbUfDFB41tItTAMIAcoRE2CuCzJIaz2OhAEDW700ai9KH-fBp5MyPrI2/s400/GUESS+Rapine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575074670280335090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">GUESS "Rapine"</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXmvFe9zUu5JqXREqd9xUGPzhTYROSBCjmr5LBCNGlzbeIv_ouL4IINr4J_H1rs8XG0zowQ3TofOCqrHUG_Bf-hIKBQnqWk9-66NPiqYCmgYu4WVAPDFLpWIxWLMeBiQuUmsOoPxYy57n/s1600/Steven+by+Steve+Madden+Mercy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXmvFe9zUu5JqXREqd9xUGPzhTYROSBCjmr5LBCNGlzbeIv_ouL4IINr4J_H1rs8XG0zowQ3TofOCqrHUG_Bf-hIKBQnqWk9-66NPiqYCmgYu4WVAPDFLpWIxWLMeBiQuUmsOoPxYy57n/s400/Steven+by+Steve+Madden+Mercy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575074664359412210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Steven by Steve Madden "Mercy"</span><br /><br />This is not my skirt- it is no longer on their website. But this skirt is pretty awesome too- and it soft of gives you the idea. This is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/29507273/sexy-rainbow-green-yellow-cotton-pleated">yystudio</a> at Etsy by the way- Etsy is so cool!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRFGt-CHZnDdvE6hhu_LQ5nf3tHLEtw-_4eIK8SiHY2AtvRhsDohSeT08-Iwdz8gLRQR9Wyt2Bohv0MK2GJ8Gd7zgIabYxE0ZzmsCalF2E06Lfi92HGsv8R0fHPSRm9Rkale-cm9FVaVh/s1600/etsy+skirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRFGt-CHZnDdvE6hhu_LQ5nf3tHLEtw-_4eIK8SiHY2AtvRhsDohSeT08-Iwdz8gLRQR9Wyt2Bohv0MK2GJ8Gd7zgIabYxE0ZzmsCalF2E06Lfi92HGsv8R0fHPSRm9Rkale-cm9FVaVh/s400/etsy+skirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575075291626319826" border="0" /></a>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-83805917760215009152011-02-14T14:28:00.000-08:002011-02-14T14:39:49.582-08:00Happy Valentines Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gO4ZRECihMwBmvzlQk5FLjCVBnPlAlnB60Sd_GBA6b10XnrUILm_gzoc-vEuAnnB89aK3tSO7MPx0JMv7dNiGHyvbv12u7P5BQgOirwCQbgU4ceCybCfYGx6rjZ8gPIKdHpAE3Gftkke/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gO4ZRECihMwBmvzlQk5FLjCVBnPlAlnB60Sd_GBA6b10XnrUILm_gzoc-vEuAnnB89aK3tSO7MPx0JMv7dNiGHyvbv12u7P5BQgOirwCQbgU4ceCybCfYGx6rjZ8gPIKdHpAE3Gftkke/s400/DSC_0195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573678546141364514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is what I saw when I walked in the door after coming back from class this afternoon. Look at those beautiful flowers! It seems so springy in here. There was also a Cadbury chocolate bar on the coffee table- which I have taken several bites out of now.<br /><br />I am looking forwards to this evening, we are going out to dinner. Somewhere... that is all I have been told. But I do know that we are going to get pie after dinner. Which is actually a pretty big deal, pie is apparently now all of the rage in Seattle. Out with the cupcakes in with the pie. Mr. Johnson and I have never forgotten the delicious all American desert but I guess it is now hip too!<br /><br />Happy Valentines everyone!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-59049637585104788142011-01-20T21:15:00.000-08:002011-01-21T11:42:03.974-08:00Mass Customization<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT3b4B8p5KdXQ8NptyVIZtiWqVn5dNaXuTsZawWxicfL-5kRQH1zdoPzSMi8RafUghdM7CmGSpbtDm130rMO8vPK256QS0CFFX0tEgJ8V5k1c4_GxITjQA75YofDRgackcuc3YqXhOu5p/s1600/Mass+Customization.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT3b4B8p5KdXQ8NptyVIZtiWqVn5dNaXuTsZawWxicfL-5kRQH1zdoPzSMi8RafUghdM7CmGSpbtDm130rMO8vPK256QS0CFFX0tEgJ8V5k1c4_GxITjQA75YofDRgackcuc3YqXhOu5p/s400/Mass+Customization.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564719778846347138" border="0" /></a>One of my classes today was design computing seminar; the class consists of lecturers, including us MS students, speaking on current research and exploration in the design computing field. Last week in class I gave an hour long presentation! The talk was on Mass Customization: What does this mean for design. I was nervous for it because I am not much of one for public speaking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgVqz37kCydzR8KW3I1k25NhLPOCcZvJAZUToJ97Hpf02A8ob6utNAWg2B29MxAZ57ZDeFlKus1wd7EyFDZeWH6iN6Uxiq5swc31q5D6gqPLPynxziO1zNKSYm0GrS8uLfxRu3evjgVVT/s1600/helios_house.jpg"><br /></a>, and while our class is pretty small I was afraid I would not be able to deliver the information in a clear way. I think it went really well. It was fun looking into mass customization and specifically its application to architecture. While I am not yet at the point of deciding upon a thesis focus, this topic keeps on popping up in my readings and it has been inspirational investigating it further. As I see it, there is a lot of potential for modular fabrication and mass customization in architecture.<br /><br />Here are just a few slides from the presentation.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9zwJclDh6fPRd1yLwmVo09FWD1ceVPWhWAMc5CN71q1SXCbLZUSpejx_gIR-eNxTFf_1pSNoPGlnrHOaN3Ou_PeB8l9oMEhPbWU2UHNy3JDqQXNw5KJxyMVBgAWmXtocnjfNYwVIv4-Y/s1600/nike-id-bespoke.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9zwJclDh6fPRd1yLwmVo09FWD1ceVPWhWAMc5CN71q1SXCbLZUSpejx_gIR-eNxTFf_1pSNoPGlnrHOaN3Ou_PeB8l9oMEhPbWU2UHNy3JDqQXNw5KJxyMVBgAWmXtocnjfNYwVIv4-Y/s320/nike-id-bespoke.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564720450049554242" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYGBsw5JRmtovXybsUw3VZrOEaJ2EOl8UlTNa70lIO_yhiTPmWZAtzfADp_WAKxRgdgznayhoLO3KVXNlhi0gG_eVjsdBsf3lbiQWtEp3yJENoGjAfteFyONqJkMgBcZNslCK16aKWAJp/s1600/helios_house.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYGBsw5JRmtovXybsUw3VZrOEaJ2EOl8UlTNa70lIO_yhiTPmWZAtzfADp_WAKxRgdgznayhoLO3KVXNlhi0gG_eVjsdBsf3lbiQWtEp3yJENoGjAfteFyONqJkMgBcZNslCK16aKWAJp/s320/helios_house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564721407286150594" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ4kWEB_HyogYZ_LV1DF1YtJefIMQyQ8o-veLjZYYSHGZx662dqkBhlx6JY1DGWIHyrE1mVCg6pbRsvUfh_EnFdoM19xeozXKv7h1gWa-fNd8qlxDGBB8DIh0LGW_azN-sBxrpHCY4H7d/s1600/Captureflatpak.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ4kWEB_HyogYZ_LV1DF1YtJefIMQyQ8o-veLjZYYSHGZx662dqkBhlx6JY1DGWIHyrE1mVCg6pbRsvUfh_EnFdoM19xeozXKv7h1gWa-fNd8qlxDGBB8DIh0LGW_azN-sBxrpHCY4H7d/s320/Captureflatpak.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564721508996219986" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW6rFd7b-8XSor-HS4waWytMzPvwO4qh2RVCfkajR8lfVGtWw5lLSC6CBWjuSjxbeA1U-JC52a_YM11pO1rIdlFCjC1qAveqdBoVAyMXFIzYyNXtqQkUgiiZ_LB83Oi_0tQPJwDK3vtuW/s1600/flatpak3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW6rFd7b-8XSor-HS4waWytMzPvwO4qh2RVCfkajR8lfVGtWw5lLSC6CBWjuSjxbeA1U-JC52a_YM11pO1rIdlFCjC1qAveqdBoVAyMXFIzYyNXtqQkUgiiZ_LB83Oi_0tQPJwDK3vtuW/s320/flatpak3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564721670120934306" border="0" /></a>Image 1, <a href="http://nikeid.nike.com/nikeid/">NikeID</a>. The next pair of Nikes I get are going to be customized like these!<br />Image 2. Helios House, a green gas station that uses modularization and concepts of mass customization in design and construction process. Office dA architecture, Los Angeles, California.<br />Image 3. <a href="http://www.flatpakhouse.com/">FlatPak</a> clients can customize their own home based on a 8' wide one story high wall module.<br />Image 4. Example of a built FlatPak house, Aspen, Colorado.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-58725335459227806862011-01-20T06:56:00.000-08:002011-01-20T07:57:14.223-08:00Delicious Fried RiceI have successfully made Asian food again! I was about to give up on the whole region of cuisines thinking it is better left to a restaurant. Usually any Chinese food I make is worse and more expensive than what you can get at a typical restaurant. I have a Chinese cookbook and have searched recipes online (I know you may think that is where the problem lies) and my conclusion is there is something (probably basic) that they are leaving out and makes it difficult for the American home cook. So what is my secret this time? Kimchee! I know, I know, Kimchee is infact Korean not to mention the smelliest thing you have probably ever had in your refrigerator- but even if you are wary of this pickled cabbage treat please don't stop reading here. Kimchee Fried Rice is delicious, and mine is just as delicious as what I have had at a restaurant. When the Kimchee is cooked the flavors mellow out. Instead of the sharp vinegary taste it has when eaten cold, it turns into a crunchy, spicy and all around full flavored addition to otherwise pretty standard fried rice.<br /><br />So here is the recipe:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfQqNbJzYzPbA-thSAQanX10qqqxTLZuVKwAlRJE86lCufYb6qSepEi727GrPSXvnbrX6KepSshdgXRonXNWvYQkEo6xOc-Fhx_75oAxZrO_yOOY3vlVo5A4B6jy87WK70g_dIaatmxy4/s1600/DSC_0177%2521.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfQqNbJzYzPbA-thSAQanX10qqqxTLZuVKwAlRJE86lCufYb6qSepEi727GrPSXvnbrX6KepSshdgXRonXNWvYQkEo6xOc-Fhx_75oAxZrO_yOOY3vlVo5A4B6jy87WK70g_dIaatmxy4/s320/DSC_0177%2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564297128966725794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kimchee Fried Rice<br /><br />vegetable and/or peanut oil (I usually use a combination)<br />4 cups of cooked rice (best if day old rice*)<br />3 eggs lightly beaten<br />5 green onions chopped<br />about 3 cups Kimchee<br /><br /><br />-Heat 4 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet on medium high heat.<br />-Add in eggs and scramble until partially cooked, remove from pan.<br />-Add 2 more tablespoons of oil into the pan. Add rice. Let fry, turning over occasionally, 5-10 minutes. You want the rice to look crispy and ready to eat, it won't really crisp up after this. Salt to taste.<br />-Add green onions, let stir fry 1 minute.<br />-Add Kimchee and some of the juice too, the rice should be red. Add eggs back in and break them up as stirring. Let fry another minute or two.<br /><br />Get ready to eat!<br /><br />*I have used fresh rice successfully just let it cool to room temperature first and you may have to adjust frying time accordingly.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07096436804690483707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-42131027544526029382011-01-18T07:34:00.000-08:002011-01-18T07:34:21.118-08:00New Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1t5UTG64PfVE6BDdjGpHQea4EMP3oHN2eoWI1C6L1UcHqnkhEJ5E88I_7Gukb4fRiiW2F8mBUMnFeomXZmk8pWJ3zM_ZDFVdcANLYhSFyMcip-fNA_igo2BrfX9XmdbW1X8IeDCfXMjZw/s1600/seattle_v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1t5UTG64PfVE6BDdjGpHQea4EMP3oHN2eoWI1C6L1UcHqnkhEJ5E88I_7Gukb4fRiiW2F8mBUMnFeomXZmk8pWJ3zM_ZDFVdcANLYhSFyMcip-fNA_igo2BrfX9XmdbW1X8IeDCfXMjZw/s320/seattle_v.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As many of you already know, or you may have noticed -maybe by the hardwoods underneath the Christmas tree in the holiday post, Mrs. Johnson is no longer conducting her adventures in bridgetown! Yes that is right, we have relocated- to Seattle. So, you may wonder, has this had to do with the huge gap in blogging? Not really, but I have been awfully busy lately. Back in September Mr. Johnson and I moved to Seattle so that I could go to grad school. I am getting my M.S. in Design Computing in Architecture at the University of Washington. Mr. Johnson left his economic consulting job to start his own business in software development. It has been fun, a new adventure together. It is cool that we are both in a position to take risks and get more out of our education and careers.<br />
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So school, I guess I am a Husky now, but what an amazing season to be a Duck! Too bad Auburn in the last two seconds, but I still think we made the exciting plays of the game.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This is the wallpaper photo on my awesome new laptop (purchased for school)</span>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-77948423753358548692011-01-10T13:12:00.000-08:002011-01-10T13:12:08.851-08:00BCS Championship!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuF66J17wGe2JYHQF35Ezv8JTIoGrsQZW6yegHcw42iIwjXD-0BXjLjqg2SgKoBF12pNcgM_H1OuH8XAoT6QT800i2kzHBxG1-MzF_sEDz1-5zg3JRWu53I1jjnP95b_0vxvGjKiTkEwJ/s1600/Oregon-Ducks-Football1-600x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuF66J17wGe2JYHQF35Ezv8JTIoGrsQZW6yegHcw42iIwjXD-0BXjLjqg2SgKoBF12pNcgM_H1OuH8XAoT6QT800i2kzHBxG1-MzF_sEDz1-5zg3JRWu53I1jjnP95b_0vxvGjKiTkEwJ/s320/Oregon-Ducks-Football1-600x460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Go Ducks!<br />
Can't wait for the game...Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-21019944594295085942011-01-04T21:39:00.000-08:002011-01-04T21:39:38.490-08:00Light Rail<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5b9mgWkDLPVElWkYDKaIdGkUJMZeu7muLnjxg7yrGNIuiASF_1nwR-Pmv2TgmzNWBLII7aqmAvOaoSkbBwUZVhWv4Q4t-2ZDypuV4-R_6zgeQtPF4TMZTkLyQu0xORE7DDuL2t05Hhml/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5b9mgWkDLPVElWkYDKaIdGkUJMZeu7muLnjxg7yrGNIuiASF_1nwR-Pmv2TgmzNWBLII7aqmAvOaoSkbBwUZVhWv4Q4t-2ZDypuV4-R_6zgeQtPF4TMZTkLyQu0xORE7DDuL2t05Hhml/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div>The light rail line opened on our wedding day, interestingly enough. Yet I had not been to see the station at the airport which I contributed to the design of. I helped with this project over the span of several summers as an intern at Hewitt Architects. As a fun winter afternoon adventure, Mr. Johnson and I rode the light rail to the airport and back again. It was a beautiful day with even a little snow on the ground as we approached the airport. It was interesting to see the station built after seeing the various design stages throughout the process.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSRSVVosIqJTKd3B7vVpa-A40mdvNhXvqrvtSSonhybamqVqLqfz9m77ecaENAr_JzROHfHXOqnBoSow-FjrxBWvBxIZiEm8sNbJBcbq-zRRSUARpNeDZLAYxTguWYLbZ1-LgcU-ZBnF/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSRSVVosIqJTKd3B7vVpa-A40mdvNhXvqrvtSSonhybamqVqLqfz9m77ecaENAr_JzROHfHXOqnBoSow-FjrxBWvBxIZiEm8sNbJBcbq-zRRSUARpNeDZLAYxTguWYLbZ1-LgcU-ZBnF/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ODnt5YcMLcDAjOyKa_WSOH1uVS-iPdlWnN9hFIcNwQGSHt9wlNTVFMg_6oW2DkdMye1Kl2V4w4ZWOreLuAVGzJ-9DfLtEykTjp8kMSgrvZWeFI3Fi0vo2jxO0N31wO3GCWcYTyeWNcnp/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ODnt5YcMLcDAjOyKa_WSOH1uVS-iPdlWnN9hFIcNwQGSHt9wlNTVFMg_6oW2DkdMye1Kl2V4w4ZWOreLuAVGzJ-9DfLtEykTjp8kMSgrvZWeFI3Fi0vo2jxO0N31wO3GCWcYTyeWNcnp/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ3iLacvoDC0sgm8ef8BQL9Cpw3-SUbNoHSSYGph7CNNjPeY35iwBOVa73MYunlsjDDO67jIEYgZCRcyN5XKCqJFmf-BrKKwYR0SVRpXvfqjcquP9XTXiRIAqimMV9HWCB3WyOsfWHenU/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ3iLacvoDC0sgm8ef8BQL9Cpw3-SUbNoHSSYGph7CNNjPeY35iwBOVa73MYunlsjDDO67jIEYgZCRcyN5XKCqJFmf-BrKKwYR0SVRpXvfqjcquP9XTXiRIAqimMV9HWCB3WyOsfWHenU/s320/DSC_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here are two photos of the early-stage physical model that I built during the internship. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywL889LlJGvWgqMPXtqETdHqfrKN4ZoqBdrw2Of2a7kIW9o1S1BF2BWlx5Ixi-dezS-eT8qrXD7tkyzIQDlA6qz6jYPPo4az-RaG_f9U5i1Wa7FTYcLWJ5TapYtP8zw_eZIX-1L9lUhFj/s1600/AirprtStation+090805+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywL889LlJGvWgqMPXtqETdHqfrKN4ZoqBdrw2Of2a7kIW9o1S1BF2BWlx5Ixi-dezS-eT8qrXD7tkyzIQDlA6qz6jYPPo4az-RaG_f9U5i1Wa7FTYcLWJ5TapYtP8zw_eZIX-1L9lUhFj/s320/AirprtStation+090805+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2qJpeWE2kBaImltEYY5kIMz_fjd5QksZegSVXak5M3I-XWBXCQi-I-HQG2kxrWWOJ93O03nILhM1bTugJs-19Kic9Wr4YxTsic3dPDeRW7FYapeGhFyKgOvr17Ahi3bZvJ8Dtso3BZ9c/s1600/AirprtStation090805+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2qJpeWE2kBaImltEYY5kIMz_fjd5QksZegSVXak5M3I-XWBXCQi-I-HQG2kxrWWOJ93O03nILhM1bTugJs-19Kic9Wr4YxTsic3dPDeRW7FYapeGhFyKgOvr17Ahi3bZvJ8Dtso3BZ9c/s320/AirprtStation090805+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-39723909804653645982011-01-03T07:49:00.000-08:002011-01-03T07:49:25.347-08:00Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerX_QlAeLXIIH9MWPNr1AMDw_07C3V8pMU7iTaAZLW9LcaILjMOHLKDaFPcfIVxjW3QU5NKmhI4OCm6dH4bgkf94Y6VJfoLfwol_4zn2gzBHvYDJzUjOVonOW6R8sWWAOB64xNoTeieJM/s1600/DSC_0055%2521%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerX_QlAeLXIIH9MWPNr1AMDw_07C3V8pMU7iTaAZLW9LcaILjMOHLKDaFPcfIVxjW3QU5NKmhI4OCm6dH4bgkf94Y6VJfoLfwol_4zn2gzBHvYDJzUjOVonOW6R8sWWAOB64xNoTeieJM/s200/DSC_0055%2521%2521.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5lc_2wl41myHPCrjfv8S3EEU42Z3c6qlSiWQAsxoWVnzdfGHbcuR6SjIZE3FalDjBVNncL0F5Lzb3r41TSwICc5_VazfICfa4kB-vQTZpePyCww3jhTNFT4LRkTCec7Ayq_XlI6ENTXO/s1600/DSC_0923%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5lc_2wl41myHPCrjfv8S3EEU42Z3c6qlSiWQAsxoWVnzdfGHbcuR6SjIZE3FalDjBVNncL0F5Lzb3r41TSwICc5_VazfICfa4kB-vQTZpePyCww3jhTNFT4LRkTCec7Ayq_XlI6ENTXO/s320/DSC_0923%2521.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><br />
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Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holidays, I know I did. This year we spent Christmas with my family on Whidbey Island it was calm and fun and so much good food- just what I needed.<br />
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Before Christmas we took a trip to Portland- by the way we are no longer in Bridgetown- more about that in an upcoming post. That was fun, Christmas shopping -downtown Portland is so great and there is always the Rack (where Mr. Johnson and I got sneak peaks at our gifts to come), holiday time with his family, as well as saying hi to a bunch of friends. After that start to the season, we went to little Bavaria with my family and our good family friends. Oh Leavenworth.... according to Mr Johnson it is up there in the top cities he has visited only sharing its place with Hong Kong! It was snowy, beautifully decorated, full of kitschy Christmas shops, and Bavarian beer.<br />
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Then it was Christmas. Christmas eve we went into Seattle to the beautiful and impressive St. Mark's Cathedral for midnight mass. I always enjoy Christmas eve services and this one was very special because it was so late and very ceremonial. Christmas morning was full of opening gifts and delicious breakfast followed by a slightly odd but exciting tradition of road bowling with members of the neighborhood. And of course more food. <br />
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And 2011....<br />
We welcomed in the new years with my brother and his friend in a very fun fashion. Starting off with this Portuguese dish Clams na Cataplana. Isn't it pretty? Both the clams and the copper cataplana dish? <br />
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Well I hope you had a great season with family and friends!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-37839747447693982342010-08-04T12:35:00.000-07:002010-08-04T12:35:54.347-07:00SushiKonnichiwa!<br />
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I made sushi last night and it was so fun! My friend, also named Lauren, shared with me that recently sushi has been her go to meal so I decided to try it. I made cucumber rolls and Philly rolls. The Philly rolls had a combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese and I added cucumber to some of them. I was amazed at how good the sticky rice turned out, I was eating it straight out of the pot before making up my rolls. Here is the directions for the vinegared rice also known as sumeshi from the cookbook Easy Sushi by Emi Kazuko. <br />
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1 3/4 cups Japanese style short grained rice<br />
3 tablespoons rice vinegar<br />
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar<br />
2 teaspoons sea salt<br />
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- Soak rice in clear cold water 10-15 minutes, then drain.<br />
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- Transfer rice to a deep saucepan, add 2 cups water. Cover and bring to boil over high heat, about 5 minutes.<br />
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- Lower heat and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes or until all water has been absorbed. do not lift the lid. Remove from heat and leave, still covered, for about 10-15 minutes.<br />
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- Mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in small bowl.<br />
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- Transfer the cooked rice to a large shallow dish, if you have the set-up a Japanese handai can be used, I had used a pie plate. <br />
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- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold the vinegar dressing into the rice. Do not stir. Let the rice cool to body temperature before making sushi.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Fk2smuFme19VjS4cc6mo3zwSWn4fYlQDqXFaseB9Pwxj4lgQarNTTbemf47r7dN83L6RlhwDIrwxJwC84y-jX1GMKWAXt0YCZLJh180GY8fkHe7Ra647L_w0Sxtor9gZJ-nFKTmPQBl/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Fk2smuFme19VjS4cc6mo3zwSWn4fYlQDqXFaseB9Pwxj4lgQarNTTbemf47r7dN83L6RlhwDIrwxJwC84y-jX1GMKWAXt0YCZLJh180GY8fkHe7Ra647L_w0Sxtor9gZJ-nFKTmPQBl/s320/IMG_2264.JPG" /></a></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-30836513275914373722010-03-19T07:30:00.000-07:002010-03-19T07:30:25.288-07:00Tea TimeMmm banana bread and Irish Breakfast tea. Nothing is better than a pot of Irish Breakfast, more flavorful and all together more delicious than its English counterpart, served with my classic Fiesta Ware. I don't often follow in the British ways of enjoying an afternoon tea, but my overly ripe bananas were calling me and so I whipped up a little chocolate chip banana bread. What a treat for Mr. Johnson and I.<br />
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</div>Happy Friday for everyone! I am off to a girls weekend in Seattle, all of us haven't been together in the same spot since high school so this should be a blast.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-28488351679249739682010-03-16T08:10:00.000-07:002010-03-16T08:11:07.492-07:00First Day Back in ArchitectureYesterday was my first day back in architecture! I have begun volunteering at a small firm here in bridgetown. I really like the work that architecture w produces and I think it will be a fun school studio-like environment to be involved in. I am also interested in architecture w's artistic exploration within the design process, they have made beautiful abstract paintings and built plaster cast models that diagram and depict the architecture. The project I will be working on is a design competition for the Kuwaiti embassy in Tokyo. I am excited for this opportunity and all that will come out of it.<br />
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Check out the website of <a href="http://arcw.com/">architecture w</a>. And in case you were wondering what I wore on my first day, here is a picture of me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ElR067puFZHQucc8DzQ6BCOniUdfHK4SXvyuLGfMHApMB-z87WqKsoi9KbR1m4WBUFs8u8hI6sxpguef9NLli97vkrr_1rr-tSfc6FpvVAch-g5w63DZXZQlJAAxuP0ubuHRD8FMnZpR/s1600-h/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ElR067puFZHQucc8DzQ6BCOniUdfHK4SXvyuLGfMHApMB-z87WqKsoi9KbR1m4WBUFs8u8hI6sxpguef9NLli97vkrr_1rr-tSfc6FpvVAch-g5w63DZXZQlJAAxuP0ubuHRD8FMnZpR/s320/IMG_2148.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-36363523579322771862010-03-08T16:07:00.000-08:002010-03-08T16:07:43.551-08:00Discovered PleasuresYoga has taken me by surprise. It is the real deal! Usually I am suspicious of exercise activities that are within the general dance family and are not ballet. After years of training in ballet, most of the time loving it and sometimes becoming quite frustrated by its rigor, I have realized the discipline, grace and athleticism that ballet requires is exceptional. This being said, I was quite happy when I enjoyed the first yoga practice I had ever attended. It was a physical challenge and I felt it in my upper body the next day! It really is relaxing, during the quiet stretching times I have a chance to let go of my busy thoughts or pray. I know many people have already jumped on the yoga bandwagon and I am glad to report that I have too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5-ZxCCSAzhcRD4HyrMGVDS6qoFweudh_r0dhHbmpvxTkv_DDxloNa0DVhkPuksBytawk2KQ39jtcprSuhWcUGE9ZUfedadHe2TFI_A5IKlDtcW630uu722Ksw4mIuZvBTM4rWy0RrAWO/s1600-h/main_yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5-ZxCCSAzhcRD4HyrMGVDS6qoFweudh_r0dhHbmpvxTkv_DDxloNa0DVhkPuksBytawk2KQ39jtcprSuhWcUGE9ZUfedadHe2TFI_A5IKlDtcW630uu722Ksw4mIuZvBTM4rWy0RrAWO/s320/main_yoga.jpg" /></a></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-15556241425844103862010-02-23T10:58:00.000-08:002010-02-23T11:00:22.942-08:00Sunshine and PatiosI am welcoming myself back to blogging. In my hiatus I have tripled my official blog followers, awesome! I am loving the sunshine. This weekend Mr. Johnson and I took advantage of the glimpse of spring and went on a couple of long walks along some of our favorite streets. We discovered a great restaurant/bar that has an amazing patio. The patio spans two levels, on grade a propane fire pit forms the center of the space and above there is a roof patio that looks onto the lower patio, the street, and the prettiest church in Portland. We sat upstairs and dreamed up ways to build a fire pit in our own patio.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLhKTtQVM5w0_SnAcDIRSsCKuKCn7gbuq5zqIFxF0Qtc8A1pCXg9uXs8a0a_aPGE_LfEkXiycZ27mjJNbWt9tADGfvtcRhdr6juIE8yc1FWCHfQod8xrRXcQxwsG-UILa08w3GwUgL_zi/s1600-h/radio+room2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLhKTtQVM5w0_SnAcDIRSsCKuKCn7gbuq5zqIFxF0Qtc8A1pCXg9uXs8a0a_aPGE_LfEkXiycZ27mjJNbWt9tADGfvtcRhdr6juIE8yc1FWCHfQod8xrRXcQxwsG-UILa08w3GwUgL_zi/s320/radio+room2.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlzaY0aT6oKMPll2PmTNMsh2TFVQRvc0tt6_5zlXt3oSr_OLa9C7bFVMs6IYW7cm1hvhIV_NmR3gtOwdvbz2iunJB1IZML6trtFlPfVG8q_u-JLPiq-BOD7GwSXmSEtsOsdUtJNpDOXio/s1600-h/radio+room.htm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlzaY0aT6oKMPll2PmTNMsh2TFVQRvc0tt6_5zlXt3oSr_OLa9C7bFVMs6IYW7cm1hvhIV_NmR3gtOwdvbz2iunJB1IZML6trtFlPfVG8q_u-JLPiq-BOD7GwSXmSEtsOsdUtJNpDOXio/s320/radio+room.htm" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fire pit at Radio Room is hidden by the throngs of people in this <br />
summertime photo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8o_MAUlDKtd5fnQNJsF7_LB-YSZ7R7zMlAljfADz3e9Md8GjiN2UBRs99q2CTiEvaKjGMKMCvreeuCBCjreIaCbeaSBLI6gGOnXvpeRsyyApur4Gj1PvtRJLElzE743RRF4fpIN15EaRV/s1600-h/departure.htm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8o_MAUlDKtd5fnQNJsF7_LB-YSZ7R7zMlAljfADz3e9Md8GjiN2UBRs99q2CTiEvaKjGMKMCvreeuCBCjreIaCbeaSBLI6gGOnXvpeRsyyApur4Gj1PvtRJLElzE743RRF4fpIN15EaRV/s320/departure.htm" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another wonderful patio atop the downtown Macy's at Departure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to work for the firm that designed this bar! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5uS54MlWGdtMvHgdCuA1v3MNAjgF_ebZWmERmUMvCkrmk3Yt9BEPAhb703DdpNJOAccfrIhSWvCGtl1rDBaB_7lfiTrLlmIwh3jhlIJmnwRfDrBIplh4Q6ntCURGLmv7c5dp9nboriZk/s1600-h/holman's.htm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5uS54MlWGdtMvHgdCuA1v3MNAjgF_ebZWmERmUMvCkrmk3Yt9BEPAhb703DdpNJOAccfrIhSWvCGtl1rDBaB_7lfiTrLlmIwh3jhlIJmnwRfDrBIplh4Q6ntCURGLmv7c5dp9nboriZk/s320/holman's.htm" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next time I will get a shot of the enclosed garden patio at Holeman's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apparently it is so much a hidden gem that there are only decent photos of the front! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-1941597981765879962010-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:002010-01-25T09:29:25.632-08:00A Day in the Life of the New RennasianceI started adding color to my painting last class! It was so exciting. Cliff, just having his mouse infusion was back to his cheery joking self and everyone seemed to be in good spirits because of this. Carol had found some peace as she explained she had "put her sister in the freezer" a technique administered in hope of her sister chilling out, and the usual drama continued. Menopausal womens' chit chat aside, I think my painting really is coming along quite nicely. Even with the first glaze of color, the painting appeared to have greater depth. In following the Carracci <br />
Tradition, I first painted a black and white underpainting and then will be adding thin color glazes until the painting is completed in full color. The master's were right in essentially painting their subjects twice.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHthWUd1J9AkE45g4ROHyGgALgC0Qw9jNxknjqVWJt_00tuKSVsQ9nt_mg5it6jdZWquNDeifQ779HWEBVJh2q-f318fpBLqfP1BNllBm2MunCWdfQ3PUdQmRqkKxROHXeU1tt8gNxXlQ/s1600-h/painting3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHthWUd1J9AkE45g4ROHyGgALgC0Qw9jNxknjqVWJt_00tuKSVsQ9nt_mg5it6jdZWquNDeifQ779HWEBVJh2q-f318fpBLqfP1BNllBm2MunCWdfQ3PUdQmRqkKxROHXeU1tt8gNxXlQ/s400/painting3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oFJvg1T4Xu_e4_onzsLI3WYhY-EVbb01YBt8_d9Mxm3Bw3_ZzonYye8Wh38GylmbztAWErCNQZJXpHav7OpHn0OBpojFXwdQiBVzlbdrrjpSdelw0Mwn-jlg4DBFvkyCVP_t7U7AOCvo/s1600-h/painting6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oFJvg1T4Xu_e4_onzsLI3WYhY-EVbb01YBt8_d9Mxm3Bw3_ZzonYye8Wh38GylmbztAWErCNQZJXpHav7OpHn0OBpojFXwdQiBVzlbdrrjpSdelw0Mwn-jlg4DBFvkyCVP_t7U7AOCvo/s400/painting6.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-29292694622800491992010-01-20T08:28:00.000-08:002010-01-20T08:29:56.792-08:00New Things of the New Year-New Determination<br />
Chinese fortune cookie fortunes, I will pay no attention to you! You think producing nagging fortunes in this economy helps?<br />
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-New Direction<br />
Architecture. It is time to renew my focus to become involved in the field of architecture. It took me a tempting but ultimately unwanted job interview (not in my field) to redirect my focus. Since then, I have followed up with the firms I have applied to and I have suggested a volunteer opportunity at one of the offices.<br />
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-New Leggings<br />
OK. Probably not life changing but ohh so comfortable and stylish.<br />
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I have been a bit behind on my blogging lately but I wanted to say the other weekend was wonderful. We spent Saturday with Laura and Chris. Laura and I went shopping downtown hence the legging acquisition, while the men had fun with toy helicopters and firearms. We didn't hesitate about boosting the economy that day. It was most fun just spending time with them, they are great friends and an inspiration to me. Laura and I cooked Indian together, I must say we (at least I) have greatly improved in our cooking skills since we were college roommates. It has been a good start to 2010.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-17122097640645596292010-01-04T09:54:00.000-08:002010-01-04T09:54:03.067-08:00Happy HolidaysHope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We sure did! Mr. Johnson and I went to his home town, Wallowa, for Christmas. It was good and busy; baby, dogs, family and food! Crab for Christmas Eve was delicious. My present from Mr. Johnson is awesome, I am including a picture because just telling you that I got a magazine rack for Christmas doesn't quite do it justice. And I am definitely enjoying re-reading Harry Potter with my new collection. The day after Christmas, Mr. Johnson and I went up to find snow at Salt Creek Summit. It was a beautiful day and the snow had formed jagged crystals like I had never seen before. The ground looked like it was covered in shattered glass! We had a great holiday, and I guess it is now time to live it up in the next decade!<br />
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</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-55655772122142219512009-12-18T07:25:00.000-08:002009-12-18T07:25:57.434-08:00The ProposalA year ago today Nick proposed to me! I know that may be keeping a lot of anniversaries but I figured the first year it warrants a mention. It was a lot of fun thinking about and preparing for the wedding, and these first few months of marriage have been great! Last year at this time there was snow on the ground, an exciting and rare sight for Bridgetown, and he proposed to me as we were on our way to a very nice dinner. Although I was expecting the question, I was not thinking it would come at that exact moment. I was completely swept up in the excitement of things and had the hardest time concentrating on the menu long enough to decide what to order. That night I had the most delicious spaghetti of my life. The next day my head was in a flurry. I spent the morning calling friends and family and flipping through wedding magazines, the day culminated with Nick's work Christmas party. I was introduced to and congratulated by everybody. Tonight actually is the Christmas party again. I am looking forwards to it; I assume it will be a little more casual this time but I am no less happy! Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-87579808962438475222009-12-16T08:23:00.000-08:002009-12-16T08:23:55.536-08:00Salt and Pepper My MangoMr. Johnson and I invented a new drink. We called the M.I.A. inspired drink Salt and Pepper My Mango. While it is a compilation of everything tropical we imagined M.I.A. to drink, its name originates from the line in the song Sunshowers. And yes, it does have salt and pepper. First we were after recreating the Rubicon, it just sounds so delicious when she sings "I was sippin' on a Rubicon<em></em>, thinkin' 'bout where I come..." After further research we realized that the name Rubicon is already in use. It is a tropical fruit drink, similar to a fruitier Capri Sun that can be found in England. As well as the name of an ancient Italian river that flowed into the Adriatic and is famous for being crossed by the Roman army. What other river is famous solely for being crossed? This obviously had no correlations to the drink we were about to invent and so the mango and jalapeno-infused rum drink took on a more literal name. All in all I think we discovered a gem, or at least came very close. I am not going to disclose the recipe now. One, because it may undergo improvements and two, because some of you reading this may be trying it over the Christmas vacation and we wouldn't want to take all of the mystery out of it would we?<b><br />
</b>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-5267109722086858302009-12-09T10:33:00.000-08:002009-12-09T10:41:47.049-08:00Oh Christmas Tree. Oh Chistmas Tree...We have a lovely wreath hung given to us by my parents, and our Christmas tree is all set up! It was fun setting up the tree together for the first time. Each of us had slightly different takes on tradition and they blended together in a fun way. The night we got the tree I made Butternut Squash Soup served with homemade bread. For desert I made a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake which seemed to fit the occasion. Very classic and colorful. Here are some pictures.<br />
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</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913592170573515885.post-5628052473815893252009-12-08T12:05:00.000-08:002009-12-08T12:05:37.618-08:00Crafting Martha Stewart StyleWith Christmas approaching, I am excited. Excited about the general season and about making our apartment look festive. I took on a craft. <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/cinnamon-bird-ornaments?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/christmas-ornaments#slide_0">Cinnamon bird ornaments.</a> I made a dough that resembles gingerbread cookie dough in the consistancy and the aroma, but it is much more durable with the additive of glue. I guess it helps having the architecture student's proficiency with the x-acto knife (and the abundent stash of tacky glue in the hall closet) because cutting out these birds to the level of detail Martha indicated was a sinch. Decorating with glitter followed. They turned out beautiful! The awesome part was I didn't do this all on my own. I prepped the dough, and decorated several to fill my tree, but I also organized the craft for the girls to do at Thanksgiving. I was really excited when my aunt suggested I bring the supplies and set up the craft so my grandma, other aunts and cousins could decorate their own cinnamon birds after Thanksgiving dinner. It was great, everyone really got into it. I had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving and I felt like I contributed to the fun.<br />
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</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750464582790925606noreply@blogger.com1