Arosa Waffle Cafe

On Friday I visited the Frye Art Museum (for the first time) to see the Nicolai Fechin exhibit. Needless to say, it was amazing and I left inspired.

It had been a long time since I had been on First Hill and after my boyfriend and I had left we were hungry. I couldn't think of anywhere close by and then I remembered my dear friend, Hans.

When I was 5 years old, I knitted like a pro and thought I was really cool. The knit shop my mom used to take me to all the time was Tricoter in Madison Park and just a few doors down was Arosa Waffle Cafe. I went there every time I knitted to order a black forest ham panini, waffle and hot chocolate.

That one is still there but years later he opened up another one on First Hill and the last time I had seen him was 5+ years ago so I decided it was time for a visit. We ran there to make it before the 4 o'clock close and just made it.

I could tell that he recognized me but couldn't quite put the pieces together. When it was my turn to order, I said, "Do you remember me? I was the little knitter...tiny kid." Instantly, he gasped and put his hands on his mouth and said, "Oh my God! You're so grown up and beautiful! You were so little!" We hugged and I thought the guy was going to cry. I was so touched that I was almost going to cry.

It was such a great reunion and probably the highlight of my month (besides snagging a full time job. But that's a different kind of highlight). Everything tasted just as wonderful as I remember and brought back some great memories.

When I was leaving he thanked me for coming in to see him. It meant a lot to him and made him so happy.

Then my man Hans gave me two extra waffles for free.

Poshy Mag

Not that anyone really cares, but recently I have been in search for a full time job to save for college and continue my penniless existence in pursuit of art. While I was job searching online, I found a posting by a Seattle fashion magazine (Poshy mag) looking for an intern to be an assistant to the editor in chief. Intrigued, I immediately sent an email. It didn't even matter to me that it's unpaid because real passion doesn't have a price! Heh, corny. But you could turn that into something cool.

After I sent the email, I did some research on this self-acclaimed magazine which is something I should've done before sending that email but oh well. Anyway, I was first impressed with the website. I love my city but honestly high fashion is not one of our strengths. We're Microsoft nerds and mountain loving people who eat granola. That's why even the idea of a Seattle fashion magazine impressed me. I even online stalked the editor in chief and found her to be very ambitious just like me! I totally loved her idea and saw some areas where I could contribute in taking this magazine to the next level. I am a visionary after all.

I was so excited that I sent her a follow up email that made my first email look incredibly lame. Basically what I said was, I AM THE BEST AND SUPER COOL AND YOU WANT AND NEED ME...CUZ I'M SO SUPER COOL. Not actually, but it was just as cocky. Once I clicked that send button my adrenaline died down and I had clicker happy remorse. Perhaps I had been a little too confident? Not only that, but I, in my excitement, failed to attach my resume. Both times. EPIC FAIL.

But apparently she liked it because guess who got an email back?

Das right. Dis bad beezy right hurr.

But in all seriousness, I was really happy because I truly believe that Seattle needs to step up the fashion game and get in touch/work with each other. It is so difficult for people of the fashion industry to make it in this city and that's why they move to New York or L.A. My sister is a hair dresser and has recently become really successful but it's been a hard road. A prime example of our failure was during the Seattle Fashion's Night Out, they had to eventually give away free tickets to the fashion show because nobody bought them. This was deeply saddening and disturbing. C'MONSEATTLEGETITTOGETHER. We're a big city! People actually know us! Although it was held out in the open lobby of Pacific Place so I wouldn't pay for those tickets either. Just watch for free outside of the area. #brokegirlprobz

To tie it all up, I have always been passionate about beauty in everything: art, fashion, body, and life if you wanna go cheesy on me. On top of that I've always loved fashion and, not to toot my horn more than I already have, people have always appreciated my style. I even wanted to start my own haute couture line when I was 10 years old. It continued from that to wanting to work for a magazine. Then I saw The Devil Wears Prada and I was like "Mmmm...maybe not" (Pitch Perfect). But this opportunity has changed my mind. I don't believe this magazine is cut-throat because Seattle isn't cut-throat, it's granola and feel like this is a great team that I can co-operate with because everyone is equally ambitious, inspired and passionate. So there's nobody to rain on my parade.

I don't want to get ahead of myself though because I haven't officially gotten the position. I just finished a phone interview and have a final in person interview to attend next week. Eek! Wish me luck!

I mean, this photo should seal the deal

Etsy

Just opened up shop on Etsy. I have two of my pieces on there and will be uploading a few more within the next 24 hours hopefully.

It was such a pain to meet the photo listing requirements, ugh.

Anyway.

Checkkkk it out!

MORMON SCANDAL Part 2: Gay Marriage

I have often engaged in heated debates with people about the Mormon view of marriage. Yes, it is true that we believe marriage is ordained of God to be between a man and a woman. You probably also did not know that we believe the gender you are now, is the gender of your spirit. Just part of some deep stuff that you learn as you become more involved in the Gospel.

And yet, I voted for gay marriage.

The reason is because I strongly believe in free agency. Gays and lesbians should have the choice to get married if they want. Just like churches should have the choice to perform a gay marriage or not. Another Mormon principle is that we believe God gives us complete free agency. The way I see it, I have no place in denying someone the God given right to choose and I'm honestly happy Washington chose to pass Referendum 74.

"Well, you might've voted for gay marriage but you belong to a church that doesn't support it. And gays can't get married in your scary temples."

People who make comments like this don't fully understand our beliefs. Long story short, couples who get married in our scary temples, live life the best they can according to the Gospel principles, and then die can possibly become gods themselves, create worlds, and have spirit children. You can't procreate as a gay couple.

(WHO DOES THIS?!)

Ignorance destroys the opportunity for civil discussion

Maybe if people took a religion class, there'd be less overzealous anti religious vibes attacking me all the time. And maybe, if overzealous religious die-hards learned tact, there would be more love all around.

Religious or not, Jesus loves everyone that you abhor.

Questions, comments, concerns? Check out +Mormon.org or leave a comment right hurrr.

One love.

Ms. Nanealani

So, I think you guys know this already (or maybe you don't) but I have an older sister. Her name is +Nanealani and she is an amazing hair stylist. And I'm not biased at all.

Anyway, she has decided to start a hair blog because last year her career took her to Miami and New York. It's called Hair and There. Super cute, right? Her client came up with it.

She's pretty legit, so you guys should follow her. And eventually she'll be posting DIY hair videos.

I Survived 2012

Happy belated New Year, people.

I don't know about you, but 2012 did a real number on me. There were literally tears on day one. At least this time I started it sweet. Hopefully it only goes up from here.

The beginning of a new year normally means a getting a clean slate to move forward and change by setting new goals also known as resolutions. I never really made New Year's resolutions (except for a successful one last year) because I believe them to be false hopes that people can change. Pessimistic, I know.

However, this year I find myself jumping on the resolution bandwagon. There are three major things I need to sort out: my physical, spiritual, and educational muscle. And it all comes down to exercising and saying no, which I suck at.

My hope (ha) is that I work out everyday and consume better on all three levels.

I wish you the best of luck on your new resolutions because Lord knows it's a rough road to change.

To inspire me, I've made grumpy cat my spirit animal.

Pinterest Beauty Experiment (Part 2)

The other day I took a shower and on my way back to my room, my lovely family asked me why I was breaking out in hives. Fortunately, (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), I was not breaking out. It was just my face showing its irritation of having been in a hot shower for an hour.

There's no denying it. Winter has taken it's toll on my face. Its been dry and red lately compared to its comfortable greasiness. So I woke up this morning with the initiative to take action because I am such a driven person. And I also have a few events to go to later tonight.

Like I mentioned in Part 1, I did some Google research. I found a few websites suggesting oatmeal masks to reduce redness and irritation. So that's what I went with instead of the egg yolk and lemon juice. I didn't have lemon juice anyway.

Oatmeal Facial Mask
plain, dry oatmeal
coconut milk
some sort of blending machine

Grab a handful of oats and put it in a blender. Blend it until it's as fine as you can get it.
I put it in a cup and used a hand blender thingy my mama had. Do what you need to do.

Pour a tablespoon of coconut milk in with the oats. Keep adding until you get a paste.
Again, improvise. You are the master creator. This is your masterpiece.

Blend all that together to make sure the oatmeal and milk become one.

As a last minute thought, I poured a little bit of the honey and brown sugar in with oatmeal and mixed it around.

Voila. Finito.

Now, for the actual experiment. So just as a fair warning, I'm going to show you ugly red pictures of myself so you can see the results and evaluate for yourself if this mask worked or not.

Wow, this is 10x scarier on the big screen.
You can see the dryness but not the red. Trust me though,
I was.

Me coming out of the shower.
Again, can't tell but my face was looking real irritated.
Maybe I should have used flash.

So after I took this photo, I went upstairs and applied my newly made face mask. The instant that I put the paste on my face, I felt a cooling sensation. My reaction: Oooh, this is a good sign.

Some tips: GO HAM. What I mean is just take three fingers, scoop that stuff and just smear your face with it like warpaint. You'll get better coverage that way.

I made the mistake of being timid and tried to do it in layers. If you keep trying to reapply on top of an already established layer, you'll end up picking up your previous work. So it's all or nothing.

Didn't put much on the sides of my mouth. I wanted the
ability to talk.

Waited 15-20 minutes and then washed it off with warm water.

I felt like getting the paste off was re-inflaming my face a little bit so I resorted to gently using a soft washcloth. This way I didn't have to keep going over the same spots on my face and inflame it again.

Final product

The photos don't really show the difference, but I totally felt it! My face wasn't dry and had a tight feeling like more pores were rejuvenated.

All in all, I give this oatmeal thing a two thumbs up. Have fun!

Pinterest Beauty Experiment (Part 1)

I am a professional "pinner" (as in Pinterest) and I came along some pins about natural beauty solutions that I can create with kitchen products. The one that I liked in particular was this one:

As often as I pin, I don't actually attempt to do the things that I pin. So I woke up this morning (after dreaming that Darth Vader was the leader of the biker club I was in) with the initiative to create the facial/body scrub and especially the anti-redness facial.

First, I consulted my information guru, known as Google, and found that cucumber, oatmeal, milk, and chamomile tea is good for the skin. Iiiinteresting.

Then I went to the kitchen to begin my experiments.

Honey and brown sugar facial/body scrub
1 little clear container
a tablespoon
honey
coconut milk
brown sugar
almond extract

So here's what I did.
Note: I did not measure whatsoever so if you're an instruction freak and need that stuff, well...sorry.

Grab little container and put some honey in there.
The amount is determined by how much you think you need. A question you should ask yourself is if this is a one night stand or long term relationship.

Open a can of coconut milk. Yeah, it doesn't say to use any milk at all but I felt like improvising.
Plus, according to my research, milk is good for the skin. Coconut milk? How could you go wrong?? My favorite is the Thai brand because it's really rich and even has what I like to call coconut paste. However, I had to settle for "Light Coconut Milk" from Trader Joe's. I actually like Trader Joe's, but who buys "light" coconut milk? My mother.

Pour a tablespoon of coconut in with the honey and mix it around.
Add as many tablespoons as you want to get the consistency you desire. If you get a little carried away with the milk, no worries. Just add more honey. That's what I did.

Scoop some brown sugar and put a tablespoon or so in the container with the honey and coconut milk.
I used a Chinese soup spoon.

I went to put the honey back in the cupboard and I saw that we had almond extract. Then, the artist inside told me to add some to my scrub. So I did. Just a few drops.
Anything more probably would have been an overdose.

Final product:

You can see the brown sugar sitting at the bottom.
Spoon is covered with oatmeal from the next experiment.

Sadly, the brown sugar kind of melted in the mix. I was hoping I could get more of a scrubby paste but it was more like liquid body wash with tiny brown sugar beads. No complaints though.

In the shower it was difficult putting on and scrubbing with the hands, so I suggest your loofa go for a little dip. It's easier to use that way. Although when it comes to your face, I suggest the tenderness of your lovely hands.

All in all, I was satisfied. Mostly because I made it myself, but also because my body came out of the shower less dry than normal. And it was all because of Pinterest.

Hold on tight for the oatmeal face mask. I'm going to put it in a different post. This one is long enough.

Citizenship Oath

Today is my last day of fall quarter. I've only been taking two classes: political science and communications (mass media). It's more like one class though because it's a block. Honestly, I feel relieved as if this is my last day of school and I am considering rewarding myself later with a humbao. However, it's a little sad because I actually adore my peers in that class. Quality conversation makes for a good bond.

Anyway, we had to create a citizenship oath to perform in class that reflects how we will go forward after this class and become a better citizen. Problem with me is that I feel equally, if not more, loyal to Hawai'i than to the United States of America; Hawai'i is my motherland. So I decided to go with the idea that I'm marrying America. It might be an arranged marriage, but not one that I mind.

I, Lili'uolani Pickford, take you, the United States of America, to be my lawfully wedded country

I solemnly swear to educate myself and stand for justice so that I am able to love, honor, serve and keep you as long as we both shall live

I take you, with all of your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths

I choose you, the United States of America, as the country with whom I will spend my life

For better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and in war or peace

God bless America

Delilah isn't real?

Truth be told, I believed Santa was real until I was thirteen years old and my Christmases haven't been the same since.

Nevertheless, I am a relentless Christmas zealot. Probably because my sister would make me watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade with her every year and after Thanksgiving nothing else would be on TV except Christmas movies. Nothing has changed.

One of my favorite parts about the holidays is the music. "On 106.9, it's Christmas all the time" with Delilah! Or Christopher Clause, depending on what time you listen. Delilah is a local radio personality. She gets callers who want to play a song for a loved one and often times listens to their humble situations and gives really sappy holiday peace on earth responses. I suffer through those radio segments because I love the music so much.

Anyway, one day my sister and I wanted to listen to holiday music in her new apartment. She doesn't have a radio so she got the New York Christmas station on iHeart radio and you know who was on there?! DELILAH!

My world was changed and I felt like I had rediscovered that Santa wasn't real. How could she do this to me?

Later that night my sister and I were running an errand to the store listening to the holiday radio station and Delilah was on.

She said, "Blahblahablah...coming from my farm outside of Seattle."
WHY WOULD SHE LIE TO ME WHEN I JUST HEARD HER IN NEW YORK. WHY.

Ain't that some bull.

No worries, though. Despite everything, my holiday spirit is still strong! And I'm still listening to 106.9. Ha.

MORMON SCANDAL

Wut a happy dood

It was announced yesterday by the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, that the ages to serve a mission have been lowered. For boys it's eighteen (not much of a difference) and for girls it is now NINETEEN!

Life just got real. I have a lot of work to do, ugh. Not gonna lie though, I'm excited.

Disclaimer: This isn't really a Mormon scandal. I was drawing upon the general idea that we are a a suspicious cult...which we aren't either.

Presidential Election 2012

My teacher shared this video with my polisci class last week. Watch it. It's just great.


The Daily Show with Jon Stewart _... by hulu

Bumbershoot 2012

This year was the first time that I went to Bumbershoot and I am happy to report that it was worth the money. Food was overpriced but the music and art was uh-mazing. The major artists I got to see perform were: Awolnation, Tony Bennett, M83, and Skrillex. How many people get to see Tony Bennett?

Oberhofer: my new found heartthrobs

Awolnation

My city <3 td="td">

Guitarist from M Ward that looks like my uncle

M Ward

Really cool marching band

One of the cool pieces of art

Found these fools in line for Skrillex

My girls

A Bumbershoot volunteer

Highland Tigers

After years of separation, the Highland Tigers were reunited once again.

Tigers: UNITE!

It's crazy how much time we've spent together making memories, learning about each other, and then to go from that to not seeing each other for years.

Alyssa is moving to Missouri.
Michelle will go back to UPenn.
Annie will return to Dartmouth.

Who knows when we will all be reunited again. But whenever that may be, we will all still be friends because skating has created this bond between us. It's the magnet that will always attract us back to one another.

On the bright side of things, Kalina, Chrissy, Alli, and I will be staying in Seattle! Hopefully we will be able to find time for each other.

<3>

The Eternally Broke Student Life Begins

Today I have to pay for my upcoming quarter classes. However, I don't currently have the money to be able to do that.

So this morning I was in a panic and I rushed to BECU hoping to create an account, apply for a student loan, get the student loan, and pay for my classes.

My over ambition is a normal thing.

In order to get a student loan I have to complete my FAFSA and apply for the loan online and they will have to approve me. But I don't have credit history so I need a credit card. So I applied for that while I was creating my account. And blahblahblah all this crap I have to get out of the way, etc.

Nevertheless, fortune has smiled upon me! (Becoming Jane). And I found some extra cash in a root beer bottle and my dad will spot me a few hundred.

Therefore, I will be able to pay for my classes today.

SUCCESS. Is in the bag.

Relief Society

Now that I am officially qualified as a young female adult, I am required to attend Relief Society instead of Young Women.

The lesson today was called "How to Share the Gospel Effectively" and it was taught by one of my personal favorites, Sister Lucy Weber.

As always, her style is impeccable

Lucy used to be one of my YW counselors and I can say, without a doubt, my love affair with fashion solidified when she entered my life; I had finally found a real life style icon. I felt like I had finally seen the light.

Anyway. I really liked the lesson today and there are a few things said, straight from the book (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith), that I would like to share.

I have always believed in a non-preachy, non-critical, loving approach to talking about the LDS church and what we believe, etc. Here is an excerpt that I particularly love.

"We cannot drive these young people, and our neighbors and friends into the kingdom of heaven by scolding them and finding fault with them, but I want to tell you that we can love them into the direction of our Father in heaven, and by and by, perhaps, lead them there too. That is our privilege. Love is the great power to influence this world. Let us...go forth...with love and kindness unfeigned go among these men and women, whether they be in the Church or out of the Church, and find a way to touch their hearts and lead them into that pathway that will insure them a knowledge of the truth."

 I think a lot of Mormons get a little too crazy about trying to make everyone convert and in doing so they forget that everyone has their free agency; people are going to do what they choose. The only thing you can do is love people and be there for them. Encourage them. Looking down on them because they might have a nose piercing, haven't taken the sacrament lately, or are a different religion is...NOT what Jesus would have done, folks.

Mormons have a reputation to be critical and judgmental. And indeed some are. It's one of the main reasons why members become inactive (aka don't go to church anymore). Members often become so obsessed with the little things of others that they fail to see themselves in the big picture. You, yes you LDS members, are not here to rebuke people, you are here to show them the happiness that they can have through choosing the Gospel.

"I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the right thing...The church is not one that goes about criticizing and finding fault with others, but in the spirit of loving kindness and the desire to be helpful, its representatives carry the Gospel message to the nations of the earth."

Hallelujerrrrrr. One love.
Amen.

(Supposed to be posted on Sunday. Whoops.)

College is Official

I'm finally enrolled! I'm only taking one class this quarter which is the (In)Decision Election 2012 inter-disciplinary class. It's 10 credits so it's like a 2 in 1. It's main focus is political science and the class will also be discussing the upcoming elections which I think is super important so I'm excited! I'm also seriously considering an art course at Gage Academy or the Georgetown Atelier. We'll see if I have time between class, homework, and a job.

I will also be taking out a loan asap. CRY. Being an adult sucks. Definitely looking to be a waitress so I can earn those tips.

Nightmare

I had an awful nightmare that my mom was sending me to church college a.k.a. BYU. I immediately burst into tears.

Not quite sure if this is a sign that I should go to BYU or stay and go to Bellevue. I guess we'll see!

Thank you, Christopher Nolan

I finally saw The Dark Knight Rises and OMG IT WAS AMAZING.

It was so action packed. No wonder the people in the Colorado shooting thought that crazy guy was part of the movie. (I was sitting right next to the side exit so I was a little scared myself.)

Anne Hathaway was the perfect selfish, sexy Catwoman and totally worked that leather suit. She honestly doesn't get enough credit for it.

I mean, look at her:

SEX

And is she bi? Because her girl friend seemed a little more than a friend.

As always, Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivered and gave a spotless performance. I never really knew how great of an actor he is until I saw him in Inception. He just exuded the Robin aura to the point where I called him out during his first meeting with Bruce Wayne. JGL is simply great.

I absolutely love Marion Cotillard (who also co-starred with JGL in Inception) but I was SO HURT when she turned on Batman. And you could totally see it in his face as well. Batman definitely made the gasping "How could you?!" face. Inception, Midnight in Paris, The Dark Knight Rises...why is she always a little bit psycho?

Of course, Christian Bale was bomb. Even when he was an old man with a cane. If he wasn't a great Batman there would have been upheaval for years.

No complaints here

Michael Caine (Alfred) never fails to stir up the emotions. I love him dearly and honestly Bruce Wayne should learn how to cook his own food and answer his own door. Alfred has stood by Bruce his whole life and practically raised him. I was definitely beefin' when Wayne kicked Alfred out/he left. Maybe even shed a tear.

And one last thing. I always believed that Batman truly belonged to Catwoman in a Bonnie and Clyde way. Not only does she have the skills to watch his back but she keeps him on his toes (clearly since she gave him to Bane!!!) They make a good team despite her instability. Take THAT Miranda Tate!

Christopher Nolan's dark vision of Batman has come together seamlessly. The casting throughout the trilogy has been perfection and this last movie totally brought me in; made me feel a part of it. I liked the subtle social and political statements the movie made as well. I can't wait to buy it!

Thank you, Christopher Nolan for bringing Batman to life.

R.I.P. Heath Ledger <3

Defining Home

Home Sweet Home

I don't know what it is about sleeping in my own bed but after I come back from a long night nothing feels better than crawling in and curling up in my comforter.

And there's something about opening that front door. It's awesome.

It's cause I'm home.

Eventually I'm going to be moving out (I hope soon) and I was just wondering if home is going to feel the same if I'm not in the same house with the same people.

I used to train in Virginia during the summer for figure skating and home, for a month or more, was the Homestead Suites. But when I came back to my Seattle home, the sense of home wasn't the same. It was ten billion times better. Of course, my home here isn't a hotel room.

With Hawai'i it's a different story. Arriving there is a different sense of home; coming home to my ancestors. But I've been on vacation there before and had the pangs of missing my Seattle home. At the time I wanted to deny it because as a Hawai'ian you're supposed to feel truly at home in your homeland. Alas, I figured it out why I felt that way.

What makes my home is my family. The furniture. The smells. The memories. Being home is an experience.

I went to Hawai'i after graduating and I spent the majority of my time with family down there and I did not want to come home. Seriously, I even thought of just not getting on that plane and finding myself a nice little hole to shack up in. It's really easy to be a bum in Hawai'i. Free showers at the beach.

In the end, I'm glad I came home because I need to figure out my future and in Hawai'i my future would have been being at the beach all day.