shake that boody!

New passport photo

2012-01-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

Here is my new passport photo for the next ten years!!! haha. Friend, Chris N, calls it Lesbo Chic. I do look a little grizzly and butch if I do say so myself.

MY DAD

2012-01-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

I'm curious. Did anyone's relationship with their dad change once they got engaged/married?!? My dad used to call me often to see how I was doing, but now he NEVER calls. I'm the one calling him now! haha I wonder if he feels like I'm not his anymore or if he gave away his daughter. Is it a Korean or asian thing? The bestie felt that way about her father, too. It's so strange!!!! It made me a little sad. haha. Regardless, appah will always be appah. Whenever we talk on the phone, he never hangs up without saying (in his fob accent), "Always be careful and don't forget to exercise!" So funny.

Today is my dad's 64th birthday. Happy birthday, Dad! I love you!!! You don't look 64! And I don't look 32! hahah.

Here is my dad (on the left) right before he came to the states.

Here we are in Ktown, LA. My dad became a fatty when he came to the U.S. Too much partying in Ktown!!!! hahha. I've always had this constipated and confused look on my face since I was born. Some things don't ever change. My dad really wanted me to be a boy (since I'm the first born). He even bought me boys clothing at Kmart at age 4 or 5. I remember thinking, but why??? I'm a GIRL!!!! haha.

And here we are at my wedding. A couple of weeks before the big day, we had a family dinner at a korean bbq buffet. He got drunk and started serenading an Elvis Presley song to me and John, a song he had been practicing! If you didn't know, my dad is the korean elvis. hahha. It was so funny and so sweet. He told me he was going to take two shots of tequila before he walked down the aisle with me. We were in the restaurant parking lot and he said, let's practice! He took my arm and we continued into the parking lot. My dad-he's so funny!

(More wedding photos to come...)

MRS.

2011-12-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

Wuuuuuuuuuuuurd. This MISS became a MISSES. I married the love of my life. =)

We had our wedding at the Smog Shoppe in Culver City, but it wasn't made legit until now, after the LA wedding. haha. I really wanted to wear something new to our nyc wedding-an excuse to go shopping, really, but that never happened. I have beaten this dress to death over and over again. haha. I thought I'd change things up and add a lacey top with fringe. BOO-YAH! Now it's brand new! haha.

I'll post my wedding photos soon, but munch on these for now. Our wedding was SO MUCH FUN (sigh). =)

BTW, I GOT AN IPHONE!!!!!!!!!!! SO FREAKING AWESOME!!!! FINALLY!!!! I waited YEARSSSSSSSSS (no money). hahha. FREAKING LOVE INSTAGRAM-LIFE-CHANGING!!!!!

Anyways, here we are at City Hall, NYC-so simple!

All photos taken with instagram, taken by Janelle! =)

THE BUBBLE

2011-10-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

I thought this video was too cute. Her accent is adorbs =)

Style Bubble

Health Care's Finest

2011-09-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

My friends, who are also in health care (but extremely creative and talented-all of them), came out for a visit. It was major funsies hanging out. Glad they brought some Cali and Hawaiian love out to NYC. I LOVE WHEN FRIENDS VISIT, HINT HINT!!!! hahah Here are a few photos of their visit.

Hanging out in Soho.

The Highline.

Major threeway bromance.

They come in peace.

Minetta Tavern was delicious.

Ryan is going to name his daughter Boody-he's so excited!!!!

amigas

2011-09-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Just some random pics of my sweet, sweet friends. This was after hanging out at the Hester Street Fair. We saw the mtv reporter, SuChin Park. She's soooo tall! Just how I imagined.

Becca, if you're reading this, we tried to visit you at babycakes! No Becca.

Jennifer can't resist a man in uniform. haha.

il laboratorio del gelato

2011-09-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

My mouth is watering just thinking about this post.

Meet the sweet potato gelato from il laboratorio del gelato. It's pure deliciousness. It tastes just like a baked japanese sweet potato, but colder and smoother. I loved it so much I bought a tub. haha. I bet my mom would looooooooove this.

You should take your fatty ass to the LES location near Katz Deli. The place looks so sterile, you could probably lick the gelato off the ground. =)

il laboratorio del gelato
188 Ludlow St
(between Stanton St & Houston St)
New York, NY 10002
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
(212) 343-9922
www.laboratoriodelgelato.com/

SHWEATY

2011-09-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

photo via the sartorialist

Now this, this is an outfit I can sweat in. Even her shopping bags match her neutral toned outfit-she is so high fashion. haha.

I'm really sad that summer came and went so early. It was so freaking short out here! Plus it was raining 38% of the time. Can't forget that biatch of a hurricane, irene. Because of her my hospital mandated me to stay at work for the entire weekend (couldn't go home) and I basically ate and ate as if I was going to starve to death. It's her fault I gained weight. Did she not know that I have to fit into a wedding dress?!?!? So selfish!!!! haha.

I'm outtie!!!

Peace in the city

2011-08-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how calm and peaceful Manhattan can look. I feel relaxed now.

Photos were taken in friend's highrise apt. building in williamsburg. River shown is the East River. You can see uptown and downtown. It must suck donkey balls having to see this everyday. =)

I'M A KEEPER

2011-08-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

These are a few highlights from my tubing experience down the Delaware River. I'm a little embarrassed to show one of these photos, buuuuuuuuuuuuut, it is who I am. hahahha. This is what happens when you grow up as a tomboy. Old habits are hard to shake off. Thank God that I at least look feminine. haha.

Here is a zoomed in photo:

Here is a zoomed out photo:

EWWWw, I have man legs. hahah. Don't worry, I'm not open for business.

This group photo cracks me up. The guide kept walking back, and back, and back. His group photo taking skills suck!!! hahha

photos: michael hall

ACKKK!!!! This KILLS ME!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

LOL, how cute is this???? A beluga whale + mariachi music, two of my favorite loves. I wish I could have them at my wedding. I wanna hug the whale. *HUG* hahha.

Our Venue

2011-06-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

We are going to tie the knot in style at the Smog Shoppe!!!!!!! It's played out, a little pricey, but I don't care. I love the plants, the eclectic design elements, and the relaxed and peaceful vibe. Future husband likes it, too. What matters is that we both love it...even though neither of us has stepped foot in it. hahha. All haters step aside!

I present to you our venue...

images via smog shoppe, mark brooke photography, picotte photography

FURIKAKE SNACK MIX- THE BEST SNACK EVER

2011-06-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

I first ate this snack 12 years ago and once I start eating them, I can't stop. You should make some too, so we can get fat together. haha. I like to add M&Ms to my mix, but you can add anything you please. I usually just use one box of Crispix and eyeball the amount of the melted mixture I want to use. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Lillian, you should try making these again. You can do it!!!! hahah.

Furikake Snack Mix

Ingredients

2 boxes Crispix

1 bottle Nori Furikake

1 block Butter or margarine

1/4 C Sugar

1/2 C Vegetable oil

1/2 C Karo light corn syrup

2 Tbsp Shoyu

Cooking Instructions

Heat butter, sugar, vegetable oil, corn syrup, and shoyu over medium heat. Pour over cereal and mix. Sprinkle furikake evely and mix again. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour tossing every 20 minutes. Best if using large foil roasting pan for mixing cereal.

SELF PORTRAITS

2011-06-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through my old photos last week and noticed I have enough self-portraits to make up an entire collection. haha. It's crazy, but I can remember what I was feeling, thinking, and going through at the time. Some of these were just for funsies. I know, this post is really vain. hahha. Enjoy!

THOUGHTS: Wouldn't it be crazy if there were 3 Judys????? The world can only handle one. haha.

THOUGHTS: I was so excited that I found a Chloe dress knock off via H&M. It is 3 sizes too big, but you can't tell because it just drapes!

THOUGHTS: My mask matches my shirt!!!! haha

THOUGHTS: So this is what I look like after a late night of partying-swollen and nasty. hahah. I didn't even wash my face. BAD!!!

THOUGHTS: This photo always makes me yawn. hahha.

THOUGHTS: I am having a graphic design moment with lines and space.

THOUGHTS: My hair is finally growing!!!!

THOUGHTS: Wouldn't it be cool if I had a closet with exposed brick and so many clothes???

THOUGHTS: I really do have a lot of junk. This was before I moved to NYC. Most of that stuff is gone now.

THOUGHTS: If I can't buy this jacket I might as well take a picture of me in it, surrounded by massive underwear.

THOUGHTS: I am so dark. This was after my turks and caicos trip. My feet and legs match the floor.

THOUGHTS: I am unemployed and feel like a loser, but at least the lighting in my room is nice!!!! haha.

THOUGHTS: My bun looks pretty good. This is the biggest it's ever been. haha.

THOUGHTS: I am dumb. Really, really dumb. This was after my skateboarding accident. My wound got worse before it got better. It looks like someone took a bite. ANK!

Inked

2011-05-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I fantasize about having tattoos all over my body. Not so much on the legs like this model, but up and down my arms and across my chest. Of course in my fantasy, it looks really pretty. I should get the Chanel temporary tattoos and freak out my parents at my wedding. I need these!!!! hehe.

image via the internet

I dig

2011-05-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

It's a little hot and humid for this, but I am liking this outfit!!! Tricky part is, you have to have thin legs to pull this off, like this model. haha

image via stockholm streetstyle

Random Posting

2011-05-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted any personal photos. My camera's been acting funny lately. It has focusing issues. And no, my fingers are not covering the sensor. Sometimes i have to focus manually. Why does it feel like I'm the only one who doesn't have a canon 5d mark ii!!!???! Don't listen to me, I'm just complaining. haha. I should probably practice taking more pictures before I get my hands on that 5d mark ii (one day!).

In the meantime, you can look at these. The pictures taken aren't that great, but I had fun with my sister's bestie, our honorary brother from another mother. Jeff Jeff, I will never, ever forget that tripod moment at Splash!!! hahha

French toast at clinton street baking company. Mmmm....maple butter.

Katz Deli. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. The best pastrami I've ever had in my life. It is so dang tender!!!!

See? The background is focused. No bueno!!! And it's been really humid out here. I'm sweatin' balls!!!

I really want to eat this right now.

Momofuku noodle bar. BTW the noodles aren't that great. There is better ramen to be had!

Meh! haha. This is the momofuku ramen (with the pork broth)

Now this, this was tasty. The dukboki rice cakes are roasted!!!!! They've got a slight crunch to it and the sauce is sweetened. Next time I want to try their tamales. I miss those.

Of course, one of my favorite korean restaurants all the way out in Flushing, Queens. Han Joo BBQ. It's life-changing. At least it was for me. haha.

If you haven't been to the High Line Park lately, do it now. They've made it really long and it's pretty sweet. Plus you can go pig out at the Chelsea Market right after your stroll. It's a win-win situation.

To cut or not to cut???

2011-05-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Anja makes me want to chop off my locks.

Yes??? No????

These dresses are gorgeous, too. DROOL. LOVE THE DRESSES.

BTW, I bought my dress last month!!!!

p.s. Weddings sure bring out the UGLY and mine hasn't even happened yet!!!!!

EWWWWWWWWWWWWW

2011-03-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

I DIE, I DIE, I DIE. I LOVE THIS DRESS! IT'S SO FREAKING HOT!!!!! AND BEAUTIFUL!!!!

ARE YOU GUYS TIRED OF ALL THIS WEDDING BIZNASSSSSSS???? CAUSE I'M NOT!!!!! HAHHA.

Just needed to share this Temperley London dress and get it off my chest. The swarovski crystals and the beading took four days alone. The details are amazing and the train is actually long. I'm getting hot flashes just looking at this dress.

I NEED!!!!!!!!!!

photo via jl designs

Have you seen the Daily Candy Round Up for unique wedding dresses? If not, check it out here.

The Planning Begins...

2011-03-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

So far, so good.

The future Mr. Park (hehe) has made wedding planning go so smoothly!!!!! He's amazing at planning and organizing. It makes life so less stressful! Cause let me tell you, I was stressballz when we started. I was so tempted to march on over to city hall and get it over with and then splurge on a buttload of traveling and maybe even get a nice camera! But in reality, we both wanted to have a wedding. So now we are in the throes of planning this wedding TOGETHER =) AND pay for it together. Why are weddings so expensive????? =(

One thing I've enjoyed about this wedding planning is trying on all the pretty wedding dresses!!!!!!! I never thought I'd feel like a princess, but I DID. haahh. Before trying anything on, I was set on getting a non-traditional dress because I fell in love with this Jen Kao number:

photo via stylecaster

ISN'T IT BEAUTIFUL??????? UGHHHHH!!!! Jen Kao, the designer, is wearing it herself. It's from her spring 2011 collection.

And I fell in love with this wedding photoshoot when I laid eyes on it. I can't remember where I found it. I just saved it. The bride made her own dress. I dig the gloves, too.

But when I went to try on wedding dresses, I fell in love. I had an O-M-G moment. haha. It isn't set in stone yet, but might be pretty soon. In the meantime I will be prancing over to Kleinfeld to have a "Say Yes to the Dress" moment. Can't wait to meet a Monique Lhullier in person! *squeel*!!!!

Thanks to everyone for the heartfelt congratulations on our engagement! You guys are truly the best! =)

I'm just gonna say it....I'M ENGAGED!!!!!!

2011-03-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

That's right, SEAT'S TAKEN!!!! hahaha.

I get to wake up to this handsome and goofy face for the rest of my life :)

It's kind of funny HOW we met because we met through SPEED DATING!!!!! hahah. I guess we have New York Easy Dates to thank (and our friends who pushed us into it) because we wouldn't have met otherwise (it was the first time for both of us). What's even more crazy is that he's the only one I matched up with! haha. I like to think that I was the only one that he matched up with as well. It makes the story sound better, don't ya think?

So let me tell you, I didn't think I would be nervous going on 50 2-minute dates, but with the first couple of guys, I started breaking out in a cold sweat!!! I kept thinking, I can't believe I'm here, I can't believe I'm here, but my girlfriends and I thought it'd be fun to do it just for kicks. I didn't even write down anyone's name for the first couple of guys because I used the paper to fan myself. With "fan" in hand, I'd be asking, so what do you like to do on weekends? Oh, you like sports? Of course I was freaking out and sweating balls haha. It was so embarrassing-I was so shweaty. haha. Finally I said to myself, GET A GRIP! You can do this!!!! After a few minutes, I calmed down and became dry.

When John came along the first thing I remember thinking was, GEEZ, is this guy drunk already??? His face is so red!!! But I knew he wasn't because he was far from sloppy. He's just one of those special asians who turn red once the alcohol hits the tongue. Before leaving the speed dating event, I remember seeing John smile at me with a big grin, beer in hand, and thinking to myself, (valley girl style) OMG, he's so drunk right now. hahhaha. And then I left with my girlfriends, giggling like school girls while we talked about our 50 first dates. It's funny how from the beginning my roommates were TEAM JOHN all the way. They didn't even pick him because they wanted ME, and only me, to match up with him. My friends-they are so sweet. hhaha.

On our first date post-speed dating, we met at the Starbucks near 59th and Lex. John had a game plan. If the meeting went bad, he could just bail after coffee and not have to sit through a lifeless conversation. BUT, after coffee, he asked me if I wanted to go for a walk in Central Park. I said yes. As we walked towards to park, I pulled out my carmex chapstick. (And no, I wasn't getting ready for a first kiss. haha.) When he saw my carmex, he pulled out his. At that moment I just knew we were meant to be. NOT!!!! hahah. We did think it was funny though. After the park, he asked me if I was hungry. I said yes. So we headed towards a thai restaurant. After dinner I had mentioned that there was a mugger in my neighborhood (and there really was, but John probably planted those mugger posters in my neighborhood haha j/k) and so he walked me home. Once he dropped me off, he asked me for a second date that very week! Those first two minutes has turned into two years of dating! =)

Now, our engagement story isn't as elaborate. It basically went down like this...John and I were having a conversation about the future of our relationship, our future apartment, etc. What I didn't know was that the week before he proposed, when my sister was in town, he had called my parents and asked for their permission. Of course, he couldn't keep it a secret and just blurted out that he had gotten the "OK" from my parents to marry me. Then he said, if I were to ask you to marry me today, would you say yes?? YES!!! I said. DUH!!! A couple of days later while I was sleeping during the day (to get ready for my night shift as a nurse) he went over to Claire's and bought me a $5 ring. While I was making dinner he gave me the "substitute" ring. He said, Look! It's an infinity ring! hahhaa. Then he confessed that when my sister was in town they were trying to find a ring that I would like, but my sister didn't end up being a lot of help because we have such different tastes. And since I have "unique taste" (according to John), he wanted me to pick out my own ring. After all, I was going to be the one wearing it for the rest of my life! So I got to pick out my own ring!!!!!!

Here she is, in all its bling and glory! I wouldn't have it any other way-vintagy and modern at the same time.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my ring, but of course, I love John more! =)

And before I close, I do want to tell the entire world why John makes me so happy (he's always asking hahaha j/k, babe!)

-First and foremost, he makes me laugh. He is super goofy and does these funny dances for me. I also like that I can be goofy with him because let's face it. I'm CHEESY!!!! And this might be getting a little personal, but his farts make me laugh, too. hahhhaha.

-He is so thoughtful, considerate, and caring. He is far from selfish. He even does nice things for my friends and for my sister! =)

-I don't feel bad about being myself. He's supportive in everything I do and want to do. And if i drop the f-bomb here, there, everywhere, he doesn't make me feel bad about it. FUCK YEAH! hahha. Not to worry, I don't have a potty mouth. Maybe back in junior high, yeah. haha. I am a lady now. =)

-He is SO CLEAN! I LOVE IT! He loves to clean. When he does the dishes, the plates come out immaculate! It's like a dream come true. When I was running my cupcake business, washing dishes was the task I dreaded most. My nursing friends find this trait as a turn-on. I couldn't agree more. haha.

-He tries to make my life less stressful. Again, so thoughtful! haha.

-He enjoys my cooking and baking. He eats with passion and makes everything seem like it's delicious.

I could go on and on, but I don't want to make you guys vomit. =) I can't wait to be his Mrs.!

John + Judy = <3 hahahha.

French Macaroons from Dessert Truck

2011-02-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

Back in January, I took a french macaroon workshop with a friend. Check out the results! The Dessert Truck is teaching classes if anyone is interested. Visit their blog to get more info. Jerome (owner/pastry chef) and the gang are extremely cool and very helpful. If you're a guy, it's a great way to meet the ladeeeeeeeeeezzzzz. haha. Haven't tried making these at home yet, but I had fun eating them after the class.

Follow them on twitter for more updates!

Dessert Truck
6 Clinton Street (between Stanton and Houston)
NY, NY 10002

My handiwork.

He comes with a french accent. Very cool. haha.

Anzela's macaroons.

My macaroons! :D

Fungus Workshop

2010-09-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally want to be a part of this workshop!!!!!!!!!! Such a shame that it's all the way in Hong Kong. It would be reason enough to go out there. I get giddy over well-made leather goodies. And if you can make them yourself??? EVEN BETTER!

I need to go make something now, but it probably won't be as cool as the stuff from Fungus Workshop =( haha.

Click here to visit their site/blog.

FRICKIN' HAWT!!!!

2010-08-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

UGH, I need!!!!! They're mens shoes, but that doesn't matter. These are the Michael Kors Capote shoes, inspired by Truman Capote. How do I get my hands on these??? Anybody, somebody, please help!!!

Greenmarket- Union Square

2010-08-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

I'm posting some random pics of the greenmarket goodies I took from Union Square. Everything there looks so good! The heirloom tomatoes are great, the white peaches are great, everything there is great!!! haha. I'm so backblogged it's not funny. I would compare it to being constipated.

I swear this stand was the prettiest, most stylized stand. I tried to get a wide shot, but there were too many people passing.

Don't the vegetables look so cute??

Holy Cow! 200 posts?!? And my old room.

2010-08-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

Woweee wow, wow, WOW!!!! I've posted 200 posts on this blog already! Who knew I would make it this far! I'm kind of glad I kept on truckin'. It's fun to look back on my past and see what I was doing, how I was feeling. I almost forgot about a few things until my blog reminded me. haha. I feel like I should do a giveaway or something. Yesssssss...a giveaway!!!!! It won't be anything big, that's for sure, but I promise it'll be delicious!!! Stay tuned!

Onto my room...

Here are a few photos of my old room in the upper east side. I'm a little sad that I don't have any of the furniture left. All that hard work building the damned furniture. haha. Remember when I built all of it (freaking IKEA haha) Well, these photos show the fruits of my labor. I did keep the pink chair! I love that pink swivel chair.

It's funny how minimalist my room is. My room back in California used to be filled with stuff, or as my sister calls it, junk-cake stands, craft supplies, books, old magazines, photos, everything! I need to get that stuff back! haha. While living in NYC I've learned to hold onto less "stuff". There's only so much space you're given.

Anyways, my old room...

Make this! You won't be sorry.

2010-07-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

This photo was shot completely last minute when I decided to take it, but I really wanted to share this recipe because it is unbelievably GOOD! The first time I had it was at a birthday get-together in Brooklyn. When I took a bite, I couldn't stop raving about it. It was so simple and so delicious. I knew I had to recreate it.

When I got home, I found the recipe online, and found the perfect occasion to make it: John's birthday. He loves vanilla ice cream/milkshakes so it was perfect (if you want to know, he LOVED IT). I don't want to hype it up too much, but if you want a simple cake/dessert to make, you should try this. You can make it in an hour or less. My favorite parts are the sugar cone crust and the caramel sauce. I thought the sugar cone crust was so ingenious. hahah. And this is a really good caramel sauce.

Tips:

-This makes a ton of caramel sauce . If you don't want 4 cups of caramel, you might want to halve the recipe.
-I added some fleur de sel to the caramel sauce because I happened to have it, but you can add whatever salt you have at home. It helps balance out the sweetness.
-I used Trader Joe's french vanilla ice cream. If you haven't tried it, it's delicious. It was perfect for the cake because it had the right amount of density, creaminess, and sweetness.
-I didn't have a food processor in hand so I used the plastic packaging that the cones came in and crushed the cones by hand. It worked wonderfully.
-I froze the crust for 15 min (I was in a rush. haha) and it turned out fine.
-I didn't freeze the ice cream cake for 6 hours, only 3.
-I didn't pour the caramel sauce over the cake and freeze it. I served it after slicing the cake and pouring it over it.
-MAKE THIS CAKE!!!! haha.

RECIPE

Chocolate and Caramel Ice Cream Cake by Emily Luchetti

Serves 6 (It serves a lot more.)

At work and at home, my refrigerator and freezer are always crammed with sweet odds and ends: a cup of caramel sauce, pieces of brownie scraps, a bowl of whipped cream. In the restaurant, we create some of our best staff meal desserts with such tasty bits, but at home I throw them out, often to the accompaniment of anguished cries from family members. With them in mind, I created this out of excess goodies from other recipes. It's turned out to be one of my favorites.

Sugar Cone Crust
12 sugar cones (5 ounces)
3 ounces (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

Cake
1 cup cold Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce (see below)
French Vanilla Ice Cream (page 116 of the book) or Rich Vanilla Ice Cream (page 107)
1 cup cold Classic Caramel Sauce (see below)
3/4 cup heavy (whipping) cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

TO MAKE THE CRUST: Finely grind the sugar cones in a food processor. Place them in a bowl with the butter and stir until combined. Press the crumbs into the bottom of a 9-1/2-inch springform pan. Freeze for 30 minutes.

TO ASSEMBLE THE CAKE: Briefly heat the chocolate sauce in a microwave or double boiler over hot water just until spreadable. Spread the chocolate sauce in the bottom of the crust. Freeze until set, about 15 minutes. Spread the vanilla ice cream over the top. Again, freeze to set, about 30 minutes. Briefly heat the caramel sauce in a microwave or double boiler over hot water just until spreadable. Spread the caramel sauce over the ice cream. Freeze for another 30 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Spread it over the top of the cake. Freeze the cake until the ice cream and sauces are hard, about 6 hours, depending on your freezer. Cut into slices and serve.

IN ADVANCE: The cake can be assembled up to 2 days in advance. Once frozen, cover with plastic wrap.

Flavor Twist:
Chai Ice Cream (page 77) or Pistachio Ice Cream (page 37)

Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce

Makes about 2 cups

1/2 cups heavy (whipping) cream
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble around the edges. Turn off the heat and add the chocolaste. Cover the pan and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly and use now, or let cool to room temperature and refrigerate. The sauce is best served warm. It can be reheated in a double boiler or microwave.

IN ADVANCE: The chocolate sauce can be made up to two weeks in advance. Cover and refrigerate.

Classic Caramel Sauce

Makes about 4 cups

3 cups sugar
1 cup water
2 cups heavy (whipping) cream
2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
Large pinch of kosher salt

Stir the sugar and water together in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Increase to high heat and continue to cook, without stirring, until the sugar has caramelized and is medium amber in color. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly stir in about 1/4 cup of the cream. (the caramel will sputter as the ater is added, so stir carefully.) Continue gradually strring in the remaining cream.

Let the caramel cool, strring occasionally, until warm. Whisk in the butter and salt. Cover and reigerate until ready to serve. If serving warm, reheat in a double boiler or microwave.

IN ADVANCE: The caramel sauce can be made up to two weeks in ahead.

You can buy Emily Luchetti's book:
A Passion for Ice Cream 95 Recipes for Fabulous Desserts

recipe via global gourmet

Sage advice

2010-07-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

I'm hitting myself because I lost the business card that had the translation of this tattoo. Actually, I know what happened to it...I'm pretty sure it's in the trash.

Anyways, I always have fantasies about getting tatted up like crazy. You probably didn't know that, huh? haha. When I saw this one, I thought it was so typographically pleasing-so pretty! I just had to take a picture. The script and the accents look perfect. It belongs to a friend of a friend who is Vietnamese. It serves as a daily reminder to stay hungry, keep fighting. Here's what I think the translation is based on memory: If you're hungry, go into the kitchen and make something. If you want to starve, crawl into a cave and die.

Stay hungry, my friends!

Featured in i art u!

2010-07-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Jen Young over at i art u did the sweetest little write up on me. It was so touching. I think she was being too nice. haha. Thank you Jen for those sweet words! You should head on over and pay her a visit. Her blog is chock full of inspiration and she's always giving away something. You'll be smitten by the creative life she leads. Check out her photography, too. You can buy her prints here.

Jen, I ART U!!!!!!!! haha. =)

Newport, Rhode Island-the land of preppy white people and lots of them.

2010-07-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

I've never given a thought about visiting Rhode Island, but when our neighbors/friends asked if we wanted to come along for a short road trip, I said HELL YES!!!!! It was just what I needed, an escape from the city.

It was really pretty down there-millions of sailboats, fresh air. If you want to see loads of preppy white people, this is your place! I felt like we were making a little asian invasion by being down there. haha. We didn't get to see much of the mansions that this town is also known for, but I'll live.

Can't wait for the next road trip!!! Any recommendations??????

Billions of dollars worth of sailboats in this town. People who live here have a lot of money. They're ballin'!!!!!!!!!!!!

Walking along the Cliff Walk.

There are a lot of clams up in this place. Clam shells everywhere!

There's this dark concrete wall along the Cliff Walk that created some awesome lighting. I love gray walls now, too!!!

Help!!!!

Me = FAIL!!!!

Parts of downtown Newport.

Skipper and Skipper.

The lighting there was really nice. This is my new desktop photo.

The girl with the extremely long hair

2010-07-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

I recently went on a short road trip to Newport, Rhode Island (will post pics on that later), but thought that these photos deserved their very own post. It's part freaky, part artsy. No offense to the girl in the photo, but her hair really scared me!!! Blame it on Scary Movie 4. I saw it on tv last weekend (couldn't stop laughing my head off. I LOVE stupid funny movies. Will Ferrel wasn't in it, but he's my hero in case you wanted to know). There were references to The Grudge and The Ring and when I saw this girl I thought I was in my very own scary movie. All this girl was doing was picking sea shells. I'm such a jerk. hahah.

My Dream Apartment...(swoon)

2010-07-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

When I first saw photos of this home in New York magazine a few months ago, I fell in love. I could totally picture myself living there. It feels relaxing and calming just looking at the photos. The city is full of chaos so it makes sense to come home to a peaceful living space. Doesn't it look like a beach house? You'd never know it's in Brooklyn (Park Slope). I would probably add a little more color to this place, but I love the wood accents everywhere. It's beautiful. I like to close my eyes and pretend and it's my apartment. haha.

This home was shot by The Selby and is inhabited by its designers. The husband, Fitzhugh Karol, made the amazing wood furniture featured throughout the home. LOVE!

How cute is that? BARF. hahaha. I love it.

So relaxing.

I love this dining room area.

I love an open kitchen.

I NEED these pieces of wood, NEED!!!! They're gorgeous.

You can't tell from this photo, but that's a sliding door on the right (from a barn) that covers the bathroom entrance. It looks really cool.

The floors everywhere are white. I wonder if it's hard to keep clean.

Cute sink overlooking the backyard. The plants remind me of my mom. We have some in our home just like them.

Sweet pottery.

LOVE the frame!!!

I've seen the bathroom in another photo-it looks way better! Check out the underwear painting in the back! haah.

I scream for Daily Candy!!! OR Ice Cream for Daily Candy!!!

2010-07-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

hahahah. I know. I'm so lame.

I have something very exciting to share. Last month I got asked to shoot the ice cream spread for Daily Candy. I was beyond excited!!!!!! My heart was jumping up and down and doing jumping jacks! This has got to be one of the highlights of 2010 for me. Daily Candy is huge and they've been around for a while. You can subscribe to their emails and they'll update you with the latest trends, eats, travels, everything! They helped me get through the boring office hours I used to keep as a graphic designer (confession! haha). This was before there were millions of blogs out there. So you can only imagine how ecstatic I was when I got the gig. Plus it had to do with ice cream. YUMMMM!!!! haha. Sadly I didn't get to try all the flavors, but I did get to sample at least half.

Thanks Little J and thank you Daily Candy for the amazing opportunity! Little J also did the awesome write up that accompanied the photos.

Check out the web gallery here:

Oh! My photos were also featured in the NYC & Everywhere edition email for Daily Candy and in another ice cream related story. =) =) =) =)

Ruby Jewel's mini ice cream sandwiches. Who doesn't love ice cream sandwiches?!?

Talenti's Roman Raspberry sorbetto.

Jeni's Salty Caramel ice cream. YUMMMM!!!! I got to try their Bangkok Peanut as well. All I have to say is YOWZA!!!!! It's got some serious spicy kick!!! haha.

Nice Cream Chocolate and Sweet Basil. You can really taste the basil! I loved their packaging. Bold and cute!

Laloo's Strawberry Darling. It's made with goat's milk. It kind of tasted goat cheesy! haha.

Jeni's goat cheese with roasted red cherries. You can taste both. I really liked it. Goat cheese and anything sweet works for me!

Adirondack Creamery's WhiteFace Mint Chip. Very minty/refreshing.

Chozen's Ronne's Rugelach. This photo was in another gallery and the photo below was in an email newsletter. Ronne's rugelach is pretty dang good. Their story is so cute.

Here is the ~~NYC~~ EVERYWHERE edition newsletter!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! =)

B.F.F.

2010-07-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

The bestie was in town last month and it felt so good to have her here (along with her O.G.). I told them they couldn't stay at my apartment unless they brought two regular sized bags of flaming hot cheetos, the regular flavor and the lime flavor. They did not disappoint!!!! hahha. It's hard to find flaming hot cheetos out here. The closest find has been at Duane Reade (local drug store), but they only have the snack size ones and they're not even there all the time. Thanks for bringing a little piece of home to me, guys! =)

It's crazy that Cathy and I have been friends since we were 12-that's18 years of friendship! I remember when I first saw her I thought she was a fob. haha. We've definitely gone through a lot and shared a lot of laughs together. We're very corny people. Anyways, I was sad to see Cathy and Josh go. I got a little teary-eyed as they left my apartment. It really made me homesick. You guys better come back! We still have Philly and Rocky! =)

Friends for 18 years. Dang, we could've had a full grown adult child by now. haha.

Hanging out at liberty island.

The statue of liberty is like a parrot sitting on Josh's shoulder. All Josh needs is an eye patch. YARRRRRRRGH!!!!! haahha.

Downtown Manhattan in the background.

Grand Central station

Thanks for treating me to Billy Elliot, guys!!! That show was so good!

Here's the kid who played Billy Elliot. The kids in the show are so talented!

Cat, look at that face-he's a keeper!!! hahaha.

I love black walls. LOVE!

Hanging out in the great mall at Central Park.

This bridge is famous. Also in Central Park.

UH-OH...Look what I did, Cat!!! I cut off a part of Josh's head! Whaddya gonna do now?!? haha.

John just got a blackberry (very new technology to him) and I can't get it out of his hands! I can't believe I have to compete with a blackberry. hahah j/k.

I had to include this picture because Cathy wouldn't let me take her pictures with her camera!!! Something about cutting off Josh's head all the time. The honor was given to John. Whatever, Cathy. haha.

Group shot at Central Park.

By the time the trip was over, we all grew mustaches.

Bobby + Hannah

2010-07-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

Geez, I am so backlogged right now!!! I sound so blog-constipated. haha. I have much to update with you, my friends. I'll just start of with this engagement shoot I did a few weeks ago. We did this shoot just a couple of days before they were leaving for California. Oh how I wish I was there right now. I'm like dying out here!!!! 100 degree weather + humidity = UNBEARABLE!!!! It's not supposed to be this hot in NYC, right?!? I seriously have beads of sweat running down my face. =(

Anyways, on with the photos...Bobby and Hannah were a lot of fun to photograph. They made the shoot go so smoothly. Thanks for a great time, Bobby + Hannah! Good luck with everything in California! =)

Back in the Kitchen

2010-06-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

After almost a 2 year hiatus, I have returned to baking. Made my first delivery in Manhattan via subway and taught myself how to make meringue roses. You can make them, too! I think they're a lot easier to make than buttercream frosting roses. Plus you don't have to worry about these flowers getting mushy. They get baked. I used the Martha Stewart recipe for swiss meringue roses.

This cake is a vanilla cake with raspberry preserves and white chocolate buttercream frosting. Just got some feedback on the cake; birthday girl loved it! Whew! haha.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Don't forget, the Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair is this weekend! Thanks Grace!

P.S. I've been getting questions about what camera/lenses I use. I have a Canon Rebel XTi and I use the lens that it came with (18-55, 3.5) and also the 50mm, 1.8.

The Incredible Edible Egg

2010-05-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Call me a glutton, but on Sunday I was THIS close to heading down to the brooklyn flea market AGAIN, this time with my friend, Anzela, because she hadn't tasted this season's flea market bounty yet. But plans changed partly due to the weather-it's so stinking humid right now. So what did we do instead? We pillaged Anzela's green (farmer's) market goodies! And the star of the show? Organic eggs laid by grass fed chickens! Seriously, I've never seen egg yolk so orange, creamy, and flowing with abundance. Simply said, it was AMAZING! I know I tend to hype up things a lot, but you really need to try it for yourself. We were in food heaven. And our meal was so simple.

After brunch we hardly rested. We ate AGAIN. haha. See photos below.

Look how the eggs are all different colors. I know the store-bought eggs I get from around the corner don't look like this.

We ate our eggs with toasted challah bread with butter, from Amy's Bread. It has a sweet edge to it.

Topped with a tomato and sprinkled with some pink himalayan salt = crazy delicious!

We also added some freshly grated parm.

Look how it oozes! Do your eggs do that?!?

YUM.

It flows like a river. haha

Oh, we also had some homemade blueberry pancakes made with the same eggs.

Looks like a piece of art, huh?

For dinner we had lots of appetizers, courtesy of my very own cheesemonger (mi hombre), and pesto pasta (not pictured).

Have you ever paired spanish figs with fromager d'Affinois cheese?!? It's a super creamy cheese and it's SOOOOO GOOD!!!!! I promise you'll love it. =) We got this from Murray's.

Genoa salami with piave cheese.

The chef herself, hard at work. Thanks for the wonderful food, Anz!!!! Does the background look familiar? It was featured in my youtube video for cupcake wars. In case you're wondering, I didn't make the show. =(

My favorites. =)

My very own gradient

2010-04-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's my hair. Some would say it's ghetto, but it's in style right now! Ombre is what they call it, but I call it, GROWING OUT YOUR ROOTS or I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO GET IT DONE PROFESSIONALLY. hahah. You like how the colors blend in to one another? Yeah, I did that on purpose. I'm a designer. haha. I'm dying for a haircut too, but that'll have to wait. Everything must wait.

The Brooklyn Flea Market

2010-04-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

FINALLY, after 19 months of habitating in NYC I made it out to the Brooklyn Flea Market in Fort Greene. I've been longing to go, but when I was in school, it just never worked out. I went to the one in Dumbo, but it's not the same. At first I was a little surprised to see how small it was. I guess I was expecting it to be gi-normous, but I wasn't disappointed, my friends. I was in food heaven. hahha. My eyes were literally bulging out and I was sad that I didn't have enough cash and stomach space to devour everything in sight. I can't wait to go back again to try the foods that didn't make it into my mouth. :O

Many of the vendors were Brooklyn locals. Support your local food!

Here are some photos I took, but they are super crappy. I had so much food in my hands. Anyways, enjoy!

I wanted to try this so bad, but I was so full!!!! D'OHHHHH!!!! They're made by Salvatore Bklyn. They specialize in ricotta cheese.

I look like such a cheeseball. I really liked my tamales, especially the one with the green sauce. They were $2 each from the ladies behind me. I think they're part of the Red Hook Vendors.

Pizza from Naples to Brooklyn by Pizza Moto.

I can't remember the name of the vendor, but the heirloom tomatoes that they put on their locks looked SO GOOD.

Oh yeah, they did. Salvatore Brooklyn busted out this beautiful piece of swine to compliment their homemade ricottta. I'm glad the weather wasn't hot. Eek. haha.

Pulled pork to make sliders.

Not pictured, the salted caramels from Liddabit Sweets. YUMMMMM!!!! You can order their sweets online. Just visit their website! =)

Meet Fatty!

2010-04-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest addition to my family! FATTY!!!! Sadly I will not be there to watch her grow up to be a hefty 90 lbs. I wish I could play with her. I'm a sucker for puppies. At least my sister finally posted some decent pics of her. She's also the one who gave Fatty her name. Poor dog. haha. If you're curious, she's an english bulldog.

We shall meet one day, Fatty, we shall! Arf! =)

WOOF! =)

My roommate, my model.

2010-04-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I did a random photoshoot with my roommate and our friend Ai, who is a makeup artist. Yeah, I have a lot of free time on my hands right now-not by choice! =) Afterwards I shot some photos of Ai's pets, Iggy and Misa. They're so cute!

If you need any make-up work done for weddings, parties, fashion shows, etc., feel free to contact Ai! She's done a lot of work for New York fashion week and she is so sweet!

Say hi to her on her blog! =)

Does she not look like an angel? haha.

They look like friends, but Iggy loves to chase Misaki (the cat) and drive him crazy.

Iggy thinks he's human. haha

My Current Theme Song

2010-04-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

I think this song pretty much sums up my life lately.

You can have this song, too! It's free, right here! Dumbfoundead collaborated with Beatnik8 (a law student in London who makes beats-she is really talented) to make this track.

This is random, but I can also feel my metabolism slowing down (it means I'm getting fat and I can't eat as much as I used to) =( . I'm aging!!!! haha.

Lady M.......Mmmmm...MMmmm GOOD!

2010-04-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

There's a hidden gem in the upper east side and she goes by the name of Lady M. mmmmMMmm.....

Maybe you've seen the Lady M Mille Crepes featured on television, but I can't believe it's taken me this long to make it to this place. I live SO close. Must go back before I bid adieu to this neighborhood. These cakes are seriously a work of art. It's called a cake boutique for a reason. I wasn't able to get a photo of the space inside, but it's pristine and white. The cakes are displayed like jewels behind a glass wall. I want to eat all of them!!! The guy in front of us ordered a boatload of slices, that fatty! j/k. Of course I was jealous. haha.

Thanks Anz for reminding me of this place because I ALMOST forgot!!!! And thanks to my sugar daddy for feeding me more delicious mille crepes after Anzela fed me some. hahha. YUMMMM!!!!!

coconut mille crepes

strawberry and cream cake? The strawberry slices look so perfect.

I think the left is a matcha (green tea) cake, on the right, the tarte aux fruits.

flourless chocolate cake

mille crepes (so good!!!!)

various slices (the guy's order-he decided to order more. These puppies are not cheap!!! the mille crepes are $7/slice).

Check out Lady M for yourself:

Lady M® Cake Boutique
41 East 78th Street
(Between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue)
New York, NY 10075
Phone: 212.452.2222

Hours:
Monday through Friday: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm

DAS RACIST!!!

2010-04-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Last week my roommie, little J, went to a sweet little concert and saw these guys. The beats to their songs are so catchy. Really, you should listen to them, even if their lyrics don't make sense. Thanks little J!

If you like, click here to download their album for $FREE.99!!!!

This kid is AMAZING!

2010-04-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

I can't get over it. He sings this almost better than the diva herself. Don't mind the hair, this guy is extremely talented!!! When I first saw this video it had over 300 hits, now it has almost 300,000!!!

Finally! It's Spring!!!!

2010-04-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

It is beautiful in the city right now and everyone is so happy. Finally! Over the weekend I went to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The best part about it was that it was FREE (good lookin' out, babe!). That's right. On Saturdays from 10am -12pm, entrance is free. I couldn't stop oogling over the blossoms. There's one cherry blossom tree that looks like it's weeping-it's so beautiful. And after you visit the gardens, you can hit the farmers market right in front of Prospect Park and take a stroll through the park. On May 1-2 Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is having the Sakura Matsuri (a cherry blossom festival). By then all the trees should be in blossom. It shall be glorious!

Here are some pics from my visit:

This was my favorite tree. Pink blossoms hanging and floating EVERYWHERE!

I love the color yellow.

Magnolia buds.

Pretty, pretty flowers.

I forgot the name of this tree, but we called it the pearl necklace. haha.

Magnolias in bloom.

Koi

There's also a greenhouse full of beautiful bonzais.

This cactus is called Bunny Ears. Isn't it so cute?!?

I love being yellow. haha.

The end! =)

Happy Birthday, Sister Hoey! NOTTTTTTTT!!!!! j/k.

2010-04-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

It really is my sister's birthday. She was born on April Fool's.

When my sister was named, my Aunt Tracy suggested the name Joy because she loved it so much (she later named her daughter Christina, but they call her Joy instead-it's her middle name). I don't know how it got lost in translation, but my sister's name became Joey. Actually, I think I know. I'm pretty sure that my parents took the name Joy and pronounced it joh-yee, hence the name Joey. They had no idea that it was a boy's name. They just thought it was cute. When my brother came along they named him Cliff-they can't even pronounce it. haha. They call him Kuh-leep-puh or Kleep!!! when they're really mad. There's no "F" sound in Korean.

Anyways, happy birthday joey!!! I'm only going to say this once....YOU'RE JO-MAZING!!!! (She LOVES that name. haha).

Joey's on the left, I'm on the right. Big sis and lil sis!

Momofuku Milk Bar: The Compost Cookie Recipe

2010-03-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

AWWWWW YEAH!

I was so stoked when I stumbled upon this cookie recipe via The Amateur Gourmet. Why? Because it's one of my favorite cookies in the city and I wasn't even looking for the recipe. I just stumbled upon it (score)! The cookie is really sweet, but different. There's so much deliciousness going on. Christina Tosi, the pastry chef behind all the Momofuku Milk Bar goodies is so, so creative when it comes to making sweets! I hope to stumble across the recipe for the corn cookie one day because that is my second favorite cookie at Momofuku Milk Bar. Anyways, enough babble talk. Here's the recipe! SO AWESOME! Can't wait to make it one day.

p.s. For the 1.5 cups of your favorite baking ingredients, at the milk bar, they put in chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, pretzels, coffee grounds, coffee grounds, graham crumbs, oats.

p.p.s. The Momofuku Milk Bar cookbook is slated to debut fall 2011. Geez, that's not even this year. We will have to wait! haha.

Christina Tosi's Momofuku Milk Bar Compost Cookie

1 cup Butter

1 cup Sugar

3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar

1 Tbsp Corn Syrup

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 Large Eggs

1 3/4 cups AP Flour

2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Baking Soda

2 tsp Kosher Salt

1 1/2 cups Your favorite baking ingredients!

(Kelly used mini chocolate chips, raisinettes, rollos & cocoa krispies)

1 1/2 cups Your favorite snack foods (chips, pretzels, etc)

(Kelly used goldfish, ritz, & fritos)

DIRECTIONS:

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter, sugars and corn syrup on medium high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and pale yellow in color. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl with a spatula.

On a lower speed, add eggs and vanilla to incorporate. Increase mixing speed to medium-high and start a timer for 10 minutes. During this time the sugar granules will fully dissolve, the mixture will become an almost pale white color and your creamed mixture will double in size.

When time is up, on a lower speed, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix 45-60 sec just until your dough comes together and all remnants of dry ingredients have incorporated. Do not walk away from your mixer during this time or you will risk over mixing the dough. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl with a spatula.

On same low speed, add in the hodgepodge of your favorite baking ingredients and mix for 30-45 sec until they evenly mix into the dough. Add in your favorite snack foods last, paddling again on low speed until they are just incorporated.

Using a 6oz ice cream scoop, portion cookie dough onto a parchment lined sheetpan.

Wrap scooped cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 1 week.

DO NOT BAKE your cookies from room temperature or they will not hold their shape.

Heat the conventional oven to 400F. (350F in a convection oven)

When the oven reads 400F, arrange your chilled cookie dough balls on a parchment or silpat-lined sheetpan a minimum of 4" apart in any direction.

Bake 9-11 min. While in the oven, the cookies will puff, crackle and spread.

At 9 min the cookies should be browned on the edges and just beginning to brown towards the center. Leave the cookies in the oven for the additional minutes if these colors don't match up and your cookies stills seem pale and doughy on the surface.

Cool the cookies completely on the sheet pan before transferring to a plate or an airtight container or tin for storage. At room temp, cookies will keep fresh 5 days. In the freezer, cookies will keep fresh 1 month.

Yield: 15 6oz cookies

Recipe via The Amateur Gourmet via Regis and Kelly

The kids are cute...

2010-03-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

TOO CUTE!!!!!

Aren't they adorable?!? This little girl dresses WAY better than me. =( haha. She's a cutie. And look at the little boy. He is rockin' those crocs!!!!! haha. I can't get over these pics. They make me smile and laugh.

images: hanneli mustaparta

The Meatball Shop....MMmmmmMM...haha

2010-03-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

A restaurant that sells all things meatballs? Heck yes! Whenever I think of meatballs, I think of chunky, dried out, tough-as-nails balls (that's what she said. haha), but these were really tender and coupled with the brioche, it's even more tender. The Meatball Shop, down in the lower east side just opened up and it's always full! Go for lunch and you won't have to worry much about a long wait. The best part about this experience is the ice cream cookie sandwiches!!!! OH MY GAWSH....the caramel ice cream with the molasses cookies are delicious!!! I would go down there just for that. haha. And speaking on behalf of Anzela, one of the owners is pretty hot. hahha.

Jennifer, you were sorely missed. And you too, Janelle! Thank you for the wonderful meal, Anz!!!! She called me a cheap date. haha.

The Meatball Shop

84 Stanton Street between Allen & Orchard
New York, NY 10002
(212) 982-8895

We had the chicken meatball smash with mozarella and meat sauce on a nice, soft brioche with arugula salad with thinly sliced apples. This was my favorite meatball.

These roasted carrots with mint (and I think walnuts and dates?) were GOOD!

Anzela looks so cute with her weird fork. haha.

The piece de resistance!!! It's the one on the left-caramel ice cream sandwiched between two molasses cookies. The one on the right was a brownie cookie with mint ice cream. It really had pieces of mint in there and tasted like mint. Not like mint chocolate chip ice cream.

YOU'RE WELCOME! =)

2010-03-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

I have something neat to share with you! It's probably one of the coolest things I've come across on the internet. If you don't shoot film, but want your photos to look like film or make them look ridiculously cool, you need to download this program called the toycamera analogcamera by Pentacom (they make "useful softwares and funny things" haha. this kills me) !!!!!! I am in love with it!! It's SO EASY to use and it resizes your images and saves the image for you in an instant! The japanese come up with the coolest things. Remember when I did this post back then? Yup, also by the japanese.

You can download it for free and use it as a demo and if you decide you want to purchase it, it's only $10.00! Once you purchase the key code, the logo comes off the photos. As you can see, I haven't gotten the code yet. hehe.

A big MERCI to Alix from The Cherry Blossom Girl for sharing (she uses it for her photos). And if you knew about this cool program and didn't share it with me, SHAME ON YOU!!!! hahah.

Enjoy!

Here are my "effected" images. That's how they're partly named. Now my blog looks so much cooler. =)

@Intelligentsia off Abbot Kinney. I must admit, they make some good coffee even though it's expensive and takes a long time to make. haha.

It's like a freaking lab in there. It's such a neat space. They took over the extra space next door. That antique/houseware shop used to have so much junk. And they've downscaled A LOT. I love going in there. Forgot what it's called.

OH yeah, I did. hahah.

UGH! I love mentaiko pasta. This one's from Blue Marlin off Sawtelle (in LA).

Hermosa beach and pier. I love the water.

LOL.

This makes me want to jump off the pier and into the water. Doesn't that sound fun?

I threw in these last two just because. hehhehe.

Love the video, love the song...

2010-03-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with the video, the clothes, and the SUNGLASSES! Meow!

DACE Spring 2010 from Dace on Vimeo.

The song is from Lili. French songs always sound so cool. Here is another song she did. It's also AWESOME!

When shoes attack...

2010-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

If these shoes were an animal, they'd be a SHARK!!!! You would wear these when on a manhunt or just because you're the sh*t. They are so HAWT!!!! Come to mami! (People in new york say mami and papi a lot. I'm still trying to get used to it. hahah)

Marios Schwab shoes

The perfect camera bag?

2010-03-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

I think YES!!! hahha.

Check out Hanelli Mustaparta's Alexa Mulberry Bag. If you don't know who she is, she is a model/vj/photographer/blogger. This bag hasn't even hit the public yet. What a lucky biatch. haha.

photo

I wouldn't mind the YSL wallet either. Here's Alexa Chung sporting her own bag. It comes in two sizes. I think she's wearing the big one. The color's so classic and so beautiful. =)

Anyways, I need to go do something productive...like study...I hope. haha.

It's that time again!!!

2010-03-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

It's time for Cupcake Camp NYC!!!!! If you're in the NYC area and would like to participate or just come to eat free cupcakes, just RSVP here. I went last year and ate my way through lots of crazy cupcakes. It should be fun and you should totally come! I'm bringin' my cupcakes cause they're "FRESH OFF THE RACK!!!!" hehehe.

For more information, visit the Cupcake Camp NYC blog!
http://cupcakecampnyc.blogspot.com/

You can always start your own cupcake camp or get more info here:
http://cupcakecamp.org/

I made a youtube video

2010-03-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

I really wanted my first youtube clip to be a choreographed hip hop dance video, but oh well. That will have to wait. hahah.

About a week ago I got a call from the casting people for a new Food Network show called Cupcake Wars. They asked me if I wanted to try out and I said, HECK YES!!! All I had to do is submit a casting video. Believe me, when I got the phone call, I almost DIED. My face turned really RED and I almost stopped breathing. hahah. I started squeeling like a pig during the Olympics. I haven't heard back from them yet and who knows if I'll even make the show, but just getting the call was exciting enough. =) If I can't get on the Food Network now, maybe I will later. I've DREAMED about this. haha.

So here is my youtube/casting video in all its glory. WARNING: IT'S SUPER CHEESY. What can I say? I brings the cheeeeeeeze. BTW, the camera doesn't just add 10 pounds, it adds 20!!!!! Maybe I'm just one of those unfortunate souls that looks really fat in videos...or maybe I'm just fat. hahah. I couldn't stop smiling in the video, too. Thank you to Lars, Jennifer, Anzela, BK, and Kev for lending your help! You guys are the best! XO!

This KILLS ME!!!!! hahha.

2010-03-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to make my own set of sweaters and embarrass the hell out of my future children. hahah. Until then I will wear these as a halloween costume.

Peace out,

MOMMA BEAR

Terry Richardson and his gf, Jen Brill.

Quick and Dirty

2010-03-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

It's been really painful for me to blog lately. I don't know why. Actually, I do. Blogging actually takes time!!!! I don't know how people do it everyday. They must be superhuman or something. Maybe I'm just lazy (you better not agree with me). haha. Anyways, here are a bunch of pictures for your viewing pleasure. I've had the opportunity to do a lot of cool stuff lately. I am happy and lucky and busy!

The last time fashion week will be held at Bryant Park.

Got to sit front row at Twinkle by Wenlan, courtesy of my roommate, Jennifer. Thank you!!!!!!!

There's a WALL of photographers in the back. I was blown away. It looks so cool when all the lights go off.

Work it!!!!

So cool-Jennifer with the Karen Walker sunglasses she got at the Karen Walker show.

Inside the main tent!

Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley!!!!! If you haven't seen The September Issue, watch it!!! You'll fall in love with Grace. Her work is beautiful and she's funny.

There's still a chance to catch the Tim Burton exhibit at the Moma (until April). IT's AWESOME!!!

Hanging out with some Monets.

Uhhhhhhh, got to see MARTHA!!!!!!!!! Her show was so fun and I got a free gardening book (The Garden Primer). I totally forgot to DVR the episode. I'm only in the audience, but still!!! I was so giddy and smiley the entire time.

Hey Martha!

Me and Martha. She's taking a picture with some people, but I managed to get her in a photo with me. hahaha.

AWESOME

2010-02-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

I heard Kelly Cutrone speak about her book, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You. I think she's so inspiring. She's definitely a woman who was born with a set of cajones. And she's much nicer than how she's portrayed on reality television. I love her!!!!!! Thanks Jennifer! And thanks for coming with me, Janelle, my little jellybean!!!

Di Fara Pizzeria

2010-02-22T19:48:00.000-08:00

This pizzeria deserves its own post. Why, you ask? CAUSE IT TOOK SO FREAKING LONG TO GET TO THIS PLACE AND GET OUR PIZZA!!! hahaha. This place is deep in Brooklyn and it's flippin' far. I don't think I'll ever step foot in that pizzeria again. This place is legendary and the pizza is delicious, but not only is it a hassle to get down there, once you step in, it's chaos. There's no line. You just have to creep up to the counter and be aggressive. Luckily we went to Di Fara's on the coldest day of the year (so far). I wanna say it was 19 degrees. It wasn't crowded, but still, a PAIN!

Here are some photos of our delicious ordeal at Di Fara Pizzeria:

Isn't he cute? He makes all the pizzas and has been for the last 200 years. He's the owner and he's always smiling. He really looks like he enjoys making pies.

She looks happy and cute here, but Jennifer was growling with hunger just like me!

FINALLY, we get our pizza. It was good.

The pizza station. When the pie comes out, the owner drizzles some olive oil, sprinkles some parmesan, and cuts the basil with his scissors. Then you can eat.

See, he's so smiley!!! I hope I'm smiley all the time at that age, even if it makes me look mccreepy. hahha.

Here are the lovebirds about to devour the pizza. Thanks for taking us into the heart of Brooklyn, Lars! My stomach thanks you!

DOPE SONG

2010-02-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

I can't stop listening to this song. I've been listening to it since I caught my sister listening to it at her apartment. These two guys are really talented. And one of them has "koreatown" tattooed across his chest. I know...pretty gangster, right??? I should tattoo something crazy on myself, too. Yessssssss, I should. hahah.

I present to you Dumbfoundead and Sam Ock! Different Galaxies.

You can get the free download here.

UGH! I think I need these!!!!

2010-02-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

I mean, I know I don't need these, I WANT!!! Maybe Forever 21 will make these soon. haha.

Alexander Wang for Linda Farrow Sunglasses

Oh, and this, too....

Viva Glam Gaga!!!!!!! Hawt, hawt, hawt!!!!!

An Ode to Film

2010-01-29T17:12:00.000-08:00

I LOVE film and I've always loved cameras. My very first experience with a camera was in the first grade. I remember a classmate of mine folded a piece of paper into a camera, crumbled it up, and was about to throw it away. I said, WAIT! And yanked it out of his hands and took it with me after school. Actually, I think I picked it off the ground aaaaaaaand I probably didn't wash my hands afterwards. haha. I can remember it vividly. I was sitting in the parking lot of my dad's work on Pico and Vermont. If you go to Pico and Vermont now, it's been transformed into a mini plaza, but back in the day it used to be a huge transmission and auto body shop. I always went there after school. My dad used to feed me Ichiban ramen and let me jump on his couch like a trampoline, in my long underwear! But when I had this paper camera in my hand, I remember sitting in the car and taking it apart, fold by fold. I was trying to figure it out how it was built. I was SO fascinated. You could actually make it into a pretend "polaroid" camera. You build the camera, draw a picture of someone, insert the picture into the camera, push against the back, and ta-da! You have your picture taken. It's a huge hit with little kids. My 6-year old self figured out how to make it and to this day I can still make this camera. I'm pretty amazing. hahha. j/k.

Since then I have gone through many a camera and I can't stop thinking about what cameras I want next. It's seriously a disease. haha. Here's what's in my arsenal:

-Nikon FG (manual focus with a 1.4 lens. this is my FAVORITE camera. It used to be my dad's.)

-Nikon N70 (the camera I used in high school)

-Canon XTI (my daily shooter)

-Contax T2 (my first craigslist purchase. It seriously felt like a drug deal.)

-Yashica T4 (virtually the same camera as the T2. I won this at the goodwill around the corner.)

-Minolta Hi-matic AF2

-Holga 120N

-Lomo LC-A

-SX-70

-2 Polaroid 600 cameras

-Joy cam polaroid camera

-Fuji Instax mini (haven't been able to test this puppy out. need a job to buy film. haha)

I've left out a few cameras, I'm sure. There's one I might've lost.

Anyways, I think film is fascinating. It just has a different feel to it. It gives me the fuzzies. It excites me that some of the best wedding photographers out there only use film (Lisa Lefkowitz, Jose Villa, Elizabeth Messina, Jonathan Canlas, Leo Patrone, etc). Even Terry Richardson still uses film. Did you know he has a blog, too? It's called Terry's Diary. So funny. haha Thanks Jennifer!

Many people try very hard to manipulate their digital photos to look like film, myself included. There's definitely nothing like it. I hope film never dies.

I wish I could show you some of the favorite photos I've taken in film, but they're back in California. Here are a few photos that I have with me. Can you tell that they're film and not digital? Hope so! They are 100% film and virginal-they haven't been touched up in photoshop. Let's keep film alive! =)

These photos were taken with my Nikon FG.

The photos below were taken with my T2 except for the beagle photo, that one was taken with the FG.

Awwww, I miss this fatty. =(

Words to live by

2010-01-26T20:59:00.000-08:00

I spotted this youtube video of Conan O' Brien on Jonathan Canlas' photography workshop blog (He's a film shooter and his work is cool) and just watching a few seconds of this video got me a little choked up cause I saw Conan get a little choked up. Mind you, this video is only 31 seconds long. hahha. But what he speaks just really hit me. Now it's your turn to watch in case you missed it! I love you, Conan!!!!! I got your back, bro!!!!

If you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. -conan o'brien

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS FOR $200!

2010-01-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

Please spread the word!!!!!! =)

Check out my CRAIGSLIST AD!

I am doing engagement photos for $200 if booked by Valentine's Day, Feb. 14!

Please help me survive in this concrete jungle where dreams are made of (riiiiiiight Jay-Z and Alicia). haha. Unfortunately I can't work right away as a nurse. I have to wait a few months. But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE photography and this is something I want to continue and build in the long run.

Here are the contents of my ad:

Engagement photos for $200!

Book by Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2010 to get this special price!

I am a budding photographer and I would love to take your engagement photos.

What is included:
-1-2 hours of photography
-1-2 locations within Manhattan or any special place that I can get to via subway (ie: Brooklyn, Queens, etc.)
-12 retouched images and all full-sized images shot on a disk (up to 200 images)

Please say that you're interested and drop me a line!

contact:
Judy Park
fotojudy@gmail.com
909-261-1979

The Little Munchkin

2010-01-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are more photos of Joshua. He's grown so much since the last time I saw him. He seems to have a preference to play with guys. Or maybe I just had some competition that day (John!). haha.

Lillian, John, hope you guys like these! I have the originals ready to go whenever you're ready!

And Son, you know I would totally take pics of your kids! I LOVE THEM!

p.s. I didn't get to post all the pics, but if you want to see a few more just click on any photo to get to my flickr page.

Sneak peek!

2010-01-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

Isn't he darling? Stay tuned for more. I am poopied out right now! I feel narcolepsy coming on...ZZzzzzZZZZz (head on keyboard).

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R ! ! !

2010-01-11T19:01:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everybody!!!! I know...this is really late. hahha.

Going into 2010 with my stunna shades on!!!

janelle's friend makes cool stuff out of metro cards!

We saw fireworks go off at midnight at Central Park.

Ai and Teru being cool.

She's baaaaaaaaack!

2010-01-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

But now she's gone. =( My friend Yuko was in town again. Come back anytime, my friend!

The evidence:

Here we are hanging out in her hotel room at the Empire Hotel. I think they shoot Gossip Girl scenes there.

Hanging out at The City Bakery. We got free pastries because the lady in front of us took our cocoas! Her bad! haha.

Ai + Yuko

The hot chocolate with homemade marshmallow. So good and so rich. We should've shared one! I think The City Bakery is going to host a hot chocolate festival!

DONE!

2009-12-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

Do you hear me? I'm done!!!!!!!!

I wouldn't have made it through nursing schools without these girls. They're the best! And yes, we're wearing corsages. Out school is so ghetto they didn't even provide us pins. So we bought corsages! haha.

My #1 fan. =)

One of my favorite imports: Aya!

Soo Jung wants to get married. Any takers??? She is cute, funny, and boy oh boy can she cook! If you are not an American citizen, you need not apply. HOLLA!!!

I'm surprised a fly has never landed in my mouth. My mouth is open like this almost half the time.

Peace out, NYU! I'm done giving money to you! haha.

Oh yes, I did!

2009-12-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

I made myself a birthday cake. And why not???

Behold...my browned butter rice crispies cake!!!

It was pretty dang good. Anything with browned butter tastes extra good. The smell alone is intoxicating. You need to try it yourself!

Recipe from Smitten Kitchen and inspiration from Donna Hay Kids Magazine.

Get the recipe here.

DRRRRTY 30

2009-12-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

I turned 30 this month.

Isn't that crazy??????

Here is how I celebrated:

Hanging out with sisters.

Isn't he cute? He has this guilty look on his face...like he farted on me or something. hahhaha. Only I find this funny because it's an insider thing. ;)

Nursing buddies.

My medium rare burger with roquefort cheese at The Spotted Pig. The fries were DELICIOUS!!! Shoestring fries with rosemary and garlic. Our waiter was high as a kite. haha.

Endive salad.

My real birthday dinner-Spaghetti al limone at Supper.

Brooklyn blackout cake from Little Red Hens.

I even got to see Pauline and Cindy on my bday weekend! We ate some banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery-the best thing there period. YUM!!!

The End!

Such a sweet picture

2009-12-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

I love looking at Cly Creation's photo blog because they shoot throughout the city and they're pretty good at taking pictures. I like trying to figure out where they're shooting. Obviously you can't tell where this photo is being shot, but I like it. It's sweet. =)

photo: cly creation

A beautiful song

2009-12-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Last week my Spanish (for health professionals) professor made us watch Talk to Her (Hable con Ella), a Pedro Almodovar movie and the soundtrack is amazing. This is one of my favorite songs from the movie. It's called Cucurrucu Paloma and it's sung by Caetano Veloso. The words are very sad, but the way the song is sung is so moving. I can't stop listening to it.

And no, I'm not being emo. My roommate Jennifer knows how I feel about emo kids. hahah. They make me want to gag myself.

Here are the words in Spanish and in English:

Dicen que por las noches
no mas se le iba en puro llorar,
dicen que no comía
no mas se le iba en puro tomar;
juran que el mismo cielo
se estremecía al oír su llanto
Cómo sufrió por ella,
que hasta en su muerte la fué llamando:

Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, lloraba,
ay, ay, ay, ay, gemía,
ay, ay, ay, ay, cantaba
de pasión mortal moría.

Que una paloma triste
muy de mañana le va a cantar
a la casita sola
con sus puertitas de par en par;
juran que esa paloma
no es otra cosa mas que su alma,
que todavía la espera
a que regrese la desdichada.

Cucurrucucú, paloma,
cucurrucucú, no llores.
Las piedras jamás, paloma
qué van a saber de amores.

Cucurrucucú, cucurrucucú,
cucurrucucú, paloma no llores.

ENGLISH

They say that at nights
all he could do was cry all the time
they say he won´t eat
all he could do was drink at all times
they swear that heaven itself
would tremble hearing his crying
He suffered so much for her
that even on his death he was calling her

ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, he cried
ay, ay ay ay ay, he sobbed
ay ay ay ay ay he sang
from a deadly passion, he died

That a sad dove
early in the morning goes to sing
at the lonely little house
with it´s liitle doors wide open
They swear that that dove
is nothing else than his soul
still waiting for her return

Cucucrrucucu, dove
cucucrrucucu, don´t cry
stones will never, sparrow
know anything about love

cucurrucucu, cucurrucucu
cucurrucucu, dove don´t cry

C U T I E !

2009-12-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Look at this guy, hamming it up for the camera! What can I say...he loves the ladies. haha. Apparently he's a big flirt and loves to smile at women. Oh Tyler, you make me blush. hahhaa.

Happy baby!

Tyler with his big sis, Dora the Explorer-the hapa version.

He eats a lot. He gets so hungry he even eats newspaper. I probably should've taken this out of his mouth. haha.

Dora and her uncle!

Drool.

More drool.

Awwww, my favorite picture. hhahha.

Where's the food?

2009-12-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything food-related. I haven't tried many new places as of late, mainly because my last semester of school has been filled with busy work and my schedule leaves me tired, but here are a few photos that I dug up. Some of them are from the summer.

Just want to set the record straight, I DO NOT EAT OUT ALL THE TIME!!! hahah. Some of you guys (my friends) think that's all I do and make me sound like a fatty fat. Newsflash! I only eat out sometimes. But there are LOTS of places that I want to try in the city.

p.s. 2.5 weeks of school and I am DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =) AND my DRRRRTY THIRTY is coming up!!!! December will be an epic month. It will be MONTH OF JUDY!!!! haha.

Janelle in the meatpacking district.

Eating our $14.95 medium rare steak at Halfsteak (at Craftsteak) where the menu items are half off! The front half of the restaurant is dedicated to serving these half off menu items. It's a good deal if you just want to sample the foods and not eat too much. My steak was a little chewy, but the flavor was great. Really liked the fries, too.

These wings were delicioussssssssss. I forgot what they were called.

Happy customers-To top off our meal, we got free corn muffins from the head pastry chef! How nice! These were delicious, too.

If you want a good meal at a GREAT PRICE, you have to hit up chinatown. We ate bowls of noodles with pork and duck for $4.95 each at Big Wong.

Nice pork and duck! Nothing fancy.

Bonchon chicken at Boka in the east village. They have a happy hour deal everyday from 4 pm-7 pm where you can get all you can eat chicken and beer for $23. The deal's great, but the service sucked donkey balls. Still, the chicken is delicious!!!! MmmmMMmmm....soy garlic.

UGH! I DIE!!!!

2009-10-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

I WANT! Please fall out of the sky!!!!!! I've been a good girl!!!! haha.

Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Suede Buckle Boots

Loves it

2009-10-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

Haven't done any fashion-related posts in a while. Even though I can't afford to go shopping, I can look and want, and maybe lust, right??? These are a few of my favorite looks from various fashion photo blogs that I put together. I really wouldn't mind having that hermes bag right now. It'd be perfect for carrying my cameras. I bet garance dore would be jealous. hehe. (If you didn't know, she uses a louis vuitton bag designed by sofia coppola to carry her camera. It's beautiful.)

This is one of my ultimate favorite looks. Why, you ask? This is how I want to imagine myself in my 30s, sans cigarette. She just looks so cool and so put together and very sexy, might I add. haha. I just like it. I'm pretty sure that my friends who are married and have kids right now think I'm delusional. haha. Hate to break it to you, but I plan on giving birth in Louboutin heels!!! =)

The last stretch

2009-10-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?!? I am SOOOOOO close to being done! My last semester! Woot woot!!! I cannot wait!!!!! My classmates even set up a blog with a countdown on it. I think that's the only thing on the blog, too. haha.

In retrospect, I am so glad that I came out to NY to do nursing and I am proud of myself. I really am. 2008 was rough, but the days that pass just get sweeter and sweeter. When December rolls around I will spring into a new era and I am actually looking forward to it-the "dirty thirties" hahha.

Here are a few photos from school, my very first semester:

Boy, do I look young or what? I really think I've aged since being out here and in school. =( haha.

My "patient" and me. When you see these sim patients, it looks like they're choking or gasping for air. I don't know why they're so expensive.

I will miss some of my classmates, only the ones I care about. haha.

In other news, I had an accident in Central Park the other day. I crashed going downhill on my longboard. I didn't know I could fly. I really shouldn't be getting hurt like this at my age. haha. I mean, who does this?!? I'm still in a lot of pain and my wounds look worse because now there is bruising.

Sorry to cut this short, but sharing time is over. I need to get back to my paper. =( haha.

Funny, I have a heart-shaped injury on my arm. I should make this into a valentine's card.

LOL!!!!!

2009-09-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

I can't stop watching this youtube video!!!! My sister posted this on her facebook a few days ago and I've been watching it everyday. It's so freaking funny, it kills me!!! Ktown girls talk JUST like this video! hahhaa. Anyways, I need to go watch it again. BRB! hahah.

Oh yes, she's alllllll mine!!!!

2009-09-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Now I'm not a camera or lens expert, but when friends ask me what lens they should get, I always say, you NEED to get the canon 50mm, 1.8 lens! It's such a steal and works great. Funny thing is, I never owned this lens nor did I ever really use it....until today! I've always used the stock lens that came with my camera. I think it works really well! It's so convenient.

But this new lens...is AMAZING! I love it!

I contemplated getting this lens over the summer, but instead opted to get a longboard skateboard. I've daydreamed about longboarding in Central Park, so I just had to get it. But now, this baby is all mine!!! All mine! Mille grazie to my Italian stallion who surprised me and got it for me because I'm awesome j/k. haha. He got it for me just because. =)

Here are some photos from my AMAZING lens. hehe. Navi came out to visit and stayed with us for a week. We celebrated her birthday in Central Park and ate cupcakes. Hope you had a good birthday, Navi! =)

ooooh, so professional!!! hhah.

Janelle-so gangsta!

The leaves haven't changed color yet, but it already feels like fall.

Hanging out in the mall.

Monkeying around.

The thugs in my life. haha.

Cupcakes from magnolia bakery. I was very pleased with their banana cupcake with caramel frosting. There's a surprise in the middle!

Baby Joshua

2009-09-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

FINALLY I meet the little one. About 4 months ago, my close and dear friend, Lillian, gave birth to a baby boy. His name is Joshua. I was really excited to meet him because I was butt-hurt that I couldn't make it out to the baby shower or see him when he was born. haha. Since he's at the age where you can play with him and make him laugh, I'm over it. haha. Meet baby Joshua!

Miss you, little guy! And you too, John and Lillian! haha.

You little cutie, you!!!

4 months and he's already flexing! What a ladies man. haha.

Happy to get his diapers changed!

Joshua started to stick his hands in his mouth. He loves it. haha.

Joshua didn't know what was comin' to him. He loves his aunty Judy!!!! haha.

Father and son.

Again, hand in mouth. haha.

Raising a baby-truly a labor of love. John and Lillian had to tag team for this one. He made quite the boo boo. haha.

kevin + robert sitting in a tree...

2009-08-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

j/k. hehe.

My friends Kevin and Robert needed some photos because they want to make a wedding announcement in the New York Times so I took these photos for them as a gift. We took these in 15 minutes, no joke! They will be married this fall at the Arsenal in Central Park. I can't wait to show you guys the amazing rooftop. It's full of lush and beautiful green plants! Can't wait! In the meantime...

* N E W S F L A S H *

Jeni from Oishii Eats is serving up more than restaurant reviews and adventures in pickling! She has become a professional photographer! If you aren't familiar with her skills, she's got some serious talent. I introduce to you, Jeni Afuso Photography!

With the right amount of pushing and nudging, she went balls to the wall! I am so happy for her and so proud! If you need engagement photos, wedding photos, or portraits, you know where to go. Tell her boody sent ya. GO HERE. Her website is sick.

A little teaser:

image: jeni afuso photography

Now onto Kevin+ Robert...

(sigh) I miss working with type. I love how wedding photographers these days will incorporate some graphic design into their photos. It's mostly with the intro photo (on their blogs), but still! I appreciate it! haha.

Love the font!

Kevin + Robert= love forever and ever!

Hey Cupcake! on Oh Joy!

2009-08-05T21:22:00.001-07:00

My cupcakes were featured on Oh Joy!

I just finished my last final on Tuesday and to wake up today and find out that my cupcakes were on Joy's blog really put the icing on the (cup)cake!!!!! It's too bad I put my biz on hold. Geez, I really need to update my website.

Thank you Joy for the nice post! Maybe one day I can bake you some cupcakes because if you haven't tried a Hey Cupcake! cupcake, you haven't lived!!!! hahaha.

p.s. I am DONE with my third semester!!!!! One more to go!!!!!! I'm going to be a real nurse soon. Crazy, right?!?

A-MAZING!!!!!

2009-07-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

The jellybean shared this amazing choir group with me and now I want singing lessons. haha.

I present to you, hailing from Staten Island, the PS 22 choir! Please press play! =) I promise you'll like it!

Here is their blog:
http://ps22chorus.blogspot.com/

And here is their youtube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/ps22chorus

Spread the love!

LOVE IT!!!

2009-07-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

My amigo Jay Horinouchi posted this on his facebook. ME LIKEY!!!! I need a uke!!!

What does this mean????

2009-07-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

I'm a little embarrassed to post this because my feet were peeling in this photo and my feet are fugly, but it's too funny not to post.

When I returned from Turks & Caicos I got a mosquito bite on my foot...in the shape of a heart!!!! hahhaa. What on earth does this mean???? hahhaha.

It's been a while...

2009-07-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Geez, I haven't blogged in ages! Well, here we go! Time for some photos!

(I am too pooped to write any comments about these photos. Maybe I'll come back later and do it another time. MAYBE. haha.)

If anyone is still out there, HOLLA!!!!

Been basilsitting for a friend. Now the plant is gone. Should've made the pesto!!! hhahha j/k Erica! It thrived under my care.

Weekend of Janelle

2009-05-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy is my roommate loved. She had three days of celebration in honor of her 26th year of life. And I got to be a part of all three! Hope you had a good birthday, Janelle! As Cathy would say, grab 26 by the balls!

Janelle in front of her P-wagon. (This is a Pulp Fiction reference. Remember the yellow truck? haha.)

Having cupcakes and wine at Sweet Revenge, a cupcake bar in the West Village. We definitely enjoyed their cupcakes.

My girls can eat!!!! Cupcakes that is.

Awkward pose. haha. I really liked the way the cupcakes were wrapped. Easy to peel.

Janelle with the Anz.

CUTE. haha. I know who she's waiting for. hahha.

I finally got to head down to Red Hook in Brooklyn to go to Baked. Years ago I watched this bakery come to life on the food network-I saw their struggles, their determination. It was really cool seeing the place in real life, all that hard work!They seem to be doing really well. They're friends with Martha, they've been featured on Oprah, and now they have their own cookbook! It's very inspiring. One day! =)

I like the bird perched on top, but if that was in my apt., I'd be creeped out. haha.

The sweet and salty cake was delicious! The cake was very moist. The frosting is caramel flavored with fleur de sel sprinkled on top. YUM!

We don't mess around here. We get our business done!!!! haha.

Cute packaging.

Happy workers.

Happy customer :D

I swear this dog looked bigger in real life.

Cousins!

Salumeria Rosi. Swine galore! We finally got to try this place! I posted about Salumeria way back then. The prosciutto was delicious! Their little plates were delicious as well. They're served tapas style. Thanks for the meal, Al & Rose! Thanks for having a birthday, Janelle! haha.

Self-portrait.

A sampling of swine and cheese.

Look at all that deliciousness hanging in the back!

YUM!

Photo by Al.

I think they pulled these rosemary sprigs off the bush in front of the restaurant. I didn't know this until after we left. I freaking ate some of the rosemary. Who knows if they even washed it!!! hahah. I didn't get sick, so I guess I'm ok =)

This is a random shot, but whenever I look at this pic I start to DROOL! Roasted corn with mayo, chili powder, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime. You can get this corn at Cafe Habana in Nolita. I love grilled corn in the summer. I miss BBQ-ing!!!!!!! Somebody throw me a steak! haha.

T & C

2009-05-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am officially halfway done with my program! It's so crazy how time flies. And the best part of ending my second semester? A trip to Turks and Caicos for a destination wedding!!!! A big grazie to my italiano! =) I had an amazing time!!!

Some highlights of my trip: snorkeling alone with two sharks (not on purpose, not recommended. haha), seeing two sea turtles, a barracuda, a giant manta ray, and conch hunting. Oh, and I also burned like a mofo!!!! The wedding on the beach was beautiful, too. We even had a rainbow pop up at the end of the wedding. =) It was very picturesque. Too bad I didn't post that picture. haha.

Well, it's time to get back to reality and get back to school (sigh). haha.

L-O-V-E the commercial

2009-05-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

L-O-V-E the song even more! This version is by Joss Stone.

I'm in finals mode. Wish me luck! BRB! =)

happy birthday, baby!

2009-04-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

Miss you!

untitled

2009-04-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

Recent happenings:

Matthew's bday dinner at HanGawi. This place is a favorite of Barbara Walters and Gwyneth Paltrow. I've never eaten korean food that's tasted so healthy. It's a vegetarian/organic/korean restaurant. We went to McDonald's afterwards. haha. Thanks for the dinner recommendations, Julie!

Give me cupcake!!!

Poor Sam. My fatty hat's in the way.

If you want to make me happy, all you have to do is buy me a McDonald's ice cream cone. haha.

Oh Matthew. haha.

Dinner at Co. pizzeria. This place got a lot of hype. I thought it was ok.

Awww, I love this pic of Rose and Al.

So I walked into the bathroom to brush my teeth and this is how I found my toothbrush (my toothbrush is the green one). It made me laugh. Janelle, you need to watch that toothbrush of yours!

Cupcake Camp at Happy Ending in the lower east side.

Two of my classmates came out. Glad you guys came out! =)

Cupcake graveyard.

The cupcake booty. There was an interesting cupcake we tried that night. A bacon, cheddar, and beer cupcake. It kind of tasted like carrot cake with a hint of bacon bits.

So cute! My favorite presentation of the night.

cupcake camp NYC!

2009-04-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

Gonna be at cupcake camp nyc today and I'm bringing some cupcakes! Be there or be square!

For more info:

http://cupcakecampnyc.blogspot.com/
http://cupcakecamp.org/

SO FIERCE

2009-04-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this pic of Kate Lanphear. LOVE! She is one bad ass biatch.

image via BB via (tfs)

March

2009-03-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

This is going to be quick and dirty. I need my beauty sleep. haha. These are the things I did in the month of March:

MOMA

So I asked my cousin to take a picture of me with the painting. I really don't think he did this on purpose because that's unlike him. He's too nice. haha.

My fob cousins Aileen and Albert. I guess I shouldn't call them fobs because they were born in the U.S. I said to Albert, "Hey Albert, go help your friend, he's on the ground!" haha.

I see you!!!!

I love this font. It's so dreamy.

Points to anyone who can guess the designer responsibile for this graphic piece of art.

Buddakan in the meatpacking district. I miss their edamame dumplings. YUM!

Hanging out in BKLYN.

Brooklyn indoor flea.

Yummy pastries.

The New York Public Library.

My stylish friend Aimee came out to visit from Jersey/Philly.

Bryant Park

New hot dogs added to the menu- bulgogi wrap dog, grilled kimchi hotdog, kimchi bulgogi hotdog, chili hotdog, curry hotdog.

GREEN PARTY!!!!

This party wasn't as crazy as the red party, but it was still FUN! We played games. I LOVE GAMES! Al, next time our team is going to be called the killer whales, not care bears. Thanks Al & Rosemary for hosting the party! I love hanging out with you guys! Ohana! =)

hola!

2009-03-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

Geez, it's been a while since I've done any design work.

Last week, my ex-roommie asked if I could help him out with his high school's spanish club logo. The kids saw some of my illustrations from my website and they loved it! haha. The illustrations make me laugh. Some people think they're scary. BOOOO. haha. My cupcake logo ALMOST had teeth like this lil ole pinto bean with the sombrero. haha.

I hope the kids like it...because I have to get back to nursing. =)

p.s. Thanks to everyone who stops by the blog. Glad you guys like it! =)

COME TO MAMA!!!

2009-03-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

I would almost KILL for this ring. haha.

I've never seen anything so massive. I NEED this ring, people! You never know when you're going to get into a fight. Wouldn't you rather be prepared than have to scramble to find a weapon? Take it from me.

WE NEED MORE BLING!!!

The faker, the better. haha.

Ring by Lanvin, on the finger of Kate Lanphear. Photo by tommy from jak&jil.

(sigh) haha.

On a side note let me tell you something random that happened to me today.

We had a freak snow storm on Sunday-Monday so there's still residual snow and ice on the streets and sidewalks. After my class I decided to go get some lunch. While crossing the street, a girl approaching me all of a sudden jerked back and forth, looking like she was about to slip and fall. I said, whoa, are you ok? I lunged forward in attempts to save her from her about-to fall. Two seconds later, BAM! I'm lying on the side my hip, on the ground wondering how I fell SO FAST (gravity can be so cruel haha). I literally slapped the ground. This guy yells over at me, Hey, you ok??? I was so embarrassed and I just kept walking (and laughing thinking how stupid I looked). There were a lot of people on the streets. haha. Now I have a bruise on the side of my leg because I tried to do something nice for someone. Isn't it ironic, don't you think? haha.

February

2009-02-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

Gotta make this quick and dirty.

February's been really busy. School's been really, really busy! I can't believe how fast time is going. I'm already registered for my summer semester! So I've had lots of visitors; people who I haven't seen in years and all of a sudden they pop up in new york! I don't get it. Did you guys not want to see me when I was in California??? hahha. Even my sister's childhood friend who i haven't seen in years was out here.

I gotta go. BRB!

Aren't they cute?

Jennifer's bday, complete with cupcakes! Like the cake stand? It's a plate on top of an upside down bowl.

Here's an action shot of me studying during jennifer's bday. haha.

At the Guggenheim Museum.

Here is Erica rocking out at the museum.

Our RED/ORANGE party. If you weren't wearing red or orange, you couldn't get into the apt. You also had to bring food that was red or orange. Strict rules! =)

See the plate of orange peels? This is very korean. haha. Look at all the orangeness.

This is how I communicate. (photo by rosemary)

(photo by rosemary)

The red/orange crew.

The love guru.

This poster KILLS ME! hhaha. What happens to women without men???? The shocking story of one man against 1,000 women. GIRLS IN PRISON. haha.

Eating bbq ribs at Dinosaur up in Harlem. TASTY!!!

Jay and his coworker Tiffany. Jay, I'm still miffed that you didn't get me into Comicon! At least you made up for it by getting me some doubletree cookies. =) kidding, kidding!

Even Gina came out to visit from Boston!

Still can't believe it! =)

Filipino gangstas. Willis came out for a superquick visit again. I'm pretty sure he had more fun in NY than Virginia. RIIIIGHT??? haha.

Hanging out in soho. LOVE the black wall.

Hanging out on the brooklyn bridge.

Michelle (sister's friend) and her new friends.

Le Love

2009-02-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

In light of vday, here are some of my favorite images from le love and loveology. I even put a soundtrack to this post! haha. Scroll down to play. Hope everyone enjoys this hallmark holiday. Every single day should be a day of love, not just vday. I don't hand out sage advice like this for free, so please, take it with you. haha. I'm really tired. I think that's why I sound so cheesy and delirious. More updates to come!

LOVE this song!