Sensing Sunday: March 4, 2012

Hearing: A little Bob Marley, 'I Can See Clearly Now'

Seeing: The Mr. channel surfing in the other room.

Smelling: Dolce and Gabbana, Light Blue.

Tasting:  An ice cold Heineken...perfect for this unbelievably beautiful weather.

Feeling: Tired but relaxed. I never seem to fully recuperate after the 6 miles I walk with my dad every Sunday, neither does the Pup. Getting my second wind anticipating my husband grilling ribs for dinner tonight though. The end of this week could have been completely different considering all that the Mr. and I faced in the last seven days but I am glad that it ended with such a lovely day.

Sensing Sunday: January 1, 2012

Just realized that it is Sunday as well. Let's try this again, shall we....

Hearing: The One That Got Away-Katy Perry

Seeing: Some show on the History Channel that the Mr. is watching behind me on his brand new humongous television, a 50 inch plasma. I have to do a double take every time I walk past it because I haven't gotten over the ridiculousness of it yet. Good grief....

Smelling: The self tanner I applied on my legs and arms. 

Tasting: The coffee I had this morning....gross. As soon as I am done here I am brushing my teeth. 

Feeling: Still a little worn out from being so sick yesterday but much better than I was. 

Sensing Sunday: September 18, 2011

What I am:

Hearing: Heading up to the hills today, this came on over the radio. Of course I turned it up.


Seeing: Although 'Citizen Kane' is just starting on the television behind me, as soon as I finish this post I am going to watch 'The Company Man'

Smelling: The perfume that I created at the boutique event at my friend's salon. It has hints of vanilla, white tea, persimmon and pink peony. I love it. It makes me feel sassy.

Tasting: A slightly chilled glass of sweet red wine. Or I will be in about five minutes.

Feeling: Finally creative again. As you can see there was quite the lull in posts over the summer but I feel I am getting my groove back. This weekend I baked, crocheted and went on a little adventure. More on that soon....

Sensing Sunday: July 10, 2011

'Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.' --Mary Schmich

Hearing: After lounging in the pool on Saturday listening to the oldies station, I have had the Beatles in my head all weekend.

Seeing: 'Jerseylicious'. Don't judge, its close to midnight. What else am I supposed to have on in the background at this hour?

Smelling: Pecan and chocolate chip cookies. I have to make sure to get them out of the house as soon as I can. I think I might take the leftovers to work.

Tasting: A glass of organic pink lemonade from Trader Joe's.

Feeling: Accomplished. I walked away from the dreaded social networking for a week and I have finished 2 books ('The Paris Wife', soooo good which led me to 'The Dangerous Summer' where I spent half the week in the summer of 1959 in Spain. As traumatizing as bullfighting is, I have a new appreciation for it.), I got a tan, lost a couple of pounds, made dinner a few times this week, maintained some household chores and got a raise at work. Here's hoping I can continue to keep my superfluous internetting to a minimum.

Sensing Sunday: June 26, 2011

My little weekend project....

Hearing: 'Feels Like Home'-Chantal Kreviazuk

Seeing: 'Marley and Me' on the television behind me. I read the book on our honeymoon cruise and made the mistake of reading the last few chapters while lounging on a deck chair in the middle of hundreds of strangers. I ended up trying to hide the sobbing behind a pair of over-sized sunglasses. At least I was among strangers and never had to face those confused people again.

Smelling: The collection of candles I have lit on the mantle.

Tasting: Ice cold water. I feel completely dehydrated this weekend and this water is really the only cure.

Feeling: Kinda sluggish. After the marathon baking session on Friday night/ Saturday morning; weekend yard selling; Saturday afternoon cocktails poolside (that went into the wee hours of Sunday morning), and walking the dogs with dad a handful of hours later, I laid down for what turned into a six hour nap. Now I am awake when I should be winding down for bed. Instead I am up trying not to think of the insane work week in front of me.
Hope everyone had a very happy weekend!

Sensing Sunday: May 15, 2011

(Aw...man...I could have been with THESE guys today)

Hearing: Still on the Adele kick...I can't help it.

Seeing: Indulging in one of my favorite Sunday afternoon activities, real estate shopping on the internet. Note to self; look into getting pre-approved for a home loan soon, very soon.

Smelling: My 'Downtown Amber' candle from the Target Collection

Tasting: A 'Strawberry Short Kook' Otter Pop...one of my guiltiest pleasures.

Feeling: Even though I didn't make it to the 100th Bay to Breakers this weekend (very sad indeed), I am still feeling somewhat accomplished. I made a little trip to the bookstore yesterday to stock up and I purchased another couple of books online. I finished 'Men and Dogs' by Katie Crouch in, oh about, 2 days! Next up 'Death in the Afternoon' by Hemingway. Walked the 6.5 miles with dad and the dogs this morning. The Mr. went to lunch and now I am blogging away. I have a couple of other posts to write up (about yesterday's trip to the bookstore and last week's trip to the baseball game) and then a little bit of laundry and begin prep for my gigantic cake order next Saturday. Wow, after thinking about all that, all I want to do now is take a nap....zzz....

Sensing Sunday: May 08, 2011

There's a storm a comin'...

Hearing: After reading a magazine blurb, where the writer mentioned what was on her kids playlist at the moment, I have had Big Rock Candy Mountain in my head for the past two days.

Seeing: Headed over the Altamont tonight to take my brother back to the BART station for his train to San Francisco, we witnessed the most beautiful show of swirling dark storm clouds hovering over the mountain ridges. It was a sight to see.

Smelling: The Mr. just scrubbed down the counters in the kitchen. Its smells like some sort of cleaning supply, I just can't pinpoint which one.

Tasting: A lick of Dulce de Leche cupcakes I made my mum for Mother's Day...per her request of course.

Feeling: Strange, and exhausted (seems to be a theme on my Sunday posts). I had a Mother's Day heart to heart with my mum on the drive and it opened my eyes to things I am capable of and what might be in store for me in the future. Its strange to think in the terms that we talked about tonight. It wasn't a surprise though, I knew I would have to start dealing with some things that I have tried to manage through the motions of or ignored completely. I was just a little surprised that I was able to just take a deep breath and confront some reservations I have had. I still can't say what the future might hold for me but at least I feel I am moving forward again after feeling stagnant for so long.

Sensing Sunday: May 01, 2011

(crowds cheer tonight at Ground Zero)

What I am:

Hearing: When my brother and I were younger we spent hours and hours listening to my dad's records that he had left at my mom's house. We listened to Simon and Garfunkel and wore out the Bill Cosby comedy records. Our absolute favorite was Don McLean's American Pie. We committed every song to memory without fully understanding the true poetry of every lyric. We really impressed our father by being able to sing the entire version (all 8 minutes and 33 seconds of it) of American Pie. On the way to the store tonight, it came on over the oldies station in reaction to Bin Laden's death. I sang every word.

Seeing: The horrible, ignorant reactions to Bin Laden's death online. Some coming from my close friends.

Smelling: Ugh, the acidic smell of vinegar and hardboiled eggs. The Mr. is making spicy pickled eggs and just finished the marinade they will sit in for about a week. Good thing he is keeping his little project in the refrigerator outside. I want absolutely no part of it.

Tasting: A little sip of Diet Mountain Dew. I am going to try to go off soda (and coffee, and alcohol...) starting tomorrow. Wish me lots of luck, I think I might need it.

Feeling: A huge mix of exhausting emotions. I am so proud to be an American tonight and beaming with pride for our dedicated, unrelenting troops and our stoic President. While watching a shot of Ground Zero on the news, tears welled up in my eyes at the sting of the memories I felt the day the towers fell and the collective fear we had ten years ago. We stood by each other then, hand in hand and stood strong behind our President and each other that day and the months following. We let the enemy know that we would not be taken down.
I am sad and disgusted today. The immediate response by many that I consider friends has been unnerving. Statements like '...you would think that the President went in and killed Bin Laden himself.' or 'We got one terrorist tonight lets work on the next one, Obama' make me sad that some of my fellow Americans chose to use their freedoms that our troops (and our President) work so hard, and sometimes give up their lives to protect. I cannot imagine that they are proud to serve for the purpose of Americans spitting such ignorant commentary.
My response to those cackling voices tonight...
'Tonight goes above political party alliances. Tonight we should all be proud to call ourselves Americans and stand undivided'

Sensing Sunday: April 17, 2011

(San Francisco Giants: World Series 2010)

Hearing: The Mr. and I watched VH1's '40 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 90's' and, after a couple of glasses of wine, I seemed to remember every one of them with drunk girl gusto. I might have let out a few embarrassing 'Ooh this was my jam back in 1994 (pretty much through 1999)!' With this one I remember being very disturbed that whenever it came on in the car my mother would crank it up....

Seeing: Finally something other than the Giants play in Arizona for four hours today. I think I might have taken not one, but two catnaps during the game that went 12 innings with the Giants losing 6-5. With the two pitches that doubled over both a Giant and a Diamondback, I think it was more painful to play today than to watch. I can't wait until Cody Ross gets back into the game. I miss my 'baseball boyfriend' (don't worry the Mr. knows all about it)

Smelling: My shampoo and conditioner. Still in my pajamas but at least I managed a shower.

Tasting: Nothing, yet. I am hoping to test out a new cupcake recipe that I have been dreaming about all week. Dulce de Leche cupcakes...mmm....

Feeling: Like the weekend was way too short this week. I feel as if I didn't get anything accomplished. I have to remind myself that I wasn't a complete lump. I did our taxes (ugh, don't ask), took a little drive to look at some potential property (since the Mr. is letting me indulge in my daydreams this week), did some grocery shopping at Trader Joe's (I LOVE that place) and tackled some laundry. I didn't have to clean the house this weekend, the Mr. did it for me. What a swell guy!

Sensing Sunday: April 3, 2011

(a little part of what I was working on today...)

Hearing: I heard this on the radio yesterday and its been running on repeat in my head ever since. It reminds me of when I was a high school freshman sporting my black body suit, plaid shorts, denim vest and dangling earrings all purchased from Clothestime. Ah memories!

Seeing: 'The Shawshank Redemption' over my shoulder on AMC. Although I love this movie, AMC this is no apology for your delay of the next season of Mad Men. Everytime I think of what you've done, only a stream of obscenities want to leave my mouth. What the $#&@ am I supposed to do until 2012?!?!

Smelling: Coffee, my lifeline.

Tasting: A ghetto s'mores. Graham cracker, Nutella and Marshmallow Fluff. On second thought, maybe just the opposite of ghetto, maybe a classy s'mores?

Feeling: Physically and creatively drained. Yesterday I tortured myself and took on three back to back classes at the gym (side note: I am in LOVE with the last one I took. I will be returning over and over again to the Burn Out class at Full Force Personal Training!) and I exhausted myself creatively today working for hours on launching Sweet Temper Baking. Full blog post on that to come soon!

Sensing Sunday: March 13, 2011

(Ski Day at Bear Valley Mountain) 

What I am:
Hearing: I am absolutely in LOVE with Adele's new album '21'. Her song 'Someone Like You' gives me chills and I have had it on repeat all week long.

Seeing: The pictures that 'Camo' took today of our ski day.

Smelling: The faintest whiff of Clean: Shower Fresh. I spritzed my hairbrush with it and ran it through my hair this morning. I like to wear perfume this way because I love to wear perfume but try not to make it overwhelming to others who are sensitive to it.

Tasting: My biggest indulgences today, Cadbury Mini Eggs and Fat Tire Amber Ale. Just not at the same time.

Feeling: Tired but not nearly as exhausted as I thought I would be. This weekend has been go go go since the moment I left work. First the nine hour marathon cake making session that produced this:

(oh yeah, I TOTALLY made this...jealous?)

Then onto the domestic duties of cleaning the house and doing the laundry. I attempted my long run at the gym  on Saturday but only made it about a third of the way through before I felt a huge wave of nausea (my body forcing me to take it down a notch I suppose). Onto today where I spent the day dominating the intermediate runs at Bear Vally Mountain. I had so much fun today and it made me realize two things. 

1. I am not nearly as exhausted or sore as I thought I would be and I attribute that directly to my training for the half marathon. 

2. I miss skiing. Before today I hadn't been in about 8 years and was fearful to make my way back to the mountain. So glad I did. I miss skiing with better skiers than myself...they always pushed me to go harder and  do better. If I go back, I am going to need that push. 

Sensing Sunday: March 6, 2010

(Paris Breakfast by Carol Gillott)

What I am:

Hearing: 'New Slang'-The Shins. Has been stuck in my head for two days and I don't remember hearing it lately. When I found this video of it over Garden State, it started to make sense to me.

Seeing: Getting ready to start my lil French movie marathon. Marie Antoinette, Moulin Rouge and Chocolat. Thinking of watching them in chronological order. Or maybe in reverse chronological order?

Smelling: My French Cassis candle from Cost Plus World Market.

Tasting: Nothing, yet. Thinking of making some madeleines and a pot of Cafe Du Monde coffee to go with my flicks. I am saving making the beignets for Tuesday.

Feeling: I have been somewhat out of it lately (hence my Garden State reference). It has been a very stressful week and I haven't felt at all like myself. I am forcing myself to enjoy the time off of work that I have and doing things that make me happy. Today I am escaping to Paris via French movies and French food.

Sensing Sunday: February 13, 2011

What I am:

Hearing: 'Stop Dragging My Heart Around'-Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty

Seeing: My Valentine roses on the kitchen table next to the half flat of strawberries I brought from the roadside vendor. 

Smelling: My husband's delicious clam chowder bubbling up in the kitchen. 

Tasting: A glass of Pinot Noir. Mmmm....

Feeling: I was hoping to get some rest this weekend, but with the Crab Feed on Friday, the 4 miles in the gym on Saturday, the 6 miles with dad and the dogs on Sunday, the brunch of the Mr.'s homemade crepes and strawberries on Saturday with the brother in law and the kiddos, the evening of karaoke with the Garcias on Saturday night, the grocery store with my mum and then again with the Mr. to get supplies for her cake, my pie and his clam chowder....I am exhausted. To think, I still have to help mum with said cake tonight and I have to attempt my pies....thank goodness for my little glass of wine. 

Sensing Sunday and Picture This: Day 3

Day 3:
A picture of the cast of your favorite show.
Mad Men....duh.

...and...

Sensing Sunday
What I am:
Hearing: 'Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay'-Sara Bareilles, Live at the Fillmore

This is the second time I have heard this song this week. When I was listening to it in my car the first time I thought that it would make a great lullaby. I can't wait to sing it to my own children someday.

Seeing: The sun playing hide and seek behind dark storm clouds and the occasional drizzle of rain.

Smelling: My French Cassis scented candle from Cost Plus that I bought on my last trip there...the candles at this place are AMAZING!

Tasting: A slice of my s'mores pie and a cup of tea. I take back my previous opinion of this pie, its not too bad. I think I might still make a few tweaks though, biggest one being...not burning the meringue!

Feeling: Somewhat accomplished. I worked out both days and I made steps to improve how I fuel my body (present pie eating excluded, its not Monday yet). Let's hope that I can stick to it for at least the rest of the week.

Sensing Sunday: November 14, 2010

This is my mom's new pup. Welcome to the family Milo!

What I am:

Hearing: 'Things Have Changed'--Bob Dylan on Mad Men Radio via Pandora Radio.

Seeing: Ace of Cakes on the Food Network.

Smelling: A cup of Trader Joe's Wintry Blend coffee, my favorite.

Tasting: Leftover Garlic Chicken and Luck Chow Mein from Lucky House.

Feeling: Crafty. I am thinking of going to the fabric store if it still open. I have some ideas brewing up in my noggin. I also told G that I would look for some vintage fabric that he found locally and used in his collection. I better get a move on.

Happy Sunday!

Sensing Sunday: November 7, 2010

What I am:

Hearing: 'To Be With You'-The Honey Trees (semi-local band out of Sacramento, CA)

Seeing: The rain washing the world away. 

Smelling: 'Burberry Brit' It reminds me of a gin and tonic and is perfectly crisp and hearty for fall.

Tasting: Microwavable meatloaf and mashed potatoes....yummy?

Feeling: Exhausted. It has been a very emotionally draining week for me. Still have hope that things might get better. Always have hope.

Sensing Sunday: October 31, 2010

The Mr. and Mrs....Halloween 2010

What I am:

Hearing: 'The Crazies' Hearing it because I refuse to watch it. I hate scary movies, I don't care what the day of the year it is.

Seeing: All the cute pics of all my friends that have kids that dressed up for Halloween.

Smelling: Pumpkin seeds starting to roast from the pumpkins I carved tonight.

Tasting: Chocolate.

Feeling: Between the leftover Halloween candy and the 'Witches Hats' I made today (normally known as Peanut Butter and Hershey Kiss Blossoms), I feel kinda sick to my stomach. I haven't had this much sugar in a long time.

Sensing Sunday: October 24, 2010

What I am:

Hearing: The most adorable beagle howl, next to my own pup's.

Seeing: My transaction receipt for the ticket to La Soriee that I just purchased. So excited!

Smelling: A cup of Folger's with a dash of sugar and a splash of milk in my zebra striped coffee mug. I bought it on a whim from the dollar store about 7 years ago and has become my favorite mug to sip from.

Tasting: Oroweat Dutch Country Extra Fiber toast with a smudge of chunky peanut butter.

Feeling: It was a stressful week for me. Insomnia set in, handfuls of hair fell out in the shower and I seem to have lost my appetite. On the plus side the numbers on the scale are plummeting so maybe its more of a lose win situation. Hope next week is a little better.

Sensing Sunday: October 17, 2010

What I am:

Hearing: The second game of the Giant's and the Philly's on the TV behind me. The Giant's just walked a run in because the bases were loaded and its only the first inning...this is why I have a hard time watching sports, I get too riled up.

Seeing: The overcast sky of the first legitimate fall day of the year through my office window. I love it.

Smelling: My favorite apple pie baking in the oven. I am sharing it with my friend/cousin Andrea while we watch the final episode of Mad Men tonight.

Tasting: A tall glass of milk.

Feeling: Relaxed, it was the first weekend that I let myself enjoy being a bit lazy in a long time. Now I don't want to go to work tomorrow.

Sensing Sunday: October 10, 2010

'The Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria' Grame Wilkinson

What I am:

Hearing: Laundry tumbling in the dryer...more specifically, the buttons on the jeans clanging against the dryer drum.

Seeing: 'Columbus: The Lost Voyage' on the History Channel (Did you know that Columbus had an illegitimate child named Fernando? I had no idea!)

Smelling: 'Chance' by Chanel (Its what I wore on my first date with the Mr. and it is what I wore the day I married him)

Tasting: Just finished breakfast...homemade Buttermilk Vanilla Bean Pancakes, turkey bacon and coffee with Italian Sweet Cream by Coffee Mate.

Feeling: Satisfied, happy, productive, anxious, excited, in love...oh a bunch this morning! Hope everyone is feeling the same!