One of the Best B'day Gifts Ever

My friend Kelee sent this to me and I can't stop laughing! (Thanks Kelee!)

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Yes, that's me and hubby dancing in High School Musical 3... I bet you didn't know we were so talented!

The Beauty Revolution Has Begun

Today two of my FGI gal pals, Susan and Janaea, launched their new eco friendly magazine, Beauty Revolution. It's an online magazine that covers beauty, fashion, eco friendly topics, and much more.

Not only was I excited for them and their big launch but I got a big surprise when I found Urban Fashion Network was mentioned and there were even a few picts of me. What a delight! I feel so honored. (check out pages 46, 47 & 48).

If you like what you see then just go here and subscribe (it's free) and you'll be notified when the Spring edition comes out in April.

Oh Sunday, Sunday... La La Laa La Laaa

Today was a good day, even with the snow flurries. Sunday's tend to be somewhat dreadful for me in the sense of them being the last day of the weekend. I know the next day is a work day and I'll have to go back to the joys of sitting at a desk, working. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and am extremely thankful to be employed in this crazy time we live in... However, I do wish my Sunday's were longer.

My day started off with dropping the hubby off at work and then heading back home to do a deep conditioner treatment on my hair. Maybe not exciting to talk about but I was really excited about doing it. Something about soft hair is always a plus! I bought this stuff that was recommended to me called Hask Henna 'n' Placenta Dual-Action. Yes, I said placenta, animal placenta to be exact. The package assures me there is no animal testing or cruelty to animals ("Placenta extract, derived from animal placenta (Environmentally responsible formula), is combined with amino proteins to revitalize and protect every hair type. Cruelty free. No animal testing. Made in U.S.A.")... Still, somewhat weird sounding. It only takes 10 minutes which isn't bad. I bought another brand that takes 45 to an hour. I'll try that one another day. If you are wondering, it made my hair nice and soft and shiny and it even smelled nice... Not at all what I would imagine placenta would smell like... Ew!

After all of that I met my new friend, Maki, for noodles at Boom Noodle in Capitol Hill. I really enjoy that place and the conversation was enjoyable! It's fun helping someone learn about new things. I explained what beets were (surprisingly not easy to explain) and how to use the term "crush" as in I have a crush on him/her. She explained to me about the Japanese number system, which is still pretty confusing to me... She was even so kind to bring me an early birthday gift - thanks Maki!

The rest of the afternoon consisted of me running errands at Costco (yawn), Uwajimaya and getting bubble tea (the new flavor I tried today was Lychee - YUM! Last Sunday was Taro as I'm trying to try flavors other than my favorite, coconut.)

The rest of my evening has consisted of me updating the UFN boutique and designers listings. I am so far behind (laziness!) but finally I have caught up somewhat. Sooooo, go check out the designers and the boutiques, they've been updated somewhat. I still have a few more to add and hopefully will this week!

Ok, I am sure I have bored you enough for the evening. ;) Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Change

Yesterday I was engrossed in the inauguration which was a first for me. I have never watched one nor really cared to. Yesterday, however, I was so excited to watch it. I got a little choked up during President Obama's speech. I felt prideful yesterday and when I looked around me I noticed I wasn't the only one. (Secretly I wished we had gone to DC to be apart of it all... even with ALL those people!)

Hubby even said he got choked up several times and almost cried a bit. Don't tell him I told you that though. ;)

I know not everyone is excited for our new President but I hope those of you who aren't can find the pride that a lot of us are feeling. It feels great to feel so united to people. I am proud to be an American. :)

Ok, moving on as this isn't a political blog... So my fabulous friend from FL, Michelle, is disappointed in me at my lack of updating my blog. So this is for her! Sorry, I must claim a bit of laziness. The weather in Seattle is really effecting me this year. I've grown accustomed to the grey and drizzle in the years before but this year it's really getting to me. It's been so foggy and cold - I just want to lay on my couch, eat hummus and pita and watch TV. Sad, I know!! I love to workout too but HAVEN'T in quite sometime. Thankfully I haven't gained any weight but I haven't lost any either... ughhhh... I need some sun!!!

My day job is moving to Seattle Feb 2nd and we have a nice new gym that is free to us 24/7 so I have no excuse now. I must begin working out the day we move in. Hold me to it, I have to do it!! I have to get out of hibernation mode...

I haven't been to any recent fashion events as January tends to be pretty low key in that area. Things will begin to pick up for UFN soon. I am looking forward to fashion shows, craft fairs and the local scene. The next big event coming up though is Project Red Dress, if you're in Seattle I suggest you check it out!!

Have a great day. Don't worry Michelle, I will update more. I promise!

Japanese 101

For the new year I have decided to teach myself Japanese. I have taken a class before but sadly I didn't retain any of it except maybe the number 1-4. I basically have the education of a toddler right now but I'm working on it.

Everyday I try to at least work on it for an hour. I listen to free Japanese lesson podcast during the day at work, but sadly I'm not really "working on it" as I'm actually doing my day job but maybe just having it going in my head will help. I will say I think it is a bit as pronunciation is a bit easier as when I first started it sounded like I was just making crazy noises (no offense Japanese speaking folks!).

Currently I listen to a CD in the car over and over and over trying to get down the general greeting words, numbers, etc. Then I have a Japanese for Dummies book that I read through. I have my podcast's that I have found as there are many free one's that have lessons. My favorite sofar is Japancast. I also have found a few websites but a fun one for kids that breaks it down really simply is Kids Web Japan.

This weekend I am meeting with a woman for coffee as she is going to help me with Japanese and I'll be helping her with English. She be interesting as I've never helped anyone with their English. I hope it works out as I think actually working with a Japanese speaking person one-on-one should be very beneficial. I met her through Conversation Exchange, which allows you to find people in your area who want to get help with languages. Maybe I'll even make a new friend... who knows!

I know there are classes to take but since I started with that route years ago and nothing really came of it I feel another approach might be nice. Keep your fingers crossed!

Project Red Dress 2009

I am thrilled to announce that tickets for the Second Annual Project Red Dress event are now on sale for the February 13th, 2009 event held at The Fairmount Olympic Hotel. Regional Director, Monir Zandghoreishi's annual event is again partnering with FGI Seattle to offer FGI Seattle Scholarships to winning students in this design competition. Some proceeds of the event will also be donated to our charity partner, American Heart Association's Go Red Campaign.

To purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer (send an email from the Contact page), or to get more details on this year's event, please go to projectreddress.com.

Please note, only 100 VIP seats for the event are available and tickets are already going fast!

Project Red Dress would like to thank our sponsors - Seatle Metropolitan Magazine, The Fairmount Olympic Hotel, Macy's, Pacific Fabrics and Crafts, Half Past Lavish Event Production, Renton Sewing Company, and IADT Seattle.