12 at 12(ish).

I found this idea on a friends blog (thanks again Arianne). Since I haven't had time to come up with a legitimate blog for the last little while I thought that I would put together this, just to stay updated.

I understand the idea here is to compile a list of the events occuring that aren't quite enough to fill a blog on their own.

1. I finally converted to an iPhone. Yes I realize this may make me a hypocrite but I will publically recall everything heinous I ever said about iPhone's and touch screen phones in general. Getting an iPhone was one of the best life decisions that I have ever made. It is much more simple to use than anything else I have ever owned, not to mention it's is much more pleasing to the eye.

2. We had a mini fire happen in our house this past week. Turns out the electrical in the majority of the complex that I live in is shoddy. The 1970's did not have a strict code in which to build houses and so the electrical fails on a regular basis (a large portion of the time ending in a fire.) We had no power for a couple of days while we had an electrician go through our home coating all of our electrical outlets and lights with a material that should prevent anymore fires from breaking out *fingers crossed*. I'm a little confused as to why they don't renovate properly and bring the bulding up to code.

3. I had the opportunity a couple weekends ago to photography a large U of A business conference that my brother hosted. Officially it is called JDCWest, when I told people this I recieved countless blank looks and so I have resorted to just taking the time to explain what was happening in full. Basically, business students from across western Canada come to Edmonton and compete in a variety of activities. Some were debates and mock business presentations (at least I believe they were mock) as well as sports activities, and I joined them for the weekend to witness everything happening. Interesting to say the least, and it exceeded every expectation that I had for the weekend. Surprisingly I learned a great deal (I also realized how little I know about business practices) and I met some pretty interesting people. Here is one of my favorite shots from the weekend!

(Yes I may be biased when it comes to the school.)

Don't mind the black bar impeding in on the photgraph, I learnt pretty quickly you take the shot when you can get it, things move pretty fast that whole weekend.

4. I have started frequenting the gym (again), I've realized I am a much more pleasant person when I have endorphins running through my body. Healthy = happy!

5. My new craft idea is homemade bracelets, hopefully this weekend I have a chance to take a stab at them and see if I can work my hand at some pretty jewllery.

6. Spaghetti squash was cooked in our house for the first time and we all realized how much we love it. I have a feeling it will become a staple in our diets.

7. I discovered Instagram (just as everyone else with a iPhone apparently) and I have become slightly obsessed. I like to photograph everything, why not share it instantly?

Ok so I couldn't think of 12, and so for now I have stopped at seven. Maybe there is something others can add?

I have a large pile of reading that is not doing itself and so I should tackle some of that.

Stay lovely.

Homemade Baklava.

Although I didn't really see myself as someone who believed in the idea of resolutions I have infact seemed to have made a large amount of them this year. And yes I do intend on keeing them all.

So, two more resolutions I made were to be more creative with my cooking (mainly trying new recipes, or recipes at all for that matter.) Since I have no classes on Tuesday I figured it would be an excellent adventure day. I am determined to try something new each and every Tuesday that I am able!

Last Tuesday I attempted Baklava (legit one of my most favored things in all the world).

My initial conception that the task would be hard was proved wrong pretty quickly. The whole idea of Baklava is simple. It's phyllo pastry, nuts, cinnamon, butter, honey and sugar water (with a little bit of vanilla.)

Step one: Melt a block of butter (one block of butter was enough for 2 9x13 pans)

Step two: Butter the pans, and by butter I mean BUTTER. Slather it on, and when you think it might be enough add little more.

Step three: Add 2 sheets of pastry then butter again. Continue this step until you have about 8 sheets down.

Step four: Then you continue the previous step, but add in your nut mixture. Continue until you run out of nuts.

Step five: Top layer should be done the same as the bottom layer (but only about 6 sheets of pastry).

Step six: Stick pastry in the oven for about 50 mins at 350 degrees. Pull it out when it is a golden brown color.

Step seven: Do this while the pastry is cooking. Boil water, sugar and vanilla add the honey, then simmer for 20 mins until the mixture thickens.

Step eight: Pull the Baklava out of the oven and immdiately spoon the sugar water over top and let sit in fridge over night.

The end result is delicious, and I am very proud to say that I managed not to mess it up.

I also apologize for the lack of pictures throughout the blog thus far. I am still figuring out how the whole blog idea works.

Inspired.

By nature I am creative, but there are moments in which I have blocks (as every artist does I'm sure). It is in these arrests that I resort to a number of blogs, I check out new posts or old posts in hopes of stirring up some new ideas.

Here goes:

http://bookshelfporn.com/ - I am a self proclaimed book junkie and so this should really speak for itself.

http://www.dreamstime.com/ - It can be monotonous at times, but I have found some stock images helpful at some points.

http://www.urban-travel.org/documents/ - I love this one, love love love it. I've spent countless hours browsing through the photos of buildings old and new.

http://www.itsnotwhatyouwear.blogspot.com/
http://everglowphotography.com/index2.php#/home/ - Both of these are from a long time friend and a woman that I truly admire. Her creative capabilities don't ever cease to amaze me and make me wish (just a little bit) that I was more like her. She has inspired me to do to countless things, though I may have never told her that before.

http://artistsketchbooks.com/ - Countless artists, each one with their own amazing style.

http://www.banksy.co.uk/ - This man is one of my favorite artists of all time. Not only is his art provoking, but his story is enthralling. I strongly urge you to check him out.

These blogs are only the tip of the iceberg. I will share more at a later date. Please take some time to check out some of these amazing blogs and websites. I promise you that you will not be disappointed.

I suppose you'd like to know.

I suppose that I should begin with telling everyone a little bit about the person who will be bringing you the following blog posts. Here goes:

1. I have a twin brother. Some find it hard to believe, but I promise you it's a true statement.

2. I've been told multiple times that I resemble Jan Arden and Adele. They are both beautiful and strong women, so I don't detest.

3. I'm a vegetarian, I have also started phasing out dairy products.

4. I hate wearing pants. Hate.

5. I have a degree in Photography, which I did completely correspondence and proud of it.

6. I am currently in school working towards my English degree, as well as a Public Relations diploma.

7. My natural hair color is blonde, but you'll never see it.

8. I love to paint and draw. I just wish I had more time to do it.

9. Music plays a role in my life that I have a hard time explaining to people.

10. Up until about a year ago, I was not interested in movies. My collection since has grown exponentially.

11. Professors have told me that my writing style tends to be confusing. I like it, and intend to broaden it further.

12. Speaking of which, I do write everyday.

13. For the most part, I am a terrible cook. However, I am the best at a few things (such as my Dirty Rice).

14. I am allergic to strawberries.

15. Ripped paper towel and tissues creep me out. I don't know why.

16. I burn candles all the time while I am at home.

17. I don't like to use black pens.

18. I still have not read the entire Harry Potter series. I have successfully read up to #3, just waiting for a willing participant to loan me the remainder.

19. Until the day I die I will protect the sanctity of books and will not purcahse a Kindle (or anything of the sort).

20. I don't believe I have ever manage to finish lip balm, they get lost too easily.

21. I grew up in British Columbia. I want to go back.

22. Faces inspire me, always have and always will.

23. I love the idea of travelling, but planes terrify me.

24. I haven't had coffee in 2 years (except for decaf).

25. I tend to overreact about most things.

26. I wear a scarf, almost everyday.

27. Patience is a virtue I lack.

28. I hate surprises. Even more I hate surprises I know are coming.

29. I really like leopard print, lace and a little bit of sparkle.

30. I can be stuck up, but I come by it honestly.

31. One of my pet peeves are miss-spelled words.

32. I love coconuts.

33. Blue and red are my favorite colors.

34. I'd rather text someone than make a phone call.

35. I prefer gold over silver when it comes to jewlery.

36. I'd rather wear my hair down and not up.

37. Pet names are odd. I have a hard time accepting them.

38. Gummy candy is my weakness as is dark chocolate.

39. I have a sickness when it comes to shopping.
40. I would much rather be behind the camera lense, and not in front of it.

41. I believe that cursive writing is much more pleasing to the eye then printing. Somehow I have combined the both when it comes to my handwriting.

42. I think owls are really neat, but incredibly creepy. It's a love/hate relationship I suppose.

43. I have a hard time accepting my faults (as does everyone I guess).

44. It took me 2 years to finally spell the word "guess" right everytime.

45. I have a love of Starbucks only few understand.

46. I write on my hands in an attempt to remember things, but I forget that I have written on my hand.

47. I don't like floral perfumes, I gravitate towards the citrus variety.

48. If it was possible, I would go to bed at 9pm every night.

49. My middle name is a family name.

50. I trust people too easily, and get hurt often. I have become very solitary in the last year because of this.