string*THEORY

Time Flies When You're Stressed Out

I'm not really sure how to start a journal entry after such an extensive (and unannounced) absence. I feel as if I owe you all some sort of explanation followed by a blow by blow account of what the heck I've been up to these past two months. The truth is, it would be too much to go into now, but I promise that I'll slowly divulge my past whereabouts during the course of my next few entries - which will (hopefully) be more regular.

Before I jump in the warm Caribbean water that will be my account of a recent vacation, I want to say "thank you" to those of you who have thought to reach out to me, and a "sorry" for not sending you the big virtual hug of thanks. Another "sorry" for not noticing or acknowledging your recent triumphs, I've been just as out of touch with your lives, as I have with my own. Slowly but surely I will catch up with you.

Ah yes, the Caribbean...is there anything better then letting the stresses of the world drift away with the seagulls as you let the warm thickness of the salty Caribbean water carry and show you what it must feel like to fly? Fear not, the photos above are not some ominous hint as to where I've been spending my time these past months. The photos were taken at El Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A peaceful cemetery by the sea and one of my new favorite spots to shoot.

The long awaited respite was filled with sun, sea, food and beautiful people. Maritza, why didn't you mention this about Puerto Rico? It really should be renamed as "Land of the Hot People". And did I mention reading? I had an opportunity to reignite my inner bibliophile with two amazing novels, The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan and The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. Both incredible for their attention to detail, character development, and homage to the power of the female spirit. I'm going to keep this momentum and post-vacation flame alive by jumping into my next novel. So, I must ask, what are you reading now? What is your favorite book?

A Series of Extremes

25 days. Has it really been that long? I'm not really sure what happened in the whirlwind that has been the last 25 days or so, but I'm certain of one thing, and that it's been a series of extremes.

I can't go into it much here, but basically my days have been filled with the most extreme of every emotion + feeling you can think of. Anger, fun, sadness, irritation, exercise, travel, fatigue, energy + happiness. All packed into a few short weeks. Fun (can you sense the sarcasm?). Needless to say, blogging + design work has taken a back seat. Interesting how the tough times inspire us to abandon the things that keep us grounded. Life is funny that way.

I'm slowly jumping back into things. Very slowly. And my first project "back" was this here diaper bag + changing pad. Remember when I first mentioned it? And how bad do I feel that the babe made it to the world before the diaper bag did?

Horrible, I feel absolutely terrible about that. I had dreams of the proud new parents happily skipping out of the hospital with their sweet little thing in tow along with their new custom diaper bag spilling over with baby this n' thats.

It didn't quite happen that way, but the good news is that the little babe is in the world, she's safe + happy and her parents couldn't be more excited. I couldn't ask for anything more. Welcome to the world baby Satya!

Do You Believe?

One of the things that I've folded into the ol' LifeStyle Diet is the idea of nurturing a healthy mind (as well as the healthy body). I've come to find that it's nearly impossible to separate the two.

Taking that a step further, I've come to realize that to nurture a healthy mind, it's important to understand yourself and how your world around you effects you and your personal relationships.

So my question may seem a little hokey - Do You Believe in Astrology?

No, no, this is not some infomercial for fortune tellers or chart readers, I'm really just curious. Do you? Because I do. And not on a very complex level (my dreams of understanding my chart are clouded by the fact that I don't know the exact time I was born. Recording this information wasn't a priority in Spain during the time I emerged into the world). So I just stick with what I know, which is my sun sign, Scorpio.

Yes, Scorpio - kindly soften your expression, please. I know, I know, you've been burned by a Scorpio before. But, please be kind, I'm one of the "nice ones" (during the few occasions that I am able to control myself). There must be a band of nasty Scorpios out there wreaking total havoc on friends and lovers and siblings a like, because every time I mention it - I almost always get a negative reaction. The kind of reaction where you feel bad and want to quickly correct the situation with a quick "just kidding! I'm a Capricorn". The kind of "bad" where you can see on on their face, a glazed over look as they stumble through memory lane, superficially reliving the most painful + exhilarating memories of Scorpios who've done them wrong and oh so good.

The sad thing is, I really am a "true Scorpio", I read through the description, and shamefully nod my head in agreement. For the positive and the negative features alike. But it helps us, doesn't it? It helps us to understand who we are, and to know the characteristics that might govern the way we behave and interact with others.

So again, do you believe? What does your sign say about you and is it consistent with what you notice in yourself? Is there another sign that you relate to more then the one you naturally fall into? Is there a different chart or Zodiac or lunar calendar that you prefer or do you think it's all a bunch of self-fulfilling cosmic mumbo jumbo?

Season Changes

Oh! there you are. I've been looking for you for a few days. I've been roaming around like a lost little puppy in the woods, and boy am I glad to be back where I belong. My apologies for the extended absence.

The photo is intended less for the boob-shot (sorry about that too!) and more as a statement for how I'm feeling these days. It's the Coney Island Tank by Eireann. And despite the blasting heater, I'm wearing the tank with my tanned arms crossed defiantly, protesting against the thought of summer coming to an end.

The past week has been an absolute fury of debaucheries and indulgences. Everything my LifeStyle Diet is not. And I'm back home now, feeling the wrath of it all. No regrets though, I had a. lot. of. fun. Now, I'm trying desperately to get back into my routine. Trying my best to fend off the end-of-summer blues.

What better way to do that but to swoon over fall clothes? I present you my favorites for your viewing pleasure....

Anthropologie :: Banana Republic :: JCrew :: Nine West ::

::

:: Anthropologie ::

Ohh how I neeeeeeed those boots....

La Superior

Sacramento Day #1, a trip to the Mexican grocery store.

::SWEET::

'

::SAVORY::

::Let Summer Begin::

no, no, this isn't one of those mis-placed posts brought up again by bloglines for some unknown reason (is it me, or has that been happening a lot lately?).

For those of you who have never visited this fine little city I live in, let me just warn you, it's cold in the summer. Like, really cold. Like, I wear sweaters everyday kinda cold. Yes, yes, it's true. And if you don't believe me, well, do yourself a favor when you come and visit, and budget in an extra $12.99 to pick yourself up a cheesy Golden Gate Bridge sweatshirt when you realize that your typical August attire isn't going to cut it.

So rather then go on and on, I'm going to take a little break and go where the summer is sure to be, my hometown of Sacramento. Where today, it's "unseasonable cold" at a nice dry heat of 90 degrees. Yes! Now, that's summer.

As much as I love San Francisco, I have to say that I miss all of the rituals of summer. The types of sweltering summers I'm used to from Sacramento and Spain. Hot. Hot like, you can't eat dinner in the house and long summer evenings are spent enjoying cold-soup gazpacho in the backyard while hanging out half awake as the sun tends to put your mind to sleep. Hot like, the obligatory night swim, right before heading up to bed, because without it, comfortable sleep cannot be had. Hot like, turning your house inside out, just to survive. Dragging the TV outside to watching the Olympics with your dad. And setting up camp outside with your sisters, because really, what's a summer sleeping cooped up inside, when you can get a slight break from the heat by sleeping in the backyard?

So, for the next few days, I'll be soaking up the final days of summer, in the most traditional sense of the word. Swimming in the day, rubbing aloe + calamine lotion in the night (another lovely feature of Sacramento summers is the giant mosquito's).

I'm going to try to post. It might be the typical long rambling posts with lots of photos or just daily postcards a la Liesl. Because really, do I need to have that hot computer sitting on my lap as I struggle to keep cool?

Artsy Clutch

Weekends always prove to be a little challenging when it comes to keeping up any new exercise mantras + my newly added LifeStyle diet. I'm happy to say that the indulgences this weekend were kept in check + to a minimum. AND i even found myself sweatin' to the oldies on Saturday pumping some iron at the gym. Loving this new energy.

Yes yes, creative energy was flexed to. Have you had a chance to glance through Bend the Rules Sewing  by Amy Karol, yet? Let's get serious for a second here, I can say with all my heart, that if it was possible to marry a book, I would marry this one and be it's devoted wife forever. For reals.

This is an Artsy Clutch that I made for my babysitter. Yes, I still have a babysitter (see why I laugh when people try to pressure me to have a baby? How can I possibly have a baby, when I still have a babysitter?). I'm kidding, you know that. She doesn't babysit me anymore, but she'll always be my babysitter. Mostly because she's so sweet and I act like a big brat when I'm around her. It's the relationship we have and it seems work for both of us.

I made a few modifications including completely neglecting to open the book to read the instructions much less cut the correct measurements. You can't tell though, can you? That's the whole message of the book, having fun + not taking your sewing so seriously. I also added in that outside pocket (that's the wool plaid you see there) as well as some pretty stiff interfacing that makes this much more of a "clutch" then a "pouch". I'm loving the play between wool + linen + happy cotton.

Things I would do differently...

• Be more precise when measuring +ironing
• Take more time (I was rushing to run out and meet up with my babysitter)
• Do something about that obnoxious puckering in the front
• Make a 2nd one for myself!

::TWO::

::Two Colors::

Black + White.

::Two Recipes::

My Mother-in-law's chicken....(hers is the simplified version. Click on the link for the more advanced)

Kima

• 1lb turkey or chicken(ground) 
• 1 small onion
• 1teaspoon ginger
• 1teaspoon garlic
• half teaspoon black or red pepper
• Tumeric (very little)

Fry up the onions in a bit of canola oil. Stir in the garlic + ginger. Stir the mixture for a few minutes. Add in the pepper and little bit of water. Add in a bit of tumeric. Stir for few minutes. Add in the ground turkey or chicken. Cover and simmer until cooked. Stir. Stir. Stir. Cover it. Leave and go check your bloglines for  5-10 minutes. Done. Did you like it, was it good?

Cynthia's Lettuce Cups (Another version on Jess's blog) 

• 1 lb ground turkey (beef, pork, or turkey)
• 1 can bamboo shoots, chopped
• 1 can water chestnuts, chopped
• 1 can mushrooms (fresh is better), chopped
  pine-nuts (1 handful)
• 1 bag or head of lettuce (bagged spinach is tasty too)
  soy sauce

Brown the turkey meat. Add soy sauce while cooking. Drain. add the chopped bamboo, water chestnuts and mushrooms. Toast the pine nuts and add these to the mixture.Serve with lettuce cups, or on top of lettuce as a salad topper.

The recipe makes plenty for 4 dinners. It also freezes well if you want to make extra.

Ok...YUM to both of these. I need to try them both. A virtual high five to both of these lovely ladies for helping out with the LifeStyle Diet. Need more recipes?

::Two Eating Tips::

Kat + Amber stay as close as they can to those fresh veggies (natural + in season). Kat had the brilliant idea of pre-cutting + preparing little bags of veggies. So when she's hungry - she's all set with a quick little healthy snack to grab right out of the fridge.

Reflection. Anna + Ali suggested reflecting on what you eat by writing down what goes down the hatch. This tip is especially helpful to me, because I have that bad habit of grabbing random things and snacking (I work from home - so it's easy for me to meander down the hall to the kitchen). As Ali put it, writing down what you eat will "shame" you into eating well. Nicely put I must say.

::Two Exercise Tips::

Teresa swears by Bikram yoga and assured me that it's not as intimidating as it looks. Am I the only one that finds highly flexible people sopping wet in their own hard earned sweat a bit intimidating?

Beth recommends being honest + reasonable with yourself in terms of exercise times. Don't force yourself to work out during times you hate. This is the quickest way to de-motivate yourself from getting to the gym.

::Two Resources::

Skylar shared these two resources; You on a Diet and Fat Secret.

Thanks to all of you who took a moment to lend a hand, a trick, a recipe. Every single one is appreciated, keep them coming! There are many other great ones that I didn't mention here, so do take a second to read them, if you're in need of a little inspiration for your own LifeStyle Diet.

P.S. The photos where taken at lunch today. Some were taken with the black + white setting, most were not. It's just that kind of place and I couldn't resist a mini photo-shoot. I'm sure the other patrons thought I was nuts. Because I am. Click on fourth one down for a little chuckle.

1 :: Track :: Mind

Do you have one too? All this organizing + lifestyle dieting is taking over in a way that is so ridiculously familiar to me. The spurts, you know, of creative energy - in a single mindedness sort of way. Which is why you've seen less and less making around these parts and more and more talk of cooking...and exercising...and other this n' thats.

It's okay to be focused, right? Focused or Obsessive, you be the judge. It's times like this, times where I've found myself without a new made item or book read in over a week when a little dash of inspiration to this giant stew of creativity is in order.

So today will be a day on inspiration...shall we take a walk over to the craft section of my little neighborhood library? Let's see what's in store...

I imagine part of this might be that awkward transitional phase I seem to go through towards the end of summer (but, it's not the end yet, is it?)...the process of spending less and less hours...then days at the sewing machine, as my twitchy little fingers find their way to the thing that comforts me most when the sun begins to set + the leaves turn to gold. Knitting. Perhaps, we're nearing that time. And books. Yes, books, time to tee up the autumn line-up. Tea in hand, I'm ready.

...but until it's official, enjoy the eye-candy inspiration.

{oh dear, did you think I forgot about your recipe? don't you worry one bit, tomorrow will be the day where we talk about food again}

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Photo Credits:

Elephant Pouch by Myra Masuda - The Crafters Companion Ed. Anna Torborg

Scrap Wrap - Quilts by Denyse Schmidt

Mixy-Matchy Napkins - Bend-The-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol

Striped Rug (felted) - The Home Guide to Craft by Katherine Sorrell

Bourgeois Bag Organizer - Simple Sewing with a French Twist by Celine Dupuy

Lifestyle Diet

Not to be confused with a diet-diet, this one is for the lifestyle as a whole, and desperately needed in casa String.

After reading through some old posts the other day, I couldn't help but notice the frequency of "I'm sick" or "I have a headache" or "I'm overwhelmed" type posts. I don't want to be the Whiny Blogger That Couldn't, but rather, the Strong Blogger that's Healthy - or something of that nature.

So, I'm slowly integrating this n' that into my lifestyle to turn it around, lift it up, and tone it down a bit. I'm growing to realize, that there are somethings that effect my health, that I just cant change. Like all the travel. Can't change that, I will always be "on the road" so to say. But what I can change, is the approach I take. Doing my best to eat healthy + always packing those gym shoes when on a trip will make things more bearable.

This week I've added two solid routines, involving food + exercise. Starting with the basics, here...

• Each Sunday I'll print out my gym's class schedule and map out which classes I'll attend, or what I will do each day to get some exercise. A contract with myself, if you will.
• On the same calendar, I've added the meal schedule for the week.The eating-out, junk-food extravaganza has got to stop, people. It's killing my waistline! Stop tempting me with all those delectable desserts you feature on your blogs, really, help a sista out.
• CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) - Erin is brilliant. After her "we need to eat locally" post yesterday - it dawned on me that folks in rural areas aren't the only ones that can do this! I too (despite the fact that I live in a city) can have fresh, in season, local fruits and veggies practically delivered to my door! And you can too, check it out. I can't wait for the first delivery.

So, I'm wondering....

• What do YOU do to stay healthy?
• Do you have any favorite meals that you cook or tricks that you use to keep yourself on track?

Tomorrow, I'll post an easy + healthy recipe with a bit of a Pakistani twist from my mother in law.