tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31401154018087103592012-02-03T14:01:43.247-05:00Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.comBlogger4301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-7807423011483479062012-02-03T03:00:00.000-05:002012-02-03T07:04:50.439-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">So many that I don't know where to begin finding the answers... they range from silliest like asking if someone who caught my eye is single {I still blush about it!} to the most difficult as why I'm not getting the phone call I've been waiting for the longest time... I guess uncertainty is taking a seat by my side.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W35kjEne0c8/Typ4Dn5KHGI/AAAAAAAAGG0/gSdqPngZm80/s640/DSC03954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W35kjEne0c8/Typ4Dn5KHGI/AAAAAAAAGG0/gSdqPngZm80/s640/DSC03954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://perdi-o-fio-a-meada.blogspot.com/2012/02/conversa.html"><i>Image Size</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On another note... I wanted to remind you of one of the new features of the blog in which I will be designing a room in someone's house or office, so if you would like to participate let me know so we can have fun together. Anything just check this <a href="http://www.thepunctuationmark.com/2012/02/coming-up.html"><i>POST </i></a>where I talk about the new things and features coming up on the blog.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, here are this week's links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2012/02/groundhog-day-2012-national-weather-experts.html">More About Groundhog Day&nbsp;</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2012/feb/02/agyness-deyn-models-turned-actresses">Models then Actors </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/downton-abbey/9052355/Downton-Abbey-just-got-dirty.html">Preview of Downton's 3rd Season</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/02/heart-health-month-healthy-foods_n_1248169.html?ref=healthy-living">Good for the Heart </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/2012/jan/31/rules-winter-fashion?intcmp=122">Fashionable in Winter </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-02-02/facebook-ipo-risks/52940112/1">The Risks of the FB IPO</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-weird-weather-20120203,0,4035759.story">Freaky Weather News</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/9057011/Severe-cold-snap-keeps-Europe-in-its-icy-grip-bringing-record-low-temperatures.html">Big Freeze in Europe</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2012/feb/02/green-shoots-winter-in-pictures?intcmp=122#/?picture=385397797&amp;index=0">UK Winter in Pictures</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/01/sitting-bad-for-health_n_1245261.html?ref=healthy-living">Active at Your Desk</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend and have some fun!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-780742301148347906?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-17379622335318256482012-02-02T01:39:00.000-05:002012-02-02T01:39:31.354-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Today in the US is the day when a little guy called Punxatawney Phil predicts how much longer the winter is going to last... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4265245719_bd78a77b7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4265245719_bd78a77b7b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cateaclysmic.blogspot.com/2011/11/beauty-blitz-hydrate-moisturise.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This year marks the 126th time that the little groundhog comes out of his hole and if see his shadow it means that winter will last 6 more weeks other wise it will be an early spring. Since then many towns have created their own "groundhog" tradition but the original, the one from Punxatawney {in Pennsylvania!}, is the one that attracts the most amount of people.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/125/cache/groundhog-day-1961-report_12532_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/125/cache/groundhog-day-1961-report_12532_600x450.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/photogalleries/100202-groundhog-day-punxsutawney-phil-pictures/#/groundhog-day-1961-report_12532_600x450.jpg"><i> Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Even though I know many of you would love for to have warmer temperatures, I hope winter lasts a bit longer or actually decides to come because the lack of snow is causing tremendous havoc to water supply in California, birds are migrating up to a month before they have to and crops all over the country are suffering.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lagacio.com/104/public/siteimages/routen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lagacio.com/104/public/siteimages/routen.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lagacio.com/The%20major%20routes/en-104-2136.aspx"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another industry {one that I love!} suffering is hotels that rely on snow and tourists who visit them to enjoy and practice winter sports... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and hope for a few more snowy days!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-1737962233531825648?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-22046486918223217082012-02-01T03:00:00.000-05:002012-02-01T03:00:08.453-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">For weeks I've been talking about changes for 2012 and I have finally finished all of them. As I mentioned to you {and you've seen in online} the whole look of the blog changed and hope you're liking it; besides that I'm working on setting up other articles that I hope you will like as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/storage/allpostphotos/aaron%20hom6.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327650409518" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/storage/allpostphotos/aaron%20hom6.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327650409518" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2012/1/27/aaron-hom-encore.html"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;The first project will be fun one in which I hope you will be part of. As many of you know, I'm an interior designer and have done design for different industries from offices to houses and hotels {which have a sort of residential element in them }. As you can imagine, people all the time are asking me for advice on this or that and because of that I've come up with this idea!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://beinspireddaily.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/embroideryboards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://beinspireddaily.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/embroideryboards.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://beinspireddaily.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/wednesday-home-diy-embroidery-hoop-bulletin-boards/"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I would like to invite those of you who are looking into designing a room in your house or office to let me know and we'll work together to create a great space... Due to the time one of these project would take I'll start taking one project per month. If you are interested <i><a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com">EMAIL ME</a></i> and we can talk about in more detail how this project will work out... Hope you join me in this!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rumid.dk/Upload/Galleries/5416/ferm-living-ss-12-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rumid.dk/Upload/Galleries/5416/ferm-living-ss-12-9.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rumid.dk/Interior1/interior-billedgallerier/Ferm-Living-SS-12-/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On a similar note, I will be exploring the world of color through paint and photography... the idea of this monthly project will be to find ideas about color that can be taken to reality in a very easy way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vtwonen.nl/wp-content/uploads/imagecache/article-blog/2011/09/bureauaccessoires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.vtwonen.nl/wp-content/uploads/imagecache/article-blog/2011/09/bureauaccessoires.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vtwonen.nl/blog/accessoires-blog/goedkope-bureau-accessoires.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, I am working on interviews from people to cover the topics I like to talk about in this blog... like travel, health, beauty, and design amongst other things.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2011-11/281457660-03134433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2011-11/281457660-03134433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-schindler-small-houses-photos,0,7048534.photogallery?track=ud"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and look forward to hear from you!<br /><br />PS... I added a blog roll tab to the blog in order to include all of you who have included me on your blog rolls... So, please let me know if I'm part your blogrolls so I can reciprocate the honor! </div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-2204648691822321708?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-56444091252872049162012-01-31T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-31T03:00:14.522-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">There are very few things that make you want to cozy up with a blanket and a book than a nice cup of hot chocolate. I got inspired for this blog by the multiple winter images I got to see over the weekend from so many of you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/11/23/article-2065167-0EE6C0D400000578-156_634x463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/11/23/article-2065167-0EE6C0D400000578-156_634x463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2065167/Christmas-UK-days-Waddesdon-Manor-Buckinghamshire.html"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><br />I have all the candy cane left over from my Advent Calendar and when I came across this recipes I was delighted to know I could put them to good use... {<a href="http://www.two-tarts.com/2011/12/peppermint-hot-chocolate.html">Recipe 1</a> and <a href="http://kirantarun.com/food/2011/12/13/peppermint-hot-chocolate-w-marshmallow/">Recipe 2</a>}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSqmMQH85n0/TufjaDvuGcI/AAAAAAAADsc/2LthNoO-UXM/s1600/peppermint%252520hot%252520chocolate2%25255B4%25255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSqmMQH85n0/TufjaDvuGcI/AAAAAAAADsc/2LthNoO-UXM/s400/peppermint%252520hot%252520chocolate2%25255B4%25255D.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://kirantarun.com/food/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/DSC_0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://kirantarun.com/food/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/DSC_0232.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Adding to the comforting and even healthy effects of dark chocolate, chiles or cayenne pepper can give this delicious beverage an extra warming kick... great for those who have a hard time warming up during winter! {<a href="http://www.acquiredtaste.org/2011/10/food-talk-04-aztec-chili-hot-chocolate.html">Recipe 1</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/262128/spiced-hot-dark-chocolate?czone=food/chocolate-center/chocolate-recipes&amp;center=874882&amp;gallery=874616&amp;slide=262128">Recipe 2</a>}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWtik0Og8UQ/TpcgPN1cURI/AAAAAAAAAsw/q84eQ0I55Jw/s1600/yum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWtik0Og8UQ/TpcgPN1cURI/AAAAAAAAAsw/q84eQ0I55Jw/s400/yum.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/body_and_soul/2007Q1/0207_darkchcolate2_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/body_and_soul/2007Q1/0207_darkchcolate2_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Chocolate is the by product of the cacao bean and has been part of the diet of the indigenous populations of what is today Latin America... the most famous of them being Mexican chocolate which is richer and less refined than the one we buy at the super market {<a href="http://yucatanadventure.com.mx/cookingrecipes.htm#_Ancient_Maya_Hot_Chocolate">Recipes 1</a> and <a href="http://blog.seasonwithspice.com/2011/11/cinnamon-chili-sugarless-hot-cocoa.html">Recipe 2</a>}. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boCJsIgTk0A/Try-mojRcDI/AAAAAAAADdU/R0k6_jO-1ug/s1600/mexican+hot+cocoa+drink+recipe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boCJsIgTk0A/Try-mojRcDI/AAAAAAAADdU/R0k6_jO-1ug/s640/mexican+hot+cocoa+drink+recipe.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Finally, there are other alternatives to the typical hot chocolate like those infused with tea or white chocolate, which is a great alternative for those who are allergic or intolerant to the dark kind {<a href="http://www.savvyeat.com/tea-infused-hot-chocolate/">Recipe 1</a> and <a href="http://www.aishachowista.com/2011/12/national-cocoa-day-try-one-of-my.html">Recipe 2</a>}.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.savvyeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Rooibos-Hot-Choc-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.savvyeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Rooibos-Hot-Choc-3.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHQn9hMWDYU/TsvD1T66Y-I/AAAAAAAAAcs/AR2v4aGxgN8/s1600/chai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHQn9hMWDYU/TsvD1T66Y-I/AAAAAAAAAcs/AR2v4aGxgN8/s400/chai.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a delicious day!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5644409125287204916?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-13475865382325111392012-01-30T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-30T10:50:21.226-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Hope everyone had a great weekend... mine was very relaxing and had time to catch up on my reading and finally unpacked the suitcase I took on my trip {I hate unpacking!}.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pedro-lourenco-prefall-2012-600x371.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pedro-lourenco-prefall-2012-600x371.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/2012PF-PLOURENCO"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the most amazing collections out there today is designed by 21 year old Brazilian designer Pedro Lourenço. When I first saw the images of his collection I thought the images were computer generated because of the Matrix looking models wearing the highly stylized pieces.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/003m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/003m.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/004m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/004m.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/2012PF-PLOURENCO"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The collection is inspired in the Patagonian landscape which he printed on many of his pieces or used as inspiration for the collection's palette.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/007m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/007m.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/012m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/012m.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/2012PF-PLOURENCO"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The collection is characterized by asymmetrical shapes and clean lines with stylish details in trims, panels and the position of the pockets.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/018m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/018m.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/020m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/020m.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/2012PF-PLOURENCO"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The fur is made of mohair fiber treated to look like it... Other materials found in the collection are silk, metal and fleece.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/016m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/016m.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/011m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2011/fashionshows/2012PF/PLOURENCO/RUNWAY/011m.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/2012PF-PLOURENCO"><i>Image Credit</i></a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sjvorvwhW68" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Have a great day and start of the week!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-1347586538232511139?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-58563873041128913842012-01-27T10:58:00.001-05:002012-01-27T11:01:38.528-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">What a week is all I have to say!!! It's been filled with very rewarding moments and renewed energy to continue with the job hunt. The conference was great because there is nothing better to be surrounded by the best your industry has to offer, by the game changers and the decision makers... and to party all together. They don't call it hospitality for nothing!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f7aJOdA4428" width="480"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />For today I want to leave all of you not just with the week's links {nice to be informed again!} but with a fun song and please check out the first link where my dear friend Mary Jo featured me on her blog <a href="http://www.trustyourstyle.com/search/label/Elie%20Fournie#">Trust Your Style</a>... we had a lot of fun when we had lunch last weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/jan/27/twitter-faces-censorship-backlash">Censoring Tweeter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG9043070/Model-health-guidelines-for-New-York-Fashion-Week-released-by-the-CFDA.html">Skinny Models Health </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/marni-for-hm_n_1236319.html?ref=style">Marni for H&amp;M</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-oddspots-pg,0,1517806.photogallery?track=ud">Unusual Destinations</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2012_1st/Jan12_CellPhoneDining.html">Cell Phones and Dining Out</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/2012/jan/24/chanel-haute-couture-paris-travel">Chanel Inside a Jumbo</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2012/jan/27/google-privacy-apple-worker-mistreatment">Technology Round-Up</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2012/01/miso_marvels.html">The Many Uses of Miso </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-starbucks-beer-20120124,0,5910879.story?track=ud">Starbucks New Products </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/davos/">Davos 2012&nbsp;</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/vegetables-leap-culinary-forefront">More Veggies Please! </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/9043917/London-2012-Olympics-Shakespeare-theme-to-lead-Isles-of-Wonder-Olympic-opening-ceremony.html">Opening for the Olympics</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/01/26/paris-haute-couture-2012_n_1232061.html?ref=style&amp;ir=Style&amp;just_reloaded=1">Crazy Runway Looks</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend and get some rest!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">P.S. Finally, I want to invite you to join me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/punctuationmark/">Pinterest </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/eliefournier">Twitter</a>!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5856387304112891384?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-13011690780341649072012-01-26T08:08:00.000-05:002012-01-26T08:08:12.152-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Back in Miami from a very successful trip to LA and lots of following/catching up to do... See you tomorrow with this weeks links {need to catch up with the news today!} but for now I leave you with an image a friend of mine took of me walking on the beach in Malibu.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfrIj5gbQK0/TyFP5A_fR1I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/2fy2bzGRzPs/s1600/IMG_8428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfrIj5gbQK0/TyFP5A_fR1I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/2fy2bzGRzPs/s640/IMG_8428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day... the weekend is almost here!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-1301169078034164907?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-23504656151524227732012-01-24T03:43:00.001-05:002012-01-24T03:43:43.107-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Busy day ahead and don't want to bore you with statistics about the state of the hotel industry... but all I can say is that it will get much better in 2012 and it will certainly will keep on leading the economic recovery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO1sTkAPjl4/Tx5u_APESII/AAAAAAAAC9M/sfdObgyRYTU/s1600/CIMG3835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO1sTkAPjl4/Tx5u_APESII/AAAAAAAAC9M/sfdObgyRYTU/s640/CIMG3835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take it easy today as I have to run fo another busy day... See you tomorrow!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-2350465615152422773?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-92126403658190307442012-01-23T03:40:00.000-05:002012-01-23T03:40:41.667-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Hope everyone had a great weekend and thanks for your good wishes for this week which will definitely will prove challenging as I will be talking to leaders of the hospitality industry who are the ones I'm hoping help me in landing the job I want.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W43wdzsOhAY/Tx0WFO0HDjI/AAAAAAAAC8k/HoVeEv4_Qr0/s1600/CIMG3958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W43wdzsOhAY/Tx0WFO0HDjI/AAAAAAAAC8k/HoVeEv4_Qr0/s400/CIMG3958.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbZM3YHP5io/Tx0WKDN400I/AAAAAAAAC8s/pMiDQowG8Xw/s1600/CIMG3969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbZM3YHP5io/Tx0WKDN400I/AAAAAAAAC8s/pMiDQowG8Xw/s400/CIMG3969.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday, I went to LACMA to check out the current exhibits and got to see the one created by Chris Burden called <a href="http://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/metropolis-ii">Metropolis II</a>. This amazing sculpture is a kinetic installation that took the artist 4 years to complete and includes 1200 toy cars {my nephew would love that!} moving through the streets of a city composed of multiple layers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9Fg_oDAjy4/Tx0YjBwokJI/AAAAAAAAC80/pFEs4c6LMaw/s1600/CIMG3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9Fg_oDAjy4/Tx0YjBwokJI/AAAAAAAAC80/pFEs4c6LMaw/s400/CIMG3974.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yP-2rpe5Sg/Tx0Y87KSvuI/AAAAAAAAC88/XNlPKisXyTY/s1600/CIMG3976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yP-2rpe5Sg/Tx0Y87KSvuI/AAAAAAAAC88/XNlPKisXyTY/s400/CIMG3976.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The project reminded me of a version of those futuristic movies where traffic flows freely all over and cars seem to be flying all over the place. The little cars are brought to the top of the sculpture as if it was a roller coaster and then they start they way down on street like lanes at really fast speeds as you can see them in the pictures {love the contrast of the ones at slow speed against those moving!}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ou1ZMwhyenc/Tx0adCgUI6I/AAAAAAAAC9E/1HSmZZ9jHcI/s1600/CIMG3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ou1ZMwhyenc/Tx0adCgUI6I/AAAAAAAAC9E/1HSmZZ9jHcI/s640/CIMG3981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The installation is noisy and creates a sort of noise that reminds you of the busy highways in places like LA, Miami and New York where the pace of life is so hectic. The city is created by buildings made with different materials like wood, mirror, tile, Lego and even the Charles and Ray Eames cards from the modern design installation on the next room.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/llacDdn5yIE?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The video will give you a better idea of how amazing this large scale sculpture is...</div><br />Have a great day and go out to enjoy your surroundings!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-9212640365819030744?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-76040850460173324092012-01-20T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-20T03:00:03.371-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm super happy about all the amazing comments I got from all of you this past week... Thanks a lot!!! Today I'm on an airplane on my way back to LA to attend a conference where I hope to meet the people who will help me get a job, so I'm crossing my fingers!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://on-pch.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ON-PCHyellowboard650.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="463" src="http://on-pch.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ON-PCHyellowboard650.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's images is from Mary Jo Matsumoto's blog called <a href="http://on-pch.com/">On PCH</a> where she shows images of people's everyday style all over sunny Southern California. I chose her image because I'm super excited that I'll be having lunch with her tomorrow... Can't wait to see her!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On another note... there are no links this week as I've been seriously busy this week but I don't want to leave you for the weekend without talking a huge issue going on these days... SOPA. Please inform yourself so you can act accordingly to what you think is best for all of us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Learn_more">Wikipedia and SOPA</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.good.is/post/what-would-a-post-sopa-internet-look-like/">What Would a Post-SOPA Internet Look Like?</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-internet-strike-20120119,0,147220.story">SOPA Blackout: Websites Go Dark to Protest SOPA, PIPA bills</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/dec/23/sopa-stop-online-piracy-act?INTCMP=SRCH">Explainer: understanding SOPA</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend and see you Monday!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-7604085046017332409?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-21846736990100040102012-01-19T12:10:00.000-05:002012-01-19T12:12:26.401-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">There's a myth that environmentally friendly architecture cannot be done, that it is too expensive and that it cannot be well designed, but in Australia they proved all those myths wrong created the first carbon neutral building in the country which means the building itself generates its own energy and water on site (all images by <a href="http://www.studio505.com.au/work/project/category/2/commercial/pixel/8">studio 50</a>5).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.studio505.com.au/admin-resources/image-tools.php?w=430&amp;q=97&amp;src=/pixel/Pixel_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.studio505.com.au/admin-resources/image-tools.php?w=430&amp;q=97&amp;src=/pixel/Pixel_02.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The building is located in Melbourne and will be part of a $1billion urban renewal project where the developer used a former brewery as it's starting point. The office building counts with solar panels on the roof to generate energy as well as wind turbines and the result is that it generates more energy that it consumes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.studio505.com.au/admin-resources/image-tools.php?w=874&amp;q=95&amp;src=/pixel/Pixel11-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://www.studio505.com.au/admin-resources/image-tools.php?w=874&amp;q=95&amp;src=/pixel/Pixel11-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The building's most amazing architectural feature is it's colorful panel facade made with recycled materials whose purpose maximize daylight coming to each space, add more shade, and increase visibility to the exterior.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.studio505.com.au/admin-resources/image-tools.php?w=874&amp;q=97&amp;src=/pixel/pixel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.studio505.com.au/admin-resources/image-tools.php?w=874&amp;q=97&amp;src=/pixel/pixel1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The building designed by <a href="http://www.studio505.com.au/">studio 505</a> is so cutting edge that it will be considered environmental not only in Australia but also in the US with its LEED program&nbsp; and in the UK with the BREAM system {these systems are the ones that say if a building is a "green building" or not}.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.studio505.com.au/admin-resources/image-tools.php?w=430&amp;q=95&amp;src=/pixel/pixel18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.studio505.com.au/admin-resources/image-tools.php?w=430&amp;q=95&amp;src=/pixel/pixel18.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wouldn't it be amazing to work in a building that is not only great for the environment but also that looks like it belongs at a fashion magazine?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-2184673699010004010?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-52184465908502856552012-01-18T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-18T03:00:00.216-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the hottest exhibits going on right now is "Azzedine Alaïa in the 21st Century" at the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands. From the moment I discovered fashion magazines I remember top models like Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer wearing his creations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/sites/groningermuseum.nl/files/imagecache/slideshow/users/images/AZZEDINE_08kleiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/sites/groningermuseum.nl/files/imagecache/slideshow/users/images/AZZEDINE_08kleiner.jpg" width="285" /></a><a href="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/sites/groningermuseum.nl/files/imagecache/slideshow/users/images/AZZEDINE_07+kleiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/sites/groningermuseum.nl/files/imagecache/slideshow/users/images/AZZEDINE_07+kleiner.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/en/exhibition/azzedine-ala%C3%AF-21st-century"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The exhibit is organized by the materials the designer is famous for and displays some of his best designs as he is credited to be the creator of the bodysuit, the stretch dress and the casual Lycra shorts many of which are style in fashion today.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/sites/groningermuseum.nl/files/imagecache/slideshow/users/images/AZZEDINE_05+kleiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/sites/groningermuseum.nl/files/imagecache/slideshow/users/images/AZZEDINE_05+kleiner.jpg" width="285" /></a><a href="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/sites/groningermuseum.nl/files/imagecache/slideshow/users/images/AZZEDINE_06+kleiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/sites/groningermuseum.nl/files/imagecache/slideshow/users/images/AZZEDINE_06+kleiner.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/en/exhibition/azzedine-ala%C3%AF-21st-century"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His name is associated with elegance, sex appeal, style, self confidence, glamour and style. The exhibit includes the designer's work of the 21st century and it's sort of a follow up of the 1998 exhibit that presented his work of the previous decades.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/09.jpg" width="285" /></a><a href="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/12.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/azzedine-alaia-in-the-2st-century-exhibition/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br />The Tunisian born designer is considered one of the last "couturiers" still active today and has even been named "the Sculptor of Women's Bodies". The pieces of the exhibit all belong to the his personal collection and he adjusted the dresses to fit the mannequins.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/10.jpg" width="285" /></a><a href="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/20.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/azzedine-alaia-in-the-2st-century-exhibition/azzedine-alaa%C2%AFa-9/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Al_GM13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Al_GM13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/azzedine-alaia-in-the-2st-century-exhibition/al_gm13/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Al_GM09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://trendland.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Al_GM09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendland.net/azzedine-alaia-in-the-2st-century-exhibition/al_gm09/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br />Finally, here is a video of the opening of the exhibit...<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/33584179?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/33584179">Azzedine Alaïa in the 21st Century</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/groningermuseum">Groninger Museum</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Have a great and glamorous day! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5218446590850285655?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-60354473581238303612012-01-17T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-17T03:00:02.556-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Over the weekend I went to an area of Miami called the Wynwood Art District which is an area that counts with over forty galleries, five museums, three collections, seven art complexes, twelve art studios and five art fairs. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NF_N8cn3Z5I/TxM17B1ImnI/AAAAAAAAC74/Co_edHb6oHc/s1600/CIMG3760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NF_N8cn3Z5I/TxM17B1ImnI/AAAAAAAAC74/Co_edHb6oHc/s640/CIMG3760.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The second Saturday of ever month the businesses of belonging to the Wynwood Art District Association host what they call the <a href="http://wynwoodartwalk.com/">Art Walk</a> where all the galleries feature work for artists from all over the world.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldH2jwVsOtQ/TxM5PsNHp6I/AAAAAAAAC8A/3lnf8Ctl4Is/s1600/CIMG3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldH2jwVsOtQ/TxM5PsNHp6I/AAAAAAAAC8A/3lnf8Ctl4Is/s640/CIMG3766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am happy to say that this monthly event has evolved from a small event that attracted those with a funky artistic personality to a community art attraction where you can find the crazies to the eccentrics to art lovers and enthusiasts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhUoLya1fd8/TxM8Q12K66I/AAAAAAAAC8I/27m0za8656c/s1600/CIMG3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhUoLya1fd8/TxM8Q12K66I/AAAAAAAAC8I/27m0za8656c/s640/CIMG3771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To make things even better there are a wide variety of option to eat and drink... As in many other parts of the US, Miami has become a food truck town and this event is perfect for them, because as you move from one gallery to the next you can enjoy a fish taco, a craft beer and even an Italian ice cream.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXMr1zAQe3k/TxM9G3JQjpI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/em9mYb-PdNE/s1600/CIMG3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXMr1zAQe3k/TxM9G3JQjpI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/em9mYb-PdNE/s640/CIMG3796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a long time resident of Miami, I am delighted that an event like this has not only brought art for all of the people but has also helped to revitalize a part of town that for many years was considered dangerous and definitely not the place where you wanted to go out at night. This event is proof that the arts bring communities together and help turn depressed cities and neighborhoods into exciting and prosperous areas for business, food and entertainment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdmErgTHvHM/TxM_YMuCEkI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/1Evt6zqvQMw/s1600/CIMG3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdmErgTHvHM/TxM_YMuCEkI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/1Evt6zqvQMw/s640/CIMG3797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and look around because there's inspiration everywhere!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6035447358123830361?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-6484810462771701022012-01-16T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-16T03:00:03.852-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Hope everyone had a great weekend... I didn't make it to the Iron Lady but will do today taking advantage of the holiday. Also, I am very happy that I finally got most of the changes done on the layout including tabs at the top, new colors {inspired on this year's Tangerine Tango}, and a simpler format to display image and information better.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210331_ikea_matplats_7000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210331_ikea_matplats_7000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've always been amazed at the amazing images by Swedish photographer <a href="http://www.carlkleiner.com/">Carl Kleiner</a>. His most famous collaborations are those with IKEA {writing this post on one of their desks} which I believe are quite perfect because his simple yet modern style matches the philosophy of style and simplicity that are the signature of the home goods giant {all images from Carl's website}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210307_ikea_familjekit_5000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210307_ikea_familjekit_5000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His latest project teamed him up with stylist Evelina Kleiner and the were commissioned to use the typical budget one would have to buy a kitchen to put together the elements for the images.<br />&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210613_ikea_startkit_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210613_ikea_startkit_1000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These images really help IKEA break out from the reputation they have in many places and an inexpensive&nbsp; brand {like in the US where you find in every dorm room} and gives people ideas on how to best use their products and create a space that is not just affordable but also well designed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210614_ikea_kastrull_3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210614_ikea_kastrull_3000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210510_ikea_fest_2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://www.carlkleiner.com/images/albums/20111230-210510_ikea_fest_2000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The collaboration started when Carl photographed the IKEA cookbook named <i>Hembakat är Bäst</i> (<i>Homemade Is Best</i>) which is only available in Sweden {if I'm not mistaken!}. Here is a video from that first collaboration...<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20838317?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/20838317">Ikea - Art of cooking - Make sushi!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/carlkleiner">Carl Kleiner</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and to those in the US...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> have a nice MLK day... don't forget to follow your dreams!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-648481046277170102?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-1905260784864609172012-01-13T11:16:00.002-05:002012-01-13T11:40:25.819-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">This has been another crazy week around here and I'm happy Friday is here so I have a few days to put my mind at ease. This weekend I'm planning to go and see the Iron Lady with Meryl Streep. I guess for those of us who did not live in the UK or were not old enough to understand her, we have a less political view of the movie and will be able to enjoy it much better... ha!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.miamibeach411.com/ee/images/uploads/South_Beach_Surfing_%28by_Carlos_Miller%29-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.miamibeach411.com/ee/images/uploads/South_Beach_Surfing_%28by_Carlos_Miller%29-19.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.miamibeach411.com/news/surfers-brave-south-beach-chill"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Adding to the craziness this week, Miami Beach was going to restrict surfers from practicing their sport in large areas of the beach and finally it got settled... cheers to those guys who fought and won! On that note, I want to mention to check out the first link to get a good laugh provided to us by the always good looking Gerard Butler.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are these weeks links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1dftj4V4sI">Gerard's Embarrassing Moment</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fiw-apple-china-20120114,0,7243366.story">Apple's Riots in China</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/13/stephen-colbert-president-super-pac-jon-stewart">Stephen for President???&nbsp;</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/fashion/straight-talk-a-new-breed-of-fashion-bloggers.html?hpw">A New Breed of Fashion Bloggers </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2012/01/the-envelopes-are-in-no-no-not-the-ones-with-the-round-trip-airplane-tickets-to-italy-along-with-directions-to-george-c.html">Golden Globes Predictions</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/gallery/2012/jan/13/style-lessons-silent-movie-stars-in-pictures">Silent Movie Stars Fashions</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG9012299/Critics-Choice-Awards-2012-red-carpet-fashion.html">Critic's Choice Red Carpet </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/11/glamour-1000-men-survey_n_1200345.html">Surveying Men</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/arts/design/damien-hirsts-spot-paintings-at-gagosian-in-eight-cities.html?_r=1">Spot on Damien Hirst</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/filmblog/2012/jan/13/ricky-gervais-golden-globes-host">Advice for Ricky</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinkpicturegalleries/8989727/Top-ten-food-trends-for-2012.html">2012 Food Trends&nbsp;</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend my friends!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">P.S. I'm on <i><b><a href="http://pinterest.com/punctuationmark/">Pinterest</a></b></i> now... so check out my boards {pun intended today... ha!}&nbsp; </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-190526078486460917?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-43147004585222436372012-01-12T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-12T03:00:02.152-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">For the past year I've been the owner of a Rosemary plant. We've had our ups and downs especially because it is difficult to grow anything in my balcony due to the hot Miami sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv5en8qatH1qa7bd1o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv5en8qatH1qa7bd1o1_500.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://rainydaysandblankets.tumblr.com/post/13488822755">Image Credit</a></i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I guess I saw myself taking the little leaves or branches out of the plant in order to make some delicious roasted potatoes or adding it to a pasta sauce... but somehow it's not happening. Also, I love the beautiful color of its flowers so I could decorate napkins when I have dinner parties or putting in the sink for the smell.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frolic-blog.com/.a/6a00d83451c0f869e2014e5f23e2e6970c-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.frolic-blog.com/.a/6a00d83451c0f869e2014e5f23e2e6970c-pi" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frolic-blog.com/weddings/the-portfolio.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ancient cultures believe that rosemary had to be used by brides and groom alike on the day of their wedding as a symbol of fidelity and abundance - a tradition that has remained until today.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://morganmoore.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c51ba53ef0120a96e0fb3970b-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://morganmoore.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c51ba53ef0120a96e0fb3970b-800wi" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://morganmoore.typepad.com/one_more_moore/2010/03/spring-is-here.html#comment-6a00d8341c51ba53ef0120a9772f44970b"><i>Image Credit and Recipe</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When taken in small doses this fragrant herb has medicinal properties as anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant. I've seen it used in infusions to add shine to dark colored hair&nbsp; by boiling 2 or 3 sprigs in 1 gallon of water use it more concentrated in inhalations when you have are congested due to a cold. Please be careful because some people have shown to have allergic reactions to this remedies!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/images/2011/09/20110919-171221_pearrosemarycocktail-seasonalcocktails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/images/2011/09/20110919-171221_pearrosemarycocktail-seasonalcocktails.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/09/drinking-in-season-pear-rosemary-cocktail-recipe-pear-brandy.html?utm_source=Serious+Eats+Newsletters&amp;utm_campaign=f45cafebbd-Serious_Eats_Recipe_Newsletter_September_28_2011&amp;utm_medium=email"><i>Image Credit and Recipe</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, here are a few recipes using this versatile herb:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/313290/pan-roasted-rosemary-potatoes">Pan-Roasted Rosemary Potatoes</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whatscook.in/rosemary-pecans-recipe/">Rosemary Pecans</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/343609/lime-rosemary-water">Lime Rosemary Water</a><br /><a href="http://realsustenance.com/rosemary-sage-stuffing-paleo-style-grainglutendairysoycorn-free/">Rosemary Bread {Gluten Free} </a><br /><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rosemary-limoncello-10000001683579/">Rosemary Limoncello</a><br /><br />Have a great day!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4314700458522243637?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-28908774009911345152012-01-11T10:37:00.002-05:002012-01-11T10:40:21.008-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">A few after I won the rubber stamp I got and email from Joanna at <a href="http://simpleblueprint.typepad.com/">Simple Blueprint</a> that I had won a giveaway from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CirclePrints">Circle Prints</a>, a super cute print shop on Etsy {all images by Circle Prints}. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.255556921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.255556921.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><br />And so I selected this beautiful print called "I left my Hear in London"... I haven't yet but thought it was adorable and have to admit that I'm tempted to get the one about LA {you know I have a special love for Angelinos}. But you can really get them customized to fit any city you love or you left a loved one...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cloudandconfetti.com/item_images/CA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cloudandconfetti.com/item_images/CA.png" /></a></div><br />Besides that there are a few really cute ones for other spaces in your house...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.224238068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.224238068.jpg" width="252" /></a><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.272819075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.272819075.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.239663568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.239663568.jpg" width="253" /></a><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.233088067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.233088067.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Have a great day!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-2890877400991134515?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-80303770538993063642012-01-10T03:00:00.000-05:002012-01-10T03:00:02.928-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">A few weeks ago I won a wonderful giveaway by Jessica at <a href="http://birdietobe.blogspot.com/">Birdie To Be</a>... a custom rubber stamp from <a href="http://primele.com/index.html">Primele Creative Studio</a>. After a few weeks of looking at their portfolio I decided I wanted a Thank You stamp they have so I can use it in any occasion (all images by Primele).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FX1THUFvPs8/TwuzGLWLqSI/AAAAAAAAC54/2_JRf2N2_1c/s1600/primele_thankyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FX1THUFvPs8/TwuzGLWLqSI/AAAAAAAAC54/2_JRf2N2_1c/s400/primele_thankyou.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I can do something like this...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://primele.com/core/img/gallery/thankyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://primele.com/core/img/gallery/thankyou.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They can customize the stamp to fit your needs...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/2392/products/portstamp_fawnsberg_final_grande.jpg?100594" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/2392/products/portstamp_fawnsberg_final_grande.jpg?100594" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love their other brand called Fawnsberg which is their new collection of stationery...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/2392/products/FB105CoraBouquet_grande.jpg?100594" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/2392/products/FB105CoraBouquet_grande.jpg?100594" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And this one too...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/2392/products/FB110Camp_grande.jpg?100594" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/2392/products/FB110Camp_grande.jpg?100594" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8030377053899306364?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-11905140058170555192012-01-09T01:52:00.000-05:002012-01-11T10:40:07.542-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Winter white is referred to as those shades of white that some with the winter season {in Miami there's only one white year long... ha!}. I've always been amazed that it's called white because it's more like shades of ivory, tan, cream and parchment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.qbank.se/bauer/getMedia.php?type=medium&amp;id=25461" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://api.qbank.se/bauer/getMedia.php?type=medium&amp;id=25461" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.agentbauer.com/stylists/lobjurulf/propstylingsetdesign/25621-_y5u7841a.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6560516011_e979b23a00_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6560516011_e979b23a00_b.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55397648@N00/6560516011/in/photostream">&nbsp;Image Credit</a></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theselby.com/2_15_11_AngelikaTaschen/slides/2_15_11_AngelikaTaschen11627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://theselby.com/2_15_11_AngelikaTaschen/slides/2_15_11_AngelikaTaschen11627.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><i><a href="http://theselby.com/2_15_11_AngelikaTaschen/">&nbsp;Image Credit</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bungalow5.dk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/seng-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://bungalow5.dk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/seng-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><a href="http://bungalow5.dk/arets-kob-hos-allan-lllp/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=arets-kob-hos-allan-lllp">Image Credit</a></i><br /><br />Have a cool Monday!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">P.S. I wanted to remind you of upcoming advertising opportunities in this blog... Ads will start appearing in February, so if you or someone you know is interested in finding out more just <a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com"><i>EMAIL ME!</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-1190514005817055519?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-84550410877038578382012-01-06T12:27:00.002-05:002012-01-06T12:27:21.716-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Thank God it has arrived... What a week! between the beginning of the year and having a little home repair emergency at home and continuing the exhausting job search I'm very happy Friday is here! I sort of feel everyone is still in some holiday lull and hope it's sort of gone by next week so things can get moving again... hmm!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_inspiration_storage_samla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_inspiration_storage_samla.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/inspiration/stada-undan-julen"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, today the decorations are out and Three Kings Day is on... for those who asked yesterday, I'm not baking today but will be going out somewhere for a nice piece of cake and coffee and a little payer!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are this week's links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-gas-prices-20120106,0,2326955.story?track=icymi">The Future of Gas Prices</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG8994782/Sorry-ladies-those-boob-jobs-are-just-too-low-rent-for-high-fashion.html">Fashion Vs Boob Jobs </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/gallery/2012/jan/06/adventure-holiday-ideas-planner-2012-in-pictures">Adventure Planner 2012</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-diet-rankings-us-news-20120104,0,7350402.story">The DASH Diet</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/05/sarah-palin-top-chef-reality-tv_n_1185913.html?ref=culture">Tax Payer's Money and Reality TV </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/8997648/Epiphany-and-Orthodox-Christmas-around-the-world.html">Epiphany Around the World </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/jan/05/brusselicious-brussels-food-festival-top-10">Brussels Food Year</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-christie/anja-niedringhaus-interview_b_1185761.html?ref=culture#590535">Photojournalist Stories </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/02/a-recipe-for-simplifying-life-ditch-all-the-recipes/?ref=health">Simple Cooking</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203462304577138521022594412.html?mod=dist_smartbrief">A Little About Sweeteners </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/01/03/144616121/a-toast-to-fresh-festive-cocktails">Low Calorie Cocktails</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2012/jan/06/sicily-etna-volcano-erupts-video">Video of Mount Edna 2012 Eruption</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend and a Happy Three Kings Day / Epiphany!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8455041087703857838?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-79907917421467034562012-01-05T10:37:00.002-05:002012-01-05T10:37:51.027-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Or Three Kings day is the day that commemorates when the Three Wise Men delivered their gifts to baby Jesus {celebrated tomorrow January 6th}. It is celebrated all over the world mainly by Latin countries and communities, and traditionally christian countries like Spain. The religious name is the Feast of the Epiphany but in it has other names like Twelfth Night (England), O Dia de Reis (Brazil), and Loppiainen in Finland.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XreFgJbixRw/SWIIWlQS8FI/AAAAAAAABsg/fjGaqnXz7TM/s1600/Quattro-490pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XreFgJbixRw/SWIIWlQS8FI/AAAAAAAABsg/fjGaqnXz7TM/s1600/Quattro-490pixels.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cannellevanille.com/2009/01/rosca-de-reyes-and-galette-des-rois.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Rosca de Reyes and galettes des rois a sweet breads or tarts that are traditionally served on this day and baked inside of them is a baby Jesus or favor, and whoever gets it their piece is the person who will host the prayer on this day. Check out the recipes for each of them:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/calling-all-cooks/galette-des-rois-king-cake-recipe/index.html">Galette du Rois</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ingrid-hoffmann/three-kings-bread-rosca-de-reyes-recipe/index.html">Rosca de Reyes</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As a final thought, for many of us the day is also the end of the Christmas season and for me the day when I put away all my Christmas decorations... so in the spirit of have an organized home I wanted to leave all of you with some tips from my favorite organization expert, Mrs. Stewart!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/266204/storing-christmas-lights?czone=home/organized-home/easy-organizers&amp;center=276989&amp;gallery=275278&amp;slide=266204">Christmas Light Storing</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/266589/storing-wrapping-paper?czone=home/organized-home/easy-organizers&amp;center=276989&amp;gallery=275278&amp;slide=266589">Storing Wrapping Paper</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/272877/safe-ornament-storage?czone=home/organized-home/easy-organizers&amp;center=276989&amp;gallery=275278&amp;slide=220537">Ornament Storage</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day my friends!</div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-7990791742146703456?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-53347567679352460102012-01-04T12:39:00.001-05:002012-01-04T12:45:12.193-05:00It is the name of a small town in Virginia and as a matter of fact the very first town to be called Washington in all of the US {there are 28 Washington's in total}. The town in all is 5 blocks long and 2 blocks wide just like it was when George Washington laid it out back in 1749.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncybws4U0hQ/TwSGDH_deZI/AAAAAAAAC14/NZ_5qqRkK_Y/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncybws4U0hQ/TwSGDH_deZI/AAAAAAAAC14/NZ_5qqRkK_Y/s640/IMG_0031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the holidays when I visited my sister, the whole family went to take a look at the town and it's most famous resident, <a href="http://www.theinnatlittlewashington.com/">The Inn at Little Washington</a>. The little hotel is adorable and has a very comfortable atmosphere inside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3mm044NbFQ/TwSHQuqRPoI/AAAAAAAAC2E/7oPMuIAY4mA/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3mm044NbFQ/TwSHQuqRPoI/AAAAAAAAC2E/7oPMuIAY4mA/s640/IMG_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The hotel counts with a restaurant that has received one of the highest honors in the travel industry, the AAA's 5 diamond award as well as several James Beard Awards {like the Oscars for food}.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlNr6mOS8DE/TwSLgMoOj_I/AAAAAAAAC2k/9_eG3yCB0wo/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlNr6mOS8DE/TwSLgMoOj_I/AAAAAAAAC2k/9_eG3yCB0wo/s640/IMG_0032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The area surrounding the hotel is full of vineyards and farms that make it a great place to get out of the craziness of the city and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and it's only an hour and a half from DC.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dX4khX7xPY/TwSPAHtVmFI/AAAAAAAAC3s/HjtW7lc2C_Q/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dX4khX7xPY/TwSPAHtVmFI/AAAAAAAAC3s/HjtW7lc2C_Q/s400/IMG_0036.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FMQAwucX30/TwSPFWkEYwI/AAAAAAAAC34/uRUVqsKlNwk/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FMQAwucX30/TwSPFWkEYwI/AAAAAAAAC34/uRUVqsKlNwk/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!!!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5334756767935246010?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-48637319229975505482012-01-03T01:36:00.001-05:002012-01-03T01:36:53.156-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Hope everyone started 2012 with the right foot... for sure I did with some of my very best friends while enjoying of the fireworks and some champagne. On the other hand, I've been working on the changes I was hoping to have ready for today but life got in the way and the whole "changes plan" got a bit pushed back... ha!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For sure one of the most difficult task has been putting together the plan for advertising and have to thank <a href="http://www.avillagetown.com/">Krystal </a>and <a href="http://diana212m.blogspot.com/">Diana </a>for their valuable advice. So, if you are interested on the opportunity or know of someone who do not hesitate on sending me an <a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com"><i>EMAIL</i> </a>to get all the details about what pricing and marketing opportunities... Look forward to hearing from you!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/34047962?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;color=e91c6b" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/34047962">Yves Béhar :: Why Designers Should Be In Love With The Process</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/the99percent">99%</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">To start the year I wanted to leave you with a video from one of the most influential designers of our time... Yves Béhar. He is a visionary, innovator and an activist who strongly believes the importance design has in making our lives a better place. His presentation is inspirational {please watch it when you have some time!} as we enter a new year with lots of hope and full of renovated energy after the holiday break.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and be creative!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4863731922997550548?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-65848685598754597962011-12-30T01:16:00.001-05:002011-12-30T01:16:31.741-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">As I expressed yesterday, 2011 was a year of change for so many of us and this world we live in. As we move into a whole new year it's good to look back into the things that happened in our personal lives and how the external forces of change shaped us. It is very important to reflect on how much we changed and make a conscious decision to keep on improving the good change... but it is also important to identify what we need to leave behind and do it for good as if it was a detox.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blender.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/WS_HOL_NEWYEAR_46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://blender.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/WS_HOL_NEWYEAR_46.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.williams-sonoma.com/recipes-for-your-weekend-table-7/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Leave behind old grievances, bad feelings, low self esteem, negative thoughts, toxic relationships and everything that makes will make you say "I can't". Once you've said good bye to all those bad habits and things that drag you down... then you welcome the new year along with a whole new YOU! I leave behind the most toxic thing you can drag with you in life, fear. It makes me feel bad and doesn't allow me to move forward and look into a brighter future. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once again I thank you for an amazing 2011, for spending your precious time with me, and for sharing your thoughts about so many topics covered in here throughout 2011... Thank you from the bottom of my heart!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I wish you and you family lots of happiness and success for 2012!!!</b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6584868559875459796?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-49124835509106948812011-12-29T12:44:00.005-05:002011-12-29T12:44:58.320-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">As we close the year I want to dedicate this post to some of the best news I posted on the Friday links during 2011. This was a year full of news that ranged from the beautiful to the tragic to life changing... From royal wedding in Europe and Asia, to natural disasters in Japan and Central America this year certainly proved to be full of opportunities and challenges fro everyone! On this news I've tried to offer a wide variety of topics that I hope entertained and educated all of you...<br /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>January</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jan/02/keep-fit-on-cheap%20">Keep Fit on Cheap</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-organic-wine-20110106,0,3405605.story%20">About Organic Wine</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20094671/tumblr_lwqdf0LFBo1r5ho8co1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20094671/tumblr_lwqdf0LFBo1r5ho8co1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20094671"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>February</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/workouts/plan-ideal-walking-workout-10000001159124/index.html">Ideal Walking Workout </a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/134312/walking-fitness-low-impact-head-toe-benefits">Low Impact Fitness </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/15610073/200132_1951915524637_1445103867_32266389_7647504_n_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/15610073/200132_1951915524637_1445103867_32266389_7647504_n_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/15610073"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>March</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/the-place/">Traveling London</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/8404652/Edith-Piafs-love-letters-reveal-her-passion-for-cyclist.html">In Edith's Words</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18019359/tumblr_lokg1heJAx1qgjx9eo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18019359/tumblr_lokg1heJAx1qgjx9eo1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/18019359"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><i>April</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Crazy month so I have no links this month... ouch!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16508299/hello_april_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16508299/hello_april_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/16508299"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>May</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG8495074/Sophia-Loren-a-celebration-of-style-in-pictures.html">Sophia's Style</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/may/05/food-prices-global-warming%20">The Price of Food</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19050637/282136_1470327935025_1738433334_746909_475389_n_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19050637/282136_1470327935025_1738433334_746909_475389_n_large.jpg" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19050637"><i>Image Credit </i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>June</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/georgemonbiot/2011/jun/30/sustainable-cities-urban-planning%20">Sustainable cities?</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/07/using-cash-could-lead-to-healthier-eating_n_892604.html">Cash or Charge?</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19879454/tumblr_lwod5nZ0oM1ql5ingo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19879454/tumblr_lwod5nZ0oM1ql5ingo1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19879454"><i>Image Credit </i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>July</i><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/french-style-icons-bastille-day_n_895727.html">French Style Icons</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/22/working-mothers-no-harm-children%20">About Working Moms</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19822313/5697567805_8392ef0bb6_b_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19822313/5697567805_8392ef0bb6_b_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19822313"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>August</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2011/08/liquid-gold.html%20">Cali Olive Oil</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/2011/aug/26/fashion-fixers-advice-jeans">Jean Advice</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20192808/tumblr_lwz2s80udi1qd82syo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20192808/tumblr_lwz2s80udi1qd82syo1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20192808"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>September</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://the99percent.com/tips/7072/Why-Success-Always-Starts-With-Failure">Success Vs Failure</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.inc.com/articles/201109/demo-days-coolest-ideas.html%20">Business Cool Ideas</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/food/articles/2011/09/14/20110914herbs-spices-health-benefits.html">Herbs + Spices = Healthy</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/14713812/6146998530_a8ce695829_o_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/14713812/6146998530_a8ce695829_o_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/14713812"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>October</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG8810467/Paris-Fashion-Week-Behind-the-scenes-at-Chanel.html">Behind The Scenes at Chanel</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.businessoffashion.com/2011/10/the-business-of-blogging-the-sartorialist.html">Scott's Point of View</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20141081/tumblr_lloq3zftrw1qaop77o1_1280_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20141081/tumblr_lloq3zftrw1qaop77o1_1280_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20141081"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>November</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-shambaugh/regaining-energy-focus_b_1063594.html?ref=healthy-living">Refocus and Recharge</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/02/america-problem-sex-education">The Problem with Sex Education</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/nov/11/seven-natural-wonders-of-the-world%20">7 Wonders of the Natural World</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20154358/9aa56380fb48f0f04414c8a2cd0f0a6790efc4a2_m_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20154358/9aa56380fb48f0f04414c8a2cd0f0a6790efc4a2_m_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20154358"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>December</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16036387">What Does the Eurozone Want</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2011/dec/16/women-of-year-2011-in-pictures#/?picture=383372955&amp;index=0">Women of the Year</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/grrlscientist/2011/dec/22/1%20">The Science of Santa</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20194944/tumblr_lm6xnvMV3a1qcrsn7o1_500_large_large_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20194944/tumblr_lm6xnvMV3a1qcrsn7o1_500_large_large_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20194944"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day... 2012 is almost here!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4912483550910694881?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-39964398383081332592011-12-28T01:54:00.002-05:002011-12-28T01:54:26.299-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">In my family we have quiet a few, some are silly and others are not so much but I always do them and somehow things always work out just fine... haha!!! In the US there are not that many traditions or superstitions that happen on New Year's Eve so I'll go over a few that I know from other countries for your adoption and enjoyment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20077079/Screen-shot-2011-12-22-at-6.01.52-PM_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20077079/Screen-shot-2011-12-22-at-6.01.52-PM_large.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20077079"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Brazil people take advantage of the summer weather and go out and hold outdoor parties all over the country. They dress in white and make an offering to the goddess of water and priestess of the New Year, Yemanja.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42402000/jpg/_42402449_copa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42402000/jpg/_42402449_copa.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6221869.stm"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In Madrid, Spain {similar and in NY} people bundle up and go the square called La Puerta del Sol and ring the New Year. Following that they eat 12 grapes for good luck for the 12 months or the year and make wishes for each one of them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spain.info/export/sites/spain-info/comun/galeria_imagenes/fiestas_eventos/p_psol_madrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spain.info/export/sites/spain-info/comun/galeria_imagenes/fiestas_eventos/p_psol_madrid.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spain.info/en/reportajes/nochevieja_madrid_barcelona.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Many Latin American countries have the superstition of wearing colored underwear to bring the luck on certain areas of their lives. Yellow symbolizes money, pink is for friendship and red is used for luck in love... all pieces have to be the same color and completely solid without decorations in other colors.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45339000/jpg/_45339051_pg_mexico_ap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45339000/jpg/_45339051_pg_mexico_ap.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7800000/newsid_7806400/7806432.stm"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many European countries like England practice the first-footing tradition in which the first guest to your house must be a man and he should enter using the right foot. Also, this person should bring a good luck gift like money, bread or wine.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42402000/jpg/_42402299_eye_getty416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42402000/jpg/_42402299_eye_getty416.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6221869.stm"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I said, some are crazy and others are just fun. Now tell me my dear friends, do you have any traditions or superstitions? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a nice day and hope you're getting ready for Saturday!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-3996439838308133259?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-7324411705772643782011-12-27T12:29:00.004-05:002011-12-27T12:29:52.200-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">First of all I hope everyone had tons of fun over Christmas and found many gifts under your tree... I'm sure at this point you're planning your New Year's celebration. As you start making you're resolutions for 2012 here are a few tips to change your year on the money front.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20000158/tumblr_lwt9x48f0y1r5l1k7o1_1280_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20000158/tumblr_lwt9x48f0y1r5l1k7o1_1280_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20000158"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br />1. Know the difference between "I Need" and "I want". Many people today have no idea about it and go on spending their hard earned cash in things that end up hidden at the back of their closets and never used. This is key in making your all your resolutions work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19974387/402809_2664474904649_1639293425_2456340_197012986_n_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19974387/402809_2664474904649_1639293425_2456340_197012986_n_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19974387"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Make sure that you can pay all your bills at the end of the month with the money you have coming in. People who spend more that what they earn accumulate a lot of debt over time and end up drowning in it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19913026/tumblr_lvtb8kcwgo1r0tgtpo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19913026/tumblr_lvtb8kcwgo1r0tgtpo1_500_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19913026"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. If you're spending more than you earn then take a good look at your expenses and analyze where you can cut some things that you really "don't need". Shopping and eating out all the time are examples of things you can cut back and will make a dramatic difference in your monthly spending.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18768627/tumblr_luyfwqCUrp1qdqv28o1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18768627/tumblr_luyfwqCUrp1qdqv28o1_500_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/18768627"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Credit cards can be your best friend or your worst enemy as they accumulate both benefits and debt. Make sure you have one that gives you the benefits that best fit your needs and lifestyle like cash back, airline miles, or points are your favorite stores like Target or Amazon. But, beware of that debt you're accumulating... you'll have to pay for it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19772758/4_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19772758/4_large.jpg" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19772758"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> 5. If you currently have the kind of debt that come in the form of car payments and home mortgage try to see if you can refinance it in order to pay a lower interest rate {they are really low right now}. Another thing you can do to reduce it is to pay a little extra in order to reduce the interest you pay every month... it works wonders especially on your credit score.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great day and hope you're enjoying the holiday break!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-732441170577264378?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-22881993545116574892011-12-23T00:54:00.002-05:002011-12-23T00:54:26.220-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">At 12pm I'll be on my way to spend Christmas with my sister and her family in DC {hoping for a smooth ride at the airport!} carrying goodies for everyone like a little Santa FedEx. We are looking forward to the celebration because we are going to do it in the same way it used to be back at my parents with a nice Christmas Eve celebration and opening the presents on Christmas morning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ue6JmgLGeB4/TRte3Xy1_6I/AAAAAAAACjQ/GwLwEA2IiiU/s1600/CIMG1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ue6JmgLGeB4/TRte3Xy1_6I/AAAAAAAACjQ/GwLwEA2IiiU/s640/CIMG1218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #666666;">&nbsp;Image of my mother's nativity scene brought from Bolivia by my sister</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are this weeks' links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-chinese-grandma-20111222,0,6795138.story">Asian Twist on Christmas</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/22/christmas-traditions-around-the-world_n_1160787.html?ref=religion#s565713&amp;title=Georgia_Alilo">Christmas Around the World </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthpicturegalleries/8973228/Explorer-Camille-Seaman-visits-the-Arctic-and-Antarctica-to-photograph-The-Last-Iceberg.html">The Last Iceberg</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/holidays/la-reader-photos-scared-of-santa-20111209-ugc,0,1721130.ugcphotogallery#">Santa Scary Pictures</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/grrlscientist/2011/dec/22/1">The Science of Santa </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/la-et-christmas-carol-scrooge-pictures,0,4644435.photogallery">Christmas Carol's Many Faces</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/12/breaking-news-santa-claus-gets-air-space-clearance-from-faa.html">Santa's Ready for Takeoff</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/8965657/Welcome-to-Christmas-Town-USA.html">Christmas Town </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/christmas-trees-photos_n_1130630.html?ref=religion#s528769&amp;title=Gubbio_Italy">Christmas Trees Around the World</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcus-samuelsson/how-food-politics-can-aff_b_1165169.html?ref=yahoo&amp;ir=Yahoo">Marcus on Food Politics</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/nutritionnation/post/2011/12/Eat-Drink-38-Be-Wary/583676/1">Eating and the Holiday Season </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/22/jesus-the-year-bethlehem-closed">The Future of Bethlehem</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2011/dec/16/women-of-year-2011-in-pictures#/?picture=383372955&amp;index=0">Women of the Year</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great Christmas weekend, enjoy and don't forget it's about the feeling and not the presents...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas!!! Feliz Navidad!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-2288199354511657489?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-59889582879791361812011-12-22T03:00:00.000-05:002011-12-22T03:00:17.135-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Dear Santa: Last year I got 3 out of 5 thing I ask from you which is a pretty good record and they were things I really needed. Here is my list for this year:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webcor.com/files/cache/cdd63283542c664f2e486daf27c67e63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.webcor.com/files/cache/cdd63283542c664f2e486daf27c67e63.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webcor.com/projects/all-projects/hospitality/w-hotel-and-residences/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">That desire closest to my heart... work with the company that will allow me to be the professional and designer I can be.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0038/1592/files/our_products_quick_pop_maker.jpg?138" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0038/1592/files/our_products_quick_pop_maker.jpg?138" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zokuhome.com/pages/products-quickpop-maker"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I know I asked you for one of these last year but since I didn't get it and I looooove ice cream I though about asking for it again. Don't worry about the accessories because those I can get for myself. Also, I want to make some of the great recipes from this <a href="http://blog.zokuhome.com/"><i>BLOG</i></a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5401390303_154ebf46f4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5401390303_154ebf46f4_o.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tarteletteblog.com/2001/01/books.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Ever since I saw my sister getting this book I've wanted it. It would be a great reference book to take some amazing images on 2012. Maybe, you can through a weekend course with Helene... that would be fantastic!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/7168vsHL6GL._AA1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/7168vsHL6GL._AA1000_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T3i-Digital-Imaging-18-55mm/dp/B004J3V90Y/ref=pd_ts_zgc_e_3017941_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=electronics&amp;pf_rd_p=1270018122&amp;pf_rd_s=right-5&amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;pf_rd_i=507846&amp;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_r=0JCG5H0ZFPJW921BWSRQ"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This of course will be to replace my little camera that even though it has been really faithful and there for me, I need to move on and improve in this area... and of course would be a great resource to make Punctuation Mark a better blog!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19718496/5389570677_33bc783406_b_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19718496/5389570677_33bc783406_b_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19718496"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, I want to get on a plane and see new things, meet new people and eat great local foods... I just want to travel many, many, many times in 2012!!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and hope you're all done with your shopping!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5988958287979136181?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-19046298621177352082011-12-21T12:36:00.001-05:002011-12-21T12:36:55.618-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">This time of the year can be quite stressful for many people... especially those who are hosting parties, traveling or having to wrap tons of toys for the little ones. Today I want to share with all of you some tips on how to relax a bit so you are good kids all the way until Sunday!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_rustik_dukning_inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_rustik_dukning_inspiration.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/node/27454/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. This time of the year a lot of people get nostalgic about the past and what the future will bring which can cause for you to get down and stresses. Instead of doing that try a positive approach to things and allow yourself to enjoy the present and not think about the "if's".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_advent_annaleena_inspiration_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_advent_annaleena_inspiration_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/inspiration/gastbloggare-valkommen-kara-juletid"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Allow plenty of time to get things done because these days there's so much traffic that going anywhere seems like a million years and every store or supermarket are more crowded. To avoid this craziness try to get there when they open or an hour before they close... even the sales people are friendly at those hours!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_yrsno_giftwrap_inspiration_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_yrsno_giftwrap_inspiration_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/inspiration/julpyssel-fina-paket"><i> Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Be realistic about your expectations and try to always have a plan B in case things don't go as planned. For example, don't try to change your family on your Christmas party because everyone is there to celebrate and avoid at all cost controversial topics of conversation. Also, get an extra gift like a bottle or wine or something like that in case someone shows up unannounced.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_christmas_candy_inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_christmas_candy_inspiration.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/inspiration/present-pa-burk"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>4. Get enough sleep... the lack or it will get you more tired and sensitive to anything that goes right or wrong. If for any reason due to stress you're having trouble sleeping try to drink a sleeping tea or go to your natural supermarket and get one of their natural remedies so you can get your sleeping schedule back on track.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_pop_christmas_inspiration_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_pop_christmas_inspiration_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_pop_christmas_inspiration_2.jpg"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Treat yourself... this time some people feel they are the last thing on their list. Take some time for a cup of coffee and a magazine alone at some coffee shop, get a haircut and blow dry in order to look good, buy yourself a little treat {but don't blow your budget either!}, or just go out for a nice walk to clear your mind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_pepparkaka_inspiration_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/ikea_pepparkaka_inspiration_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/inspiration/fira-pepparkakan-idag"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Last but not least... If you're traveling check out my post on <a href="http://www.thepunctuationmark.com/2011/11/traveling-on-thanksgiving.html"><i>Holiday Travel</i></a> for tips on how to make it easier for you to get there without many complication and losing your mind along with your luggage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to wish a Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating it over the next few days...</div><div style="text-align: center;">wish you the best and enjoy this time with your family and friends!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a nice day!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-1904629862117735208?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-88529297742467414902011-12-20T12:25:00.000-05:002011-12-20T12:25:26.230-05:00Pfeffernüsse! They are on your supper market Christmas food aisle and they are round and spicy... and they are cookies!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/special_issues/2002/a99647_hol02_pfeffernussen_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/special_issues/2002/a99647_hol02_pfeffernussen_xl.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/318226/pfeffernussen"><i>Image Credit and Recipe</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I happen to love these cookies and have even made them to give away to people. I tried these "pepper nuts" {this is the translation of their name} for the first time at Epcot Center on a visit I made during the holiday season. Their origin is said to date back to the 12th century Germany and rapidly became popular in Denmark and the Netherlands.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img4.myrecipes.com/i/recipes/su/05/12/pfeffernusse-su-682740-x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img4.myrecipes.com/i/recipes/su/05/12/pfeffernusse-su-682740-x.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pfeffernsse-10000000682740/">Image Credit and Recipe</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In these countries they start showing up on the first days of December to celebrate the day of Sinterklaas and/or Saint Nikolas and baked throughout the Holiday season. The recipes vary from one country to the other but I love the ones that have pepper in them as well as other spices and some sort of nut {check out the recipes I included}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a sweet day and hope you are enjoying your Holiday baking!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8852929774246741490?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-8017439546931343832011-12-19T11:49:00.003-05:002011-12-19T11:49:40.565-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I can't believe I'm even thinking of this already but seems I have to... haha!!! Over the past few months I've been having tons of requests from people who want to advertise on the blog and after careful consideration I have decided that I will do it in order to make the necessary changes I want to the blog like it is a new look, content and giveaways, amongst other fun things I am planning!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weheart.co.uk/upload-images/blackboxcopen5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://www.weheart.co.uk/upload-images/blackboxcopen5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weheart.co.uk/2011/12/09/black-box-revelation-by-re-makere-model/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br />I'm working on the advertising package but if you are interested or know someone who will benefit from it, just leave me a message here or send me en <a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com"><i>EMAIL</i></a> and we can start that conversation.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a nice Monday my friends!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-801743954693134383?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-68289552758994038942011-12-17T13:01:00.003-05:002011-12-17T13:01:49.570-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I still cannot believe that I have no school obligations, no group projects, no pending payments, absolutely nothing that I owe to the education system... Having said that, the week proved to be busy beyond graduation as my family is visiting and I have to get my presents ready for all of them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://elleinterior.se/files/2011/11/bln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://elleinterior.se/files/2011/11/bln.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Christmas Market in Berlin</span> <a href="http://www.google.com/translate?u=http://elleinterior.se/resa-klappjakt-pa-julmarknader/&amp;sl=sv&amp;tl=en">{Image Credit}</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are these week's links {better late than never!}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/holiday-freebie-typographic-gift-tags">Printable Gift Tags</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/16/arab-spring-year-of-protest">A Year of Protests</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deirdre-le-faye/jane-austen-letters_b_1153966.html">Jane Austen's Letters </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/earth/the-age-of-energy/8916103/Climate-change-treaty-Durban.html?utm_source=tmg&amp;utm_medium=td_8916103&amp;utm_campaign=shell0312">From Tokyo to Durban</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theenvelope.latimes.com/news/la-et-golden-globe-nominations-20111215,0,686543.story">Golden Globe Nominations </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/15/holiday-dessert-recipes_n_1151518.html">Holiday Desserts </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/dec/14/sugar-subsititutes-sweet-and-sour">About Sugar Substitutes</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/8947153/The-Nutcracker-backstage-at-the-Royal-Ballet.html">The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/16/colds-facts_n_1152479.html?ref=healthy-living">All About Colds</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-travelzoo-predictions-20111215,0,4425574.story">Traveling in 2012</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/s3PeWy">Best Dresses According to the Telegraph</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope everyone's having a great weekend!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6828955275899403894?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-50421050273996863562011-12-15T11:14:00.000-05:002011-12-15T11:14:36.718-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">First of all I want to thank all of you for your good wishes on my graduation... It definitely is a huge investment and one I hope pays off real soon.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V2VX1arTVCY" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm sure most of you went to bed with this information and others {like me} woke up to find this out. I agree with <a href="http://www.time.com/time/person-of-the-year/2011/">Time Magazine</a> on their choice because people speaking up for their rights were everywhere this year... and hope that some of them get the change they deserve and long for.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/poy_r2_1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/poy_r2_1226.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/poy_r1_1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/poy_r1_1226.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/poy_r3_1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/poy_r3_1226.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/poy_r4_1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/poy_r4_1226.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Without going unnoticed other news makers got honorary mentions as "The Runners-Up", they were: <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102133_2102331,00.html">Ai Weiwei</a>, a Chinese dissident and revolutionary; <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102133_2102330,00.html">William McRaven</a>, who was instrumental in the attack on Bin Laden; <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102133_2102332,00.html">Paul Ryan</a>, as a realistic politician; and <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102133_2102333,00.html">Kate Middleton</a>, for being the change the Windsors needed {all images from Time Magazine}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/es_stein_1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2011/personoftheyear/images/mag_content/es_stein_1226.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102368,00.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, the magazine had the good sense to name Ryan Gosling as the coolest person of the year. I only got to see "Crazy Stupid Love" this year but I enjoyed it and loved his character. He got great reviews throughout the year on every movie he was on... so I think it's well deserved!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great "almost the weekend is here" day!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5042105027399686356?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-77381013936335219542011-12-13T03:00:00.000-05:002011-12-13T03:00:01.841-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">In the Fall of 2009 I decided to go back to school for many more reasons that just the desire of learning... Today, I am happy to say that since that time I've grown a lot, made some amazing friends and learned valuable lessons that go beyond the academic.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/3405298/fjhop3_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/3405298/fjhop3_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/3405298"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to thank my family for being there for me through the good, the bad and the countless hours of hearing me whine about all those terrible group projects... people are not much into excellence these days!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/10142461/301922278_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/10142461/301922278_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/10142461"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once again... I have to wish out loud that the desired job offer arrives soon as I am more than ready to rejoin the workforce, be at the top of my game and become the professional I've always wanted to be {wishing hard!!!}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19053807/image_gallery_large." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/19053807/image_gallery_large." /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19053807"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, thanks to all of you who have been there since then with amazing comments... Here's to tuning a new leaf and for amazing new things to come.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">THANKS!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-7738101393633521954?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-35547198415931269942011-12-12T10:47:00.002-05:002011-12-12T10:47:41.213-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I have always been fascinated at the fact that so many Christmas stories and traditions come from the northern part of Europe, especially Santa who is said to live in the Lapland which extends though Norway, Sweden, Finland and even Russia. So today I'm leaving you with some decor images from some of my favorite blogs from that part of the world!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bobedre.dk/files/bonnier-bob/imagecache/493x259/pictures/120039_11_0102_10nyny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bobedre.dk/files/bonnier-bob/imagecache/493x259/pictures/120039_11_0102_10nyny.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bobedre.dk/"><i>Via Bo Bedre</i> <i>Denmark</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.husohem.se/PageFiles/27384/Julpyssel_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.husohem.se/PageFiles/27384/Julpyssel_3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.husohem.se/"><i>Via Hus &amp; Hem Sweden</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJICvaC_io0/Tt5bhODC8BI/AAAAAAAAC60/YHNfJcm5hNk/s1600/lager+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJICvaC_io0/Tt5bhODC8BI/AAAAAAAAC60/YHNfJcm5hNk/s1600/lager+shop.jpg" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://konfettiform.blogspot.com/"><i>Via Konfetti Form Norway </i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoFHCBfQFGE/TuXUi6G46mI/AAAAAAAAGw4/xlsTA3dQG7g/s1600/13420_Marockansk-jul_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoFHCBfQFGE/TuXUi6G46mI/AAAAAAAAGw4/xlsTA3dQG7g/s1600/13420_Marockansk-jul_19.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.stylizimo.com/"><i>&nbsp;Via Stilizimo Norway</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great week!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-3554719841593126994?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-37057731921139222572011-12-09T03:00:00.000-05:002011-12-09T16:35:27.795-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow I say "see you soon" to my sister and her family 'til Christmas when I'll be coming to back to spend a few days with them. I have to say it's been a good week despite the my lack of preparedness for lower temperatures. I want to send a "Thank you" to Alena from <a href="http://www.ohitsjustperfect.com/">Oh, It's Just Perfect</a> for stopping by on Wednesday at the Downtown Market to pay me a visit, and another one in Advance to Brandi from <a href="http://www.notyouraverageordinary.com/">Not Your Average Ordinar</a>y for a lovely dinner tonight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01539381d59e970b-600wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01539381d59e970b-600wi" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/11/the-muppets-can-the-felt-y-and-wide-eyed-find-hipness.html"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the best things these week was taking the kids to see the Muppet movie which made me wish more that ever that they would come back and replace all the yelling people contaminating our screens these days... If you haven't seen it do yourselves a favor and run to the theater because I think you will enjoy it as much or even more than the little ones!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are the week's links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/christmas-picture-galleries/8943008/Bad-Christmas-jumpers.html">Best {Worst?} Christmas Sweaters</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-cookbooks-20111208,0,7904565.story">Cookbooks for Gifting</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/dec/08/durban-climate-change-conference?intcmp=122">Sustainable Talks</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2011/dec/08/hollywood-ivy-league-mens-fashion">Ivy League Looking Actors</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/07/healthiest-state-ranking-americas-health_n_1132745.html?ref=healthy-living">Healthiest States </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16036387">What Does the Eurozone Want?</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG8940853/Winter-fashion-How-to-look-hot-in-the-cold.html">Looking Hot in Winter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/gallery/2011/dec/08/claudia-cardinale-in-pictures">Claudia Cardinale in Pictures</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2011/12/lisa-ling-house-punchouse.html">At Home with Lisa Ling</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/loren-fishman-md/back-pain-alternative-therapies_b_1130344.html?ref=healthy-living">Alternative Cures to Back Pain</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend and see you next week!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-3705773192113922257?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-55003635215656916122011-12-07T00:04:00.001-05:002011-12-07T00:22:41.405-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Today I have very little strength for anything that crawling into bed because spent the whole day working the <a href="http://www.andsoiwhisper.com/2011/12/downtown-holiday-market-washington-dc.html">Downtown Holiday Market</a> in DC with my sister... and I'm exhausted.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKmMSRyCmKI/Tt71hfEXViI/AAAAAAAAC04/M8MahCOa2hg/s1600/CIMG3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKmMSRyCmKI/Tt71hfEXViI/AAAAAAAAC04/M8MahCOa2hg/s640/CIMG3614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I want to leave you today with some images from my visit to the Freer Sackler Galleries which are part of the Smithsonian Museum and feature Asian art.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y183PQAHZk/Tt72EHEJAgI/AAAAAAAAC1A/Xtu2IKY2Is4/s1600/CIMG3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y183PQAHZk/Tt72EHEJAgI/AAAAAAAAC1A/Xtu2IKY2Is4/s640/CIMG3619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My favorite pieces were all the amazing jewellery worn by Indian and South Pacific royalty. These pieces were mostly made of gold and encrusted with precious stone in intricate designs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtqXB8HJKzM/Tt72m3LKksI/AAAAAAAAC1I/EJkPKgwgLkU/s1600/CIMG3616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtqXB8HJKzM/Tt72m3LKksI/AAAAAAAAC1I/EJkPKgwgLkU/s640/CIMG3616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Civilizations from the Far East have been know through the ages as masters at the art of lacquer and inlay. Most of the pieces you can find there are small with amazing designs that today would cost a fortune because of the amount of time it would take to make the due to the super small size of the pieces.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yI7-h48zkM8/Tt73KUMiyHI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/Z5PtT7MYLFU/s1600/CIMG3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yI7-h48zkM8/Tt73KUMiyHI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/Z5PtT7MYLFU/s640/CIMG3623.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved this guy at the top because I thought he looked a lot like Shrek and was reminded that once a famous pottery designer said that he takes his inspiration from antiques at museums... so, do you think our favorite ogre was inspired out of ancient Asian pottery?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have an amazing day my friends!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5500363521565691612?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-81536030332414079882011-12-06T00:36:00.001-05:002011-12-06T00:48:18.414-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the best things of visiting a city like DC is that you get to see the whole country come together as one in events like the <a href="http://www.thenationaltree.org/">National Christmas Tree</a> in front of the White House.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BSWWZ6ZVT3E/Tt2qDMRwO-I/AAAAAAAAC0g/GX6eA1l8wKI/s1600/CIMG3608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BSWWZ6ZVT3E/Tt2qDMRwO-I/AAAAAAAAC0g/GX6eA1l8wKI/s640/CIMG3608.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The main tree is surrounded by an installation of little trains moving all around little towns and bridges. On the area surrounding the tree there are smaller trees representing all the states and territories belonging to the US. Each tree is decorated with clear balls that inside have scenes and objects representing each state.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gk10-sVJQ0/Tt2rQj19vyI/AAAAAAAAC0o/OhgNJEug5Ps/s1600/CIMG3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gk10-sVJQ0/Tt2rQj19vyI/AAAAAAAAC0o/OhgNJEug5Ps/s400/CIMG3601.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbnGqsi50DQ/Tt2rQ1goEDI/AAAAAAAAC0w/l9honYxlG9E/s1600/CIMG3605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbnGqsi50DQ/Tt2rQ1goEDI/AAAAAAAAC0w/l9honYxlG9E/s400/CIMG3605.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, if you are in the DC area tomorrow and Wednesday stop by the Downtown Holiday Market on 8th and F Streets, <span class="visible">NW right in front of the Smithsonia<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>n National Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span>. Booth #46... Will be there my sister selling some of her amazing accessories and children's clothing {<a href="http://fournier.bigcartel.com/">Fournier online shop</a>}.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="visible"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9bkdxviwb_g/TtzX5_OtgmI/AAAAAAAAFCg/rl8wuayCdds/s800/holiday-market-DC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9bkdxviwb_g/TtzX5_OtgmI/AAAAAAAAFCg/rl8wuayCdds/s640/holiday-market-DC1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="visible">Have a great day!!!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8153603033241407988?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-51600376528977580242011-12-05T14:09:00.001-05:002011-12-05T14:36:11.645-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Last week things got a bit crazy as I delivered my last project of my Masters... So happy to be done with it!!! on top of that I had to get my house decorated and get ready for my trip to DC to see my sister...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YeZHDPhIQ78/Tt0ZnJ-Tn7I/AAAAAAAACz4/tLjXkXzG6Do/s1600/CIMG3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YeZHDPhIQ78/Tt0ZnJ-Tn7I/AAAAAAAACz4/tLjXkXzG6Do/s640/CIMG3507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My palette for my tree for the past few years has been silver with a deep shade of pink. I usually use ball ornaments in different sizes and textures and then I add other things like candy canes or a fancy ornament I buy different every year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9e0CmNKDeY/Tt0aufeK7lI/AAAAAAAAC0A/8mGmsjyUOTY/s1600/CIMG3529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9e0CmNKDeY/Tt0aufeK7lI/AAAAAAAAC0A/8mGmsjyUOTY/s640/CIMG3529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last year I bought glass figurines in the shape of Santa, Snowman and Reindeer, and this year long silver ornaments that look like icicles shiny and frosted.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4p5wV7TvZLc/Tt0bNAqVO8I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/3I4qxTCtMTA/s1600/CIMG3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4p5wV7TvZLc/Tt0bNAqVO8I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/3I4qxTCtMTA/s400/CIMG3551.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6fehHyRNUQ/Tt0bMkcWfmI/AAAAAAAAC0I/7n3xrZ_l9-0/s1600/CIMG3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6fehHyRNUQ/Tt0bMkcWfmI/AAAAAAAAC0I/7n3xrZ_l9-0/s400/CIMG3542.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The most challenging was the Advent Calendar because my original idea didn't work as planned so I had to improvise and come up with something new. What I did was use a satin red cord and it to red tack on the wall, the from the line I hung traditional candy cane and pasted on each one the 24 days until Christmas... I ended up really linking the result and thought I'd leave it like that 'til then {will enjoy the candy cane for many more days to come!}</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M88S0uxPzuo/Tt0cUUiTgRI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/ArWB2tmgLHk/s1600/CIMG3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M88S0uxPzuo/Tt0cUUiTgRI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/ArWB2tmgLHk/s640/CIMG3568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I apologize for the quality of the images... I was running like a chicken without a head the whole Friday and didn't even had time for my "Friday links".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great week!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5160037652897758024?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-55047055161861058522011-12-01T03:00:00.000-05:002011-12-01T03:00:12.884-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I can't believe the holidays are just around the corner... November was a good month full of laughter, patching up old friendships, some difficult moments, and a very unexpected but happy Thanksgiving.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scandinaviandeko.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DE1110-paperikoristeita-3762132-427x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.scandinaviandeko.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DE1110-paperikoristeita-3762132-427x600.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scandinaviandeko.com/blog/diy-christmas-ornaments/"><i>Image Credit and Instructions</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">December will bring many happy moments and celebrations as I'm sure the most awaited job offer will arrive any day now and my graduation is just a few days away... for good luck this month I wish all of you nothing but the best, tons of positive news and all your wishes to come true.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow with the images of my&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">advent calendar and a new round of links!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5504705516186105852?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-80557232926474840192011-11-30T01:15:00.001-05:002011-11-30T01:57:01.649-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I have never in my life attempted to make gingerbread because of other people's horrifying stories of broken houses, gooey icing, and cookies taste anything but Christmas-y... But that doesn't mean I don't wish every year to make an attempt which fades away quickly when I see what others can achieve with this dough!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.notmartha.org/images/other/2009dec/gingerbreadhouses/mugs_row.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.notmartha.org/images/other/2009dec/gingerbreadhouses/mugs_row.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2009/12/18/a-gingerbread-house-that-perches-on-the-rim-of-your-mug/"><i>Image Credit and Tutorial</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The tradition of gingerbread dates back to the times when the Crusaders came back from the Middle East bringing with them exotic spices. The countries where it became most popular where Germany, England and France where towns celebrated fairs and people demonstrated their gingerbread creations and later spread to America during Colonial times.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/LA2_Milda_pepparkakshus_2009_framsida.jpg/690px-LA2_Milda_pepparkakshus_2009_framsida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/LA2_Milda_pepparkakshus_2009_framsida.jpg/690px-LA2_Milda_pepparkakshus_2009_framsida.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><i>Life size house in Stockholm part of a margarine brand advertisement {<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LA2_Milda_pepparkakshus_2009_framsida.jpg">Image Credit</a>}</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Sweden the Stockholm City Welfare Mission along with the Swedish Museum of Architecture organize a charity to collect funds and call attention to different topics and this year's was called “Pride and Prejudice: Bake your own pride and burn a few nasty prejudices!” The museum has chosen this theme in support of efforts to prevent bullying and alienation, which are important elements in a socially sustainable society {click <a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/default.asp?page=sid1&amp;lang=en"><i>HERE </i></a>for more info}. Everyone from small children to professional bakers are invited to participate... and the results are amazing!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/images/big2011/072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/images/big2011/072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/big.asp?nr=72&amp;lang=en&amp;year=2011">Image Credit</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/images/big2011/099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/images/big2011/099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/big.asp?nr=99&amp;lang=sv&amp;year=2011">Image Credit</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/images/big2011/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/images/big2011/006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/big.asp?nr=6&amp;lang=sv&amp;year=2011">Image Credit</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/images/big2011/054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/images/big2011/054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pepparkakshustavling.se/big.asp?nr=54&amp;lang=sv&amp;year=2011">Image Credit</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a sweet day my friends!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8055723292647484019?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-76156973121733328932011-11-29T01:11:00.001-05:002011-11-29T01:35:25.625-05:00<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to start getting my Christmas decorations ready but the one that I have to really get going is my advent calendar. There are two types of advent calendars: one is the one that counts the days until Christmas starting on December 1st going all the way to the 24th.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYGkPPs6Pz0/Ts1XmOEd_EI/AAAAAAAAGnw/7y_2dWyiy2g/s1600/IMG_9629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYGkPPs6Pz0/Ts1XmOEd_EI/AAAAAAAAGnw/7y_2dWyiy2g/s640/IMG_9629.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.stylizimo.com/2011/11/diy-advent-calendar.html"><i>DIY Instructions and Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On this one you fill the pockets with either sweets or little presents, then each day you open a new pocket and say a prayer or a "thank you"... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bungalow5.dk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/1-s%C3%B8ndag-i-advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://bungalow5.dk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/1-s%C3%B8ndag-i-advent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bungalow5.dk/1-sondag-i-advent/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=1-sondag-i-advent"><i> Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The other type is the one that counts the 4 Sundays until Christmas {of which I already missed one day} and it's a bit more religious because on every Sunday you light up a candle and say a prayer to celebrate the upcoming birth of Jesus... even if you missed one day already you can catch up with this calendar.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QH8H57mzJ0U/TtIBi7EjgqI/AAAAAAAAGpI/u7AcV_KId24/s1600/Advent2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QH8H57mzJ0U/TtIBi7EjgqI/AAAAAAAAGpI/u7AcV_KId24/s640/Advent2.png" width="440" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.stylizimo.com/2011/11/first-sunday-of-advent.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdGpQZr_bRU/TruRGaU1tmI/AAAAAAAAH68/ea6iQ_i982c/s1600/_MG_3381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdGpQZr_bRU/TruRGaU1tmI/AAAAAAAAH68/ea6iQ_i982c/s640/_MG_3381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scandinaviandeko.com/blog/diy-x-mas-calendar/"><i>DIY Instructions and Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and enjoy making your calendar with your family!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-7615697312173332893?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-91586901903350417672011-11-28T10:21:00.001-05:002011-11-28T10:57:14.514-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">First of all hope that everyone had an amazing weekend and for those of you who celebrated Thanksgiving I hope you had a great time with you loved ones... Thanks for all your sweet messages over the weekend!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artbaselmiamibeach-online.com/images/header.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="http://www.artbaselmiamibeach-online.com/images/header.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">For ten years the city of Miami has been the host to one of the most important art fairs in the world, Art Basel. The main event is an exhibit of art from the most important art galleries from all over the world who come to showcase the best pieces of art on their catalogs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pictures.attention-ngn.com//portal/194/174252/logo/1317896045.81_3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pictures.attention-ngn.com//portal/194/174252/logo/1317896045.81_3_o.jpg" /></a></div><div class="image"> <div class="image-space"> <a href="http://www.artbaselmiamibeach-online.com/index.php5?id=1326594&amp;compact=0&amp;path=Home%2FGalleries&amp;Action=showProduct"> </a> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i> Pablo Picasso, La fille du concierge tenant une poupée, 1947 {<a href="http://www.artbaselmiamibeach-online.com/index.php5?id=174252&amp;highlight=&amp;fid=ed05882a3863e827a5050bda334134e8&amp;offset=0&amp;compact=0&amp;path=Home%2FGalleries&amp;Action=showCompany">Image Credit</a>}</i></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The amazing things is that you can find artwork from the masters from Picasso {yes, there are still some of them on the market}, Chagall, Klein, Miro and Matisse all the way to the contemporaries like Ernesto Neto who creates extraordinary fabric installations.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pictures.attention-ngn.com//portal/194/174181/products/1330336/1319796083.2_6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pictures.attention-ngn.com//portal/194/174181/products/1330336/1319796083.2_6_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Neto, Ernesto: Teiacompirce{<a href="http://www.artbaselmiamibeach-online.com/index.php5?id=1330336&amp;compact=0&amp;path=Home%2FArtworks&amp;Action=showProduct">Image Credit</a>}</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I've always enjoyed not just the event but the fun and weird people who come to the city to attend the many events ranging from art installation in parks, gallery openings, and concerts.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1Clx0UxpuQ/TtOu-GNUFSI/AAAAAAAACzo/NGccGd7Ma-k/s1600/DSC01262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1Clx0UxpuQ/TtOu-GNUFSI/AAAAAAAACzo/NGccGd7Ma-k/s400/DSC01262.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab4qFg0C3nA/TtOvA2bRYQI/AAAAAAAACzw/t7HE7EWWQxw/s1600/DSC01241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab4qFg0C3nA/TtOvA2bRYQI/AAAAAAAACzw/t7HE7EWWQxw/s400/DSC01241.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a nice Monday and an nice dose of crazy!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-9158690190335041767?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-1566667834769911012011-11-24T03:00:00.000-05:002011-11-24T03:00:06.095-05:00Today I want to thank all of you for all your support, for visiting me and your kind words... Writing this blog has allowed me to meet some amazing people and learn new things. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbJNQR8rFN0/TswX04y9ipI/AAAAAAAAAqI/5H0SSdG-01E/s1600/lucie-rice-history-of-thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbJNQR8rFN0/TswX04y9ipI/AAAAAAAAAqI/5H0SSdG-01E/s640/lucie-rice-history-of-thanksgiving.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://for-the-love-of-illustration.blogspot.com/2011/11/lucie-rice-brief-history-of.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks go out to all of you in and out of the US...&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for making&nbsp; this blog the fun space it has become!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-156666783476991101?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-55814229104142084912011-11-23T10:55:00.001-05:002011-11-23T12:04:19.286-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I wish I could've posted this information yesterday but a massive headache prevented me from doing much but thankfully I'm headache free today. Thankfully also, I'm not one of those who are traveling over the next few days because it is the busiest time of the year to do it in the US... Anyways the following traveling tips will work mostly for everyone traveling these holiday season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18070339/tumblr_luyzyokiFc1qfrq30o1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18070339/tumblr_luyzyokiFc1qfrq30o1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/18070339"><i>Image Size</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before you leave the house make sure you know if there is any weather advisory in case there are any delays at the city you're flying into as well as the city you're visiting... and if there are call the airline and see if you can get any money for any changes on your flight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/8856524/20110403-114636_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/8856524/20110403-114636_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/8856524"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Try to wear comfortable shoes that can be taken off easily at the security line {I usually wear cordless Converse sneakers}... they will help you moving faster through the line and if you wear them with socks they can protect your feet when you walk through the scanning machine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16345688/tumblr_ltbldtdPQj1r1qlyco1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16345688/tumblr_ltbldtdPQj1r1qlyco1_500_large.jpg" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/16345688"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Make sure to pack your laptop or table or e-reader in a place where you can easily take it out and put it back in... this way you don't run the risk of of damaging you electronics or forgetting anything in the rush of&nbsp; getting out of there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17993785/tumblr_lawkvvyZmV1qdgxcoo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17993785/tumblr_lawkvvyZmV1qdgxcoo1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/17993785"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Finally, avoid as much as you can checking any luggage because this is the time of the year when the most luggage gets lost.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a safe trip and enjoy the flight!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5581422910414208491?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-60873224788481622122011-11-21T10:57:00.001-05:002011-11-21T11:47:39.663-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">How many of you are cooking this Thursday? I am and I should be running to the supermarket to get my shopping going. So far the list consists of turkey only but have not decided on the size or anything like that because like always there's someone who RSVP's at the last minute!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q4//mld105445_1110_turkeys1_exp2_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2010Q4//mld105445_1110_turkeys1_exp2_xl.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/thanksgiving-kids-craft-gourd-gobblers?czone=food/thanksgiving-center/thanksgiving-center-decor"><i>Image Credit and Instructions</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanksgiving food preparation somehow brings the worst in people because they get really stressed about fully cooking pounds and pounds of turkey meat as well as making it taste delicious... OK, now I'm nervous! In order to bring some peace into your minds and homes on Thanksgiving day here are a few prep tips in order to get thins going.</div><ol><li style="text-align: justify;">Make sure you know how many people are attending so you can estimate how much food you'll need. For the undecided, if they are really especial count them in... You can always use the left overs.</li><li style="text-align: justify;"> If your turkey is frozen do not thaw it at room temperature for more that 2 hours because that when the bacteria in it can start to grow. Transfer the turkey to the refrigerator on a pan that holds all the juices and allow 24 hours for each 4-5 pounds {click <a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/turkey_basics_safe_thawing/index.asp"><i>HERE </i></a>for more thawing times}</li><li style="text-align: justify;">If you are using your fine or nicer china for the big reunion start putting out all the necessary plates, glasses and silverware. If possible, start arranging the table so if you need to make any last minute adjustments or addition they can be done in a flash.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Print all your recipes in larger fonts and tape them in vertical position that way if you have your hands busy you can easily read them.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">If you are going to splurge, do it on fresh good quality ingredients that will make everything taste so much better.</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/ms_living_tv/2007Q1/tvs7543_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/ms_living_tv/2007Q1/tvs7543_xl.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/269071/thanksgiving-clip-art-place-cards?czone=food/thanksgiving-center/thanksgiving-center-decor"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit and Instructions</i></a></div><br />Here are some links that might help you with the planning and something else:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/thanksgiving/la-fo-traditionalroastturkey,0,7819028.story">Traditional Turkey Recipe </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/Thanksgiving-Mario-Batali-Stuffed-Turkey">Alternative Turkey Recipe</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274251/thanksgiving-table-settings/@center/276949/everything-thanksgiving">Thanksgiving Table Settings</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving-sides/package/index.html">Thanksgiving Side Dishes</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe?id=9135596">Turkey Brine</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/videogallery/62464228/News/Eat-Beat-How-To-Carve-a-Turkey-the-Right-Way">Turkey Carving How To</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/liquorcom/thanksgiving-cocktail-recipes_b_786867.html#s188286&amp;title=Nouveau_Sangaree">Thanksgiving Cocktails</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Monday everyone and don't forget to enjoy the prep time!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6087322478848162212?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-5197340425286521062011-11-18T03:00:00.000-05:002011-11-18T03:00:08.720-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Today I have nothing but words of gratitude to all of you who visit this blog, leave messages an even volunteered to contribute to it. According to my analytics I have reached and excelled my targeted daily readership. So, thanks to all of you who have found what I write in here either entertaining or informative.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXJuGpRJ3tY/S3xai1zvUtI/AAAAAAAABOo/Leq9wjiGAO8/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXJuGpRJ3tY/S3xai1zvUtI/AAAAAAAABOo/Leq9wjiGAO8/s640/IMG_0784.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before I move on to this week's links I have some info:</div><ul><li>Do you tweet? I do and in there I post a lot of product info, news, and articles I find around the web. If you want to find out more check <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/eliefournier">@eliefournier</a></li><li>Have you ever seen the +1 button at the end of each post? Well, when you click there you are liking it on the web just as you like your friends status' on Facebook. So, before you leave please +1 me!</li><li>I'd like to remind everyone that I'm working on some locals city guides and if you want to contribute just let me know. Check out this <a href="http://www.thepunctuationmark.com/2011/11/when-in-rome.html"><i>POST </i></a>for more info... I'd love to hear your suggestions!</li></ul>Now... here are this week's links! <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8895451/Google-launches-music-service-to-rival-iTunes.html">Google Music</a><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/17/dry-winter-drought-weather-forecast">About Water Shortages&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eatingwell/stress-busting-foods_b_1086743.html?ref=healthy-living">Stress Free Foods and Scents </a><br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/gq-men-year-2011-jay-z-justin-timberlake-jimmy-fallon-michael-fassbender-mila-kunis-top-honor-article-1.977234">Men of the Year 2011</a><br /><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG8891954/Behind-the-scenes-at-a-Pirelli-calendar-shoot.html">Behind the Scenes Pirelli Calendar</a><br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/8896259/In-praise-of-pintxos.html">Pintxos Anyone?</a><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/fashion/designer-retailer-union-remains-lucrative.html?ref=fashion">Marriage of Versace and H&amp;M </a><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/11/17/what-your-sleeping-position-says-about-you_n_1098975.html?ref=healthy-living&amp;ir=Healthy%20Living&amp;just_reloaded=1">Sleeping Positions </a><br /><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/11/lightest-material-on-earth.html">Lightest Material Ever</a><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/16/access-wildlife-right-privilege">A Child's Right to Wildlife&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/11/17/greathomesanddestinations/20111116_finland.html?ref=greathomesanddestinations#1">House in Helsinki </a><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/2011/nov/15/marilyn-monroe-film-costume-designer">Marilyn and Michelle</a><br /><a href="http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/11/12/fashion/100000001167894/an-interview-with-sarah-burton.html">Conversation with Sarah Burton</a><br /><br />Have a fantastic weekend and see you Monday!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-519734042528652106?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-55813358630899259082011-11-17T03:00:00.000-05:002011-11-17T03:00:21.955-05:00Over the past few years we've heard many people talking about the health benefits of green tea and since I drink it everyday about twice a day I decided to get the facts of this drink that has been enjoyed in China and Japan for centuries {all images from Martha Stewart online}.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/ms_living_tv/2007Q1/tvs3516_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/ms_living_tv/2007Q1/tvs3516_xl.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The difference between green and black is the time when the leaves are picked and dried because both of them come from the same plant called Camellia sinesis. The process used to dry green tea allows for it to contain a high concentration of antioxidants which in turn help scavenge free radical and not allowing damaging compounds to alter our cells and cause them to die {seriously!}.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/sites/files/wholeliving.com/ecl/images/content/pub/body_and_soul/2010Q1/mbd105466_0110_teav2_002_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wholeliving.com/sites/files/wholeliving.com/ecl/images/content/pub/body_and_soul/2010Q1/mbd105466_0110_teav2_002_hd.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In certain cultures green tea has been used through the years as a diuretic, stimulant, astringent and to improve heart health as well as regulating body temperature and blood sugar. Some people {like me} whose stomachs are more susceptible to the acid from coffee drink green tea for alertness because it contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine per cup compared to 175 milligrams in coffee.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/sites/files/wholeliving.com/ecl/images/content/pub/body_and_soul/2010Q1/mbd105322_0110_gteadrink2_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.wholeliving.com/sites/files/wholeliving.com/ecl/images/content/pub/body_and_soul/2010Q1/mbd105322_0110_gteadrink2_hd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/133174/green-tea-apple-spice-drink#close"><i>Recipe</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The antioxidant found in green tea is called ECGC which has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that help prevent the growth of tumors and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Studies have found that women who consume green tea have decreased chances of getting bladder, breast, ovarian and lung cancer amongst others {check <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm"><i>THIS </i></a>article for more info}.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2011Q2/mld106993_0411_spritzer_geentea_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2011Q2/mld106993_0411_spritzer_geentea_hd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/348506/green-tea-cranberry-spritzer"><i>Recipe</i></a></div><br />To make it even better, green tea has shown signs of helping boost metabolism which in turn help people lose weight and burn more fat... thank the catechins for that!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/sites/files/wholeliving.com/ecl/images/content/pub/body_and_soul/2010Q4/mbd106530_1210_tea11_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.wholeliving.com/sites/files/wholeliving.com/ecl/images/content/pub/body_and_soul/2010Q4/mbd106530_1210_tea11_hd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/130650/green-tea-lemon-and-pomegranate"><i>Recipe</i></a></div><br />To brew the tea avoid using boiling water because it can burn the good "stuff" included in it. If you are buying loose tea make sure to separate the leaves and then add the water, let steep for about 3-5 minutes and then remove the leaves of bag because they might make it bitter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2006Q2/0506_msl_souffles_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2006Q2/0506_msl_souffles_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2006Q2/0506_msl_souffles_xl.jpg"><i>Recipe</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and enjoy the benefits of your tea!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5581335863089925908?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-6448937699074583962011-11-16T12:07:00.001-05:002011-11-16T13:01:05.016-05:00What a dilemma that is for so many of us! These days with all the traveling restrictions and extra charges for suitcases we have no choice but to slim down out suitcases and pack smartly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/2982571/tumblr_kw1ainJGtI1qzdiqvo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/2982571/tumblr_kw1ainJGtI1qzdiqvo1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/2982571"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the first things to consider is your toiletries. The small sizes {about 3oz each} can last you between 2 and 4 days, so depending on how many days you're traveling consider on bringing them with you. If you don't bring them {this is usually what I do} think about buying them when you get to your destination as they are usually priced between $1 to $2.99... checking a suitcase can cost up to $80 extra for the trip {click <a href="http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/blog/3801089/airline-baggage-fees-chart-updated/"><i>HERE </i></a>for&nbsp; charges}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/8803637/image_gallery_large." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/8803637/image_gallery_large." /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/8803637"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lay out in front of you all the clothes you're planning to take, this way you can have a better idea of what you really need for the trip and avoid taking duplicates of things or things you just don't need.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/7666696/tumblr_kyrnubXc251qza0fjo1_400_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/7666696/tumblr_kyrnubXc251qza0fjo1_400_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/7666696"><i> Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am one of those who rolls her clothes and have to admit it's proven to be the best way to pack because you can create better layers of clothes and you can fill the whole much better. Another thing is that I always pack the heaviest stuff {like shoes and makeup bag} on what will be the bottom of the suitcase when standing or the wheels side... this way they will stay at the bottom and not crush anything.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17230523/tumblr_ltdj35QpME1qajaq7o1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17230523/tumblr_ltdj35QpME1qajaq7o1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/17230523"><i>Image Size</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Make sure to check the weather forecast of the place you're visiting, this way you take the necessary items and avoid having to buy anything extra... this will help you when choosing your makeup, accessories and shoes. Also, plan around a color palette that will match the weather and your surroundings perfectly, and for sure this will help you decide the basics and key pieces for your travel wardrobe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/12913713/tumblr_llqhbh5GJx1qby6rio1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/12913713/tumblr_llqhbh5GJx1qby6rio1_500_large.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/12913713"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-644893769907458396?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-43028105671498930082011-11-15T03:00:00.000-05:002011-11-15T03:00:12.555-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Lentils are the most versatile of all beans and the ones that require the least amount of cooking time. The have been part of the human diet for over 13,000 years {yes... thousands!} and come in different colors ranging from yellow and orange to green and black or brown.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFqdyxEsBq8/TsHnwx0Ur9I/AAAAAAAACy8/gdRH2qyT6qg/s1600/CIMG3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFqdyxEsBq8/TsHnwx0Ur9I/AAAAAAAACy8/gdRH2qyT6qg/s640/CIMG3427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Charged with over 30% of its weight with proteins, lentils are one of the most inexpensive source of protein which is largely used in countries with mainly vegetarian populations. Additionally, they contain large amounts of amino acids, dietary fiber, vitamin B1 and iron.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jWbftPfSw/TsHp--ikTaI/AAAAAAAACzE/yZLEU06_xkU/s1600/CIMG3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3jWbftPfSw/TsHp--ikTaI/AAAAAAAACzE/yZLEU06_xkU/s640/CIMG3454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You can find them is most super markets in all their varieties. To cook them first rinse them to get rid of any dirt and discard any one that looks somewhat damaged. In my experience, I've always used a ratio of 1 portion of lentils to 2.5 portions of water. Let the water come to a boil, lower the heat to low and cook between 20 and 30 minutes or until soft.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i89ew16Sxds/TsHqv38jEKI/AAAAAAAACzM/oSa6812zbv8/s1600/CIMG3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i89ew16Sxds/TsHqv38jEKI/AAAAAAAACzM/oSa6812zbv8/s640/CIMG3441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, they are great in salads, soups, stews and even baked goods. They are great to include in any meal because they can adsorb many flavors and seasonings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/11/09/science/09recipehealtha/09recipehealtha-articleLarge-v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/11/09/science/09recipehealtha/09recipehealtha-articleLarge-v2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/health/nutrition/red-and-black-rice-stuffing-with-red-lentils-recipes-for-health.html">Image Credit and Recipe</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/11/16/science/17recipehealth/17recipehealth-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/11/16/science/17recipehealth/17recipehealth-articleLarge.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/health/nutrition/17recipehealth.html?ref=lentils">Image Credit and Recipe</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and enjoy of a tasty meal!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4302810567149893008?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-14235190389947405022011-11-14T01:05:00.001-05:002011-11-14T02:27:23.356-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Have you ever paid attention to where the things you buy are made? I didn't used to but as a designer I started to do it. There are some great designers doing things in their own countries and cities... Which in turn helps out local economies!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heathceramics.com/tasks/sites/heath/assets/Image/homepage-w11classicholiday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://www.heathceramics.com/tasks/sites/heath/assets/Image/homepage-w11classicholiday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heathceramics.com/go/heath/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.heathceramics.com/go/heath/">Heath Ceramics</a> is a mid-century American ceramics company that has been making tableware and tiles for more that 50 years. They make everything in their facilities in Sausalito CA and their products can be seen at restaurants like Chez Panisse and the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena as well as being part of the permanent collection at the MOMA.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodieandfou.com/images/super/538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.bodieandfou.com/images/super/538.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodieandfou.com/stella_rug-cream"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://www.bodieandfou.com/stella_rug-cream">Stella Rug</a> by Michelle Mason is made 100% in England and it's made with 100% Merino wool which is also one of the most sustainable materials in the world. The rug design is inspired in traditional lace making where cotton yarns were woven to create decorative elements for clothes and linens.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theo-theo.com/thumb/?src=2011%2F06%2Fduck_brush_rollover-7u8aF6.jpg&amp;w=1024&amp;q=90" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.theo-theo.com/thumb/?src=2011%2F06%2Fduck_brush_rollover-7u8aF6.jpg&amp;w=1024&amp;q=90" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theo-theo.com/product/175/duck-brush/"><i>Image Size</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love this <a href="http://www.theo-theo.com/product/175/duck-brush/">Duck Brush</a> made in Sweden and designed by Iris Hantverk. This is the perfect adaptation to a grown ups rubber ducky and the perfect companion in the shower. The brush is made from oiled beech and horse hair... but the most amazing thing about it is that it's mainly made by visually impaired workers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and a great Monday!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-1423519038994740502?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-59022050456517127692011-11-11T10:17:00.001-05:002011-11-11T11:38:19.567-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Today I'd like to pay tribute to all of those who fought in wars in the name of freedom and to protect other people's lives... Thank you!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/05/29/us/soldiers/soldiers-articleLarge-v10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/05/29/us/soldiers/soldiers-articleLarge-v10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/us/29soldiers.html?_r=1"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are this week's links</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-europe-merkozy-20111110,0,2828553.story">A Little About Europe's Finances</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/nov/11/11-11-11-11-11-date-events">11-11-11 Events</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG8880590/Victorias-Secret-fashion-show-2011-in-pictures.html?utm_source=tmg&amp;utm_medium=td_TMG8880590&amp;utm_campaign=fashionl1111">VS Fashion Show </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theater.nytimes.com/2011/11/11/theater/reviews/hugh-jackman-back-on-broadway-at-broadhurst-review.html">Jackman on Broadway!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/nov/11/seven-natural-wonders-of-the-world">7 Wonders of the Natural World</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/earth/the-age-of-energy/8876251/Adapting-business-for-the-green-era.html?utm_source=tmg&amp;utm_medium=td_8876251&amp;utm_campaign=shell1111">Big Corp's Go Green </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/11/chocolate-fashion-show_n_1087048.html?ref=style&amp;ir=Style">Chocolate Fashion Show</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/10/truth-lap-dancer-clubs">A Show Girl's Life</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/11/marc-jacobs-christian-dior_n_1087907.html?ref=style">Who Wants Dior? </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/dining/20101116-bittman-thanksgiving-interactive.html?WT.mc_id=DW-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M227-ROS-1111-HDR&amp;WT.mc_ev=click&amp;WT.mc_c=173365">Getting Ready for Thanksgiving</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/8881165/Wild-about-saffron-A-whiff-of-the-exotic-heading-our-way.html">The Most Expensive Spice</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/11/13/travel/36-hours-in-st-lucia.html?hpw">Traveling to St. Lucia</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend my friends!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5902205045651712769?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-45324514518412221212011-11-09T23:49:00.001-05:002011-11-10T00:56:12.834-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">A while ago I read a book called "You Being Beautiful" by Dr. Oz and when he talked about nails I got a bit spooked. In this book he explains how harmful nail polish can be and that it is the most toxic cosmetic on the market {all of this while I looked at my pinkish nail polish}.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17422869/tumblr_lue114QQhE1qd5zqzo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17422869/tumblr_lue114QQhE1qd5zqzo1_500_large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/17422869"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The problem with nail polish is the chemicals it is made with, like chemical solvents {toluene}, formaldehyde, phtalates {a plasticizer}, and acetone {helps to keep it liquid}. Also, the color can come from iron oxides that can get absorbed by the nail and skin. All these ingredients are toxic to the nervous and endocrine systems, fill the air with toxins that can affect your respiratory system, and are known to be carcinogens.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16934275/3_large.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16934275/3_large.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/16934275"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, what a does one do? The best thing is that when you get your nails done look for a place that is well ventilated, try to change your nail polish the least amount of times possible, schedule a time when you can let them be unpolished so the skin under the nail and cuticle can breath, if possible touch up instead of going for a new pedicure, and finally... moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16861017/320022_308947022454124_228384473843713_1391437_55501722_n_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16861017/320022_308947022454124_228384473843713_1391437_55501722_n_large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/16861017"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As for those nail polishes that say they are non-toxic or natural... well, not all of them are because they might contain formaldehyde or something like it with another name {check this <a href="http://www.zaega.com/nail-polish-101-the-truth-about-natural-nontoxic-nail-polishes.html"><i>ARTICLE </i></a>or this <a href="http://figandsage.blogspot.com/2011/09/soapbox-organic-natural-nail-polish.html"><i>ARTICLE </i></a>for more chemical info}. So, if you buy those pretty expensive bottles make sure you are really getting your money's worth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great Thursday and stay healthy my dears!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4532451451841222121?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-15398457183530242362011-11-09T11:50:00.001-05:002011-11-09T11:50:42.279-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I am a terrible tourist, I truly am. The reason is because wherever I go I love to live like the to "do as the Romans do" meaning that I like to do what the locals do. The best restaurants, the best bars, the best event are those that the locals go to and that's what I always try to do.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVNu9P9FT7s/SeeCYiUPQ7I/AAAAAAAAAsA/uNGhjM6nQsg/s1600/DSC03063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVNu9P9FT7s/SeeCYiUPQ7I/AAAAAAAAAsA/uNGhjM6nQsg/s640/DSC03063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><i>Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">What I'd to work on over the next couple of months is put together, with your help, a series of tips and things to do in different cities. For example that great coffee place you went to while on business in Chicago or the trattoria with the fantastic Penne Pommodoro in some corner in Rome.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PMKFvewcLY/S4XjBs5SMUI/AAAAAAAABRI/XDb6TRmYlIE/s1600/CIMG6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PMKFvewcLY/S4XjBs5SMUI/AAAAAAAABRI/XDb6TRmYlIE/s640/CIMG6735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><i>Life Guard Station in Miami Beach</i></div><br />If you own a store or if your best friend has a fantastic bakery let other know how to find them when they travel. I will put these guides together over the next two months and hopefully by next year {can't believe it's just a few months away!} I'll start posting them for all of you to use.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50NdpKWVGs4/S7QZu38YzaI/AAAAAAAABkk/g2JdcNQZntQ/s1600/CIMG7204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50NdpKWVGs4/S7QZu38YzaI/AAAAAAAABkk/g2JdcNQZntQ/s640/CIMG7204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><i>Julia Child's kitchen at the Museum of American History in Washington DC</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is what we're going to do. You can leave me suggestions on the comments section of this blog or you can <a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com">EMAIL</a> me with your ideas. Your suggestions can be on your own city no matter where you live or about places you love when you travel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5v8zNE-BRs/TGOFy1layAI/AAAAAAAACAA/n2qFxkj1_sw/s1600/CIMG9019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5v8zNE-BRs/TGOFy1layAI/AAAAAAAACAA/n2qFxkj1_sw/s640/CIMG9019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><i>Amazing view of New York City</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I look forward to see what all of you have to add to this crazy idea I have, as all of you have always been the best source for ideas and inspiration.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and look forward to hear from you!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-1539845718353024236?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-69304926293925461452011-11-08T10:49:00.001-05:002011-11-08T10:49:53.528-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Lately I've been trying to see if I can get rid of canned good and fortunately success has been on my side. The first thing I cooked were chickpeas which are great for great dishes like hummus, salads and in stews to name a few.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgX3TnbZQ0c/TrlJO_upxFI/AAAAAAAACyk/UN9QleqjDhA/s1600/CIMG3399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgX3TnbZQ0c/TrlJO_upxFI/AAAAAAAACyk/UN9QleqjDhA/s640/CIMG3399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When I bough them they were dry but in some markets you can find them fresh which is would be incredible if you did. Put them on a bowl and fill it with water to cover and let them rest in&nbsp; a cool place for about 4-8 hours. They will absorb most of the water so if you see that they need more you can add it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnHqozVNM2g/TrlKFSOEM_I/AAAAAAAACys/LcEAet27nXI/s1600/CIMG3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnHqozVNM2g/TrlKFSOEM_I/AAAAAAAACys/LcEAet27nXI/s640/CIMG3411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are not going to cook them right away you can store them covered in the refrigerator for about 3 or 5 days. To cook them I used a ratio of 2 parts of water for each 1 part of chick peas. Cook them first allowing the water to boil and the reduce the heat, cover and cook for 30 minutes or until soft.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-pJ_1aRwCY/TrlLiqxPj0I/AAAAAAAACy0/TiWr3P6y3rs/s1600/CIMG3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-pJ_1aRwCY/TrlLiqxPj0I/AAAAAAAACy0/TiWr3P6y3rs/s1600/CIMG3438.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The little ones are packed with protein and have a large number of health benefits like being able to supply up to 50% of the daily fiber intake recommended, contain large amounts of antioxidants like vitamin C, they help in lowering bad cholesterol, regulate blood sugar and even help in weight management.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/11/03/health/03recipehealth_600/articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/11/03/health/03recipehealth_600/articleLarge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/11/03/health/03recipehealth_600/articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/nutrition/03recipehealth.html?ref=fitnessandnutrition">Green Bean Salad with Chickpeas and Mushrooms</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/11/04/health/04recipehealth_600/articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/11/04/health/04recipehealth_600/articleLarge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/health/nutrition/04recipehealth.html?ref=fitnessandnutrition">Chickpea and Pita Casserole</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a fantastic and healthy day my friends!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6930492629392546145?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-2600018862900482042011-11-07T00:00:00.000-05:002011-11-07T00:00:01.130-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">First of all Happy Monday!!! For this week I wanted to start on a positive note about someone who took his passion, skills, and hard work to start a business that today is doing really well. Joel Bukiewicz, owner of <a href="http://cutbrooklyn.com/home.html">Cut Brooklyn,</a> has an amazing story about being a writer, leaving the business and then he started making knives... Yes, knives!</div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/31455885?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;color=f1f1ef" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/31455885">Made by Hand / No 2 The Knife Maker</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/madebyhand">Made by Hand</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love this guy's story because he realized that by making a very functional object he ended up creating a beautiful piece that is the most important tool in any kitchen that anyone wouldn't mind paying good money for {as much as a pair of designer shoes!}. From the designer's point of view I love the detailing on the handle and the fact that it is made by hand by one talented guy. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> "My mission is to build you a beautiful knife that performs at the very</div><div style="text-align: center;"> highest level for a lifetime of service and enjoyment."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great week and hope you are inspired today by this video!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-260001886290048204?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-80558407062075159652011-11-04T01:07:00.000-04:002011-11-04T01:07:07.530-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">The weather is starting to cool down in Miami and finally the breeze has gone from humid and hot to dry and cool... love it! I want to thank all of you who expressed your thoughts yesterday about the non-talented reality celebrity stars {happy you feel the same!} and love that you support the really talented ones and emerging artists. Remember that with what you buy, read and watch you make a difference... THANKS!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://behance.vo.llnwd.net/e2/99/img/posts/c3/8eb818fa1ad2afb294c201ddf177af48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://behance.vo.llnwd.net/e2/99/img/posts/c3/8eb818fa1ad2afb294c201ddf177af48.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Here are this week's links<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_726424147">Music To Be Creative With</a><a href="http://the99percent.com/articles/6966/99-Music-Mix-Destination-Elsewhere"> {Image Credit}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2011/nov/01/campaigning-ethical-fashion-industry?intcmp=122">Ethical Fashion </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/8867368/Bond-girls-actresses-who-have-fallen-for-007-in-James-Bond-films-over-the-years.html">The Timeline of Bond Girls</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-shambaugh/regaining-energy-focus_b_1063594.html?ref=healthy-living">Refocus and Recharge</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2011/11/image-uncommon-scents-eau-naturel.html">Natural Scents </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/03/david-hallberg-bolshoi_n_1073380.html?">American at the Bolshoi</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/02/america-problem-sex-education">The Problem with Sex Education</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/picturegalleries/8867002/Electric-cars-present-and-future.html">The Timeline of Electric Cards</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-missoni-20111030,0,800185.story">3 Generations of Missoni's</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a fantastic weekend and thanks for reading!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8055840706207515965?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-4799671867390742252011-11-03T00:00:00.000-04:002011-11-03T01:06:37.601-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I have a niece who's 12 years old and I love her... and it pains me tremendously that she is growing up in a world where reality TV people are constantly rewarded for their terrible behavior. I thought long and hard about this post but I am worried and sick of this nonsense.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16047278/coco-chanel-working_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/16047278/coco-chanel-working_large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/16047278">Image Credit</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm sure most of you over the past few days have heard about the divorce of one of the Kardashian sisters. And if you haven't, then I'm jealous of you... It's even on the financial news! I don't care about what they or any other reality "star" does, but it bothers me that despite the difficult economic situation we are living magazines and TV stations are dedicating countless hours and money to talk about people who contribute in no way, shape or form to our society.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/10495673/tumblr_le9www847u1qearaqo1_1280_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/10495673/tumblr_le9www847u1qearaqo1_1280_large.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #666666;">Liza Minnelli and Mikhail Baryshnikov {<a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/10495673">Image Credit</a>}</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A couple of nights ago Jimmy Fallon said that celebrity marriage should be banned. I agree with that and I'd like to add to that statement the media abuse of those of us who don't want to hear about it but cannot escape from it. Also, on Monday a morning TV show was giving mothers ideas on how to dress their children for Halloween to look like reality TV stars {not the talented ones}... Seriously????</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17081725/tumblr_lu0mxy0f0n1qaq6dpo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/17081725/tumblr_lu0mxy0f0n1qaq6dpo1_500_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/17081725"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I believe that as bloggers we have a voice and all I ask of you today is: if you are tired of this situation, please stop watching all these people who don't have a positive contribution to your life and that of your families. If you are going to "Occupy" something then "Occupy your TV" and what you read and watch, then you'll see what a difference you make!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OugHMeiPQIU/TrHjZb41OBI/AAAAAAAACxQ/n5X3IsqKPn4/s1600/Remember.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OugHMeiPQIU/TrHjZb41OBI/AAAAAAAACxQ/n5X3IsqKPn4/s640/Remember.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;Sorry to bother you with this but I know I'm not alone and I believe we don't have to be violent or offensive... we just need to take action so our children don't follow these toxic patterns of behavior.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and let's make this world a better place!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-479967186739074225?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-24357686924025415862011-11-02T00:00:00.000-04:002011-11-02T00:54:39.399-04:00<span style="font-size: small;">The last postcard I received for my B-Day {can't believe it was more that a month ago!} was from Vanisha who's from Fiji but is doing her PhD in Canberra, Australia. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-px_0us9BPjA/TrC2O_ybZ9I/AAAAAAAACxI/HZbpUfYTj7s/s1600/11-01-2011+10%253B51%253B33PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-px_0us9BPjA/TrC2O_ybZ9I/AAAAAAAACxI/HZbpUfYTj7s/s640/11-01-2011+10%253B51%253B33PM.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Her blog is called <a href="http://vanishashaves.blogspot.com/">Vanisha's Life in... Australia </a>and she started it </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">to assist with her shaving event for the Leukaemia Foundation but then things changed drastically. Later, the blog became a chronicle about her life in Canberra, the PhD and Fiji.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/24908/24908-1/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/24908/24908-1/681x454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Along with the postcard she sent me a CD with some images of Fiji which I found to be breathtaking. I've never met anyone from that part of the world and I'm so happy I've gotten to know her and the place she calls home {images from <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/fiji"><i>HERE</i></a>}.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/23230/23230-33/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/23230/23230-33/681x454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/15915/15915-2/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/15915/15915-2/681x454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> The Republic of Fiji is comprised of more than 332 island, 110 out of those are completely inhabited and the main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu where about 87% of the population leaves.&nbsp; </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/495/495-1801/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/495/495-1801/681x454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/23230/23230-54/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/23230/23230-54/681x454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">The culture of Fiji is mostly influenced by indigenous, Indian, Chinese and European traditions due to it's closeness to other countries and the fact that it was a British colony until 1970. Additionally, as you have hears {and probably dreamed about} it's very well know for its tourist industry that attracts people from all over the world.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/19203/19203-28/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/19203/19203-28/681x454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Have a beautiful day and don't forget to daydream at least a little</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">PS. do you Tweet? I do... keep up with more stories <a href="http://twitter.com/eliefournier">@eliefournier </a></span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-2435768692402541586?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-77660278177716165082011-11-01T01:14:00.000-04:002011-11-01T01:14:16.573-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Good bye October! you were quite an eventful month, full of great and challenging things. Now we open the door to November which will bring us the beginning of the most festive and happy time of the year. Because this is such a BadA*** time I wanted to share with you this image from the postcard Jella sent me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZRBCKLcrCI/Tq9yE5jydNI/AAAAAAAACv0/U7psSYCP2nM/s1600/10-31-2011+10%253B45%253B54PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZRBCKLcrCI/Tq9yE5jydNI/AAAAAAAACv0/U7psSYCP2nM/s640/10-31-2011+10%253B45%253B54PM.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Her blog is called <a href="http://honeymyheart.blogspot.com/">Honey My Heart </a>and here she exhibits the beautiful jewelry and shares her experiences as an independent designer and everything she loves: family, friends, independent designers and shows, Santa Barbara, food, travel, Los Angeles, creativity and colors.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4815147432_976e816f44_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4815147432_976e816f44_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nevilles/4815147432/"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She lives in Santa Barbara and if you've never been there you should take a trip there and enjoy how beautiful it is. The city is located in between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains making it an incredibly picturesque place.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Mission_Santa_Barbara05.jpg/800px-Mission_Santa_Barbara05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Mission_Santa_Barbara05.jpg/800px-Mission_Santa_Barbara05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Santa_Barbara"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Santa_Barbara"><i></i></a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A must see in the city is the Mission Santa Barbara, which is a Spanish Franciscan mission founded in 1786 and it is considered a landmark of the area. The interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes and wood carvings that date from the time it was built.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/kitchen-2-611x343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hookedonhouses.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/kitchen-2-611x343.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://staging.hookedonhouses.net/2010/07/11/meryl-streeps-house-bakery-in-its-complicated/"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are tons of movies that have been filmed or set there like It's Complicated with fabulous Meryl Streep, scenes from The Graduate, Seabiscuit, Sideways, and even scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean {the third movie} were filmed featuring the city's sand dunes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01398/Santa-Barbara-surf_1398996i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01398/Santa-Barbara-surf_1398996i.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/5295609/Surfing-under-an-orange-sky-as-wildfires-rage-in-Santa-Barbara-California.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, no talk about anywhere in the West Coast is ever complete with a fantastic shot of the beach... And I dedicate this one to those of you who suffered the snow storm in the North East US this past weekend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's to a fantastic November and rest of the week!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-7766027817771616508?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-84809793673035897792011-10-31T01:12:00.000-04:002011-10-31T01:12:53.274-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Last week proved to be a bit on the really hectic side and blogging had to be interrupted to allow some craziness to take over... but I'm looking forward to a stress free week!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When I arrived from my trip I found 3 more postcards on my mailbox which was actually a great thing {especially for the kind of week I had!}. The one I'm showing you today is from Allison who's from Montreal but sent it from Brisbane, Australia.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzS5VsE4wsQ/Tq4lQbfqUfI/AAAAAAAACvs/e5Kp47zH-_o/s1600/10-31-2011+12%253B20%253B32AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzS5VsE4wsQ/Tq4lQbfqUfI/AAAAAAAACvs/e5Kp47zH-_o/s640/10-31-2011+12%253B20%253B32AM.jpg" width="454" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Her blog is called <a href="http://baconveggie.blogspot.com/">The Bacon Eating Jewish Vegetarian </a>which is a space where she explores her greatest passion: Cooking! In here you can find fantastic recipes and images of all the things she tries and if you are somewhat like her maybe you can share some recipes with each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/38845_420916429126_62675969126_4639135_1044307_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/38845_420916429126_62675969126_4639135_1044307_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.420915799126.198082.62675969126&amp;type=1"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As I'm writing this blog on the TV is one of Allison's fellow Montreal chef's and one of my favorites Chuck Hughes on The Next Iron Chef. Aside from the fact that I've met the man {click <a href="http://www.thepunctuationmark.com/2011/03/really-nice-chef.html"><i>HERE </i></a>to see} I love his enthusiasm and have always wanted to visit his highly acclaimed restaurants {images from <i><a href="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/#">HERE</a></i>}.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/images/photos/lafond_7502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/images/photos/lafond_7502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I fount these amazing images from Le Bremner's website and if a restaurant has such great images... It so deserves to pay it a visit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/images/photos/lafond_7570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/images/photos/lafond_7570.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/images/photos/lafond_7595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/images/photos/lafond_7595.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/images/photos/lafond_7521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://crownsalts.com/lebremner/images/photos/lafond_7521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great week my friends and let's hope for a fun one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8480979367303589779?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-58682585536503194132011-10-24T10:33:00.003-04:002011-10-24T10:33:41.740-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Good morning from Miami! yes, I got back last night and happy to be back home event though I miss spending time with the family. Another thing that I miss is the delicious fresh fruits available everywhere.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0uJLbOQt4E/TqVqhfjbICI/AAAAAAAACvM/l9KCWThedHM/s1600/CIMG3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0uJLbOQt4E/TqVqhfjbICI/AAAAAAAACvM/l9KCWThedHM/s640/CIMG3369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of my favorites is guava... as you can imagine I love it when it's green but when it's ripe turns more of a yellow-green and the inside may turn pinkish and sweeter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOdm071k9zA/TqVuuTUL2MI/AAAAAAAACvU/nDXCDcfmAK4/s1600/CIMG3366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOdm071k9zA/TqVuuTUL2MI/AAAAAAAACvU/nDXCDcfmAK4/s640/CIMG3366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Costa Rica they are used to make all kinds of desserts and beverages. One of the most famous dishes don with them is called "Cascos de Guayaba" or Guava Shells. It is made by boiling the ripe fruit in water and sugar until they are soft and the liquid has turned syrupy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vfE3ZHMQsQ/TqV2QjhwMDI/AAAAAAAACvc/0cLL_E-tFxs/s1600/CIMG3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vfE3ZHMQsQ/TqV2QjhwMDI/AAAAAAAACvc/0cLL_E-tFxs/s640/CIMG3373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, here in the US I've only been able to find them brought all the way from Thailand which I think is a lost opportunity for farmers in Florida, where the weather would be ideal to grow them. But if you get to find one no matter where it comes from take a chance and get one... they are delicious!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great Monday!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5868258553650319413?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-52202308202461270122011-10-21T12:06:00.002-04:002011-10-21T12:06:35.727-04:00Thank God it's not raining today and we are hoping the sun will be able to come to play with us this weekend. It's been a great week and on Sunday I'll go back to Miami who has seen it's share of rain as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD3BXV3LCFM/TqGBQ5xiCVI/AAAAAAAACvA/WFfZwtMjaa8/s1600/CIMG3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD3BXV3LCFM/TqGBQ5xiCVI/AAAAAAAACvA/WFfZwtMjaa8/s640/CIMG3314.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Here are the week's links:<span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-diary-20111016,0,5007054.story?track=rss"><span style="font-size: small;">Il Teatro alla Moda</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/8838727/Milan-the-Leonardo-da-Vinci-trail.html">Milan Following Leaonardo </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-can-i-recycle-photos,0,7031146.photogallery">Can you Recycle This??? </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/21/world/africa/qaddafis-death-and-the-lessons-of-the-arab-spring.html?_r=1&amp;hp">The Fate of Autocrats</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2011/oct/19/a-brief-history-of-lace">The History of Lace </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/21/books/van-gogh-the-life-by-steven-naifeh-and-gregory-white-smith.html">About Van Gogh</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8841062/The-world-of-Yasmin-Le-Bon.html">A Duran Duran Wife </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/the-power-of-positive-coaching/">Positive Coaching</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG8838756/Our-top-10-picks-from-the-Versace-for-HandM-collection.html">Versace for H&amp;M </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have a nice weekend!!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5220230820246127012?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-19755116985430807842011-10-19T11:36:00.004-04:002011-10-19T11:36:59.360-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">It keeps on raining here in CR and all over Central America where thousands of people have been affected by the torrential rains of the past week... 11 days to be exact.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/october/19/3383392_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/october/19/3383392_0.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/october/19/costarica11101901.htm"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Play pray for those who are in danger of landslides and those who have lost a loved one because of the bad weather which seems will continue for another 2 days.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a nice day and be thankful for what you have!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-1975511698543080784?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-1344818341225974702011-10-18T04:00:00.000-04:002011-10-18T04:00:06.941-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">And it's not stopping for another 2 days. Unfortunately the rain has not allowed us to get much done over the past few days, especially go out and explore nice places and take photographs. For that reason I would like to bring you some images that do show how beautiful this small country is!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/103538119_af716f9479_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/103538119_af716f9479_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Arenal Volcano... it's active and the source of hot water springs {</span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ardyiii/103538119/">Image Credit</a><span style="color: #666666;">}</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0jsmuXTgBQ/S0NlLYCNxuI/AAAAAAAABCg/2DnqSdbTiCM/s1600/CIMG6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0jsmuXTgBQ/S0NlLYCNxuI/AAAAAAAABCg/2DnqSdbTiCM/s640/CIMG6120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #666666;">Flowers of the coffee plant</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2958992783_89d3d03234_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2958992783_89d3d03234_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #666666;">Whale's Tail seen from the air {<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/costaricaproperty/2958992783/">Image Credit</a>}</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylctzLkXxKQ/TQZgMd_PxZI/AAAAAAAACe4/z0fe9hbMD0Q/s1600/CIMG0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylctzLkXxKQ/TQZgMd_PxZI/AAAAAAAACe4/z0fe9hbMD0Q/s640/CIMG0779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><i>Hydrangea leaves after the rain</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-134481834122597470?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-57792836120171268792011-10-17T13:34:00.002-04:002011-10-17T13:34:41.588-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Hope everyone's weekend was fantastic... mine was pretty nice as I enjoyed of the amazing tropical fruits you can find in Costa Rica. I'm sure most of you know the typical fruits found in other markets like papayas, pineapples and mangoes but today I want to introduce you to one of my favorites called Jocote (ho-ko-teh).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISzxhVFo2PA/TpxdROfFGsI/AAAAAAAACuw/6yfDPBC1pxY/s1600/CIMG3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISzxhVFo2PA/TpxdROfFGsI/AAAAAAAACuw/6yfDPBC1pxY/s640/CIMG3297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This fruit grows on a tree and can be eaten green or ripe sprinkled with lemon, salt or by itself {I love it green and by itself}. It grows typically in Central America but over the past few year the plant has been found in parts of Asia that have similar tropical weather.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gegWXNSuaHE/TpxmQ1GKvOI/AAAAAAAACu4/kT3J0pVQmN4/s1600/CIMG3308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gegWXNSuaHE/TpxmQ1GKvOI/AAAAAAAACu4/kT3J0pVQmN4/s640/CIMG3308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Costa Rica, jocote is also the name of a peace treaty in 1842 when the president/dictator of that time was overthrown... it's called "Pacto del Jocote" because it was signed under one of these trees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and enjoy of some fresh fruits!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5779283612017126879?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-91745753741975102822011-10-14T00:42:00.001-04:002011-10-14T00:42:35.779-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm boarding on a plane today at 9am on my way to see the family in Costa Rica... But I want to leave you today not just with the typical links but a beautiful image of the greeting card Brandi sent me for my birthday...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8k_ByjPEXk/TpezgAUEllI/AAAAAAAACuo/4PE_lKTPmgU/s1600/10-13-2011+11%253B05%253B23PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8k_ByjPEXk/TpezgAUEllI/AAAAAAAACuo/4PE_lKTPmgU/s640/10-13-2011+11%253B05%253B23PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you've never read her blog you should... It's called <a href="http://www.notyouraverageordinary.com/">Not Your Average Ordinary</a>. And if you live near her make sure you get to know her. We met last year and since then I can say she's been an amazing friend not just to me but to every blogger she meets... Thanks Brandi for your amazing friendship!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few of this week's links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.businessoffashion.com/2011/10/the-business-of-blogging-the-sartorialist.html">Scott's Point of View</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-exercise-fun-motivation-2011013,0,1331529.story?track=rss">Fun and Exercising&nbsp; </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/oct/13/starbucks-coffee-climate-change-threat">Coffee and Climate Change</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://the99percent.com/tips/7089/How-To-Bounce-Back-From-A-Big-Mistake">Bouncing Back</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinkpicturegalleries/8824593/The-2012-Lavazza-calendar-self-portraits-by-12-photographers-to-mark-the-20th-edition.html">Lavazza Calendar </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://framework.latimes.com/2011/10/13/a-royal-wedding-in-bhutan/#/0">Colorful Royal Wedding</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2011/oct/04/advanced-style-blog">Older Fashionistas</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/qIf42r%20">Top 10 Male Models</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend my friends!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-9174575374197510282?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-61149425711632671372011-10-13T04:00:00.000-04:002011-12-28T00:19:15.089-05:00Today is a pretty busy day as I have to take my car to get serviced really early and wait at the dealer the whole time... Ugh!!! Anyways, I wanted to share with you some images I took on my trip to LA a few weeks ago and hope you can enjoy them and even relax thinking of your next vacation...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzkRpqFcsHY/TpZHZGgbZ5I/AAAAAAAACto/HP5dEe8rdws/s1600/CIMG3191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QzkRpqFcsHY/TpZHZGgbZ5I/AAAAAAAACto/HP5dEe8rdws/s640/CIMG3191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Zodiac figures at the LACMA campus</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxoz_6tzC6c/TpZHf9gm4dI/AAAAAAAACtw/EIzWHDiM4HU/s1600/CIMG3204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxoz_6tzC6c/TpZHf9gm4dI/AAAAAAAACtw/EIzWHDiM4HU/s400/CIMG3204.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsqNOVD5sr8/TpZHgHMCmjI/AAAAAAAACt4/yVClrUw28KI/s1600/CIMG3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsqNOVD5sr8/TpZHgHMCmjI/AAAAAAAACt4/yVClrUw28KI/s400/CIMG3207.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Sculpture at the Board Pavilion {didn't get the name of the artist... Yikes!} </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsgtgdHyjq4/TpZHp7UGrTI/AAAAAAAACuA/bLfcDV1FcjY/s1600/CIMG3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsgtgdHyjq4/TpZHp7UGrTI/AAAAAAAACuA/bLfcDV1FcjY/s640/CIMG3222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail of jewelry box at the Japanese Art Building at LACMA</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhELqEmGTHw/TpZIL58ZcRI/AAAAAAAACuI/ezB6pasWRtY/s1600/CIMG3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhELqEmGTHw/TpZIL58ZcRI/AAAAAAAACuI/ezB6pasWRtY/s400/CIMG3237.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MD1p0nTSOsU/TpZIMQrsiSI/AAAAAAAACuQ/o9OW7Zd-Wog/s1600/CIMG3240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MD1p0nTSOsU/TpZIMQrsiSI/AAAAAAAACuQ/o9OW7Zd-Wog/s400/CIMG3240.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Walking around San Marino</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0KMxFc0uRk/TpZIbCJTq0I/AAAAAAAACuY/NkFuQvk4Btc/s1600/CIMG3250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0KMxFc0uRk/TpZIbCJTq0I/AAAAAAAACuY/NkFuQvk4Btc/s640/CIMG3250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another beautiful afternoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLxmcQjEJbU/TpZJDn3fP7I/AAAAAAAACug/2xjKZx6ibDs/s1600/CIMG3261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLxmcQjEJbU/TpZJDn3fP7I/AAAAAAAACug/2xjKZx6ibDs/s640/CIMG3261.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just another day at the beach</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a beautiful day!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6114942571163267137?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-46678674399472857382011-10-12T11:24:00.001-04:002011-10-12T11:24:02.177-04:00Today I'm sharing with all of you the last postcard I received... it was from Stephanie at <a href="http://dreamingladolcevita.blogspot.com/">La Dolce Vita</a>. She has a very nice blog where she shares beautiful images she takes of everything that happens around her.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8dcpwzIg2Fg/TpWdcdJmdeI/AAAAAAAACtg/TE3bU8VpMmQ/s1600/10-12-2011+01%253B06%253B23AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8dcpwzIg2Fg/TpWdcdJmdeI/AAAAAAAACtg/TE3bU8VpMmQ/s640/10-12-2011+01%253B06%253B23AM.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another thing I love about her blog is the name because it's the same of one of my favorite movies... have you seen it? I love that it's a satire of the lifestyle of the time {similar to today!} where people were influenced by the empty lifestyle of celebrities and the aristocracy... which is what has made it relevant for over 50 years!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.austinpost.org/files/articles/LaDolceVita1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://www.austinpost.org/files/articles/LaDolceVita1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.austinpost.org/content/scorsese-presents-restored-version-%E2%80%9Cla-dolce-vita%E2%80%9D"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br />The movie tells the story of a week in the life of Marcello {played by the wonderful Marcello Mastroiani} who is a journalist who is unhappy with everything in his life from his girlfriend all the way to his job. This feeling send him on a quest to find happiness and love which seem to always be out of his reach {sounds familiar?}.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.toutlecine.com/photos/d/o/u/douceur-de-vivre-1960-54-g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://image.toutlecine.com/photos/d/o/u/douceur-de-vivre-1960-54-g.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.toutlecine.com/images/star/0001/00019448-anouk-aimee.html">Image Credit</a></i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The movie is about 3 hours long so you can take it in doses because it's divided in 7 episodes and each one covers a night in the of Marcello. My favorite episodes are the ones with Anouk Aimee and the one at La Fontana di Trevi {the most popular ones} because they show Marcello as the quintessential ladies man {sounds familiar?}.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/40H7HqnTTHE" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />Finally, if you are looking for some great music check out the soundtrack of this movie composed by Nino Rota who composed most of the music for all of Fellini's movies as well as the Godfatherand Romeo and Juliet in 1968.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and enjoy the "Sweet Life"</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4667867439947285738?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-69614518180910092892011-10-11T04:00:00.000-04:002011-10-11T04:00:06.311-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">As I continue to share the postcards I received from all the amazing bloggers with all of you, today"'d like to show you the one I received from Claire at <a href="http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com/">Spinning Threads</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7yopWsu4dQ/TpOs9TJOA4I/AAAAAAAACtY/jikunWdGG-Q/s1600/10-10-2011+10%253B25%253B12PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7yopWsu4dQ/TpOs9TJOA4I/AAAAAAAACtY/jikunWdGG-Q/s640/10-10-2011+10%253B25%253B12PM.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She is a fashion blogger who shares her fashionable stories about friendship, motherhood and everyday life. She lives in LA and with each outfit she lets us know that fashion doesn't have to be expensive... just smart!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/cutout_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/cutout_a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/ex.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The image on the postcard {and the one above} is from Henri Matisse. They are past of a collection of paper cutouts done by the famous painter in his 70's, a time when he was very sick and could hold a pencil or paint anymore. The works of art were done by cutting simple forms out of brightly painted color paper arranged on another painted surface.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/pntng1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/pntng1.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/eta.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br />One of his most famous is called Blue Nude II and belongs to a series where women are depicted either seated or standing. The one above has been reprinted in many ways and today is sold as a poster and note cards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/pntng208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/pntng208.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/ecb.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br />Many of these works of art where part of a collaboration with a publisher called Tériade who arranged them to have Matisse's cutouts printed as stencil prints on a book called Jazz. The originals were sold to different art collectors and the first edition of the book was first sold in 1947, consisted of 250 and was sold at $140 {on today's money that would be about 3 times more}.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/cutouts/orient_251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://www.henri-matisse.net/cutouts/orient_251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.henri-matisse.net/paintings/eka.html"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great and colorful day!!!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6961451818091009289?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-5191920385745461472011-10-10T04:00:00.000-04:002011-10-10T04:00:02.044-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Mine was really quite as it rained in Miami all weekend long non-stop... no worries because I kinda liked it because I was able to get a lot of things done inside my house.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today I'm bringing you another card I received from another blogger for my birthday last month. <a href="http://www.buckeroomama.com/">Buckeroomama </a>has the cutest blog where she features amazing images of everything that happens around her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbFuHHKPjBg/TpGhtzbUCJI/AAAAAAAACtU/brsATcDkxGQ/s1600/10-09-2011+09%253B18%253B23AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbFuHHKPjBg/TpGhtzbUCJI/AAAAAAAACtU/brsATcDkxGQ/s640/10-09-2011+09%253B18%253B23AM.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love this postcard because it features the Chinese Lunar Year Dragon dance and coincidentally the dragon is my sign on the Chinese calendar. You may know this festivity as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival and it's celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world (Click <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year"><i>HERE </i></a>to learn more about it).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YGIjtpfv08k/TU11F0zFwmI/AAAAAAAAHUY/pB9Z04_pTm4/s1600/Activity%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YGIjtpfv08k/TU11F0zFwmI/AAAAAAAAHUY/pB9Z04_pTm4/s640/Activity%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I found these New Year greeting on her blog and I wanted for all of you to have them as well because I just celebrated the beginning<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of a new year so they are quite appropriate:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">身體健康 (shēn</span><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: small;">tǐ </span><span style="font-size: small;">jiàn kāng) – May you be healthy.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">年年有餘 </span><span style="font-size: small;">(Nián nián yǒu yú) – May you have surpluses and bountiful harvests e</span><span style="font-size: small;">very year.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">歲歲平安 (Suì suì píng ān) – May you have everlasting peace year after year.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">新年進步 </span><span style="font-size: small;">(Xin nián jìn bu) – Wishing you progress in the new year.</span><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">生意興隆 (</span><span style="font-size: small;">shēng</span><span style="font-size: small;"> yì </span><span style="font-size: small;">yǔ</span><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: small;">lóng</span><span style="font-size: small;"> ) –</span><span style="font-size: small;">Usually to shop owners.&nbsp; May your business be successful.</span><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">龍馬精神 (lóng mǎ jīng shén)-&nbsp;Wishing you the energy of a horse and the longevity of the dragon.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">步步高升 (bù bù gāo shēng) – Usually to a colleague.&nbsp; Wishing you advancement with every step.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">萬事如意 (wàn shì rú yì) – May everything be as you wish.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">心想事成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng) - Similar to the above… May everything go according to your wishes.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">笑口常開 (xiào kǒu cháng kāi) – One of my favorites:&nbsp;&nbsp; May you always be smiling.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YGIjtpfv08k/TUQzIDltu7I/AAAAAAAAGrQ/OQQTLrTShEQ/s1600/Buttons%5B6%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YGIjtpfv08k/TUQzIDltu7I/AAAAAAAAGrQ/OQQTLrTShEQ/s640/Buttons%5B6%5D.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">&nbsp;<span style="font-family: inherit;">Note: all images by Bockeroomama... beautiful!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a great week my friends filled with great things!!!</span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-519192038574546147?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-60127631415124130782011-10-07T10:57:00.003-04:002011-10-07T10:57:52.867-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">What a week this has been! I'm sure most of you {as I am} are still following the news about the life and work of Steve Jobs. As a "brands person" I always admired how he created a company that was completely consumer driven, meaning that he listened to what his customers wanted and didn't try to outdo his competitors. Can you imagine how great it would be if the government functioned more like them and less like it does right now?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7BP2VIDMmM/To6GNol9epI/AAAAAAAACtQ/LrH2yCzv4xA/s1600/10-05-2011+11%253B44%253B55PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7BP2VIDMmM/To6GNol9epI/AAAAAAAACtQ/LrH2yCzv4xA/s640/10-05-2011+11%253B44%253B55PM.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This card was totally appropriated for today because it was sent to me from Jobs town: San Francisco. I want to thank Lena from <a href="http://lapetitecoquin.blogspot.com/">La Petite Coquin</a> who also sent me one last year and has a lovely blog that I love, especially her Friday cocktail postings!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are this week's links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lapetitecoquin.blogspot.com/2011/10/poire-plus.html">Lena's Friday Cocktail</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/10/apple-jonathan-ive-steve-jobs.html">Apple's New Creative Chief</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG8810467/Paris-Fashion-Week-Behind-the-scenes-at-Chanel.html">Behind the Scenes at Chanel </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-fg-2011-nobel-prizes-gallery,0,5125976.photogallery?track=icymi">Class of 2011 Nobel Prizes</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/oct/06/michelin-stargazing-2012-results">Class of 2012 Michelin Guide&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://www.gilttaste.com/stories/2290-the-unknown-history-of-red-velvet-cake">The History of Red Velvet </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-breakfast-at-tiffanys-50th-anniversary-photos,0,4070456.photogallery">50 Years of Having Breakfast at Tiffany's</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/8811033/A-decade-of-war-in-Afghanistan-in-50-pictures.html">10 Years of the Afghan War</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/interactive/2011/sep/26/gucci-at-90">90 Years of Gucci</a><br /><br />Have a fantastic weekend and remember to have some fun!!! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6012763141512413078?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-79750249334232865972011-10-06T00:13:00.003-04:002011-10-06T00:13:28.121-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Today, I want to celebrate the life of the greatest innovator we've seen... Steve Jobs. As sad as it is his passing we have to rejoice in his legacy, not just on the amazing gadgets he created but on the way he changed the way we do business, see movies and enjoy life in general.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I'm sure all of you have seen on your Facebook and Twitter pages, people have been posting some great quotes of his... all of them are taken from the video below, which is the Stanford commencement speech in 2005.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UF8uR6Z6KLc" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />Take 15 minutes to listen to him... It's an incredibly inspiring speech, simple yet powerful. It's all about loving life. It's about loving what you do. It's about taking your "No's" and turning them into "Yes's".<br /><br />It's about leaving the best legacy possible and changing the world into a better place... Thanks Steve in the name of design, business and innovation!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and celebrate your life! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-7975024933423286597?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-49250125863739307232011-10-05T00:40:00.002-04:002011-10-05T00:41:53.807-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Today I want to share with all of you this postcard I received from Ilze who is South African and sent it from London on her way to Seoul via Hong Kong... Amazing!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_cfUbNSjpE/TovJndtNPZI/AAAAAAAACtM/P1Cw7ZDPm3I/s1600/10-04-2011+10%253B32%253B11PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_cfUbNSjpE/TovJndtNPZI/AAAAAAAACtM/P1Cw7ZDPm3I/s640/10-04-2011+10%253B32%253B11PM.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Her blog is <a href="http://www.auburnblue.com/">Auburn and Blue</a> which are the colors of her hair and eyes. She is a de-clutterer who loves to create, decorate and renovate. Her blog is a place to share ideas and ultimately she hopes that her blog&nbsp; becomes inspiration for people to turn frustration into creation.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/martha_stewart_show/show_photos/5101_5200/5105_030210_bobotie_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/martha_stewart_show/show_photos/5101_5200/5105_030210_bobotie_hd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><i><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/332829/bobotie">&nbsp;Image Credit</a></i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The postcard features a typical South African dish called Bobotie, that I also found on Martha Stewart's website from the time when she went there. I found this <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/332829/bobotie"><i>VIDEO</i> </a>where she prepares the dish right there on her show... looks delicious!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com/images/stories/may2010/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com/images/stories/may2010/food.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=124%3ASouth+African+food&amp;catid=41%3Avisit_bg&amp;Itemid=58"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">South African cuisine is so varied that ranges from crocodile sirloins to fried caterpillars to sheep heads but their most famous dishes {besides the Bobotie} are biltong&nbsp; which is a type dried salted meat, and boerewors&nbsp; which are hand-made farm sausages that people usually grill on an open flame.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312178_10150343970004379_282092484378_7875914_397690998_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312178_10150343970004379_282092484378_7875914_397690998_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150343969064379.367730.282092484378&amp;type=3"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">South Africans {just like everyone else} have been brewing some amazing beers lately. Their beers are so good that they have a created a whole festival called <a href="http://www.weloverealbeer.com/home.html">We Love Real Beer</a>, which is dedicated to microbrewers and those who have perfected the craft.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kdXptUbp6wE" width="640"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Of course... no post about South African food would be complete without talking about their amazing wines. One of the things that I love about their wines is that the industry has become highly sustainable not just environmentally but they are also socially responsible... Check out the video to find out more!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and go out to travel through food! </div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4925012586373930723?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-53797435045925205342011-10-04T08:30:00.000-04:002011-10-04T08:30:00.099-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Another postcard I received for my birthday was from Emily all the way from Ottawa. I've never been in Canada and this city is definitely going on my list of places to go as soon as I go there one of these days.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4k_EG_Msx0k/ToqA5MToHrI/AAAAAAAACtI/p3EmuJ62deg/s1600/10-03-2011+10%253B34%253B22PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4k_EG_Msx0k/ToqA5MToHrI/AAAAAAAACtI/p3EmuJ62deg/s640/10-03-2011+10%253B34%253B22PM.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Her blog is called The Best of this Life and she is a girl dreaming and enjoying the days of being a stay at home mom. The blog is all about the best of this life, the things that fill her days with happiness, inspiration, discovery and gluten-free eating!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ottawajantine.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/parliament-hill-changing-the-guard-ceremony-lpg8096_sm-credit-ottawa-tourism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ottawajantine.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/parliament-hill-changing-the-guard-ceremony-lpg8096_sm-credit-ottawa-tourism.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://letsgoottawa.ca/"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Because of Emily I got curious and started looking at some things about the city and loved what I saw. Like the change of guard at Parliament Hill which is a great tradition throughout the summer season {the post card is an image of the Parliament Buildings}</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ottawatourism.ca/images/minigallery/gatineau_park17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://www.ottawatourism.ca/images/minigallery/gatineau_park17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/top-attractions/gatineau-park"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wish I could visit these days because the Fall season is in full bloom and Gatineau Park is a place where people go to enjoy of the great outdoors, cycling and the park is home to Mackenzie King Estate, the beautiful country home of Canada's 10th Prime Minister, William Lyon Mckenzie King.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/302362_268632463168279_146248642073329_968272_462489097_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/302362_268632463168279_146248642073329_968272_462489097_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ottawafashionweek.ca/blog/"><i>&nbsp;Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The city also is quite fashionably with an amazing array of designer who just showed their latest collections at Ottawa Fashion Week. Check out their <a href="http://ottawafashionweek.ca/blog/"><i>BLOG </i></a>to see their amazing designs... Very unique!!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great Tuesday and enjoy some traveling from wherever you are!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5379743504592520534?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-3786231624503499902011-10-03T11:15:00.001-04:002011-10-03T11:15:27.966-04:00<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I can't believe September is gone and I'm so thankful for all the amazing postcards I received from all of you. Today I'd like to share with you the one I received from Mary Jo at <a href="http://www.trustyourstyle.com/">Trust Your Style</a> who sent it to me from LA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfQs-_7A0HU/TonJLbRqsTI/AAAAAAAACtA/GNYH83IDQys/s1600/10-03-2011+10%253B31%253B56AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfQs-_7A0HU/TonJLbRqsTI/AAAAAAAACtA/GNYH83IDQys/s640/10-03-2011+10%253B31%253B56AM.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had the pleasure to meet her at the presentation of her fashion line in LA a few months ago and was so delighted to finally meet her. I've been reading her blog for a while and have enjoyed greatly her insights on fashion and art and everything in between... If you don't know her yet check her out!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since she is in LA and I just got back I wanted to share with you my impression of one of the best exhibit I've ever seen: <a href="http://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/tim-burton">Tim Burton at LACMA</a>. The exhibit was a collection of all his work from the time he was a teenager, his time working for Disney and a look at all his movies {all images from <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/31/tim-burton-exhibit-opens-_n_869261.html#s285425"><i>HERE</i></a>}.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285425_huge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285425_huge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">The entry to the exhibit as spectacular as anything else</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285336_huge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285336_huge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">One of the many puppets that served as studies to every character he's created</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285339_huge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285339_huge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><i>This carousel was the coolest thing... it was located a dark room with black light,&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">creepy music and creatures on the wall looking at all of us</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285348_huge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285348_huge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #666666;">I loved the Corpse Bride... didn't you?</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285340_huge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/27353/slide_27353_285340_huge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">One of the many painting by Burton... It feels like Beetlejuice on Technicolor...</span></i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This exhibit celebrates the creative mind of someone who has made a career by breaking the barriers and rules of the conventional. He has created a world where not so pretty creatures are friendly and adorable {unless you're Beetlejuice... ha!}. If you are in LA and have a chance to see it go before it's too late...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing all of you a great week and a fabulous October...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-378623162450349990?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-69981674919801864482011-09-26T12:55:00.000-04:002011-09-26T12:55:08.968-04:00Hello everyone!!! Hope you had a great weekend and that this week is an awesome one... My weekend was fantastic and I'm having a blast in LA. I will be back to Miami tomorrow on the red eye {can't believe it yet!} so I will resume normal blogging activities by Wednesday or Thursday...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPDjRvXeYH4/ToCuCIbUXZI/AAAAAAAACs8/N-DrE3Gq7Bc/s1600/CIMG3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPDjRvXeYH4/ToCuCIbUXZI/AAAAAAAACs8/N-DrE3Gq7Bc/s640/CIMG3236.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><i>Entrance at LACMA of the Tim Burton exhibit... AMAZING!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">See you all later and have an amazing day!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6998167491980186448?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-67714793014705254582011-09-23T01:42:00.000-04:002011-09-23T01:42:58.160-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">That's what I always say when someone asks me when is my birthday and believe it or not sometimes people do know it's today... and after weeks of talking about it I can't believe it is here.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fyVJu3UkVo0/TJq9DiVNwwI/AAAAAAAACSI/LaYAr-rkfSI/s1600/Image+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fyVJu3UkVo0/TJq9DiVNwwI/AAAAAAAACSI/LaYAr-rkfSI/s400/Image+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #666666;">Me at 1 year old </i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This past year has been quite good and I'm very happy to see the improvements from last birthday. I'm blessed with an amazing family that loves me and has been by my side even when they didn't agree with me {sometimes this girl likes to go against the flow!}. I have solidified some friendships, recovered others, made some great ones and have lost others that no matter what have taught me incredible lessons.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228060_6052789249_828969249_202584_4347_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228060_6052789249_828969249_202584_4347_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #666666;"> Me with my mom and sis in NY a few years ago... seems like it was yesterday!</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm looking forward this year to get back to work and into the game, more trips and exciting new people, and amazing moments with my family and loved ones... Also, I look forward to share more stories, news and curiosities with all of you who have been there for me...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks a lot and here's to a new year!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-6771479301470525458?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-32862157430610387852011-09-21T10:49:00.004-04:002011-09-21T10:49:52.707-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Sorry I was not around yesterday but there was an internet outage in my area... I felt completely in-communicated!!! Today I want to send a huge thanks to Nikki from <a href="http://www.perpetuallyengaged.com/">Perpetually Engaged</a> who sent me this postcard from Seattle {always wanted to visit!}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BO8AtcmZHc/Tnn4bu_F4jI/AAAAAAAACs4/pNTnfXrUSTE/s1600/09-19-2011+09%253B15%253B48PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BO8AtcmZHc/Tnn4bu_F4jI/AAAAAAAACs4/pNTnfXrUSTE/s640/09-19-2011+09%253B15%253B48PM.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nikki married 3 years ago and have been enjoying he married life ever since. She loves all things weddings and parties and hope to make a life of it someday.In her spare time she likes to hike, go to the beach and discover new restaurants. Check out her blog and see what she's up to these days!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope the week is going well for everyone so far... I have to go packing now!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-3286215743061038785?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-3177040624940744192011-09-19T10:57:00.001-04:002011-09-19T10:57:29.945-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and tons of fun/rest {hopefully both!}. My weekend was fun as I got to touch base with some friends and tried to stay as cool as I could because the weather was really hot during the day.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today I want to do is thank Nancy from <a href="http://www.aruraljournal.com/">A Rural Journal</a> who sent me this really nice post card from Nebraska - The Cornhusker State! In her blog she posts these amazing images she takes along with the instructions of how to get the same effect she gets in them... great tutorials!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9M6HroWexlY/TndVe7m-s6I/AAAAAAAACsw/VdiTX9kr1ss/s1600/09-19-2011+10%253B21%253B38AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9M6HroWexlY/TndVe7m-s6I/AAAAAAAACsw/VdiTX9kr1ss/s640/09-19-2011+10%253B21%253B38AM.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The card is not just beautiful on the front but also she got this amazing stamp of Katherine Hepburn, along with a sticker of a super hero and a heart... very cool in a real fun way!!! Have you celebrated with me yet... <a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com">EMAIL </a>me to let me know if you want to send me a celebratory postcard.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, I'm leaving on Thursday to LA to celebrate my B-Day... the original plan was going to NY but hotels are over $400 for a Courtyard type of hotel which is ridiculous and makes me really afraid what a luxury hotel might even cost. So, I'm heading again to the West Coast to enjoy of some cooler air and drier weather {humidity doesn't agree with my hair!}and if you are around the city let me know!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you start the week with the right foot and do something that makes you happy today!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-317704062494074419?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-82726160674012754902011-09-16T12:27:00.001-04:002011-09-16T12:28:36.507-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">It is Friday and 86F outside... can you believe it? Have to get going on making plans for the weekend because I haven't thought of anything yet. I wanted to say thanks to everyone who stopped by this week and left amazing messages... I really appreciate it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PMKFvewcLY/S4XjBs5SMUI/AAAAAAAABRI/XDb6TRmYlIE/s1600/CIMG6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PMKFvewcLY/S4XjBs5SMUI/AAAAAAAABRI/XDb6TRmYlIE/s640/CIMG6735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are this week's links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/15/danes-female-prime-minister-helle-thorning-schmidt">Danish First Female PM</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/new_york_fashion_week/">Everything NYFW </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/hot-topics/592/211/london-fashion-week-springsummer-2012.html">London Fashion Week</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2011/09/09/fashion-week-spring-2012-celebrities-front-row_n_954757.html?ir=Style">Front Row Looks</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/2011/sep/16/new-york-fashion-week-marc-jacobs">Marc and Christian?</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/food/articles/2011/09/14/20110914herbs-spices-health-benefits.html">Herbs + Spices = Healthy </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/phone-hacking">About the Phone Hacking Scandal</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/emmys/">Ready for the Emmys</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthadvice/lifecoach/8758218/How-can-I-make-my-family-healthier-and-more-active.html">Healthier Families</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend everyone!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8272616067401275490?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-52370652761039308412011-09-15T11:45:00.003-04:002011-09-15T11:45:48.927-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Finally here are the images from my adventure at Fashion's Night Out 2011. We had a lot of fun at the event as we had champagne and macarons at Chanel and YSL, we enjoyed of great food at Neiman Marcus and checked out amazing shoes at Saks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ve0nFp2KRDw/TnIX22hJgNI/AAAAAAAACsc/aa1G-KGtWNk/s1600/IMG_7846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ve0nFp2KRDw/TnIX22hJgNI/AAAAAAAACsc/aa1G-KGtWNk/s640/IMG_7846.JPG" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The event was full of people some of them and some not that much but at the end of the night the most fun was just people watching. Somehow the fashion industry {especially high end!} attracts a lot of the crazies who spend thousands of dollars trying in clothes as if style could be bought?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUU1VGyL0lo/TnIajks7m7I/AAAAAAAACsg/O9BTLpWkNQA/s1600/IMG_7768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUU1VGyL0lo/TnIajks7m7I/AAAAAAAACsg/O9BTLpWkNQA/s640/IMG_7768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srgW-YFaJFQ/TnIakOEbuiI/AAAAAAAACsk/H_i2cAKN8X8/s1600/IMG_7771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srgW-YFaJFQ/TnIakOEbuiI/AAAAAAAACsk/H_i2cAKN8X8/s400/IMG_7771.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exDiJxtMNj0/TnIakR6JxKI/AAAAAAAACso/UQwsKQx0KW0/s1600/IMG_7823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exDiJxtMNj0/TnIakR6JxKI/AAAAAAAACso/UQwsKQx0KW0/s400/IMG_7823.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />Do you think style can be taught or is it something you are born with? I somehow think you can learn how to make the best of it but just like people who are math and chemistry geniuses there are others who just have that innate sixth sense.<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9AOT3CsixY/TnIcsC3_c9I/AAAAAAAACss/dxTMu346OnQ/s1600/IMG_7825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9AOT3CsixY/TnIcsC3_c9I/AAAAAAAACss/dxTMu346OnQ/s640/IMG_7825.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and start getting ready for the weekend!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-5237065276103930841?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-35828429038022197852011-09-14T09:54:00.002-04:002011-09-14T09:58:26.019-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I've never been to Hawaii but two things this past week have made me really want to go: one was watching the 80's surfer movie "North Shore" and the other one was receiving a B-Day postcard from Ashley who sent it all the way from Hawaii. If you want to celebrate with me... just <a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com">EMAIL </a>me and I'll send you the address for you to send greetings from wherever you are in the world!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKKelN1VxfE/TnCwk-0ScmI/AAAAAAAACsY/zdLyvPqmWI0/s1600/09-14-2011+09%253B41%253B17AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKKelN1VxfE/TnCwk-0ScmI/AAAAAAAACsY/zdLyvPqmWI0/s640/09-14-2011+09%253B41%253B17AM.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Her super cute blog is called <a href="http://smittenandswell.blogspot.com/">One Fine Day</a> and in here she explores her love for design, food and fashion. As a military wife {bless her husband!!!} her life is changing constantly so she started the blog to keep her friends and family informed about what she was doing which developed into a way for her to share happy thoughts, memorable adventures and great finds!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another little Hawaiian thing today... I will be going to a luncheon/award ceremony to accept an award on behalf of a friend of mine who own a super cue boutique hotel in there... from Hawaii to Miami!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aloha and have a fantastic day!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-3582842903802219785?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-8674180727271100492011-09-13T09:31:00.002-04:002011-09-13T09:31:50.636-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">This morning I woke up early to start getting ready to get my day going as I have a pretty hectic one... the funniest thing of the morning was a phone call I received from my sister who after dropping off her kids at school, stopped by Target and to both our surprises at 9am there was people already leaving with bags full of the Missoni collection... Seriously!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s14.shefinds.com/sf/files/2011/09/Missoni-for-Target1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://s14.shefinds.com/sf/files/2011/09/Missoni-for-Target1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shefinds.com/2011/omg-we-can-finally-say-it-missoni-for-target-is-here/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This morning I'm running around like crazy but if you venture to go and check out the collection let me know to see if I can do it myself...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and have some fun!!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-867418072727110049?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-31468636319304765012011-09-12T12:08:00.002-04:002011-09-12T12:12:30.533-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Well B is ad she is so nice that she sent me a Birthday postcard all the way from Minneapolis. Her blog is called <a href="http://bintheknow.wordpress.com/">B in the Know</a> and if you haven't been there I invite you to go and check it out... Thanks B, I love the post card!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLPLu8ICvs4/Tm4vYn0jkjI/AAAAAAAACsU/9zvx_loC2jI/s1600/09-12-2011+11%253B20%253B54AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLPLu8ICvs4/Tm4vYn0jkjI/AAAAAAAACsU/9zvx_loC2jI/s640/09-12-2011+11%253B20%253B54AM.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hope everyone had a fun this past weekend and that you start the week with the right foot!</div><a href="http://bintheknow.wordpress.com/"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-3146863631930476501?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-36253231872821209892011-09-09T13:51:00.002-04:002011-09-09T13:51:41.795-04:00Today I'd like to pay tribute to everyone who was affected by the terrorist attacks of 9/11<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3files.core77.com/blog/images/2011/09/nyremembersflag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s3files.core77.com/blog/images/2011/09/nyremembersflag.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.core77.com/blog/graphic_design/official_911_memorial_flag_20461.asp"><i>Image Credit</i></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This flag is the memorial flag that will be flown both at the memorial and at the state capital. The stars represent the people on the United flight 93, the the five sided figure represents the pentagon and at the center the Twin Towers represent the many lives lost.<i></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a time where uncertainty has put a black cloud over us we need to remember that as human beings we are capable of great things and that we have to strive always to do good not just for us but for others as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">May you have a fantastic weekend!!!<i></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS... will post the week's links over the weekend!<i><br /></i></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-3625323187282120989?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-70077371225702651942011-09-08T11:25:00.000-04:002011-09-08T11:25:19.072-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">I can't believe is that time of the year... Fashion's Night Out!!! This year I'll be going to the famous Bal Harbour Shops and enjoy the glamorous event in style. Neiman is scheduled to have a DJ along with tons of food from great local restaurants and even a fashion show. Chloe will be hosting a champagne event and YSL will be showing their french personalities with a pairing of champagne and macarons.</div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JzcY9aiimzY" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Where are you going this year? Have fun and be glamorous!!!&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-7007737122570265194?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-48222974086509217312011-09-07T12:16:00.000-04:002011-09-07T12:16:11.093-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">The first Birthday postcard has arrived and I couldn't be happier! It is from Jackie {one of the authors} at <a href="http://www.styleshewrote.com/">Style, She Wrote</a> and she sent it from her new home Philadelphia. The card features the Philadelphia Museum of Art's East courtyard and entrance... Beautiful isn't it?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OM2y0EZAUJc/TmeWDadUZJI/AAAAAAAACsE/zJO24Yv1Qr0/s1600/SSW+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OM2y0EZAUJc/TmeWDadUZJI/AAAAAAAACsE/zJO24Yv1Qr0/s640/SSW+card.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These girls have a great blog where they present us with a variety of fashion topics and ideas that are unpretentious, easy to follow and most of all affordable for everyone. Native New Yorkers, Jackie and Lynnie {Laura and Crista, respectively}, not only share the same DNA; they also share a strong interest in fashion, design, and pop culture trends. The pen-names were borrowed from a childhood game the girls would play - "The Adventures of Jackie and Lynnie". When they decided to launch "Style, She Wrote" in 2008, they chose to use these fictional names to pay homage to their roots, and their beginnings as a duo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Can't wait to receive the other ones... If you would like to be part of my celebration {this year is a big number!} just <a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com"><i>EMAIL </i></a>me for the address... I'd love to hear from you!!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4822297408650921731?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-48836050514789788482011-09-06T10:31:00.004-04:002011-09-06T10:31:36.715-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">First of all... I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Mine was a combination of a lot of rain {the boat ride was cancelled because of it} and some sunshine {great for having dinner with friends at the balcony} but most definitely good food was a constant throughout.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the weekend I came across this amazing collection of objects by two Greek designers, Athanasios Babalis and Christina Skouloudi. The name of the collection is <a href="http://www.ababalis.com/en/work/argonaut-collection-new-product-launch-at-100-design-london-2011">Argonauts</a> because just like in the old mythology tale, the two designers are embarking on a journey to make their designs known to the whole world {all images <a href="http://www.ababalis.com/en/work/argonaut-collection-new-product-launch-at-100-design-london-2011"><i>here</i></a>}. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100Actor.duo.940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100Actor.duo.940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This computer case is called Actor is made with layers of molded plywood and can fit a computer as big as 17" along with it power cord and mouse. the interior is covered in felt so the computer is fully protected.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100Iolas1.940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100Iolas1.940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I love this tray because it's not only elegant and cool but also its shape prevents things from sliding off the tray.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100Atalanta-Big940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100Atalanta-Big940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This bowl called Atalanta, reminds me of one of those toys we played with as kids and the idea is that it can rest in any position depending on the placement of what's inside of it.<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100AtalantaSP940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100AtalantaSP940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The salt and pepper shaker not only look very similar to the fruit bowl but also has a very similar name, Atalanda. The material these are made of will help absorb humidity so the contents have no problem coming out when used.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100stafylosblack940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100stafylosblack940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I think the Staphylos fruit bowl is one of the coolest because it was inspired by the shape of fruits themselves but also because it was stand on it's own like a little sculpture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100AsterionDoubleweb940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://www.ababalis.com/images/100AsterionDoubleweb940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last but not least, the Asterion pendant light is so versatile that is changes depending on the angle you are looking at it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and be inspired!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4883605051478978848?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-89230694104025513332011-09-02T16:24:00.001-04:002011-09-02T16:24:12.757-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Funny to think that for many people in the US this weekend marks the end of summer but for us in Miami summer will last for almost another 2 months... it will be that long before temperature drop below 85F {ugh!}. Anyways, this weekend in a long one on this side of the world and looks like my weekend is taking by a day of boating with friend and another one by having friends for dinner at my house.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/09/01/t-magazine/01seville-borthwick/01seville-borthwick-custom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/09/01/t-magazine/01seville-borthwick/01seville-borthwick-custom1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/postcard-from-seville/?ref=t-magazine"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before moving on to this weeks links, I wanted to invite you {again!} to take part of my B-Day celebration by sending me a postcard from wherever you are in the world. Last year I received some amazing postcards and this year I'm really happy some great bloggers are doing it... next week you'll see some of them here! So, just <a href="mailto:eliespapel@gmail.com"><i>EMAIL ME</i></a> for the address and celebrate with me... and many other bloggers!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/summer-style/">Summer Styles</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-chocolate-heart-20110829,0,4069112.story">I {heart} Chocolate&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-innovations/innovation-and-the-game-of-love/2011/08/28/gIQAcK2cuJ_story.html">Science and Love&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://the99percent.com/tips/7072/Why-Success-Always-Starts-With-Failure">Success Vs Failure </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/venice-film-festival-2011">Venice Film Festival</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/now-showing-paris-versus-new-york/">Paris Vs. NY</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2011/sep/01/girl-with-the-damian-hirst-tattoo">Controversial Butterfly</a><br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/wealth/celebrities">Powerful Celebrities </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/2011/aug/30/tomboy-chic">Tomboy Style</a><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/post/the-underground-venture-capital-economy/2010/12/20/gIQAzkRQvJ_blog.html">VC Economy&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://www.inc.com/articles/201109/demo-days-coolest-ideas.html">Business Cool Ideas </a><br /><br />Have a great weekend and stay cool!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8923069410402551333?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-9515782669188913852011-09-01T12:15:00.000-04:002011-09-01T12:17:48.356-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">As the last days of summer are fast approaching I cannot help but think that throughout my professional career September was always the month that would bring a the summer lull to an end and the pace of activities would go back to normal. So, definitely I'm looking forward to a "reactivation" of normal life and business to be back "as usual"... Looking forward also to that much desired job offer to come around this month {thinking positive thoughts!}</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.vogue.com/files/filecheck/2011/08/15/img-0816hadapp_191857319497.jpg_article_singleimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://media.vogue.com/files/filecheck/2011/08/15/img-0816hadapp_191857319497.jpg_article_singleimage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/fno-highlight-a-day-fno-nyc-guide-app/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One event I'm looking forward this month is <a href="http://fashionsnightout.com/">Fashion's Night Out</a> next Thursday. I love this event not just for how much fun it is but also because in time where our economy is so volatile this is a great effort to help it and contribute to boost the confidence of everyone out there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/08/31/magazine/04Mag-ironworkers-spanImg/04Mag-ironworkers-spanImg-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/08/31/magazine/04Mag-ironworkers-spanImg/04Mag-ironworkers-spanImg-articleLarge.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/us/sept-11-reckoning/04Mag-ironworkers.html?_r=1&amp;adxnnl=1&amp;adxnnlx=1314892849-X8A3JkpDZWbt8iHm/+yaxQ"><i><span id="goog_1201662562"></span><span id="goog_1201662563"></span>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span id="goog_1201662562"></span><span id="goog_1201662563"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span id="goog_1201662562"></span><span id="goog_1201662563"></span>So it looks like NY it is for the B-Day celebration {it's on a Friday this year!!!} and I can't wait to go and see the progress on the construction of the <i><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/us/sept-11-reckoning/04Mag-ironworkers.html?_r=1&amp;adxnnl=1&amp;adxnnlx=1314892849-X8A3JkpDZWbt8iHm/+yaxQ">9/11 memorial and new building complex</a></i>. So, as much as I hate to remember that day and how bad it was I want to pay tribute today for the rest of the month to all of those affected by the events of that day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8ez3zHeOJg/TH2-FcJUQKI/AAAAAAAACGg/OnmYSNEwkhk/s1600/CIMG9213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8ez3zHeOJg/TH2-FcJUQKI/AAAAAAAACGg/OnmYSNEwkhk/s640/CIMG9213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know many of you in the US will be heading out today for the last of the "official summer" long weekends so I wish you a lot of fun and the rest of you I'll see you tomorrow with this week's links...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a good one!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-951578266918891385?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-84053213390083162872011-08-31T11:36:00.002-04:002011-12-28T00:08:21.542-05:00The other day I was talking to a friend about someone we knew that wear jean that very unflattering despite the fact that they are from a very well known brand. We could not help but making it the topic of conversation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2011/08/80811Twophone_3782Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2011/08/80811Twophone_3782Web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-street-couple-stockholm/"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><br />I'm one of those that have no real brand loyalty but I always look for the right color {nice dark wash!} and the right fit no matter the price or brand. The "muffin top" is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to the fit because there is nothing more uncomfortable than feeling that your favorite pair is not allowing circulation to the lower part of your body.... right???<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.thesartorialist.com/photos/62111ViaTurati_6979Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.thesartorialist.com/photos/62111ViaTurati_6979Web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-street-via-turati-milan/"><i>Image Size</i></a></div><br />So, like they say "when in doubt... just ask"... and since I have this space I wanted to share with all of you a few links on how to chose the jeans that look best on you no matter what the fashion trends say {not all of us are made to wear super-duper-ultra skinny jeans!}<br /><br />For the ladies:<br /><ol><li>&nbsp;<a href="http://main.stylelist.com/2010/04/22/5-tips-perfect-pair-of-jeans/">Perfect Jeans - 5 Tips on How to Find Them </a></li><li><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/jeans-pants/denim-jeans-00100000061981/index.html">The Definitive Denim Style Guide</a></li><li><a href="http://www.oprah.com/style/The-Jean-Buying-Fit-Guide/1">The Jean Genie&nbsp;</a></li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2011/08/61711VR_5355Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2011/08/61711VR_5355Web.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2011/08/61511VR_4438Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2011/08/61511VR_4438Web.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-street-florence/">&nbsp;Image Credit</a></i></div><br />For the guys {my friend was a guy!}:<br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.menshealth.com/style/jeans/find-the-right-fit.php">Find the Right Fit</a></li><li><a href="http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_200/231_fashion_advice.html">Buying the Perfect Pair of Men's Jeans</a></li></ol><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day and have some fun!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-8405321339008316287?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-48078375826598539702011-08-30T09:51:00.004-04:002011-08-30T09:51:38.560-04:00Last night as I watched Tony Bourdain walk around the ancient streets of Istanbul I could not help get a terrible craving of those delicious pastries they showed. Like many of you {I'm sure!} I love baklava and have my favorite places where I buy and in certain occasions I have done it myself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/static_files/tc/images/shows/bourdain/istanbulslideshows/bourdain_ss_instanbul_002_596x334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.travelchannel.com/static_files/tc/images/shows/bourdain/istanbulslideshows/bourdain_ss_instanbul_002_596x334.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain/Photos/istanbul-behind-the-scenes"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Turkey sweets are more that just dessert but they are also a symbol of hospitality and part of the Sugar Feast on the 3-day feast at the end of the month long Ramadan {which is the time when No Reservations was filmed in the city}.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2011-08/64211820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2011-08/64211820.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-ramadan-rec2-20110825,0,820895.story"><i>Image Credit</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On this recipe of Baklava there is also step by step instructions on how to make filo dough {the flaky layers dough} which is an adventure I've never tried to get into since the layers are so thin they sort of scare me... I always opt for the store bought kind, ha! Click for <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-ramadan-rec2-20110825,0,820895.story"><i>Recipe</i> </a>and <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-step-by-step-baklava-making-photos,0,5844700.photogallery"><i>Filo Instructions</i></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/static_files/tc/images/shows/bourdain/istanbulslideshows/bourdain_ss_instanbul_009_596x334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.travelchannel.com/static_files/tc/images/shows/bourdain/istanbulslideshows/bourdain_ss_instanbul_009_596x334.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain/Photos/istanbul-behind-the-scenes">&nbsp;Image Credit</a></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to remind you to join the celebration of my B-Day this September by sending me a postcard from where ever you are. This is the second year I'm doing it and the response has been fantastic. Once I receive each card I feature it on the blog just like you can see in <i><a href="http://www.thepunctuationmark.com/2011/08/sunshine-on-friday.html">here </a></i>and <a href="http://www.thepunctuationmark.com/2010/09/fairy-kisses.html"><i>here</i></a>!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day full of sweetness!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-4807837582659853970?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>Punctuation Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659854576793753720noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3140115401808710359.post-75940204105111564792011-08-29T11:22:00.000-04:002011-08-29T11:24:06.771-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">First of all I want to send my good wishes to those affected by the hurricane over the weekend and hope things get back to normal real soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/exterior1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/exterior1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, lately I've been very active on my reading and for one reason of the other Vienna has been coming up a lot in my readings besides the fact that my parents were there just a month ago {all images <i><a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/">HERE</a></i>}.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/hallensalon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/hallensalon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On my travels I've always made mandatory {for myself!} to visit places that have a lot of history and a place like the <a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/">Hotel Imperial</a> would definitely be one of those places. Built in 1863 to be the residence of the prince of Württemberg it was turned into a hotel in 1873 for the World's Fair and became famous all over the world as the place to go for luxury and impeccable service.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/classicroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/classicroom1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As much as I might like a modern environment, I love places that have maintained their grandiose personality and still make us feel like that old world luxury. It is know that the afternoon is prepared with fresh water from the Alps and trademark teas including Darjeeling, Bergamot and Rose Blossom petals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/elisabethsuite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/elisabethsuite1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This place is so famous that there are a number of anecdotes by many historical figures such as <a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/charly_chaplin">Charly Chaplin</a>, <a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/queen_elizabeth">Queen Elizabeth II</a>, and <a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/pavarotti">Luciano Pavarotti</a> amongst many others.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/gc_header_416_107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.hotelimperialvienna.com/assets/u/gc_header_416_107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great Monday and make sure to make plans to indulge in something this week!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3140115401808710359-7594020410511156479?l=www.thepunctuationmark.com' alt='' /></div>