tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-153252252012-01-07T00:24:11.103-06:00"For mine is a generation that circles the globe in search of something we haven't tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite, and never outstay your welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience, and if it hurts, you know what? It was probably worth it."issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.comBlogger3031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-87699367907839109162011-10-21T15:40:00.000-05:002011-10-21T15:40:54.920-05:00

stuffed bellpeppers. After reminiscing over photos from our trip to Greece last year, I decided to attempt to make the Mediterranean version of the dish as opposed to the italian version?  with ground lamb and rice stuffing and a slightly sweet tomato sauce to top it off.  The flavors were pretty much there.. from a dish that we had several times in Mykonos.  *note to self - next time let it

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-47505128642367603542011-07-25T14:16:00.000-05:002011-07-25T14:16:47.296-05:00

chicken adobo + brown rice + zucchini attempted to make Filipino style chicken adobo for the first time last week.  it turned out pretty good, at least the husband was pleased. To sum it up, it's braised chicken in 2 parts vinegar,  1 part soy sauce, peppercorns, and garlic. will make again.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-31308210224045382422011-07-08T22:05:00.001-05:002011-07-08T22:07:01.722-05:00

ever since me and the hubby have been traveling i've loved learning at least a bit of the language prior to the trip- so i at least know a few good phrases in italian, french, spanish, czech, korean, japanese (turkish and croatian were just a bit too hard!)  out of them all, i learned the most korean- well mainly because i do enjoy their dramas and music.  but it was also a good thing since it

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-48421809162081911442011-07-01T13:47:00.000-05:002011-07-01T13:47:27.753-05:00

here's some highlights.. or just whatever footage i managed to video while on our recent trip- enjoy!!

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-62712250521719113242011-06-30T21:06:00.003-05:002011-07-01T13:46:02.660-05:00

so this happened last saturday while attending a banquet - so the guy may not have actually been that creepy - but just the dialog itself.. i could not resist.   i mean scary yet flattering right?  OR he just has photographic memory skillz, while i on the other hand could barely remember that i took a jazz appreciation class.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-60042355264443640712011-06-01T16:31:00.005-05:002011-06-04T19:05:05.773-05:00

prague - charles bridge with view of the castle at night. so we're back from our latest holiday in London and Prague, and perhaps our last overseas getaway for awhile.  it's been absolutely fantastic doing an annual trip like we have been for the past few years.. but we may hold off for awhile.. with the new house.. and who knows maybe time to settle down and start a family next year.  but we'll

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-62249426331741593432011-05-04T23:53:00.002-05:002011-05-05T00:02:46.436-05:00

so in addition to the whole photography and cinematography thing, i've been dabbling in graphic design, from wedding paper goods, to prints TO BE FRAMED AND HUNG ON UR WALL.  all made with love.  my friends have been my test subjects.. as recently that's been their gifts.  HERE'S A PRINT. I MADE THIS.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-22025667333599513292011-03-10T15:29:00.005-06:002011-06-04T18:44:05.461-05:00

you're probably wondering where i've been.. so here's the obligatory dramatic short.  we were under contract to sell our house, went under contract to buy a house, went on vacation in September and had a good time in Greece and even better time in Turkey.  2 weeks after we returned.. we sold our house, the day after... i got laid off, we cancelled the contract on purchasing said new home.  in

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-32619518430167479422010-09-01T20:20:00.002-05:002010-09-02T09:23:45.225-05:00

Chez Roux - located within the La Torretta Resort in Lake Conroe, begged for a visit being Albert Roux's first American establishment and headed up by Michael Gray, the only Michelin-star rated chef in Texas.  It's reasonable tasting menu prices were also tempting that the one hour drive sounded completely worth it.  But now that we've been I can easily answer the question:  was worth it or

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-73121131249991155242010-08-25T13:37:00.002-05:002010-10-22T12:38:36.016-05:00

i noticed i had this entry as a draft but never posted... back in january me and the mr. hosted my mom's birthday party... and while i was looking up ideas for decor i googled the term 'tiffany's mantle decor' under google images to see if there was anything i could use for inspiration but to my surprise the third photo was a picture of me. * i just tried it again today.  FIRST!!!111!1

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-19962395977601580332010-08-18T09:31:00.002-05:002010-08-18T09:31:51.122-05:00

office boss says (11:42 AM): *heya, come here a sec no good can come from this.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-14455534605782385312010-08-12T17:05:00.003-05:002010-08-12T17:08:19.761-05:00

stewed ground pork with shitake mushrooms and wood ear simply made as the above ingredients are stewed in a pot of broth, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and star anise.the next day i added in some hardboiled eggs.. so good. bok choy with enoki mushrooms flash boiled then stir fried, added broth and cornstarch for gravy. pickled pork hock with scallions (a fave of ours) preboil the hock for about an

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-138422832792068092010-08-11T11:25:00.001-05:002010-08-11T13:46:42.046-05:00

hitRECord.org is a site where they collaborate to produce art through film/music/animation.  it's quite cool to see things they've done. and headed up by none other than the point man himself, joseph gordon-levitt. the short above.  i like.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-12643792994626078712010-08-11T09:42:00.002-05:002010-08-11T09:43:40.954-05:00

my coworkers periodically sends me random links.. much like dru.  except these aren't always funny and sometimes political.  and usually the politcal ones. are just plain ridiculous.  to the point that gets me so annoyed, mainly because the comments are just too ridiculous and no purpose.. and pretty much just insults.  and if you know me i don't get worked up over things. nor do i like too.  

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-72420890544034301272010-08-10T14:03:00.006-05:002010-08-10T14:17:04.157-05:00

so this happened a couple of weeks ago.  i prove myself useful at work.     me:  tomorrow they're drawing places for the work fantasy football league seoxcookie:  are you playing?! me:  no.. i don't know anything.. haha.  but ceo and boss were both like issa has to draw names, i'm apparently good luck for them... i think i drew boss #1 and ceo #3 last year.. lolseoxcookie:  lolyou are like the

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-27062758805276445242010-08-09T10:08:00.003-05:002010-09-02T09:15:15.737-05:00

we ended june with a quick trip up to austin with friends for some trailer food and trick art.  all of which (for the most part) were excellent. places we ate on saturday:  flip happy crepes | home slice | odd duck | gourdough's | chil'antro | best wurst | frietknot on sunday we drove by la boite and gibson bar then ended up at austin java co. flip happy was definitely most delicious..

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-71129925765568197622010-07-16T09:35:00.000-05:002010-07-16T09:35:44.783-05:00

the other day work was busy so i had to pick up foods to eat at work... and i really wanted  banh mi, but had serious trepidations that it would smell up the office.  funny right?  it's not that banh mi smells bad, but it's asian.. so it smells... different.  and i didn't want to be THAT person at work.  you know the person who smells up the office with their foods, like the person who burns

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-14276327609421952332010-07-07T12:12:00.000-05:002010-07-07T12:12:19.605-05:00

this was the second recipe i made from thomas keller's ad hoc at home.  i cheated slightly by purchasing my pie dough, but still it created a delicious meal.  the hubby was quite impressed, and i was surprised at how easy it was. this is not your generic frozen pot pie. the flavors were rich yet simple with béchamel sauce and fresh herbs.  i decided to serve it with a side of cucumber salad.. a

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-20659049237833912802010-06-28T16:12:00.002-05:002010-06-28T16:15:33.650-05:00

at the end of may, me and T made a quick trip to Austin.. for some outlet shopping and eating.. and pretty much just to getaway.  one of our stops that we've been planning on for.. years.. was Uchi.  and we finally got to try it. i went ahead and made reservations, since i've heard that the wait is generally long, but the cool thing is that they only set a small portion for reservations and

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-82988436574715202822010-06-09T22:47:00.002-05:002010-06-09T22:51:39.793-05:00

recently, i  finally cracked open my ad hoc at home cookbook by thomas keller.  the inaugural recipe was the roasted poussin.. it didn't sound complex and i already had cornish game hens in my freezer.  preparation was rather basic, and the result was delish.  the flavors were simple and light, really letting you taste the mix of thyme and parsley and the hen.  i decided to roast some potatoes

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-62880879737739071832010-05-11T16:16:00.001-05:002010-05-11T16:16:32.037-05:00

last week i decided to finally try to make okonomiyaki.  originally introduced to it via the anime Ranma 1/2, but not actually tasted until our trip to Tokyo last spring.  sometimes referred to as a japanese pizza, it is really not similar besides it's usually round shape.. it's much more akin to a korean pancake. after finding an okonomiyaki kit at the local korean store, i decided to give it

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-15583654078497225722010-04-29T15:29:00.004-05:002010-04-29T15:34:17.534-05:00

digital perm to be exact.  i had a strong urge to get one a few years ago.. and i finally did it.  the difference between a digital perm and a regular perm.. is that a digital perm uses rollers that get heated, to give more of a  curling iron effect.  also they perm only to about eye level.. and i'm pretty sure it started in korea... so my korean bff made an appointment for me at a local korean

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-11410568832172922622010-04-21T14:43:00.003-05:002010-04-21T14:46:04.260-05:00

thanks to fantastic photogs anniecat and dru, that i've gotten to dabble into photography and even been blessed with the opportunity to do some photography outside of just personal photos. top image from Yellow Mag Mar 2010 issue bottom image from Culture Map online article

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-9954273193101304282010-04-20T12:07:00.004-05:002010-04-20T12:17:11.106-05:00

i know i've been terribly neglecting this blog (as well as the other).  not sure why things seem so busy.. yet i feel like i'm slacking in so many other aspects.. the guitar is dusty.. my workout clothes are clean..  but one things for sure i'm still cooking. from top: spinach, potato,sausage fritatta | mini fruit tarts | grilled pork loin, baby carrots, and truffle crab pasta | roasted

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-75383676783909432772010-03-05T09:18:00.000-06:002010-03-05T09:18:18.825-06:00

so wewearthings along with phi-style have started a collaboration online shop.  selling new, gently used, and vintage pieces.   we'll see how this goes.    prettymuchnew.blogspot.com

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-87743659532521945992010-03-03T16:40:00.000-06:002010-03-03T16:40:27.377-06:00

thought curtains.. for the bed would make a nice change for spring/summer.   i can't believe it's march already.  i need to stop being lazy.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-89012806446104267772010-02-13T01:18:00.002-06:002010-02-13T01:33:44.070-06:00

i turned 29 on tuesday... which was preceded by multiple celebrations... dinner at le mistral on friday, then a Lady Gaga themed night with the BFFs on saturday... and then lunch with the parents on tuesday. - a great way to start off the last year of my 20s.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-37711934774315140302010-02-02T17:01:00.003-06:002010-02-02T17:10:11.620-06:00

me and T took the camera out for a spin a few weekends ago as we went to check out the bayou bend gardens.. which were completely empty. it would seem.. spring is most likely the best time to go.. when flowers are also present.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-24947485891909135112010-01-26T09:36:00.003-06:002010-01-26T09:39:01.238-06:00

yesterday was my mom's 6oth birthday.. and over the weekend we threw her a birthday bash with family and friends.. i have to say i think it turned out quite successful! hope you had a fabulous birthday mom :)

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-89194381634058520982010-01-24T21:15:00.002-06:002010-01-24T21:28:08.857-06:00

it seems this not updating thing keeps becoming habit to me lately... hopefully i'll get back into the swing of things.. especially with brand new dslr to help... of course i've had dru's old camera for several months prior.. but still. NEW CAMERA = better, faster, stronger. er. maybe not. here's some photos of the 'kids':

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-42277502948537158972010-01-10T21:15:00.002-06:002010-01-10T21:17:54.223-06:00

Branch Water Tavern - please don't pass the salt.I had heard the buzz about this place through the internetz.. and was excitingly awaiting the chance to try it out. Only a few months old, and it seemed to have great potential. we pulled up to a packed lot and equally packed street. and apparently tried to walk in through the 'wrong' door.. only to see the place packed to the right (the bar)

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-67357331306679199572010-01-10T14:21:00.003-06:002010-01-10T14:22:59.120-06:00

just took down my xmas stuff. :(

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-25487785040270598382010-01-04T13:55:00.002-06:002010-01-04T13:56:58.773-06:00

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-48972822880362128672009-12-10T10:14:00.003-06:002009-12-10T10:17:33.171-06:00

this years 'gift' was homemade cookies... so i made a cookie buffet!lime meltaways, espresso shortbread, pecan pie cookies, rum balls, homemade almond roca, and green tea shortbread.sekrit santa name tags outside the front door.so i was so busy that those are the only photos from the party that i took... will have to wait for photog guest dru for more photos :)

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-43062977915821559832009-12-03T23:03:00.002-06:002009-12-03T23:09:18.785-06:00

thanksgiving 2009 i learned how wonderful it is to brine a turkey. SO DELICIOUS.there was all the traditional sides along with acorn squash stuffed with couscous.. also delicious.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-27598122379890350992009-11-19T10:24:00.003-06:002009-11-19T10:26:41.212-06:00

pork and shrimp wontons.i had a craving... so i made some. T even helped wrap some of 'em too :)

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-70460689222155483212009-11-13T11:08:00.002-06:002009-11-13T11:13:42.788-06:00

yesterday i was bombarded with a slew of poker face covers. what a weird day. and now i really want a stylophone.jude law's versionchristopher walken's versioncartman's version

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-52449239316114663392009-11-05T14:12:00.003-06:002009-11-05T14:17:32.440-06:00

this past weekend, did another collaboration shoot with tramanh from phi-style. lots of DIY projects.. which included the ubiquitous issa puff skirt, maison michel diy lace ears, flower pins and bib necklaces. we also had two photogs, annie and dru. these first set of photos are by the super talented annie. see more here

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-36984025398109207872009-11-03T14:02:00.002-06:002009-11-03T14:06:06.063-06:00

creamy mushroom cabonaratruffle oil, egg, asparagus.osso buccomolto bene!

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-11219351099467514232009-10-31T21:40:00.001-05:002009-10-31T21:44:17.499-05:00

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-63565054823745061732009-10-19T10:21:00.002-05:002009-10-19T10:24:23.955-05:00

a little compilation of video footage from my cousin's wedding and engagement shoot

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-88101582965218186542009-10-13T14:03:00.003-05:002009-10-13T14:18:11.043-05:00

my friend tramanh passed me along this link about fake tilt shift photography... which is AMAZING. making photographs look like a miniature toy-like world. LEGOLAND. or a la Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.i had to try this for myself.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-51684583236309688092009-10-11T23:02:00.004-05:002009-10-11T23:18:15.172-05:00

truffled egg salad tramezzini - homey and classy at the same time.ingredients: bread (usually white, cut off the crust), boiled eggs, dijon mustard, mayo, olive oil, pepper, sea salt, truffle oiloven "fried" chicken and red beans and riceingredients: chicken -boneless/skinless chicken thighs, italian dressing (chicken marinade), bread crumbsred beans and rice - kidney beans (drained), sausage,

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-47026634052749502542009-10-06T20:07:00.005-05:002009-10-06T20:16:29.306-05:00

the cousin's wedding was this past weekend... and friday was the rehearsal dinner.. here's just a few photos...

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-16764684250900701412009-09-29T14:12:00.004-05:002009-09-29T14:16:58.685-05:00

mini turkey meatloaf cupcakes with asiago potato wedgesspaghetti bolognese with artichoke granitataa few dinners from last week.. both lacking a substantial portion of vegetables. whoops.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-61677231463703990602009-09-25T14:59:00.002-05:002009-09-25T15:07:33.640-05:00

since dru let me borrow his 'other' camera i've been playing around by shooting the pups. the more i shoot.. the more it affirms my need to invest in a dslr. photo quality so good.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-1908741533790968692009-09-24T11:59:00.003-05:002009-09-24T12:08:07.931-05:00

once in a lifetime foodie experience. check.for our trip we decided to book the only 3 michelin star rated restaurant in vegas, Joel Robuchon at the Mansion.the experience alone was remarkable.. and made us feel like a million bucks. which was good.. because the experience is not cheap.the night began with a limo pick up from PH to the Mansion at MGM. apparently this is the private entrance to

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-84648774122847190662009-09-22T10:11:00.003-05:002009-09-22T10:19:32.316-05:00

spent the weekend in vegas. 'nuff said.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-48349335924397687892009-09-22T10:05:00.001-05:002009-09-22T10:11:16.137-05:00

it looks like bedford is now closed.. and randy rucker is leaving rainbow lodge.go figure.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-63808486769652419242009-09-09T09:22:00.003-05:002009-09-09T09:25:28.745-05:00

HEB had lobsters $5.99/lb... could not resist. my house still smells like garlic butter.and we totally used a garlic press as a lobstah hammer.LOBSTAHTruffle/Asiago Mashed Potatoes

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-56938930322125642222009-09-07T19:03:00.005-05:002009-09-07T19:22:54.478-05:00

in honor of my friend from teh internetz new blog - pictures of dinner (who still likes me despite the fact that i like to put tabasco on my popcorn), i actually remembered to take photos of my labor day dinner... U SEE FOOD NOW.scallop scampi pastacozze biancoasparagus sauteed in clam sauce

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-45971812803768901442009-09-03T23:29:00.000-05:002009-09-03T23:29:20.328-05:00

From trust me, it's paradise.c'mon you can tell me.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-53349518967316142302009-09-03T11:20:00.004-05:002009-09-25T15:23:05.569-05:00

french noshing in houston at it's best. over a month ago i had the opportunity to go with the MIL to dinner at this quaint french cafe set amongst shops in Rice Village.. the wait was a little long but doable as we sat outside sipping on a cold glass of white wine.. once we were seated we glanced over the chalkboard menu and decided quickly on what to order...we started with the foie gras pâté

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-54383746814576933032009-09-01T13:55:00.006-05:002009-09-25T15:22:14.878-05:00

my cousin's bachelorette party was on the evening after the bridal shower.. and i decided to host it at my house with a masquerade theme...i think it turned out pretty well.. albeit quite tame via the normal bachelorette party standards.. but a good time.tina paper dolls - i got the idea from the uber talented talidapicking the winners...wedding day attirewedding night attire

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-37014494913384600922009-08-31T13:10:00.003-05:002009-09-25T15:22:27.163-05:00

saturday was my cousin's bridal shower at Ouisie's Table... it was also the first time for me to shoot with a dSLR... dslr is not like a point and shoot... here are a few of the shots.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-27795528504157016122009-08-28T12:00:00.017-05:002010-09-02T09:21:02.368-05:00

it's been awhile since i posted that list of places to eat in Houston... many of those places no longer exist.. but many a new places have opened up.. (i still miss Aries and Scott's Celler) so i figured i'd keep up with a list of notable places that i've ate at... from all over. ALL OVER. some places weren't necessarily good, but they still constitute as being notable. i'll try to update

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-27798169806996520192009-08-27T11:59:00.008-05:002009-09-25T15:23:05.569-05:00

for houston restuarant week, we booked reservations at the oceanaire.. it had a vast menu of choices to pick from so we figured.. good as time as any to try it out. it ended up being another disappointment.. it wasn't that food was bad, but more that it wasn't anything particularly good either. like i would've enjoyed pappadeux just as well or even more so... which should not be the case at

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-57873499805252144882009-08-07T09:00:00.004-05:002009-09-25T15:23:05.570-05:00

molto bene!like dolce vita.. and da marco before that. poscol delivers perfectly in marco wiles fashion.i've already eaten here three times in the last 2 months.. and each time has been enjoyable. in a slightly crammed in shopping center, you'll find small tables and a packed house of patrons noshing on housecured meats an italian wine. be sure to check the board for the daily specials..

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-33937703415173123722009-08-06T09:00:00.002-05:002009-09-25T15:23:05.570-05:00

incredibly disappointing...Those are the two words that I definitely did not expect to speak after dining at Rainbow Lodge. Of course I went in with such high hopes after reading review after review of how great Randy Rucker was with his experimental take on foods.Perhaps we caught him on an off night...We ordered the tasting menu which started off well enough with a canape service where out of

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-9705275686075937982009-08-05T14:49:00.006-05:002009-09-25T15:23:05.570-05:00

[ with HRW coming up.. i decided to do a few restaurant reviews. ]This wasn't the first time we dined by Chef Robert Gadsby's hands. And it certainly won't be the last.We first had a taste of his french, japanese fusion at NOE in the omni hotel several years ago. I remember encountering a delicious tasting menu topped off with the best softshell crab dish I have ever had. Soon after he left,

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-33318566726461344432009-07-28T11:01:00.002-05:002009-08-28T12:05:02.012-05:00

pixelbath says:also, I'm in here now :Pissa says :I SAW Upixelbath says:WHEREissa says :IN THE HALLpixelbath says:Oissa says:NOT NINJA ENUFFpixelbath says:THE SEEING WAS NOT MUTUALissa says :ME = NINJApixelbath says:U R TOO NINJAissa says :that was a good conversationYES, THIS IS REAL LIFE.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-28815185723402993712009-06-30T21:51:00.003-05:002009-07-01T09:29:37.175-05:00

dru got a ringflash for his camera... it was glamorous time.dru would not let me post these photos on WWT. so i post them here :)

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-33031831284348523162009-06-26T10:48:00.005-05:002009-06-26T11:05:22.775-05:00

in honor of wewearthings being 1 year old.. dru did an impromtu photoshoot with me and his landlord, fellow houston fashion blogger tramanh. it turned out being way more fun than anticipated.. and the results.. well dru deserves a big 'ol pat on the back.. for making me not look overly awkward. next shoot. we planz ahead.see more here

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-87908389242617809622009-06-23T16:07:00.004-05:002009-09-03T10:43:02.609-05:00

renji has been LAZY TOWN lately... it must be the weather. this is might as well be a live webcam shot.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-67717035129213196932009-06-16T13:53:00.006-05:002009-06-16T14:11:06.066-05:00

so i tend to complain about the lack of music festivals down here.. sure there's ACL festival.. in September (which is like always ridiculously hot)... but the ones in town.. seem to be nonexistent.now out of the blue there's 2 music festivals coming up.. one in July and another in August.first... texas heat music festival. which is happening over July 4th weekend in Downtown.. and is shockingly

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-6929867900146326352009-06-11T14:24:00.002-05:002009-06-11T14:38:11.671-05:00

asiago herb bread.last week i borrowed my dads kitchenaid mixer to 'test' it out.it is coolest thing since well... sliced bread.i quickly put an order in for one for myself... in red.. moar bread and baked goodies to come.. the hubby and my coworkers should be very happy.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-39525552095928756602009-06-02T09:30:00.001-05:002009-06-02T09:32:30.510-05:00

the crew headed to New Orleans for yen's graduation celebration... good times.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-26393726300820811652009-05-19T14:49:00.002-05:002009-05-19T15:03:52.793-05:00

finally made a replacement for the lemon wreath i made like 2 years ago... the lemons were all faded... so i took it apart... and after checking out various sites for summer wreath inspiration.. i decided to do a shell wreath.... and i like how it turned out...  i hope the hot glue holds.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-354297052319873702009-05-14T16:28:00.004-05:002009-05-14T16:44:58.143-05:00

chocolate chipotle cupcakes topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon..and since i pureed the entire can of chipotle peppers.. so much chipotle to use...so dinner the day was chipotle grilled pork loin...butterflied the pork loin slices and pounded them out... then marinated them in a combination of garlic, chipotle puree, brown sugar, and salt/pepper. served on mashed potatoes with a side of

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-61537863685886209582009-05-13T10:09:00.001-05:002009-05-13T10:10:48.660-05:00

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-38147326122562947192009-05-08T00:18:00.005-05:002009-05-08T00:26:23.462-05:00

a super kute pooh from kiddieland that T bought me. no UFO catcher here.the OG BFFS outside the okinomiyaki restaurant that we ate at for our 'last dinner' so very delicious.then we headed to yoyogi park.. to see the park at night.on the last day we managed to get to the tokyo metropolitan gov't building to see the free views.i heart you tokyo... thanks for everything!!!!

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-14685929539194856162009-05-04T20:07:00.004-05:002009-08-31T10:06:59.920-05:00

we were lucky enough to be in town during peak cherry blossom season in tokyo... it was such a great sight to see.. and especially when the wind would blow.. although they were a lot less pink than i would have imagined..

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-38648713796973300292009-05-04T19:47:00.003-05:002009-08-31T10:06:59.921-05:00

spent the last full day doing the tourist thing by visiting meiji shrine and yoyogi park.. a day full of great weather.. and more walking :)

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-28110686856996768942009-05-04T19:34:00.004-05:002009-08-31T10:06:59.921-05:00

harajuku. takeshita dori and omestando street. so much shopping and eating. i liked it.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-67258267830963495222009-04-30T23:22:00.006-05:002009-08-31T10:06:59.921-05:00

day 5 continued from tsujiki to the imperial palace... which was sparse.. except for all of the tour groups.. taking the obligatory photos.. of the palace from oh so far away.we continued on to asakusa.. where i had delicious sakura soft serve.. ONOMONOM.with much tired feets we were off to akihabara... aka electric town.. aka otakuland.. aka nerdoland.. it was ZOMG SO MANY ROBOTZ.. everywhere.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-17007413729199352262009-04-30T23:00:00.002-05:002009-08-31T10:06:59.922-05:00

day 5. dru family day + me&T we started off early so we could get to the Tsujuki Fish Market...we didn't make it in time for the auction.. but it was quite cool to see... and SO CHEAP. if only we could have easy access to $8.00 boxes of uni.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-80974886652560612382009-04-28T22:30:00.000-05:002009-08-31T10:06:59.922-05:00

for day 3, we were lucky enough to be in town for Tokyo's springroove their annual hiphoppa music festival.. and it was quite awesome if i do say so myself. we got to see john legend, t pain, akon, tlc and craig david (ya who knew he was still around)the next day jeannie decided to surprise us by taking us to kanamara matsuri.. the fertility festival.. aka penis festival... which only happens

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-49628184123882660612009-04-22T20:52:00.006-05:002009-08-31T10:06:59.922-05:00

soon after arrival into narita airport we made our trek to shinjuku ..after some minimal direction error in finding the hotel.. we checked in.. then began to roam the area... had some bad ramen, and then some good sushi... and T's addiction to the UFO catchers and japanese arcades began...the following day we headed to explore shibuya and to meet up jeannie by hachiko and eventually even welcomed

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-87840979110728027612009-04-21T11:45:00.001-05:002009-04-21T11:48:04.683-05:00

we interrupt your regularly scheduled posting... to say.i dyed my hair.japan updates next.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-24168203710440910152009-04-18T23:23:00.005-05:002009-08-31T10:06:36.205-05:00

was the food good in seoul? most definitely.street food and restaurant food alike.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-24199715523934452502009-04-16T22:25:00.007-05:002009-08-31T10:06:36.206-05:00

now i couldn't go to seoul without stopping by a few kdrama filming sites... so i made sure i found directions to the coffee prince cafe, as well as building 63 (from my girl)... we considered going to the full house.. house.. but it was incheon and would've taken us awhile to get there and such.coffee prince was cool to go too.. it was however full of tourists and there were no 'princes' to

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-88452747050865268942009-04-15T09:00:00.000-05:002009-08-31T10:06:36.206-05:00

by the second day our feet were already beginning to tire... but we continued on.. exploring the city.. and well the many shopping areas of town. from the hongik university area to ewha womens university.. many shops were to be found... and found to not open unitl nearly noon.. but at least the stayed open until 11pm.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-23004660956582278262009-04-13T20:00:00.001-05:002009-08-31T10:06:36.206-05:00

anhyoung haseyo! so after arriving into seoul late in the evening on friday... then getting lost trying to find our hotel we were lucky enough to come across a super friendly guy dressed in kdrama fashion, who helped lead the way even with the language barrier. the following morning we woke up super early... jet laggy. then headed out in the area of myeongdong where our hotel was... and came

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-54151427513347681492009-04-12T22:50:00.002-05:002009-08-31T10:06:36.206-05:00

i wish i took more vids now... but enjoy!photos next.. 4 SRS.oh and if you're wondering the song on the vid is _ the city limit... by the radio dept.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-41268303272768121022009-04-09T15:22:00.001-05:002009-08-31T10:06:36.207-05:00

back from seoul/tokyo.... photos soon!

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-4942741831359881662009-02-27T15:54:00.002-06:002009-02-27T15:57:01.297-06:00

braised lamb shank... my first time to make it....will be making again!

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-60298028598387721942009-02-12T12:00:00.003-06:002009-02-12T22:47:11.879-06:00

the celebrating continued to saturday.. with my get out of your comfort zone night of fun with friends. i had made it dressup theme night of Hipster-Scenester/AmericanApparel/LadyGaga.. and i'd have to say everyone tried their best, some even went out of their way.. WAY out of their way to match the theme. GO ANDY.anyways we started with dinner at Golden Palace (We had never done an asian

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-13789446610520239582009-02-11T15:03:00.002-06:002009-02-11T15:11:27.361-06:00

I brought these over to Dru's superbowl party awhile ago. The challenge was to include bacon. I decided to make a pancake cupcake with bacon crumbled into the batter. The mix of subtle sweet and salty was a good mix. For the frosting, it was a buttercream with a hint of maple/honey syrup. Then i candied some bacon by baking it in the oven with brown sugar to top off the cupcakes. I was a

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-3999400879170613162009-02-11T11:36:00.007-06:002010-09-02T09:15:01.207-05:00

I was lucky enough have an entire weekend full of birthday celebrations.. to ring in my 28th.It started friday with dinner at Scott Tycer's Textile. Previously, of Aries.. which was probably my favorite restaurant in Houston, and not only because of the remarkable food and outstanding service, but for sentimental reasons as well. It was one of the first fine dining establishments T took me

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-74066884333470847922009-02-09T10:15:00.001-06:002009-09-03T10:43:02.610-05:00

after a night of awesomeness with friends.. some randomness on my webcam.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-3404955929285154882009-01-26T09:42:00.004-06:002009-09-03T10:43:02.610-05:00

oh boy.. it's been awhile since i've updated the blog.. i figured lunar new years would be as good of a time as any! soo happy year of the ox! prosperity and happiness to all!now here's some photos!christmas evenew years eve/ anniversaryoh yeah.. i did it again.more marathon photos here

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-80710891553964405882008-12-31T10:59:00.004-06:002009-09-03T10:43:02.610-05:00

happy 5 years... and here's to an even happier 5 more.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-87908509811925503292008-12-16T11:14:00.004-06:002008-12-16T11:44:26.423-06:00

so who knew the fashion blog would turn out so popular eh? the la mimi 'interview' was awhile back.. but last week someone from lucky style spotter contacted me to write an article for their site... i'm not a great writer.. but i threw something together.and my etsy store is currently empty... i guess i should really get to sewing.. but i feel like taking a hiatus for the holidays and start up

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-26840931069402628942008-12-11T16:20:00.003-06:002009-09-03T10:43:02.611-05:00

renji loves cooler weather so he can wear his clothes. he's such a divo.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-927803329898345922008-12-08T10:00:00.000-06:002008-12-08T10:16:27.538-06:00

omg i missed an entire month! november seemed to just fly by, from the time between halloween til now.. i really don't have much excuses, except the skirt business has been thriving and taking up most of my time, as has trying to get in training for the half marathon in january. but other than that we had some visitor's from canada for a weekend and went to a texan's game.. Mr. Rocks went to

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-83570510264692909202008-10-31T09:37:00.004-05:002008-10-31T10:44:22.626-05:00

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-71676223118589810472008-10-29T17:02:00.002-05:002008-10-29T17:05:29.579-05:00

my fall/halloween decor.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-7217580660456330302008-10-28T15:38:00.002-05:002008-10-28T15:43:09.692-05:00

finally started my etsy store... click on the image above to see :)

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-39132981671043322412008-10-22T10:48:00.000-05:002008-10-22T10:50:50.548-05:00

with early voting already starting.. look who came by the neighborhood.

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15325225.post-71911295235192089762008-10-13T19:36:00.000-05:002008-10-13T19:41:09.502-05:00

so on saturday i attended a coworker's poker party (see cupcakes below). like many guys these days, my coworkers like poker. and they like the hefty $20 buy in. now normally i don't play poker.. i'll watch it on tv.. but yeah the hubby plays but i just don't.. i feel like i get high anxiety deciding when to hold 'em, fold 'em or walk away or run.. er.. wait. and both me and mr. rocks had

issahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330724535484021347noreply@blogger.com1