tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82944227206768296862024-03-05T01:16:58.448-05:00Almay Alday DesignsAlmay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-70232769084136716752010-05-28T21:00:00.004-04:002010-05-29T17:32:16.970-04:00This is more of a Steal than a Deal!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUFlyDsZG9LPxw5NQRgzJ-oyvu73aiG07ua-MNfIPHyRsiFHJI6TZfQMaAAYcjWy0P-BcsAkDvjdqdnRYAtsWT_XOAVeaNSwQpT2VOuZmjAl4Px-jsct9OHPCuuv1xZ-r73KRW98-OA/s1600-h/Random+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436800768758630354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUFlyDsZG9LPxw5NQRgzJ-oyvu73aiG07ua-MNfIPHyRsiFHJI6TZfQMaAAYcjWy0P-BcsAkDvjdqdnRYAtsWT_XOAVeaNSwQpT2VOuZmjAl4Px-jsct9OHPCuuv1xZ-r73KRW98-OA/s200/Random+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> These cute pair of Steve Madden shoes were such a steal! </div><br /><div align="center">$39.94</div><br /><div align="center">-$27.96 (70% off)</div><br /><div align="center">-$10.00 (coupon)</div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>=$1.98</strong> </div><div align="center">(no tax for these in New Jersey)</div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">For this purchase, I surprisingly would have to disagree with this quote!</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>"A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist."</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">- Franklin P. Jones</span></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-36125388061742182392010-02-11T20:34:00.008-05:002010-05-29T17:34:08.413-04:00Say No to SNOW!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXGH3uAiXdYk54Gi_dlmsWgRSnAOSxMj6LC1Lj63SePk0nP6r38r3VZtCejXQ_8LO4I0D2rNVToxCVQ9_Iy7w_diu4iFv03RgSDzyCoGrgW7wdXz0koJsVFw30EO4Ff4WwUuTXZxrjg/s1600-h/Random+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437166538814744386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXGH3uAiXdYk54Gi_dlmsWgRSnAOSxMj6LC1Lj63SePk0nP6r38r3VZtCejXQ_8LO4I0D2rNVToxCVQ9_Iy7w_diu4iFv03RgSDzyCoGrgW7wdXz0koJsVFw30EO4Ff4WwUuTXZxrjg/s320/Random+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Dear Snow,<br />Stop following me! It's over between us and has been for years! I must admit I'm at fault as well for appearing in places where it's easy for you to stalk me! I'm hoping Spring arrives soon to kick your ass! Now please go away before I put mother nature's restraining order on you!<br /><br />No Love,<br />Almay </div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">P.S. The only reason I look happy with you in this photo is because my neighbors helped dig me and my car out when you were trying to be difficult!</span> </div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-27806439415331332022010-01-30T16:53:00.004-05:002010-02-07T09:14:18.315-05:00Fun in the Sun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwN8ts8jlX0OBVWPr48F2BUluUS_oeBv0yfhtOUtfvISpn3nGtMWwAq98syiZjy-rvn27A-klNfuU0DF7ynj7rznsan6szCb-HTr0oh5IN8ch-dpVHGA6_8ppdSA2A0JwtPr3lTZ_fg/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+2010+082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430644686123000546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwN8ts8jlX0OBVWPr48F2BUluUS_oeBv0yfhtOUtfvISpn3nGtMWwAq98syiZjy-rvn27A-klNfuU0DF7ynj7rznsan6szCb-HTr0oh5IN8ch-dpVHGA6_8ppdSA2A0JwtPr3lTZ_fg/s320/Puerto+Rico+2010+082.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nothing beats escaping the blahs of winter to go on a little vacation where it feels like summer, unless of course you live somewhere that feels like summer all year round! Just the thought makes me sick and jealous! The best is when you're invited to a destination wedding and then it's a two-fer (two for one deal)! Here I am hanging at the pool in Puerto Rico! Look at those happy toes! Sadly they are back in winter boots, but at least my pedicure will stay protected for awhile. :(<br /><br /><div align="center">Here is the card I made for the happy couple! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Estevez!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyHPqjBFEC4HJ0HcHXCSZR797ymTRbP9daQnZJtKQgtQyqv9-FXIQzP43Sw2_cXvbNEN-UZHktw4Ud6d7e3A87AOPG654IxU74jTjQsZOt-j_OUkANTNpvBDAmSNW7WEJ-kqhglFoUg/s1600-h/Almay+Alday+Designs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430648436233994898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyHPqjBFEC4HJ0HcHXCSZR797ymTRbP9daQnZJtKQgtQyqv9-FXIQzP43Sw2_cXvbNEN-UZHktw4Ud6d7e3A87AOPG654IxU74jTjQsZOt-j_OUkANTNpvBDAmSNW7WEJ-kqhglFoUg/s320/Almay+Alday+Designs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This quote is on the inside of the card:<br /><br /><strong>"Love enables you to put your deepest feelings and fears in the palm of your partner's hand, knowing they will be handled with care."</strong> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">~Carl S. Avery</span> </div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-76703157249842135322009-12-31T13:40:00.012-05:002010-01-03T00:12:21.491-05:00Pleeza No Squeeza!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz64wVT5NlR-abWfEYk_op1KghnZW7axBtyOkWrOa37AFwvgjnhnjNre4Wp_Pa4q53AupXx06s7znQuE83tkdQsRB6w9zUIvkyRYw5FqT2YucvSsQFv3_be__jqpAi2As1FVJ7ntFQvQ/s1600-h/Seattle+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418328207934654978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz64wVT5NlR-abWfEYk_op1KghnZW7axBtyOkWrOa37AFwvgjnhnjNre4Wp_Pa4q53AupXx06s7znQuE83tkdQsRB6w9zUIvkyRYw5FqT2YucvSsQFv3_be__jqpAi2As1FVJ7ntFQvQ/s200/Seattle+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4cpnikfcnQeKQvIBJU6fJmGdNBIaIwpXj3tGGWkD_cLrKY7x9rxTQmA_kvGEMkHw4m9ENVtIuJl6waVgKnWdxoRRb2Uj4al6czGbk6HC5a7eQU_lw3DZ-Wc4iUNu7ODDGSySELGzag/s1600-h/Seattle+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418327328955740450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4cpnikfcnQeKQvIBJU6fJmGdNBIaIwpXj3tGGWkD_cLrKY7x9rxTQmA_kvGEMkHw4m9ENVtIuJl6waVgKnWdxoRRb2Uj4al6czGbk6HC5a7eQU_lw3DZ-Wc4iUNu7ODDGSySELGzag/s320/Seattle+027.jpg" border="0" /></a> This was taken at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington! I love when I see something funny especially when it rhymes! I have to admit, I ignored their warning to get a little squeeza! </div><div align="center"><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><strong>"Most vegetables are something God invented to </strong></div><div><strong>let women get even </strong><strong>with their children. </strong></div><div><strong>A fruit is a vegetable </strong><strong>with looks and money. </strong></div><div><strong>Plus, if you let fruit rot, </strong><strong>it turns into wine, </strong></div><div><strong>something brussels sprouts never do."</strong> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">-(The Bachelor Home Companion) P.J. O'Rourke</span></div></div></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-70664282259065012602009-09-22T19:50:00.000-04:002009-09-22T23:26:13.480-04:00The Best of the West!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWtsF8x9Kpbfk84lD_QHrrAf4-9KLhVP6Sn4Cv9WFcjbp1-ARwdoDagtawsuzI5qi8V156QgqIQJSnLNVUxc_Fv0HRGiS_zNLABHLdNImS-s7mzkKey1ysFFFWIjaIYpMAxKfAfOgsA/s1600-h/Day+6+Cali+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381488285432659250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWtsF8x9Kpbfk84lD_QHrrAf4-9KLhVP6Sn4Cv9WFcjbp1-ARwdoDagtawsuzI5qi8V156QgqIQJSnLNVUxc_Fv0HRGiS_zNLABHLdNImS-s7mzkKey1ysFFFWIjaIYpMAxKfAfOgsA/s400/Day+6+Cali+031.jpg" border="0" /></a>My all time favorite city is San Francisco! I just got back from vacation there and did not want to leave. It was awesome to see my relatives and so many of my friends who now live there. Not sure why I have such a love affair with it (by the photo you can see why)? I used to frequent the Bay area when my grandparents were alive, maybe what I love about the city are the memories. They bring me such warm and fuzzy feelings. I hope one day to find my way to the West Coast (hmm.. I wonder when the next Gold Rush will be?).<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>"You know what it is? </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>San Francisco is a golden handcuff </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>with the key thrown away."</strong></div><br /><div align="center">- John Steinbeck</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-19111099696716515452009-08-13T17:04:00.005-04:002009-08-13T19:05:48.990-04:00Eating Fruit = Two Piece Suit?<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IKtEyDHaFeK2Tf7JFh_s42IIre8MyEvGgVQ-YC6KBpyQuDukmegXTcID1n3uhyphenhyphenDPycTDG7dv-GqV3j9nu7cgNUjDaW4sIBWVRKeiRnUWezD3p6yqjEuRT0ud09Zv0D3xX90gsysJlg/s1600-h/Personal+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366594714133248066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IKtEyDHaFeK2Tf7JFh_s42IIre8MyEvGgVQ-YC6KBpyQuDukmegXTcID1n3uhyphenhyphenDPycTDG7dv-GqV3j9nu7cgNUjDaW4sIBWVRKeiRnUWezD3p6yqjEuRT0ud09Zv0D3xX90gsysJlg/s200/Personal+002.jpg" border="0" /></a>I love summer because it's the season that produces my favorite vegetables and fruits. Right now, I'm going through a nectarine phase. I really love fruit with a crunch to it. It takes so much energy to get through a nectarine that I easily start to feel full! Look at the ones in these photos! Can we say Miracle Growth? Whoa! At least this is a meal in itself! At this rate I'll be closer to getting another cupcake photo on my office wall (see last blog entry). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366588745038192706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE5jaxTSL_b1PNT_L39TcFpQA70j2k2AoTgTKt9ES4wbFx1UEFpX1PSLgBsp2RfTDD4dOjzFtBDe2U-7I-kQOd-gGpbbGOJruYhMoxH0Jt6KW5sQxFqsyhVPNHLF_Y4c9jQUEoPbH7A/s200/Personal+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></div><strong></strong><div align="center"><strong>"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."</strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Anonymous</span><br /></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-46054281931387948522009-07-06T12:00:00.003-04:002009-07-06T12:49:04.781-04:00My Diet is a Riot!<div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353622242868025490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeAfRr8QCB8F60sU-ZwhIRl_9Dis-ImGz1LBIvhr-XZ_ZlxPQ3_oM6q72jOAQFL4NPc7_KlrDDqpQOqSzXeprVUUIOcmDAMRTLjtRPj3ELvL0v4l1TeWZrAdX9LZ-cao1BeVXwLwFfQ/s200/Personal+009.jpg" border="0" />So you're probably wondering why I have pictures of two cupcakes taped to my office cabinets! I consider them as my weight loss milestones. Someone told me that she uses candles to represent her goals, I just extended that to something more yummy looking (sadly, cupcakes are my most favorite dessert)! Staring at these delectable photos may be torturous, but they visually remind me that once upon a time those used to be attached to my ass. I'm not saying I gave up on cupcakes, I just don't eat as many! I will keep you posted as my office wall fills with more cupcakes! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLh71MrcWdcpfP11NtHOeZv_RmTglCK8vTR36C-Vcq08_gLnOeStgcS9HTVFo10lJscNWnm5UTCmwV2x99hU-JGMPtvSahvvg_HUr7st9DXIQuK0AQNeSgdGTvHmTFnrugmE5SHzLTw/s1600-h/Personal+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353622505017717330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLh71MrcWdcpfP11NtHOeZv_RmTglCK8vTR36C-Vcq08_gLnOeStgcS9HTVFo10lJscNWnm5UTCmwV2x99hU-JGMPtvSahvvg_HUr7st9DXIQuK0AQNeSgdGTvHmTFnrugmE5SHzLTw/s200/Personal+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>"A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand"</strong></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">-unknown</span> </div><div align="center">(I almost wish I thought of that quote myself)</div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-72536239460946665082009-06-30T00:00:00.003-04:002009-06-30T06:59:46.624-04:00Merci Beaucoup rhymes with Thank You!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-IvoW3mFOli49Bop2l7g_5u7oAFWmqtaT3IbDYEF99ygiV-V0HJFkgvoVycr8VwQfBJrX8yG0qj-SeoH0DmzpjGoa-P5i3955LwOb05Jq2uhqf-w_S6PdBAcS80OjM6sO5aPlCcJrg/s1600-h/3173101-3-sin-of-greed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-IvoW3mFOli49Bop2l7g_5u7oAFWmqtaT3IbDYEF99ygiV-V0HJFkgvoVycr8VwQfBJrX8yG0qj-SeoH0DmzpjGoa-P5i3955LwOb05Jq2uhqf-w_S6PdBAcS80OjM6sO5aPlCcJrg/s320/3173101-3-sin-of-greed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352892734449703234" /></a>How exciting! I just won this photograph as part of a contest on <a href="http://dongedymini.blogspot.com/">Dongedy's blog</a>!! She is an amazing French photographer who uses mini people with everyday items. I feel like I'm a part of the moment when I see a little plastic-made person chiseling away at a sugar cube or swimming in a martini glass (First of all, I'm not made of plastic, but maybe one day I may need to go that route and secondly, I do love sweets and drinks so her photographs definitely resonate with me)! I would love to shrink myself and drink my way out of a cosmopolitan any day! Actually, I wouldn't have to shrink myself by much. I'm quite petite, so I'm sure I could find my way into a martini glass without a problem! I sound like I need to go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings!<div><br /><div><div> </div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnRsY_W3Jzqy4MqTSv3_TUp7y2l2aS73v3qoR4ClHOs26Ey8kjFgQfh33xvx7w4-JRK_Fr1fpln2AhQgb5vaF2M_YVZvZHwaFPyHufMCFnFLr5CMPcoyLFZeEeAISyB5LNU10nYBm1A/s200/il_430xN.71274635.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352892006136164130" /><div>I love the photo of the two people climbing their way up a jar of <a href="http://www.nutellausa.com/">Nutella</a>! That would be so dreamy, of course if you're allergic to hazelnuts, this would not be good! Please take some time to check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7341281">her shop</a>! I guarantee you'll find some favorite photos that will put a big smile on your face and hopefully end up on the walls of your home!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">"I like photographers, you don't ask questions."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Ronald Reagan</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-10046647971322375932009-06-24T18:30:00.009-04:002009-06-30T00:00:30.606-04:00Ole Ole Ole Ole...Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350496590837033938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiZZQUvPKndGGkf7pNF7uQQx7YFPySTyxLb9lTMfRkxFlLz0M4kvPYSG6BP6ViDJ62P__OtE2A_mgl6j4pZMPC3ybvYTsOqZ6oOnoYhSuvuZeD_RFNzTw0TACxsMXQp62vr4H5xml7Q/s200/Personal+004.jpg" border="0" />For the first time, I took hot yoga or as others would call Bikram. I was pretty excited about trying something new since I'm a very active individual. When my co-worker invited me to try hot yoga I was a little hesitant, but I figured what the heck! She told me exactly what I needed to bring for this new exercise activity (what a great excuse to buy an aquamarine mat and a matching headband at <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/">Lululemon</a>).<br /><div><br /><div>I knew it was going to be a very warm room, but I was not <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">mentally</span></span> prepared for 1 & 1/2 hours of poses in 105 F degrees. I have to admit at the 45 minute mark I was exhausted and wet from swimming in my own perspiration! Thank goodness I was told not to wear shorts since some of the poses require holding yourself by your knees or calves. Talk about slippery skin (I felt like a salamander which are scaleless and aquatic. The word is also defined as a "mythical being, esp. a lizard or other reptile, thought to be able to live in fire").<br /></div><br /><div>At the office, before my co-worker and I headed to yoga, I kept telling her "I'm going to try to make you laugh while we're in there!" I'm quite the personality so I wasn't sure I could handle the quietness of such a disciplined practice. My devious "laughter" plan was foiled when I realized I needed to focus under the extreme heat!</div><br /><div>During one of the poses where I laid face down on the mat, I was visited by a lovely dark eight legged creature making his or her way towards me! HOLY CRAP!!! I seriously had to take all the energy inside of me not to scream (in actuality, I needed to channel that energy to give my co-worker the evil eye)! I quickly calmed myself down, took in some air and used the power of my breath to blow that spider off my mat! By the sound of my breathing technique, I'm sure the others around me thought I was very deep into my stance or I was going into labor! When my "I'll-huff-and-I'll-puff-and-I'll-blow-your-house-in" method did not work, I had to figure out what else to do! It was in that moment where I would have preferred to switch out my "third eye" for a "third hand" because I had to quicly flick the spider instead (don't worry creature lovers, he lived). Later in the session, I noticed the guy in front of me flicking something of his towel (creature lovers, I have no idea if the spider lived, sorry)! When class was over I thought to myself, "I would rather have a yummy hoagie than be a yogi!"</div><div></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350496765561885954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fC1I5cWVo7EcAqLnusX2G4kjEjk8jyCq04tx0MGlDH3LCyG83SUkoZmiNkalUbO0gr6yXe-4WGG5GVjtzowseZtDmS2kCwNgbbhlZr0bS_EPQErvD3BV6My-__yMMppWEOK7gpwdRQ/s200/Personal+007.jpg" border="0" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350497589851322018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN2g9JSeLe5_lnDCa8iy9RS3_6393CFId4RwVgD2u0mNnBsAHN5vUMl-pr4ENXKwNS1M6lm9rleQZUqt3fw8wONGNdLc6RuKjGLMl5bdFFPXNZzgv9X1RIIRsvNWVXtE3Mypb6qiAlQ/s200/Personal+008.jpg" border="0" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:Times;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"I tried yoga once but took off for the </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">mall halfway through class, <br /></span></div></span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">as I had a sudden craving for </span></span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a soft pretzel and world peace."</span></span></span></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Terri Guillemets</span></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></strong></span></div></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-63504484499981718572009-06-11T12:46:00.010-04:002009-06-11T16:41:09.711-04:00Stay In Touch Thursdays!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9i2c3ETHhuxgoU29dwvz8c4NlkpMfDrnnmJenEC09cjonGhpwvxtDAtsd9xbFYtC-VOGSqpltzN6TefxnS3gOOCV1Dtn79PLoYQIhCfKdlIRSWU-IS6RZ5x9iIP9znYKl7ss4nEZxTg/s1600-h/Cards+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346112474779967362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9i2c3ETHhuxgoU29dwvz8c4NlkpMfDrnnmJenEC09cjonGhpwvxtDAtsd9xbFYtC-VOGSqpltzN6TefxnS3gOOCV1Dtn79PLoYQIhCfKdlIRSWU-IS6RZ5x9iIP9znYKl7ss4nEZxTg/s200/Cards+007.jpg" border="0" /></a>It’s quite embarrassing that I haven’t updated this blog in several months considering my love for the art of writing. I was inspired again to make more cards after spending some time in the sale section of Michaels craft store and JoAnn Fabrics (I went there on a mission for one thing and you know what happens when you see items with red sale price stickers? Hello Empty Wallet). I decided recently I’m going to start using one of my lovely handmade cards and personally write someone every week this year (Gee, I wonder if I actually know that many people?). It will be great way to reconnect with others than sending emails or constantly updating my status on Facebook. I will post my beautifully crafted card here only after I’ve sent it. I don’t want any of my recipients to get a sneak peek! Who knows maybe I’ll surprise one of my customers with a free handmade card along with a personal note from “Yours Truly!”<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>"Writing is a lonely job, unless you're a drinker, </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>in which case </strong><strong>you always have a friend within reach."</strong></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">-Emilio Estevez </div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-11253612186072123752009-04-04T20:44:00.014-04:002009-04-04T21:20:20.315-04:00Go STATE! You're Great!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBXKvcTe6DbWgnsp9_Vt8qjhx6rLb968HtTvZP_Z4DBtycfY-qeGPAJElmfFmKrzTWc1WYFQANYPNcwzTsb-OWrCZBI5NpE0Vi3aaV1uUx3d3bnxz7WYHQrGrKuq1jddLDjVCeKuqDA/s1600-h/michigan_state_logo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBXKvcTe6DbWgnsp9_Vt8qjhx6rLb968HtTvZP_Z4DBtycfY-qeGPAJElmfFmKrzTWc1WYFQANYPNcwzTsb-OWrCZBI5NpE0Vi3aaV1uUx3d3bnxz7WYHQrGrKuq1jddLDjVCeKuqDA/s200/michigan_state_logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321001884539944658" /></a>It's been awhile since I last wrote on my blog! I do apologize to all my followers. I was in the middle of moving during my last post and I'm still trying to get organized! I want to congratulate my alma mater in winning the basketball game against University of Connecticut! It's so awesome that a home team has made it this far to play at Ford Field in Michigan where the NCAA Final is being hosted! This isn't just about basketball, it's about bringing people together in a state where the unemployment rate is one of highest in the United States. Michigan is known for having the largest Big 3 car companies (GM, Ford, Chrysler), which are not doing very well and it has really sucked the life out everyone who lives there. So I hope that MSU wins the whole NCAA basketball tournament, so that all the folks of the beautiful state where I grew up, will be able feel some joy again! Go Green! Go White! Go State!<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"There are really only two plays: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Romeo and Juliet, and put the darn ball in the basket."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Abe Lemons</span></span></div></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-14480353486378590082009-03-07T12:51:00.007-05:002009-03-07T13:27:58.694-05:00Chunky Monkey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Gv4J47Kaal31cJ9fjbXjj2plqn9_A5IzqJQMVymH1m33EHkZwBrmrBHpiyZt3d_6WSIrvqzIkWLgjpv-sSUQhUocvR0L-W-PCJUd8MEsIP7Npmqxp-i_pB7XBGk4-TzcNbfvyxugfA/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310134099828750930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Gv4J47Kaal31cJ9fjbXjj2plqn9_A5IzqJQMVymH1m33EHkZwBrmrBHpiyZt3d_6WSIrvqzIkWLgjpv-sSUQhUocvR0L-W-PCJUd8MEsIP7Npmqxp-i_pB7XBGk4-TzcNbfvyxugfA/s200/photo.jpg" border="0" /></a>You're probably wondering if I will start chatting about the "Chunky Monkey" ice-cream made by Ben & Jerry's, but not today! Actually, I'm describing my new furry niece who belongs to my sister and her husband! Here I am with Riesling, she's a 12 week old English Bulldog pup. Yes, you heard that right! She is named after one of my sister's favorite wines. Other names on the list were Tandoori (yummy indian fare) and Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir (a bit too long for a pet's name, but how funny would that be?). I can't wait one day to get a pet and find some yummy dish to name him or her after! Even Adam Sandler named his bulldog, Meatball! It's hard not to name such a cute chunky dog after some type of food!<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>“I never married because there was no need. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late at night.”</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">- Marie Corelli</span></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-25117570649975389462009-02-26T12:23:00.004-05:002009-02-26T23:58:48.582-05:00Stain, Stain Go Away, Come Again Another Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMTE8AERHJOsSZVdm5NUEgABQKYoHTwdYPsjXIbUkJlNmBCrqhQmuqpnRkdZ7bhyojBTzJ62Z_i5a91WxHnRj1LXMpgUhtOsLKu63cLmI0OnAfSxThnuTZE105pwoopA0PKxGc9cooA/s1600-h/photo-3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMTE8AERHJOsSZVdm5NUEgABQKYoHTwdYPsjXIbUkJlNmBCrqhQmuqpnRkdZ7bhyojBTzJ62Z_i5a91WxHnRj1LXMpgUhtOsLKu63cLmI0OnAfSxThnuTZE105pwoopA0PKxGc9cooA/s200/photo-3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305857538045905762" border="0" /></a>Last week during lunch, my coworkers and I were enjoying an awesome meal in Little Italy (The lunch special was only $9.95 for a pasta and entree, can't get any better than that). As we were finishing up our delicious lunch, the bus boy started clearing our table and piling up our plates. When he turned, he accidentally spilled some pasta sauce on the jacket of the gentleman sitting at the next table (thank goodness his coat was on the chair and not being worn at the time). I don't think the bus boy or the owner of the jacket knew.<br /><br />We all sat there in silence staring at each other trying to decide if we should say something. The dilemma we had was that we thought maybe this guy was on<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBp1rKNlwckMR0b-mdTVt9P9tOtmY_bV_l2Z-hU5VwVD-KFF1Epu1C5XSY9G1oI4viCyVpCeY7OGZUjelbZhT-x4CxE33wfWjdIbLdecUoEA7GKuEx7vnEAPPtkS2dMPbUB2yCflTNA/s1600-h/photo-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBp1rKNlwckMR0b-mdTVt9P9tOtmY_bV_l2Z-hU5VwVD-KFF1Epu1C5XSY9G1oI4viCyVpCeY7OGZUjelbZhT-x4CxE33wfWjdIbLdecUoEA7GKuEx7vnEAPPtkS2dMPbUB2yCflTNA/s200/photo-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305857985610806178" border="0" /></a> a lunch date and we didn't want the ruin a nice moment he was having or we didn't want the date to see his true colors if he went into an uproar after seeing his coat! Now that I'm looking at the pictures again, I'm almost sure when he got up to grab his coat, that he thinks our table did it! I'm almost wishing it was bird poop so that I wouldn't feel so guilty about not telling him! Ugh!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"[Joey is making marinara sauce and filling every container possible with it. Chandler enters]"</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chandler: Whoa, whoa, so I'm guessing you didn't get the part... or Italy called and said it was hungry"<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">-TV Show Friend's quote</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="sqq"><br /></span></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-20415698703139624932009-02-08T10:59:00.009-05:002009-02-08T12:33:23.170-05:00A little Self Control for this Sushi Roll<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGPA96R5EJi5GKsj6aCPpX4KM-2a7drPmO56rVBu8xl9qdTEJmyCn50JRGzP1IaTeux0lbCvWmIRyHrjacxTIGis7TMhK4CXxnyBZjXw6BUCf-VOMF0aRarG29xT_NQtosCOueyOz-w/s1600-h/viagra+roll.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGPA96R5EJi5GKsj6aCPpX4KM-2a7drPmO56rVBu8xl9qdTEJmyCn50JRGzP1IaTeux0lbCvWmIRyHrjacxTIGis7TMhK4CXxnyBZjXw6BUCf-VOMF0aRarG29xT_NQtosCOueyOz-w/s320/viagra+roll.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300458805665213042" border="0" /></a>Last week, my coworkers and I went out for lunch at a sushi joint. As we were deciding what to eat, I turned my head and noticed the lunch specials on a chalk board and really wondered if anyone would order the 2nd item on the list, but I mean out-loud or amongst a group of friends?!? We were thinking how funny it would be if a guy ordered the Viagra Roll while on his first date or if one of the guys from work ordered it and then had to explain himself while walking around the office!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"A new viagra virus is going round the Internet. It doesn't affect your hard drive, but you can't minimize anything for hours." </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />-Joan Rivers</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><i></i></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-76387222975106414742009-01-26T22:10:00.000-05:002009-01-27T22:10:23.828-05:00From Rice to Vice<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoOoLOCvZ6EMDFCEfqRpNad0DVzdI_dz9E8dHXNlCcHWxc_QkPy7w0R8PKFtvG2LCLvPeOzxakX768M3riu1p4qiHuYyHQHDAcHNGDhjqk4Xw5RGXxU5r4PetYdWKsd76U4P5yGjs9Q/s1600-h/story.cheeto.cnn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295732196584217010" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 220px; height: 168px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoOoLOCvZ6EMDFCEfqRpNad0DVzdI_dz9E8dHXNlCcHWxc_QkPy7w0R8PKFtvG2LCLvPeOzxakX768M3riu1p4qiHuYyHQHDAcHNGDhjqk4Xw5RGXxU5r4PetYdWKsd76U4P5yGjs9Q/s320/story.cheeto.cnn.jpg" border="0" /></a> In an earlier discussion I spoke about getting my fiber from brown rice, but not today! I was reading a satirical book that had mentioned Cheetos. I felt like the book was talking to me or that the author knew me personally and wanted to torture me by mentioning those light (I mean in weight, not calories), puffy, powdered cheesy twigs! If I were on a deserted island and could only bring one snack, guess what, Cheetos would be it! I remember when I was in graduate school, I found that I rewarded myself at every boring lecture by visiting the nearby vending machine and getting a can of soda and bag of Cheetos (I was in business school for 4+ years, you do the math). Sadly, they didn't even have the baked version then! I surprisingly don't eat them now, because once I start, I can't stop (for those of you who I've played pranks on, don't even think of sending me a box or a year's supply of these yummy cheesy snacks). In honor of my favorite snack, I found an old article about the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/internet/03/05/offbeat.big.cheeto/index.html">Largest Cheeto</a>. I guarantee if I had found that sucker, it would have ended up in tummy faster than I could mention the size of it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I like vending machines, because snacks are better when they fall. If I buy a candy bar at the store, oftentimes I will drop it so that it will achieve its maximum flavor potential"<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">-Mitch Hedburg</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-64482755319505780182009-01-18T20:49:00.005-05:002009-01-18T21:52:48.342-05:00My Lucky Ass just won this Glass!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFiCYczZINuMFkTrsayutsx7xWOXYWDx9pSlx_uhojwydBcdpcrHdBlNxORy9mnrWciji-iwfC4Ley4N8wV7cPJ0ADHdVUx5mRAoToByfwCwcMaHrh7VgacDv4VTdxSpolmHoDLZZPQ/s1600-h/freebie+win.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFiCYczZINuMFkTrsayutsx7xWOXYWDx9pSlx_uhojwydBcdpcrHdBlNxORy9mnrWciji-iwfC4Ley4N8wV7cPJ0ADHdVUx5mRAoToByfwCwcMaHrh7VgacDv4VTdxSpolmHoDLZZPQ/s320/freebie+win.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292832196806416866" border="0" /></a>A big fat thank you to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5115519">Novation Glass</a>! I entered her weekly contest on <a href="http://novationglass.blogspot.com/">her blog</a> and won this beautiful set! She was kind enough to feature me and my cards as well! Head over to her blog and sign up to win her other beautiful pieces! Don't forget to check out her awesome shop!<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">“Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you,<br />if you’ll just rattle your jewelry.”</span></div><div class="entrybody"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="snap_preview"><dl><dd><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">- John Lennon, 1963, Royal Variety Performance before members of the British Royal Family.</span></dd></dl> </div> </div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-9868017647055430712009-01-15T22:28:00.008-05:002009-01-16T07:06:58.679-05:00Eye Spy...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEz8IX-vjxvg1LlEPCz0NSjoO1UcduQRYEcRZFM2_BUgcKDInFCN3QN0VnO4EtcuBVNkQVWMwju2fd8ZlQJJhgFGL_V73_KIdG8ZenGVkafvu8KUi-NeGfHmuF4ZFOWv__Z4P08INmw/s1600-h/il_430xN.24693146.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEz8IX-vjxvg1LlEPCz0NSjoO1UcduQRYEcRZFM2_BUgcKDInFCN3QN0VnO4EtcuBVNkQVWMwju2fd8ZlQJJhgFGL_V73_KIdG8ZenGVkafvu8KUi-NeGfHmuF4ZFOWv__Z4P08INmw/s320/il_430xN.24693146.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291728575191378450" border="0" /></a>I absolutely love using eye embellishments on my cards. It sort of brings life to my creations (I would rather see googly eyes, than googly thighs). These <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11133038">mini cards</a> are one of my favorites. I really enjoy using them as tip cards and writing something nice about a service well done! People always remember you because it's more unique than putting money in a little brown envelope and handing it to your hairstylist or <span id="query" class="query">esthetician</span> (You got me! I write nice things on the cards so my stylist will love it enough to post it on her mirror at work and when other clients are getting their haircut, they will see the lovely note and get jealous that I'm the favorite client of them all!). It really helps when you tip well too!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Beauty Parlor: A place where women curl up and dye"</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />- Aiken Drum </span><br /></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-70412921227519899142009-01-13T15:49:00.007-05:002009-01-13T16:11:34.664-05:00In Dire about this Wire!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2NH-oCG4vMuW0eetz7bTfdMSde4AgtbnoErSLhe3w4AEHP1j57RYeUjLGskscijvW7wCNd9gTQKCl-FtTPb0wz5BDtPWgbqryUzYOtq670Jh9eKAhVNAfDSdys-iWuKZg8Wz2LUS_g/s1600-h/Journal+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290883934392789906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2NH-oCG4vMuW0eetz7bTfdMSde4AgtbnoErSLhe3w4AEHP1j57RYeUjLGskscijvW7wCNd9gTQKCl-FtTPb0wz5BDtPWgbqryUzYOtq670Jh9eKAhVNAfDSdys-iWuKZg8Wz2LUS_g/s200/Journal+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> As you can see my power adapter for my iBookG4 laptop died on me (please send your condolences with $$ to my home in Chicago). Actually, this cord was really on its way out, I was just using it in this state until it finally could give no more. It has been like this for months, but I just refused to buy a new one (because they aren’t cheap)! Sadly, I started making adjustments to my life just to keep this cord surviving. I found myself talking to it, “C’mon! Mr. Cord stay alive, don’t go yet, it’s not time!” Usually, that was said when I was scrambling to get something done and trying to save the file as quickly as possible (I should mention that I have a habit of using the battery power until it’s gone, therefore the cord is the backup, not much of one, but it is). Another example is that if I wanted to use the laptop while in bed, I had to be careful about every slight movement because the cord only worked when it was in a certain position. It’s almost like when your lovable dog or cat is sleeping on your bed and you become a contortionist just so that your pet gets more rest than you do! Now, I’m waiting for my new power adapter to arrive, since I finally gave in and so did my wallet.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>"Computers must be female. No one but the creator understands their internal logic. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else. The message "Bad command or file name" is about as informative as, "If you don't know why I'm mad at you, then I'm certainly not going to tell you." Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for later retrieval. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it."</strong> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">~Author Unknown</span> </div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-77978944738755390022009-01-11T19:49:00.018-05:002009-01-13T07:03:25.365-05:00Is Brown Rice Nice?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fDcsn7a2aePqXrZbIuRtnKxXawEys6csxzriurC0tog1RbWBvB_v6rVMFB1YcwmRYjZ_8zR819s5wBjqsBSGvAbsXzCEoeX1pCgWzvk5g5VbfXh7bHlquXFZa7b6z_OFC4nlYXgBqg/s1600-h/il_430xN.36127182.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290203206074759138" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 215px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fDcsn7a2aePqXrZbIuRtnKxXawEys6csxzriurC0tog1RbWBvB_v6rVMFB1YcwmRYjZ_8zR819s5wBjqsBSGvAbsXzCEoeX1pCgWzvk5g5VbfXh7bHlquXFZa7b6z_OFC4nlYXgBqg/s320/il_430xN.36127182.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lately I've been on the craziest Fiber Kick ever! Not sure what has obsessed me to want to cleanse my system out; perhaps it's related to my exercise program and something called New Years resolutions. I read that we require 25-30 grams of fiber each day! Whoa, now that's a Sh*t load of fiber (no pun intended)! I even found a <a href="http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/fiber.asp?Submit=Close">fiber calculator</a> that tells you how much fiber a person needs to consume based on your height, age and weight. I wish there was a calculator that stated how many cupcakes I need to eat, before I pass out (I love my cupcakes, but I’ll use that as another posting one day). Recently, I sadly switched from white rice to brown rice, which is driving me crazy considering I'm Asian and steamed white rice is a staple! So in honor of the switch, I made a card that says <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14654146">“I love brown rice”</a> (I have to admit I don’t love it, but you know if you repeat something enough, you start to believe it).<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>"Eating rice cakes is like chewing on a foam coffee cup,<br />only less filling"</strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Dave Barry</span><br /><span class="sqq"><br /></span></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-54992180882774299132009-01-09T15:42:00.007-05:002009-01-10T15:35:37.599-05:00The Era of Mascara<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_yWM-Mbjq11Gu5XvXv7KwQw1gDQ3qrvOE7mj2mwpZur-lo1bdgUAi3ppW7Xsu2FcNt11C4rIEDi5VmdzwKsvZay5ZfZjOj9ztmbqtjzLfp-s5NLAGSqOvUNVEv8iHpMJZS40RYCfCg/s1600-h/Journal+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289397338530363762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_yWM-Mbjq11Gu5XvXv7KwQw1gDQ3qrvOE7mj2mwpZur-lo1bdgUAi3ppW7Xsu2FcNt11C4rIEDi5VmdzwKsvZay5ZfZjOj9ztmbqtjzLfp-s5NLAGSqOvUNVEv8iHpMJZS40RYCfCg/s200/Journal+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> Have you ever gone through your makeup bag searching for that one item you need each day even though you have a thousand versions of it, like lipstick or eyeliner? I seriously have no idea why I have so many tubes of mascara. They aren’t even old ones! You would think I was a makeup artist on a movie set with all these tubes! It’s not like I have several colors either. They are all jet-black and waterproof (which I have to wear because I’m part mermaid and it’s nice to look cute for all the other “fish in the sea”). The only difference is that some are for lengthening and others are for volume. Sadly, I’ve gotten into the habit of putting on one type and then layering on another brand to make my own perfect blend! How hard is it to get voluptuous lashes (to match my already voluptuous bottom half, you know so it all balances out like a Big Mac and a diet Coke)? Stay tuned, I’ll have more makeup dilemmas on this blog!<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>"I was going to have cosmetic surgery until I noticed </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>that the doctor's office was full of portraits by Picasso"</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Rita Rudner</span> </div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-6364198360591200892009-01-04T21:24:00.022-05:002009-01-05T00:07:19.271-05:00It's just not fair to climb these stairs!<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; text-align: center; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHbfy8gti6JXAbOGtFOsZu0ZHe6m1fdDsQciI6d4gNCl8EXc3tH1TF_mLeW7mqgYZmrWGGGF00d49dmBGAPQ5pG60Hy6Tn6CdkXMHtKD8ei_eZaYJRAX8yw-Q-fLxZABnd8xOVY8FNQ/s320/DSCN1695_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287633394789244962" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Can you see the door to my gym? I think I heard you say, "No." That's because there are three (Yes! T-H-R-E-E) flights of stairs to get to the actual entrance of the gym! Why do I even bother paying for a membership here when I have to workout just to go workout? It would be hilarious if I wasn't a member and all I did was run up and down the stairs as my form of exercise. No one would really know because I would be dressed up in workout clothes! Oh well, I guess I could consider the stairs as my warmup, but sadly I'm panting and begging for air by the time I get to the main door! Why don't they just put my gym at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro! Damn those New Years Resolutions (which I have to admit, this one shows up on the list year after year)! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Here's a quote that really gets me motivated:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><br />"Whenever I feel like exercise,<br />I lie down until the feeling passes." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />-Robert Hutchins</span></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-77235401832318502632009-01-01T21:24:00.013-05:002009-01-01T23:53:20.212-05:00Freezing my Rear in the New Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQAPm_uM_WXBXhmJPRqYIy240N45j2if8qzS8zkhQKXIWBnWtTj3a-Ibpw8MdZsBYyTrozXubd_OIaJFGS7gjyVqVrqYSBnuQTveaRw5fsmaGKYucJ2ms2ihcAqidN6YZWxJJgvrHzQ/s1600-h/Cold.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQAPm_uM_WXBXhmJPRqYIy240N45j2if8qzS8zkhQKXIWBnWtTj3a-Ibpw8MdZsBYyTrozXubd_OIaJFGS7gjyVqVrqYSBnuQTveaRw5fsmaGKYucJ2ms2ihcAqidN6YZWxJJgvrHzQ/s200/Cold.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286548939263745554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is today's temperature in NYC where I am right now:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/52/29.gif?12122006" alt="" border="0" height="52" width="52" /><br /><b class="obsTextA">Partly Cloudy</b> </div><div> </div> <div style="padding: 10px 0px 3px 5px; text-align: center;"><b class="obsTempTextA">23°F</b><br /><b class="obsTextA">Feels Like<br />13°F</b></div> If you're wondering if I dragged my rear to Times Square last night to bring in the New Year, the answer is NO WAY!! Some people stood out there for 10 hours waiting for the ball to drop. I think I would have dropped if I stood out there that long or even for a few minutes! I had one friend send me pictures from her Polar Bear Plunge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin today. I think she's nuts, but at least she was "Freezin for a Reason," since the event supported the Special Olympics! I spent my day at the movies, had a hearty bowl of chicken tortilla soup & sipped on a yummy caramel latte. <http: org="" asp="">I always find a way to enjoy life's simple pleasures! Happy New Year to all!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span></http:><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><http: org="" asp=""><span> "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather,<br />always bring your own sunshine."</span></http:></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><http: org="" asp=""></http:></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><http: org="" asp="">-</http:></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Anthony J. D'Angelo</span><http: org="" asp=""></http:></div><http: org="" asp=""><br /></http:>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-17214502338015131852008-12-31T11:06:00.022-05:002008-12-31T21:55:40.907-05:00Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. Actually it's me, Almay!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrKUAHXfXnmMepsnS_z94Rmnn7-d37sUu6_wFSXDTr8aKbNngS2cm1ooASUNSAxU__V742EKK9GT0E8QHgTw9Vtz4MFmYjUaAPySe_s8gqGea2VWDgklfBbgxRPrE3uBVfIvVLVP4Hw/s1600-h/Journal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285996064773206658" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrKUAHXfXnmMepsnS_z94Rmnn7-d37sUu6_wFSXDTr8aKbNngS2cm1ooASUNSAxU__V742EKK9GT0E8QHgTw9Vtz4MFmYjUaAPySe_s8gqGea2VWDgklfBbgxRPrE3uBVfIvVLVP4Hw/s320/Journal.jpg" border="0" /></a>When I headed into my office this morning, I was greeted by grey skies, a force of wind, and a lot of white stuff dropping to the ground. All I could do was look up at the sky and ask, "Why?" There was a moment when the clouds started to dance and a glimmer of light found it's way to earth. Just moments before the clouds closed in again, I grabbed my camera to take this quick shot outside my office window. When I downloaded the picture, I was reminded of Judy Blume's book, "Are you there God, It's me Margaret." If you've read this great hilarious book about adolescence, the only difference between me and Margaret is that I'm not looking for answers in my training bra! I've come a long way Baby, from my size A cup days (not by much though!)<br /><br />The way the sky was changing today, which is the last day of 2008 tells me that despite the housing issues, job losses, and slowing economy that there is still light behind those ugly grey clouds. I'm almost sure some of these forced situations have helped you learn more about yourself and how much we can all shine! I know it has for me!<br /><br />"Are you there God? It's me, Almay! I want to thank you for a year filled with losses and surprises! I'm so glad that you gave me an opportunity to find my creative outlet which has allowed me to make new friends and reconnect with others! Thank you for the engineering projects you gave me this year that has paid for my love of paper supplies! Thank you for my trip overseas to see my grandfather before he left this earth to be with you. Since he loved journaling as I'm doing here, I thank you for giving him that gift which he then passed on to me. As oddly as this may sound, thank you for placing me in situations where all I can do is laugh and blog about it! A big fat thank you for blessing me with the best family and friends I could ask for! Most of all, thank you for being a listening ear when I'm babbling away."<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-63834678333902313872008-12-30T14:40:00.011-05:002008-12-30T21:25:48.266-05:00You Bite It, You Write It<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7237EDPRM8eAKDhz8_lAo9MiBPMlTwAtv08mWG-HbqSEX-ORSXU0biK0jgC1LI5r5ROD1NXsGrtmibahNhiGkBCsEz5PcIuY89BHevJCyjJvmbrEpcb3mTPNWrmCzGNqCkiuaH39AaQ/s1600-h/Journal+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285670768835244322" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7237EDPRM8eAKDhz8_lAo9MiBPMlTwAtv08mWG-HbqSEX-ORSXU0biK0jgC1LI5r5ROD1NXsGrtmibahNhiGkBCsEz5PcIuY89BHevJCyjJvmbrEpcb3mTPNWrmCzGNqCkiuaH39AaQ/s200/Journal+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have no idea how many journals I have and I have a stack of new ones that have not even been written in yet. My grandfather loved journaling so I’m sure I got it from him. I have journals that are diaries, wish lists, one for eating, etc. I have to admit it’s easier to write about your thoughts and dreams than it is to write about what you ate for lunch or at happy hour! I could easily start a blog about my trials & tribulations on how I lost 50 lbs, but guess what? I haven’t lost 50 lbs, so there goes that blog! The reason why I jot down what I’m eating is because I noticed a slower metabolism creeping up. Writing it down helps me figure out if I’m eating too much sugar, too many carbs, too much fat or just not eating (the “not eating” part doesn’t really exist). What I like about my food journal is that it puts me in my place (sometimes). Instead of eating 5 pieces of chocolate, I’ll eat one piece. I don’t like the idea of having to write the number of pieces I’ve eaten, so I’ll just eat one (I know for some of you, it would be difficult to stop at just one). There are definitely days where I break all the rules and my journal entry for the day reads like this, “ATE TOO MUCH!” C’mon people, I’m not a Foodie Goodie Two Shoes!<br /><br />In case you were wondering, the cookie in the picture is a Snickerdoodle (thanks to Milk & Cookies Bakery in NYC). This delicious treat did end up in my journal as my afternoon snack today!<br /><br />For my tri-athlete and marathon friends who are reading this posting, you can all stop laughing your skinny behinds off!! </div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294422720676829686.post-25931920752511155152008-12-29T20:36:00.013-05:002008-12-29T21:01:12.943-05:00Lost in Translation!<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLXftYq5etcTiwGn2M8uf0J0qai4LLcyxW1_usqiF9cOUwhGrwSpF0qx4r1WYHsREzmyyab7HQFmAKYa3GeANCsTntV0yM4f1_cRiUBeME0NYkcNGpeGFQQdD8cuuXwR3ULUcbsEptg/s1600-h/SR+Packaging+Waiters+Haaa.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLXftYq5etcTiwGn2M8uf0J0qai4LLcyxW1_usqiF9cOUwhGrwSpF0qx4r1WYHsREzmyyab7HQFmAKYa3GeANCsTntV0yM4f1_cRiUBeME0NYkcNGpeGFQQdD8cuuXwR3ULUcbsEptg/s320/SR+Packaging+Waiters+Haaa.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285392301972252178" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">A few weeks ago I received a box of what was supposed to be bottles (because my day job consists of me playing with packaging and all sorts of fun stuff). When I opened the box from my Asian supplier, my bottles magically became a pair of waders. Yes, WADERS! I was laughing so hard because all I could think of is the guy who ordered his waders has now ended up receiving my plastic containers instead! When I called my US based contact to tell him what happened, I heard the phone drop and heard an uproarious laughter in the background. When he finally came to, he had no idea how the mix up happened because they don’t make waders! I’m sure now; I’ll be learning to fly fish or something!?! The only problem is that the waders are so large, that if were to wear them, I would definitely go missing. The moral of the story is that in some countries the words Bottles and Bottoms apparently rhyme.</span></span></div>Almay Aldayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11470861695528014068noreply@blogger.com4