Whales.

Yesterday was magical. I woke up before the sun, and joined friends and strangers on a bus and then a boat towards Catalina island. We kayaked among seals, snorkeled among jellyfish and other beautiful creatures, laid out in the sun, hopped back on the boat where we saw 2 whales and dolphins up who all swam right up next to us! Then back to Riverside for some much needed sleep. I wish everyday could be like yesterday.

This is the Type of whales we saw. Fin Whales: 2nd largest animal in the world.

Madness

It's March 21. The first day of Spring. It's also the first day of March Madness. This is the first year I have ever really been excited for MM, but it's not because I've suddenly started following college basketball. No way. Ain't nobody got time for that.

The real reason I'm excited about it, is that I made a bracket for the first time ever on ESPN. (I was inspired to do so by my wonderful friend Tay.) I'm not going to lie, I guessed on every win and loss, but who knows, maybe I'll be lucky. 

So even if you know nothing about college basketball, go make a bracket. It's fun. It's like a sinless form of gambling. ;)

Added bonus: you get to watch this guy, Cody Zeller, showing off his skills on the court.  (Tay and Katja, is it just me, or does he kinda look like master plaster?) 

Keramik

I've recently started missing ceramics. In high school I took ceramics 1, 2 &3 and even though I'm not the most creative or 'artsy' person, I fell in love. Throwing a mug or a bowl on the wheel is one of the best feelings. The wet clay between your fingers, the rough scratch of the grit exfoliating your hands and that moment when your lopsided ball of clay instantly reaches perfect centeredness. It's all magical. The excitement of waiting for your piece to come out of the kiln, and the overwhelming feeling of having to pick a glaze. I miss it all. Then the anticipation of waiting yet again for it to come out of the kiln, this time as a completely finished work of art. Then the immediately followed feelings of either disappointment or utter pride in what you've made. I miss the thrill of it.
Hopefully one day, I'll be able to experience that thrill again.
Until then, here's some beautiful pieces that I wish I was talented enough to create.

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Lately my life has been defined by lemons. I'm obsessed with them. For the one person who actually reads this blog (yes, YOU), I know that statement put a smile on your face.
So my sister has this gigantic lemon tree in her front yard, and on Sunday, we took home more lemons than I've ever had in my life. With all these lemons sitting in my kitchen, and me being bored out of my mind on spring break, I was inspired to discover just about every recipe or concoction using lemons. And that I did.
So far lemons have inspired me to make:
A teeth whitening paste (just lemons and baking soda..who knew?!?) ;)
Lemon sorbet
Lemon cookies (these ones.. www.crunchycreamysweet.com)
Lemon Blueberry Scones
A face cleansing remedy
and endless lemon water. Mmm so good on a hot day :)

Any other recipes I just must try before my bag of lemons runs empty? Please do share :)