Friday, September 21, 2012

Costa Rica: Part I

So much has happened in the past couple months!! I’m ashamed I haven’t updated more frequently.

Since the cruise, I have been to Hawaii, Seattle, The Kentucky Derby, and just returned from a two week stint in Costa Rica!  The experience I had there was unlike any other trip I’ve ever taken (and, I am quite the globe trotter!).

I went with my best friend from childhood (“C”), and being with her made all the difference.  For one, she’s a Biology major; she’s basically a walking encyclopedia. Put the two of our personalities together and we are no longer a collection of cells and organs; we are an army of Nerdfighter awesomeness!! (No, this does NOT mean we fight Nerds! Please read John Green for a full definition)

Did I also mention this was C’s first stamp on her passport?? The trip was an especially important one. NO room for disappointment!

The first week was spent at the Arenal Paraiso resort and spa a few miles away from the base of the Arenal Volcano.  Our cabin’s porch featured a prime view of the volcano; but, it was our backyard awe-inspiring visual of the rainforest that made this particular resort a unique experience.  (No joke, our back patio was directly positioned over the rainforest!)

 Front view
Rear view

Of course, we arranged our first tour around the Volcano which was led by our guide Marcus, a grad student Volcanologist, looking to finish his thesis at Yellowstone. He was quite the body of knowledge, and by body…I do mean very attractive AND smart.  Intelligence does wonders for woman’s libido!! ;)

Facts:
This particular Volcano is considered one of the 10 most active in the world.  Its first scientifically documented eruption in 1968 buried 3 villages, sparing the now famously named city of La Fortuna (aka “The Fortunate”) on the southwest end.  It is classified as an andesitic stratovolcano, basically meaning it spews an enormous amount of lava, gas and ash on a regular basis.  That is until 2010 when it was rendered into an undetermined ‘resting phase.’  Lucky for us!

I would also like to note, the surrounding area boasted a wealth of natural hot springs to which C and I obliged ourselves to many a frequent gallivant.  One cannot dispute the local’s belief of “healing waters.”  And, I fully expect to recover from ALL my ailments ;-P

Our second tour featured the Hanging Bridges; suspension bridge’s held by cables throughout varying levels of the actual rainforest on a 2.5 mile trek.  It featured all sorts of goodies from local wildlife, plant life, ecology, and interesting bits of the Costa Rican history.  For instance, Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the area that actually instated laws to protect the rainforest and created a whole new level of tourism that we now call: eco-tourism.  Another interesting note, bats compromise 40% of the mammal population in the country!  This also includes…dun, dun, DUN, vampire bats!
Suspension Bridges

Nun's Nightmare

Owl Butterfly

Crested Owl

Hog-nosed Viper

Living Fossil

Long-nosed bat
 

I will update as I have time.  It will be well worth the wait!!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Cruise 2012

 Dear blog,
It’s been entirely TOO long! Please, tell me where has the time gone?!
OHhhhh, …right.
Work :-/

Unfortunately, the past couples months have been consumed with my ‘workin’ it out and makin’ money.’ And, granted, I DO LIKE making money…I just wish it were easier AND less time consuming!!
That being said, I finally got to take my first vacation in TWO years!! I set sail on the beautiful Carnival ship, Triumph!
Cozumel doomsday bear just chillin'
 Chichen Itza doomsday bear
 Chichen Itza ruins
 Dancin' it out on the deck!

And, dare I say?? It was freakin’ UH-mazing?!!
Sun, water, relaxation....!!! It was a floating buffet of pure decadence!
And YES, yes…I will do it all again, thank you very much. Very, …VERY soon!
Although, I did NOT run across any local sea-beans; I did get to swim with the local fishes in full snorkel gear!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

DIY Christmas...!!!

Christmas is just around the corner…

Let the CHAOS ensue!

I’ve been having some difficulty budgeting gifts this year. There are entirely too many people on my list, and I don’t feel like eliminating anyone. I feel each is deserving of some Holiday love and cheer.

Meaning, …I’ve resorted to my artistic abilities to pull me through the season!

These particular pieces are based around styles from artists I admire.

First - Birds of a feather, flock...solo??
Second - Thing #1...or #2, depending on who you ask

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Crayon melt 2.0

My current project is an expansion from my last tutorial on the melting of Crayons.
I enjoyed it so much that I included my own artwork to give it a personal touch.

Outcome: MUCH more than I expected. I will def  be creating variations in the future!!.
FYI - Those are REAL lashes glued on!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Crayons are for adults!

For my next project, I attempted the ever popular crayon melt.
So very Jackson Pollack!!
My directional tutorial link - http://unsimpleliving.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/melted-crayon-art

Conclusion:  Honestly, tutorials for this can be found any and everywhere on the web; however, I recommend unwrapping each crayon individually so as to expose heat for an even melt.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Baby, it's COLD outside!!

Now that the weather has cooled off, sea-beans aren’t as easy to come by. So to fill my extracurricular time, I’ve turned to indoor recreational activities.

Which means, …DIY crafts!! (Don’t lie! The Martha Stuart in you is quivering with excitement!)

With the Holidays fast approaching, what better solution for an inexpensive gift or themed home décor than a DO IT YOURSELF project that won’t break the bank?!

For the winter months into spring, I have decided I will use my blog to feature several of my own DIY ventures based on links I have found through the web.
Some of my favorite stalking grounds will include Craftgawker.com, Pinterest.com, and good old Youtube. (all of which I highly recommend joining!)

Never fear, I will post all links featuring directions, including my own successes and failures.

-------

My first project to feature is a simple scarf made from an old tee-shirt.  Link for the video tutorial is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agZ6PSrwXy4

My version in a pic collage:
Conclusion: This is a pretty simple and uninvolved project. It took me a total of 20 minutes, and my materials consisted of my BF’s old t-shirt he was going to donate and a pair of scissors I already own. If you’re a beginner in the DIY world, this is an excellent start.

CUT AWAY, and DO enjoy!!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

St. Mary is the new 'fall fashion'


As promised…many, MANY moons ago! This is my homemade sea-bean jewelry post.

The particular piece featured is a Saint Mary’s Cross, wrapped in wire (a variation on a barrel loop), and strung on a silver chain.

My 'favorite' actually concocted the piece; however, I did find the bean ;-)

The actual St. Mary's necklace
Myself wearing the necklace!