So the day after Steve's birthday I flew to Honolulu on a business trip. I know. Rough. One of the prices I pay for working at a company founded in Honolulu. I flew out on a Tuesday and worked in our HNL office Wednesday and Thursday and then Steve (lucky guy that he is) got to join me on Thursday afternoon after work! I took Friday off and we spent a quick, yet awesome weekend exploring Oahu. It's a good thing he came out when he did since I quickly made friends with a local whilst on my own.
My Hawaii co-workers made sure I had at least one truly authentic experience by taking me out for a plate lunch...complete with poi (not good). Can you believe that slab of tuna?!?!? So delicious.
After a couple nights alone in my hotel room it was nice to wake up to this guy again.
Here we are...ready for adventure.
Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay.
Liz & Jer let us know we would not be sorry with burgers for lunch at Kua 'Aina. They were right.
We drove everywhere...trying to see as much of the beautiful island that we could.
That night we had the most delicious sushi we've had in our entire lives (sorry SF) at a place called Tokkuri Tei. Honestly, the fish was AMAZING. And it matches Steve's shirt perfectly.
After our delicious sushi dinner we took the advice of Liz & Jer again and stopped at Leonard's for malasadas. Sweet deliciousness.
Steve loved the chocolate filled.
I preferred the coconut.
Our last day of adventure took us up to the North Shore. We spent the day at Sunset Beach.
And eventually ended up at Haleiwa Joe's on the patio for a late lunch/early dinner.
The sun quickly set on our adventure filled weekend...we had such a great time and were so lucky to be able to go.
So sad to leave.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Hawaii (aka Steve's birthday part III)
Steve's Birthday (Part II)!
Steve's birthday was in the beginning of June and we had a great little get together over at the Beckstead's to celebrate. We were short on prep time because I was leaving for a business trip to Hawaii the morning after his birthday. But turns out, all it takes to have a fantastic party is your good friends and a yummy cake close by.
I decided my nature loving husband needed a dirt cake. Sure, these types of cakes are typically reserved for celebrating your 5th birthday but it worked like a charm for Steve's 37th. He can hardly contain his excitement (obviously).
Mark, Andy & Rebecca
Jeremy & Liz
Courtney, Andy & Derek
Nate, Birthday Boy, Andy, Heather, Alex & Liz
Emily & Andy (there is a theme in all these pictures...)
Em & me
I hope Steve is already planning my party.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Summer TV Loves
Three things I love about summer...
1) So You Think You Can Dance (now showing!).
2) Entourage (premieres July 12th!).
3) Mad Men (premieres August 16th!).
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Vote for Preston!
My fabulous hair stylist Preston Nesbit has been nominated for best hair artist in San Francisco through The San Francisco Fashion Awards!
Go here to vote for him. You don't have to register for anything and it will only take a few seconds. Just scroll down to Best Hair/Make-Up Artist and vote for Preston!
And those of you who don't go to Preston yet, you can find him at ACME Salon in downtown SF.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
DIY curious? Why yes, I am
Last weekend I was fortunate enough to audit Andy Kane's screen printing class. It was a last minute surprise and I was so excited to attend. The class was held at Jordan's studio on Valencia.
Andy is a professional teacher by day and a crafty son of a gun by night. When we were neighbors he was always bringing us breads, yogurts and occasional cheese that he made. Also, he has an extensive collection of tools so if you ever needed anything for a job, he had it. I often called him Coach Kane when he was helping me with various projects.
The first thing we did after a quick lecture was to go ahead and build a frame for the screen. You can get these pre-made at art stores but they often run about $35-$40 which is kind of expensive. Andy showed us how to make one for about $5.
First you have to build a frame.
Here is Jordan drilling a hole to attach the ends together.
As the title of the class suggests, you do it yourself. Never worked with a router? Now is your chance.
The next step was for Andy to show us how to build a base for our frame. The beauty of DIY is once you have the basic supplies you can custom make frames and bases to fit your specific project. Need to screen print a poster? Make a bigger frame and base!
The next step in the process is to stretch the screen. Andy uses the spline method.
You soak the screen in water for a few moments.
Then using a spline tool, you stretch the screen working from one corner out.
Once your done and it dries you have a very tight screen.
Everyone had to make their own.
We then talked about design and the different ways to transfer an image to your screen.
The next step in the process is the photo emulsion step. This is the somewhat light sensitive part and I think the most fun part of the process. It reminds me of my black and white photo days.
After exposure to the light we watched how Andy cleans the screen to get it ready to print.
The next stage is the printing stage. Not only do you have to line up your image on the article clothing (in this case a tote bag), but if your registering colors, you have to realign the screen. I think this will be the most nerve wracking part of the process.
Once you are ready to go and are all aligned its time to print. One needs to work fast or the paint may dry. The first step is to place paint on the screen.
Then you lift the frame off the bag and drag your squeegee down the screen to load the ink
Then you carefully lower the screen and drag it back using even pressure
and Presto! A print.
We all were able to print our own bag!
The class was awesome. Not only do I have a new tote bag for Betsy's lunch or the grocery store but I have my own screen to work with. I am so excited that I know how to screen print and can't wait to get started.
Andy is teaching another class later this month and may do another one in July. If you need any information please email him at jandykane@gmail.com
Thanks Coach.
