Smile, it's Friday!

SPOILER ALERT: a Rat was harmed before the making of this post.

Lately I feel as if I'm lacking in the "ideas department" of what to post.

Sometimes I just don't have it in me to write and I feel that I am not even worthy of having a blog... but I keep on trying because blogging is like a drug that you just gotta have, right?

But if I wanna apply the "half full" mentally, at least it's Friday, so a couple of days off to look forward to, specially because I work both days last weekend doing inventory.

On Sunday we are expecting some sort of weather as the result of Tropical Storm Isaac that is lurking around the Caribbean. According to the "computer models" and the "expected path" it should go by North of us, but nevertheless it will probably generate rain and wind for us.

Now here's the thing with storms, they cause a lot of stress [at least for me] just by being out there. And I know we have "experts" and machines monitoring their path and behavior, but we should never take anything for granted and assume that what we know what it is going to happen, because only God knows the plans ahead.

In other news, this morning after coming back from my early morning gym class [yes, I am BACK on the exercise bus, beep, beep!!!]... I found another lovely gift from one of our kitties...

I am not sure if it's a mouse of a rat... but it sure it's a rodent and no, it's not sleeping :(

Anyway, not much else to report from my end, work's been kinda of on the slow side lately, but it's slow season for tourism on this little island, so kinda expected to be this way.

Hope everybody is having a great Friday and that the weekend is nothing short of fabulous!!!

hooked on crochet

From a little girl I have always been very creative; from drawing to poetry and even some painting. Now that I am older I guess I have ignited the flame of my creativity once again but now through crochet.

If you have been reading my blog for a while you know that I totally love to make "Amigurumi", which is mainly crochet animals or objects. Well, lately it's been on my mind that perhaps I should expand my talent and try to make something different, something I could wear!

Although I have to say I am very hesitant about venturing into the apparel part of crochet and it's mainly because I have always consider that crochet clothing is for "old people" but I really don't know where I got that idea.

What do you think?

Anyway, with the huge vast of information that nowadays we have available at our fingertips through the internet, I have been browsing for some ideas of what could be my very first and maybe only piece of crochet clothing.

Here are some example of what I like, but most importantly that I think if I make, I could actually wear!

photo source ravelry

photo source ravelry

photo source ravelry

photo source ravelry

photo source ravelry

photo source red heart

Well, that's all I have found for now.

I could really use opinions on which one you like?

I kinda like the last one but perhaps without the long sleeves? And I also like the little wrap skirt to use over my swimsuit but definitely in some nice summer colors instead!

Happy Thursday!!! : )

[very] random post

Perhaps if today you decided to venture into blogger world and you happen to stumble upon my blog you will realize it is your lucky day, because today my blog is a endless source of 

random fact for your enjoyment!

As most of you know I live in a small island of the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands 

(which are 3 islands in total- hence the plural in the name).

I live in Grand Cayman, which is the biggest of the three. Now, on this little piece of heaven we have lots of animals; some endemic, like the famous Cayman Parrot or the Blue Iguana among a few others.

© Burrard-Lucas.com

endemic Blue Iguana a.k.a. Blue Dragon

But of course we also have dogs, cats, birds, cows, horses, lots of fishes in the sea and if you go to the pet store, perhaps exotic and not so exotic pets like hamsters and gerbils.

Did you know Hamsters are illegal in Hawaii? (see, what I said about random facts).

I never really liked hamsters or any kind of rodent other than squirrels, beavers and porcupines (yes, they are rodents as well!)... Oh, and I like Otters, although those are not actually rodents.

I think Otters are so sweet... specially because they hold hands when they sleep so they won't drift away from each other, or should I say "each otter"? LOL

photo source unknown

Awww, how sweet are those Otters?!?!?

Besides having those animals, our underwater world is pretty amazing too, we have tons of beautiful fishes which you can go and visit at any of the 159 dive sites we have around the island of Grand Cayman (not counting the other two!).

On an unrelated note, last night I went out with the girls at work for happy hour and then we catch a new movie called "Sparkle", which was alright I guess, not a movie I probably would choose to see by myself but it was a good "chick flick" kinda of night.

Sparkle played by Jordin Sparks and Emma played by Whitney Houston

If you haven't hear of this movie is basically the story of 3 sisters (back in the 1960's) trying to become a singers, but of course fame becomes a challenge and things don't end up working out for all of them.

Also this was Whitney Houston's last movie as she passed during post production, so in fact she was never able to see her last role- very sad- 

Whitney was also the producer of the movie as she owned the rights for it since 2000. 

On another kind of weird and random note, the role of Sparkle was originally thought for singer Aaliyah who passed away just before signing for the role- also very sad :(

Happy Hump Day everybody!

wake up and be awesome!

This morning when the alarm when off at 5:45am, it was like the clock whispered in my ear...

I got up with lots of energy and completely "pump up" to get my not so little butt out of bed and get to the gym for the first time in a looong time...

So, I went, I worked it and I am so happy now that I did... My alarm clock was right; 

I am awesome and I know it.... LOL!

Even my lower back and bulged disk cooperated, yey!

Yesterday though, was a completely different story. I had to work all weekend long doing inventory, plus Sunday night was full of lightning storms, so the quality of my sleep was very poor... So yesterday I was exhausted all day, which is why I did not post anything.

But today, is a brand new day, got my exercise already done and I am ready for anything 

Tuesday is going to bring.

On an unrelated note, here is the latest photo of my Amigurumi Monkey... which by the way doesn't have a name, but since it's not going to be mine, maybe I should have Julian (his future owner) name him, right? 

Or perhaps we could name him and I can just put the name on the tag and so be it, what do you think? Any suggestions on the name? 

Weather is been pretty nice lately, only at night we've been having some crazy thunder heads and lightning around... Although it looks like there's already something new on the Atlantic, hoping it's not coming our way.

Here's a photo I took yesterday of the only cruise ship "parked" right out the window at work.

Hoping everybody is having an awesome Tuesday!!!

Funny Friday

I am sure that if by now you haven't ready any "someecards" it's because:

1. You live under a rock

2. You don't know how to read

3. Don't have a computer

4. You live under a rock

JUST KIDDING!!!!!

But, if you really never seen those funny ecards, there's still hope, because in honor of today being Friday, I have decided to share with you some of the funniest "someecards" I have seen around lately...

Most are pretty funny but some are too out there with a lot of curse words... So am going to refrain from posting many of those... Although I couldn't resist the first one, because it totally applies to me in some cases, LOL!!!!

Sometimes I wonder myself...

I actually know somebody that use this expression and I find it HILARIOUS!!!

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental!!!!

So, hopefully you laughed at 1 of them (at least)... If not, just remember...

Have a funny weekend!!!!

cat photo album

The fact that I haven't posted much about my new camera lately, doesn't necessary mean I am not in love with it anymore, because I am.

Taking pictures is definitely one of my most favorite hobbies, whether is with my new camera or even with my phone one, capturing the world around me is a passion.

Here are the latest photos I've taken of one of my favorite subject matters nowadays, our cats.

Seven in total, all so very different and special... Our life [and garden] is definitely so much happier with
them around!

Goldie chillin' by the Conch Shells

Thirsty "Little One"

BTK and her Daughter Lee [behind]

my sweet little girl "Al" [short for Albina]

LT [short for Long Tail]

Shadow & Goldie... brothers for life!

And there you have it... the lastest on all my kitty cats.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Wordless Wednesday!

Happy Hump Day!!!

what's in a year?

Now on the island it's low season for tourism which means less customers and sales around.

I really don't mind the less traffic around the store because during high season we have plenty of that, but I do mind the fact that the days get very long and the clock drags until 5pm.

This coming weekend is our annual inventory work and I know we'll be working the whole weekend. I really don't mind the counting part, but I do mind the fact that every year it's very unorganized and we could do a much better job if only we apply some organization and time management, but unfortunately it's not up to me to do that... I am just a soldier!

Other than the inventory this coming weekend, on Thursday I am looking forward to a Yoga class with some of my friends, we are putting a group of girls together and a friend of mine that is a Yoga instructor would be giving us an hour class, can't wait!

In unrelated news, my cousin sent me the most updated photos of my Godson Julian, he is so big and such a cute little boy, here are some of my favorites.

he is quite the little poser!

Close Up

Cute or what?

It was exactly a year ago today that he got baptized and I was home holding him in my arms at the church, look at him now, he is walking and starting to talk too... can't wait to see him again!

Have a fab day!!!!

Weekend Showers

Many good things happen during the weekend, got some time to rest, catch up on more crochet project (my monkey finally's got ears and shorts), plus Tropical Depression 7 dissipated and we still got some nice, well deserved rain, yoo-hoo!!!

Saturday night I went to bed around 10pm but not without setting my alarm to wake me up 1 1/2 hours later... my reason for this? I didn't wanna miss the chance to see the main event of the night, a meteor shower.

not an actual photo taken that night... source here

So, me and my husband got up after midnight, went out to our "sun roof" and laid down on the lounge chairs to get ready to experience this amazing show.... And it was amazing, saw probably more than 20 in a matter of a hour!

Some of the meteors were pretty small, others were very bright and you could almost see the "dust" cloud they left behind... I believe Saturday was the first night and it's going to last until Aug. 23rd so perhaps if you missed it this weekend you still have a change to catch some.

Other than watching the meteor shower I didn't do anything exciting over the weekend, but I did advanced on the Monkey project as well as I started yet another owl for my Mom as she loved the previous one and asked me for another.

In case I haven't mentioned it before, I am still in love with my new camera and I am looking forward to buy a new lens very soon, as soon as I get my finance$ in order... Although I am torn in between a new lens and a new KitchenAid Mixers, specially after Friday went I waked into AL Thompson (which is a sort of a Home Depot place) and saw the following display.

Light Blue, Bright Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink and even a Green that doesn't show on the photos... I want them all!! But I guess I could just settle for one, in any color!

Also during the weekend I made a delicious and super refreshing "Watermelon & Feta" Salad... have you ever tried it? Well, let me tell you, it's Fabulous... A must for an outdoor lunch cookout, specially on a very hot day!

I have to say that I am sorta infatuated with Feta Cheese anyway, I believe added to any salad can make it up to 100% better than without it... This combination is a winner, I think!

Ingredients

• 1 (5-pound) watermelon
• 1 Sweet onion- I didn't have any so I omitted this. 
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 6 whole mint sprigs

Directions

Cut the flesh from the melon and cut into bite size pieces, removing and discarding the seeds, and set aside. Peel and slice the onion into rings.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, pepper, and whisk until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, a few drops at a time. Add in the chopped mint, taste, and adjust seasonings.

In a large bowl, combine the melon, onion, and feta. Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and toss gently until everything is coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with mint sprigs.

To serve, divide salad among individual plates and garnish with mint leaves.

If you tried, please let me know what you think... thanks!

On a last note, here's a photo of Friday's Sunset for your enjoyment. Have a great week!!!

Just a little inspiration to start the week... Isn't nature and God's gifts amazing? I think so...

End to the Week!

This morning we started with a nice hearty breakfast that included this "berry delicious" berry bowls...

I love it when it's summer and berries are on sale, so I am making the best out of it and eating lots of them.

Oh boy, am I glad it's Friday, dunno why but this past week felt very long and exhausting, like if every day was a Monday, perhaps it's because last weekend I only had a day off (Sunday) plus we had that whole Ernesto Storm deal around which just add up to the stress of the season.

Well, we were very lucky and blessed that Ernest stayed away, unfortunately it seems that Ernesto was a "natural born leader" and now everybody wants to "follow the leader, leader, leader" [as in the song], so we are definitely not out of the woods yet, but only really starting the Hurricane Season.

Tropical Depression 7 has formed in the Atlantic and it seems to have about the same path as Ernesto did but just a bit norther... meaning coming towards us :(

According to the computer models, if it becomes a storm, it would be around here by Tuesday or Wednesday, let's hope not.

So, what are your planes this coming weekend?

Do you have some fun and exciting plans, perhaps some "kat-a-oke" time?

Maybe enjoy the Moon and the Meteor Showers coming up tomorrow and Sunday night (up until the 23rd)?

I myself hope to enjoy the "shower" and also get some crochet projects done...

I am seriously hoping that we also get some rain, because believe or not we only got about 2 inches from Ernesto and then after that, we've been complete dry...

So, other than that I hope I get to really rest and enjoy the weekend, wishing the same for you...


Have a great weekend and don't forget to take it easy and "smell the roses"!!!

what's in a Jar?

My husband says I have this obsession with keeping empty glass jars, well I do.

The reason for my obsession comes from the fact that I actually love jars, specially the mason ones that appear to be kinda vintage looking. Also they are great as containers, the glass is much better than any plastic topper ware, specially if you want to reheat food in the microwave (which I only do at work, as I don't actually own a microwave).

But  really, the main reason comes from the fact that I feel it's a shame to throw them out, specially since we don't even have glass recycling on the island.

So, yes my obsession exists and now even more that I am an avid member of the Pinterest community and I just can't help but notice all the many DIY project with mason jars, like the following ones...

(photos source: Pinterest)

I have to say the I have tried to make outdoor laps out of them, but since I mainly have different size jars (instead of all the same) it didn't quite work well.

Well, yesterday while doing the dishes, I noticed my husband just finished one of those HUGE spaghetti sauce jar from CostUless shopping (one of those "super size" grocery store) and since the jar is so huge I cannot make myself throw it so I came up with a fab idea... Salad in a Jar!!!

Of course I made the salad yesterday evening and left it inside the fridge overnight, genius me decided to share this on my blog today and now when I take a photo it doesn't come out well... But here it is.

What I love the most about the jar is that it's big enough to even hold the dressing (in my case, Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Balsamic Vinegar)....

Genius idea, eh? Also if you ever open a can of anything (ex: olives) and have any left, it's probably better to keep them in the fridge in a glass jar than just the can itself... Your welcome!

Can't wait to have my Salad in a Jar for lunch... Have a great day!!!