I’ve always appreciated Sprinkles for starting the whole cupcakery craze, so I was definitely interested when they opened their ice cream shop. So far I’ve been twice and tried their ice cream sandwich (using cupcake instead of cookies) and ice cream sundae. I love the triple chocolate ice cream and the sundae I chose. The red velvet cupcake used in the sandwich was a bit more dry than I would have liked. Still, fun times trying out their different designs. I’ve always wanted to have ice cream and cake bits in one!
Sprinkles Ice Cream
On furniture innovation
I can’t seem to find a “perfect” spot for my desk. Today’s the third time I’ve moved it in the past few months and I’m still not fully satisfied. I think what I really need is a swinging desk that can rotate 90 degrees from an L shape to an I shape. I’d like to sit at the desk and have the wall/window on one side, the bed on another, and the desk filling in the other two. So far I’ve tried it parallel to my bed, perpendicular to it, and at two random angles. Triangles don’t seem to work since I can’t get out and keeping everything at 90 angles to each other leaves one side gaping. I suppose I could use the back of my chair as the fourth side, but I like having my back somewhat against the wall.
I’ve always liked cozy corners and being tucked in tight, but I still need to be able to get out of my chair without having to climb around furniture like a monkey. It’s definitely a challenge with conventional furniture that assumes people like having their space. It also seems to be assumed that furniture shouldn’t be easy to move. Why is that? I am constantly rearranging my furniture, wishing that they were designed to be more mobile. After all, a single change in your furniture arrangement can greatly change the look and feel of a room, so it’s like moving without ever leaving! I think it’s good to exercise change periodically. It’s amazing the new perspectives you achieve!
I’ve actually conceived of a variety of alternative furniture ideas that I’d really like to see become a reality someday, if only for myself. We as people are mobile and flexible, so why shouldn’t our furniture be more so? Sure, we’ve got lazy boys that protract and retract, but what else? Surely someone can design a desk that can change just as easily. Alas, until then, I will probably have to continue exploring creative ways to try to achieve that effect with the stubborn bulky furniture that currently exists.
Sandy aftermath: squirrel-sanity!
It’s been raining a lot here lately and the crisp freshness of the air after a wet day reminds me of the time right after Sandy swept through Panda’s place in VA. The squirrels had come out in force, frantically eating the food they’d hidden!
squirrel burrowing from Mary Qin on Vimeo.
squirrel in bush from Mary Qin on Vimeo.
squirrels out and about from Mary Qin on Vimeo.
squirrel stashing from Mary Qin on Vimeo.
Party for Charity
Tonight my friend had a birthday party fundraiser for BRAKES at 333 Live, a club in downtown LA. I’m not normally a party-goer, but I wanted to support the cause so I went. A lot of attendees were in my social circles so that was cool.
Let the good times roll
Whenever I’m with Panda, I have a lot of fun and often forget to do things I routinely do, such as update my blog or write in my journal. In fact, back when we met is the first time I stopped writing in my journal ever since I started in 2nd grade. I always attributed it to having too much fun to sit around writing about it. Alas, it seems to be true yet again as I get to hang out with him and find myself neglecting my writing. But I’m ok with that if it means more quality time with him!
Cozy under the blankie
Red-lored Angelenos
The legend of the wild parrots in the Arcadia/San Marino/Pasadena area of Los Angeles is a pretty loud (and squeaky) one! Apparently they’re red-lored parrots and they usually fly in large groups, or at least pairs, squawking to each other the whole time. Talk about an alarm you can’t shut off!
flock of parrots squawking from Mary Qin on Vimeo.
pair of parrots flying from Mary Qin on Vimeo.
Total cuteness
Yesterday, I finally got the Harry Otter eye pillow that I won from Herbal Animals (for helping to name him). While he’s much smaller than I imagined, he’s ten times more adorable than I expected! I guess I should have known that an eye pillow wouldn’t be all that large, but for some reason the size I was thinking of would probably be more of a face pillow (if there is such a thing!).
I was pretty thrilled and immediately posted a picture on Facebook. Since I was heading out, I didn’t get to open him up until later in the day. When I did, I had fun playing around with him. He’s cool and soft to the touch and has a fresh minty + soothing/healing scent. It’s a combination of chamomile, lavender, and peppermint. I can definitely smell the chamomile and peppermint, and then the lavender sneaks up on me. These herbs are very relaxing and when I want a stronger dose, I just have to massage little Harry a bit to “awaken” the scent. It’s lovely!
The one thing I would have liked is for him to a bit more filled. Right now when he sits up, his head is just full of air. I think there’s enough room to have more herbs AND allow the free flow of his innards. Still, I appreciate having him nonetheless and now I’m tempted to get him a friend – maybe Peter Panda or Cowlamity Jane! I wish I was crafty like these folks and could make a cool product like this. Someday, I’ve got to learn a skill like that.
Anyway, I was surprised to see that one of my friends on FB then decided to get an Herbal Animal for herself after seeing me post up the picture of Harry! Who knew I’d be referring customers already? 😉 Good times.
Accessories galore
My dad recently brought me some sweet items my mom got for me to sell! Soon to be listed on PandaLoves.com and eBay. Check out a sampling of some of my favorites.
If you’re happy and you know it
Honk your horn! 🙂 I can’t remember why the vehicles started honking, but people had fun and you can hear the people in the car next to me having a blast!
honking happiness from Mary Qin on Vimeo.