Pray for Japan and Donate

Everyone has probably mentioned this by now, but if you aren't in the know, Japan was hit by it's largest earthquake ever, recording in at 8.9 magnitude, and thus resulting in horrible tsunamis to follow (the news lists 10 meter high tsunamis hitting Japan on its northeastern coast). Aftershocks are continuous, nuclear plants are in trouble, and to make matters worse, another earthquake occurred today in Shizuoka Prefecture at about 6 in magnitude. 

I used to live in Japan, and this news is very hard to listen to while not being able to do anything. I have both friends and loved ones that are living in Japan right now. As much as I want to jump on the next flight to Japan and help, I am untrained and unqualified for the work that is needed. Instead, I have decided to donate money to try and help the cause. Anything is better than nothing. Please, if you can, help Japan and make a donation. Here are some links you can follow to make a donation:

Convoy of Hope or text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10 to Convoy of Hope's Disaster Response efforts.

Global Giving

World Vision  or text "4JAPAN" or "4TSUNAMI" to 20222 to donate $10.

 - "Thousand Origami Cranes (千羽鶴, Senbazuru) is a group of one thousand origami paper cranes held together by strings. An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years. In Japan, it is commonly said that folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true." <Wikipedia>

All my prayers go out to Japan, in hopes that even with these hard times, they will be able to overcome the difficult obstacles ahead, and recover from this disaster.

50% off you say?

Oh yes, I did! Did everyone get their savings on with the Day-After-Valentine's-Sale? Its the best time to stock up on sweets and all things lovey-decorated! I maaayy of went a little over-board, but oh well, I plan to put everything to good use soon! I just went to Wal-Mart and CVS and found lots of goodies. If you didn't get to go today, definitely get to the stores tomorrow and see what you can pick up!

Yes, I bought a lot. Hurray!

Wow, I've been out of it!

I can't believe its been since October since I last posted! Goodness, time sure does fly. A lot has happened here; a wonderful vacation to the west coast, all the fun holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, AND Christmas were lots of fun!), little Mira's 2nd birthday, and helping a friend test out their new fashion website. Whew! And of course, a lot of photos were taken throughout that period! Here's a little taste of what I've been seeing:

Napa Valley, such great wine!

The Olympus Mountains from Seattle, absolutely breath-taking!

Mmm, Seattle's Best coffee

FISHYYY!

Cutest. Otters. Ever.!!!!

Christmas bible story ready by the "pro".

Birthday colors are fun!

Mira approves of her play ball set.

Soo much detail in everything, Mira is soo lucky!

Super excited to open gifts with mommy.

Auntie and cousin in such a cute moment!

Two lovebirds I never get enough pictures of!

Hope you enjoyed! Here is a sign off pic of yours truly ;)

See you soon!

Thank goodness for Fall!

I absolutely love Autumn. The changing of the leaves, cooler weather, and the seasonal eats are all great reasons to get happy! I'm definitely a foodie, so I'm all over apples, cider, and anything with pumpkins. I recently visited a local bakery in town and they had absolutely delicious pumpkin cookies  (check them out here! Hoosier Mama ). I had to make some for myself, and they are delicious! Then I went to a picture. What can I say, I like documenting my creations, hehe. I went a little crazy and after I already applied a glaze on top, I threw on some caramel sauce! Delicious!

First entry, huzzah!

I'd like to get this blog off to a start with some of my photos from a sunrise here in Warsaw. It's very rare that I'm awake before 7 am, but I had a time when my sleep schedule was completely backwards, so I was able to get some beautiful shots. Enjoy!