DIY Painting for Beginners

Hi People!

As you may have noticed I kinda forgot about my little blog here after I got promoted to an AE. Sorry about that. I thought time flew by in college, but it flies by even faster while working. I can't believe I'm almost done working on The Challenge: Battle of the Seasons.

Well I've decided its time to revamp my blog and take it in a new direction. 

I've recently moved into my new apartment with my best friend Kathryn Begle. Most of my free time (and money *cough*) is spent trying to make it a home. So I wanted to share with you all my projects and fun things going on in my life, rather than focusing on my job.

I know I've mentioned it before, but seriously...Pinterest is freakin AMAZING! I have to give credit to pretty much all my ideas and projects to Pinterest. It inspires me every time I log on.

Exhibit A: 

I found this picture on Pinterest which took me to a lady's blog that showed step by step how she created these paintings. I loved them so much I wanted to created my own and hang them in the dining room.

Here is the link to her blog: http://www.myclevernest.com/2012/03/fool-proof-diy-painting.html

I bought everything from Michaels. I started with only 2 canvases (they are kinda expensive), but went back to get a third one after I received a coupon for 40% off. Boom.

 I followed the technique she used by dipping half the brush in one color and the other half of the brush in another. Then I painted large X marks until it blends.

 

Almost done! 

Here is my final result! I'm happy with how they turned out. I'm not the greatest painter, so it is pretty much fool proof as she says! Oh, and you may have noticed we also painted the dining room walls a light yellow. It's becoming home-y! haha

Got that promotion!

I GOT PROMOTED TO AN ASSISTANT EDITOR!!!!!  

My cousin Kara Fischer had the fabulous idea of documenting this monumental moment so I made a video to share my excitement with you.

Thanks for watching! =D

Biking & Hiking in LA

Hey Kids,
I just got back from my bike ride. I recently cashed in my tax refund money for a new bicycle. I love it! I went to bike shop in Granada Hills that my friend Crystal recommended, called Bicycle Den. They are a family owned shop and were extremely helpful.

I really wanted a bike to ride since I live close to the Chandler Bikeway and also take it to the beach to ride along The Strand as well. Today I rode all the way to the end of Chandler and back to my apartment which is a little over 7 miles. It's a great path to run, walk, roller blade, pretty much any type of transportation other than a car or motorcycle. There are always tons of people walking and riding bikes on the path with their kids. So I definitely feel safe riding it alone during the day, but I can't say I wouldn't like some friends to join me. =)

The stretch that I ride along goes from North Hollywood to Burbank. I take the path when I ride to my friend Natalie's apartment which is close to the Warner Brother's studio lot in the Burbank/Toluca Lake area. The other side of Chandler actually goes from North Hollywood all the way to where I work in Van Nuys. A bus line has its own street where only buses and police cars can drive along. The bike path runs along beside it.

The stretch in Burbank was one a rail road. Los Angeles decided to turn it into a pedestrian bike path in 1991. The Chandler Bikeway officially opened to the public on August 20, 2004.

 

I definitely plan on making bike riding a hobby and will be checking out other bike paths in Los Angeles.  The city is good about having websites dedicated to biking, hiking and other recreational activities.  Yelp is always a good source as well!

http://chandlerbikewayburbank.com/index.html

http://www.labikepaths.com/

http://www.thishikingtrail.com/ 

http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/activities-and-recreation/outdoors-and-sports/hiking-in-los-angeles-la-s-best-hiking-trails.html 

http://www.modernhiker.com/la-hiking/ 

Happy riding [and hiking]! =)