Lalipourie

New Hair!

2012-02-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

first night out with my new hair :D

Hi! So I'm back and I have new hair :D. Well, new since Mid Dec. but I haven't posted in awhile so new for all you faithful Lalipourie readers. Anyway. I made a goal awhile back to grow my hair as long as I could stand and then chop it all off to donate to someone who could use it. I must guiltily admit I still have my braid at home but I fully intend to drop it off at the local hair donation place for children with cancer asap.

before-see how long it was?

after

It was tough to cut it all off but really I am quite happy with the short hair. it's quick and easy. I feel light. Some times I miss my locks and then I remember how much quicker it is and I relax a bit. So for now short hair to stay!

XOXO

strawberry swing

2011-11-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

I know sorry lately all I do is post videos but this is quite a work of art :D

super cute happy perky song/video

2011-10-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

Secret smiley faces made perked me up....Feel like I want to go on a search of my own!

Baja la tensión

2011-10-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

New music love: Cultura Profética. With beautiful lyrics and mellow rhythms I could just listen to them all day. I listen to their music close my eyes and get all intense and just wanna dance around! Makes me want to chill out at the beach. Hope you enjoy!

I like this song because it talks about lowering the tension and relax, that you cannot force love.

backpack chic

2011-09-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

backpack chic by lalipourie

I'm in need of a chic backpack. I am perpetually running around with loads of stuff....a purse, a lunch bag, glass waterbottle, notebook....time to consolodate + I think a backpack would be comfyier and I could use it for travel...so I'm on the look out.

XOXO

Pin It

NY summer time

2011-09-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hi all! It's been FOREVER! Oh I miss the days when I actually had time to read blogs and post on Lalipourie. Anyway I went the New York City recently and fell in love with the city (esp. central park). Sadly my digi cam died the first day I arrived but luckily my honey let me borrow his iphone for the trip. So I was able to get some nice pictures. This picture I made look vintage with some app which I think is pretty nifty.

XOXO

real bodies....

2011-07-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Images and sources via links on my the curves pinboard
I need positive images of women in my daily life. As well as positive attitudes. I have changed a great deal physically and emotionally since adolescence about my self image. I've always been chubby or curvy if you will, but I haven't always been ok with that. I feel that with age I just seem to like myself and my body more even with stretch marks, and imperfections. I try to waste as little time as possible complaining or pointing out said imperfections. I really do not understand why so many women do that constantly. I try to stay positive....But I have my days. Some people tend to project their own negative insecurities on others. Today someone I work with said I should not eat too much because I was gaining weight. This coming from a person, who is a healthy weight, by the way, but who obsesses constantly about being skinny. I'm so not that person anymore. I have moved on from that, sure I would love to loose a couple lumps and bumps but basically I think I look good. Normally I would just brush it off, because Panamanians tend to notice whether you gain or lose an 1/8th of a pound....and tell you about it. So basically I have learned not to listen. However, today it rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe because she said it as I was offering her some of my gold fish crackers or because I have been feeling fatter and have been going through a leggings/dresses/flip flops phase. Though I adamantly blame the weather.....because when it gets too hot to think and I'm pretty much feel like all clothes are evil and too tight and only feel OK when I'm in A) an air conditioned environment or B) fresh out of the shower, in my underwear and in front of the fan drinking ice water. Anyway, I figured might as well post it and get it off my mind. So here are some positive images of CURVY women.

roasted chicpeas....

2011-07-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

So it's a lazy Sunday and I'm baking away and preparing food for my work week. While waiting for my healthy whole wheat empanadas to come out of the oven I was browsing ideas for healthy cooking when I see this image above. As I had just finished boiling some chickpeas, I thought I have got to try! So easy and so tasty! Please see here for original recipe and other ideas for healthy snacks! YAY!

image of the day

2011-06-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

such a sweet picture! Via Sloan Photography

why are little kids so cute?

2011-06-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

il bel far niente....

2011-06-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

The beauty of doing nothing....well though it can be quite rejuvenating doing basically "nothing" for a couple days it can also get old. A busy girl like me, likes to keep...well...you know...busy. So after a few days of lazying around in pajamas, eating beef jerky and drinking tea while watching old episodes of Ugly Betty. I've had just about enough. At least for tonight anyway. So I have decided to do something really important with my time and make a polyvore!

il bel far niente by Lalipourie featuring flip flop shoes

HAHA! Ok, well no more goofing off. Time to do some real work. I'm not complaining really what's left for me to do is my favorite part of being a designer, and that is making beautiful artwork! So I'm off to do some research for prints before I sit down and sketch out these bad boys. TTFN!

hammock time & Happy Monday!

2011-06-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hi all! No, I haven't disappeared I've just been uber busy. I started a new job and also started assistant professing at the University of Panama in the new Fashion degree. So I am still adjusting and trying to organize my time. I have so many new things to share but I should be tucking myself into bed about now...sooo I'll keep it brief. Here are a couple pictures of a recent trip to Chiriqui to visit my auntie, where we visited her farm. Relax and Happy Monday!

foodie friday: homemade nutella? yes please!

2011-04-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

So I definitely need a food processor to make my own homemade nutella...that's my new goal...

my style: out for indian food feast!

2011-03-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to share more about my personal style here for ages! But I still need to buy a tripod and snap pictures before work! Anyways. Here is something a I wore for a night out for Indian food with my cousin and my BF. I really felt like wearing something new....so I decided to wear a strapless white dress I have and wear it as a skirt. I like how it looks and it was perfectly comfy for a Friday night out!

quote of the day + happy weekend

2011-03-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this quote through instant messenger just as I sat myself down to my computer after making my cafe latte yesterday. Funny how messages like this sometimes come to us at the most appropriate times. Thanks Nedy for sharing with me. Now I'll share with you!

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."
— Marilyn Monroe

Its a good message. We need to have faith that things will always get better and that sometimes their is a lesson to be learned....

So what are you plans this weekend? I'm just waiting for the floor to dry after some mopping...then off to laundry land! HAHA I am going to do some more weaving and get ready for a sale this coming week! I also want to make more empanadas! I'll share recipe/photos soon :D.
Happy Weekend!

champagne sparkle

2011-03-25T15:01:00.001-07:00

champagne sparkle by Lalipourie
Created for the Rachel Bilson and Magnum ice cream Polyvore contest!

a little more travel chic

2011-03-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

preparing myself for future travel chic adventures! Here is some essential travel chic inspiration! Also check out my travel chic pinboard for more yummies!

clockwise from
jessica alba, purple slip-ons, madwell outfit, anthropologie giraffe scarf, around the globe, cross body bag (ae), stokholm street style, bear creek weekender, sparring partner pant, train photo, checked toms, breezy hat in tan, silk top, cinch waist parka in olive, flower zip pouch, cotton shirt dress

PS: do check out this little his/her what to pack for traveling for 6 months around the world turtorial on Mr. & Mrs. Globe Trot! Julia has quite mastered the carefree (but chic!) travel style that I truly admire. Be warned though her and cutie husband's blog is so amazing you may get sucked in for a few hours....

kitty in a box/Happy Weekend!

2011-03-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

Oh goodness this kitty is too darn cute! I want to touch it and squeeze it so cute! Check out I am Maru! Happy Weekend! I'm getting a facial tomorrow and might go dancing with the girls! So I look forward to getting spiffy! Besides that I have lots of cleaning, washing and designing to do! What are your plans?

a happy little picnic

2011-03-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

So a few weeks ago I met up with a sweet friend of mine from college who just moved to Panama for the Peace Corp! We decided to get together for a picnic and it was lots-o-fun! We laughed and enjoyed some delicious sunshine all the while munching on some fabulous snacks....take a peak at our day! Do you LOVE picnics? What do you bring to your picnics?

arrival at parque omar and ready to set-up our picnic!

nom nom....my friends brought some british digestive crackers (sounds weird but pretty tasty) and ginger snaps! They also brought some wine and we got creative making a sort of cheap kids version of ghetto sangria that is not too shabby. Just mix up some boxed red wine, coke and orange juice and you got yourself quite the classy drink! I brought some homemade savory veggie muffins-stuffed with ham and cheese, sliced pineapple, healthy chicken nuggets (crusted with oatmeal, almonds, & garbanzo flour!) and some more cookies!

Erica and Eric enjoying our fine fare! Please note my fabulous picnic basket I purchased during my new year's trip to el valle!

pictures above from Eric's flickr!
Friends enjoying a snack as we chat and enjoy the sunshine! Here's a close-up of some of the treats I brought back from Guatemala! They orangy thing is butternut squash and milk candy, the circular disks are almond candy and the little basket has pepita and milk candy!

Lalipourie Travel/Bicycle Chic: Antigua

2011-03-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

So my first day in Antigua I was lucky enough to have free (that's right) bicycle rental from my already cheap and wonderful hostel. It was the perfect way to spend my first afternoon. I basically just wandered around took pictures and made a couple stops. It made me miss riding so much! I need more time to just wander around on a bike....

be sure to wear a flower in your hair...

2011-03-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

image linked to source ;)
Note to self...a flower in the hair is pretty & romantic!

PS: do check out hotestly wtf it has some awesome dyi's!

quote of the day + Adele!

2011-02-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

....Go ahead and steal my heart to make me cry again,
'cause it will never hurt as much it did then....
-Adele, Right as Rain

So just been listening to some Adele (thanks Alina for posting about that song on Facebook.) Apart from having a gorgeous voice, she is sooooo gorgeous! Porcelain skin and blue blue eyes. I'm loving the fabulous 60's hair and makeup she's got going on!

cute as button!

2011-02-21T18:25:00.000-08:00

In my last red lipstick post I just happened to be wearing some of my new earring creations. I call them cute as a button earrings! These lovely little things are made using buttons I've been saving from discarded shirt samples from work! Aren't they sweet?! I designed the card to look like a blouse hanging on a clothesline! See more images of recent designs on my facebook page!

red lips!

2011-02-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

i've been into red lips lately :D

the food....

2011-02-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

So I have so much to share from my trip to Guatemala! But I've decided to start with my favorite part of the trip. All the fabulous food! Man who new Guatemalan cuisine was so delicious and balanced. All my meals were excellent.

my first meal was breakfast on the airplane. Not too shabby actually. Eggs with tomato, think ham slices, potato, roll, guava juice and coffee.

As soon as I got to my hostel I asked the guy at the front desk where was a good place for lunch. I told him I wanted a typical meal. So he sent me to this little whole in the wall, with typical grandmas cooking in the back of a little general store. I ordered Peipian, which is a typical dish from Antigua. It's like a chicken soup with spices (not spicy though). It was hearty, nutty and super filling!

right outside this beautiful church was this little food fair. They were grilling sausages, meats and pupusas! I was so stuffed from my lunch but I made sure to ask until what hour they would be there! I was gonna eat one of those purple pupusas! By night fall I was ready to eat again...I went a little crazy and tried a pupusa (no more purple corn ones though :(), some sausage and a plantain dessert. I was insanely full at the end of this! I felt like such a little piggy but hey I was on vacation! LOL

next day I woke up insanely early. I think I was just hyper and excited about being in Guatemala. I ordered breakfast (which was included in the price I paid to stay in the dorm room!!!!) and this fabulous burrito is what they served. I stayed at the Black Cat Inn, do stay there it is a really cute, quiet place close to the park. I went all throughout Europe and most breakfasts were toast and tea, I used to get excited when they hand "orange" drink available! So this was like uber luxurious to me. It was very good and it stuffed me up for my busy day of sightseeing!

I was heading over to the public market to look for a non expensive/touristy lunch when I saw a sign for this little restaurant. Luckily I saw lots of people (locals) and saw they had a set lunch special for 18 Quetzales (less than $3). So I went up to the terrace and relaxed a bit. Man this was a good and big lunch. I was very pleased with this! I especially liked the tiny container of pickled veggies that came with the soup! So tasty I'd wished I had gotten more of that!

after taking the long hike up to the lookout point for amazing views of the city I went with fellow dormitory mate to a pizza place. I was still full from lunch but I ordered an almond horchata! Deary me was that heavenly! Not too sweet and the almond flavor was perfect! My friend ordered a margharita pizza and she shared a couple slices with me and it was damn good. Brought me right back to Florence and Rome....

second day breakfast sandwich from the hostel most definitely did not disappoint. It was as delicious as it looks!

at the market I had fun shopping and stumbled a local sweets shop. Most of the sweets were marzipan which they make with pepitas and milk, but I also bought some squash sweets, and almond cinnamon candy. She told me that the fruits were milk candies. I did not try them but aren't they cute?

typical fruit stands all over!

after Antigua I traveled to Santa Cruz de Lago Atitlan (Lake Atitlan) and stayed at La Iguana Perdida. This hostel/hotel/resort totally lives up to all the magical reviews. It was such a lovely place to stay and the food was divine! Above is first nights dinner of pizza, roasted veggies and salad. And the next morning I had breakfast crepes. No words can do justice just yummy!

I walked around a small village and got some local fair (fried chicken, veggies and rice). Then later snacked on some chocolate covered strawberries and pineapple while I emmmm worked hard at learning back strap weaving....more details on that latter!

I visited Chichicastinago for the Thursday market. It was amazing! As I waited for my breakfast this guy came buy selling seeds and nuts. I got a tiny bag of fava beans. Then this glorious breakfast was served. So delicious it was my favorite from all the wonderful breakfasts I had on the trip. It was fried eggs, black beans, tomato sauce, sausage, fresh cheese, tortillas and cafe con leche. I didn't eat much else that day because this was obviously pretty filling but I got some shots of other local fair fruits and tortillas for sale. I did get a perfect mango, strawberry and blackberry smoothie with milk.

after the shuttle dropped me off in Panajachel, I decided to walk around a bit before heading back to la Iguana Perdida. I saw some girls eating these strangely shaped popsicles. There was every natural flavor imaginable from squash to strawberry...I however decided to try the purple sweet potato and then figured might as well get it covered in chocolate! LOL it was interesting...not as good as the chocolate covered pineapple but I could tell it was really made from sweet potato which is cool enough itself!

fabulous dinner at the Iguana. I didn't ever photograph the amazing soups or desserts which I should have but I always just gobbled them down! This night was empanada, mashed potato, veggies and salad....

this was also a good lunch but I suspect it the meal that got me sick all day on my second to last day :(....but it was tasty! It was a breaded steak with cheese, veggies, guacamole, french fries, tortillas and horchata!

back in Antigua my last breakfast...a bagel like BLT. YUM!

made sure to get my purple corn pupusa before I left! SOOOOO goooooooddddd and I washed it down with fresh fresh squeezed orange juice. Man I'd go back to Guatemala just for that combo!

just a little lovin'

2011-02-15T16:23:00.001-08:00

my delicious dinner for a special night with my honey :D
Hey!!! So I hope you all had a lovey dovey happy valentines day yesterday! I personally think love and friendship should be celebrated everyday! Last night my honey came over for dinner & a movie. I treated him (& myself) to a fabulously tasty dinner of creamy tomato & roasted veggie soup and three cheese & turkey honey ham grilled sandwich. At first he looked suspiciously at the tomato soup, but then he quickly gobbled it down! And asked for seconds on sandwich, so I guess it was yummy! I rustled up this quicky dinner last night while groovin' to this cheesy love soundtrack that was up on Modish! It seemed appropriate. My honey surprised me with a bottle of white wine and then we ended up having an nice movie night with Michel Cera. Hehehe he's so nerdy cute...we watched Paper Heart and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.

*images link to source
I've been collecting some Valentines inspiration in my pinterest to share with you earlier but better late than never right! Any I believe anything involving hearts, roses, and chocolate should come on a daily basis ;)

picnic weather

2011-02-08T14:20:00.001-08:00

picnic weather by Lalipourie featuring target="_blank"retro earrings

lovely weather = picnic time

Greetings from Guatemala!

2011-01-30T16:23:00.001-08:00

Surprise I'm in Guatemala! I'll be back to blogging next week! Have a good one!!!!!!!!!!! I sure am!

***UPDATE***
Hi I am back in the beautiful PTY. My trip was gorgeous and enlightening! I found Guatemala and its people charming, happy and sunny. Though it was my first solo trip, I found nice people to chat up every step of the way. I have so much more to say and will be giving you a rundown once I've finished editing my photos! But just wanted to say I'm back! :D

Congratulations!

2011-01-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

My mood board for my pollera inspired collection from 2007.
Ok a little bit of self promotion and praise! In 2006 I wrote an article in collaboration with a Cornell graduate Textiles student, Tasha Lewis, on the National Dress of Panama called La Pollera for the Berg's Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion! Not only was this project very near and dear to my heart, but it was a huge huge learning experience. At times it was intense to work on while also being a full time student and working a part time job, but it was such an enormous opportunity! It also helped having such a wonderful and fun to work with collaborator! We would spend hours not only talking about our article but also reminiscing about Panama. It was a wonderful experience overall!

To get to the point, I just found out the encyclopedia and Fashion Library been awarded a Darthmouth Medal for outstanding reference! It's all very exciting!

another adventure in PTY!

2011-01-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

Hi lovely readers! Today I'm going to share some fabulous pictures from my New Year weekend in the mountain town called El Vall e! I shared a lovely weekend get-away with 8 other friends in a sweet little purple house over looking lush forest and a bubbling brook! Just getting to the place was adventure and involved a good long wait in line for the bus, then piling into the back of a truck & up a walking up spooky path in the pitch black to get there! But it was all in good company and we brought in the new year with dip & chips, tuna salad, spaghetti, and lots of wine! Before nodding off we also had some s'mores!

The next morning we got up bright and early for a huge bacon, pancake, eggs and mexican hot cocoa breakfast! Then we walked to town! Which by the way is very very far by foot! LOL we were very tired, but then we met up with the rest of our party and browsed the market! I got a fabulous basket and some nifty jade & pearl earring (to be posted latter).

We also walked all the way to see the petroglyphs and a quick dip in the waterfall. After ducking out in a tiny store because of the pouring rain we got a taxi back to the house. We all pitched in to make an awesome taco dinner and finished off with some marshmallow roasting! MMMM my Panamanian friends enjoyed learning about this gringo tradition.

Sunday again bright and early! We headed straight to our canopy tour!

Happy Weekend!

2011-01-21T20:55:00.000-08:00

picture from last night's expat international party. It was lots of fun getting dressed up and chatting with other foreigners in PTY. PS: see those nifty earrings I'm wearing? Those are from my new collection. Wink wink...

Whew! This has been a busy busy week! I have so many fun posts backed up that I'm having issues on where to start....My brain want's to go in chronilogical order but I don't think that is going to happen! Either way I have lots of fun pictures updates to work on as well as sharing new great finds. But not today! It's almost Saturday here in Panama and if there is one thing I enjoy, that is my time to relax. So I hope you are all having a wonderful start to your weekend. I am not doing anything crazy this weekend just going to do some errands, some organizing and visiting a good friend on Sunday. What are your plans???

ooooh la la

2011-01-19T19:43:00.001-08:00

click on image for my ooooh la la pinboard...links to sources for each image

French people. Paris. Croissants. Crepes. Sexy accents. Stripes. Orangina....

Sometimes I just wish I was French. Somehow everything would be better and oh so ooooh la la sexy. I'd eat all the butter and cheese I wanted and some how remain chic and slender. Le sigh only in my fantasies. Here is some oooh la la la la inspiration for you day :D!

darn people at Free People are seriously having me crave for Paris. MAN!

a new year calls for new undies!

2011-01-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

Random fact: Panamanians buy yellow underwear for good luck on New Years.

So my good friend Mei Lin informed me of this tradition a few years back and I've searched vigorously each year for yellow undies to start my year off right. But considering this tradition it's extremely hard to find yellow underwear! This year I sort of forgot but even a week after new years I was looking!!! Eventually I went into this nifty store called Women's Secret that has adorable underwear, pajamas and accessories. So there was a sale! So I got a few pairs...they aren't exactly yellow but they were too cute and the prints seemed sort of like New Year resolution themed!

So this may seem strange....me sharing my underwear on the internet and all, but I haven't even used them yet! I just think the prints on them are so charming!

see the two travel themed panties, a healthy eating pair and the animal one well we can say it is for making diverse friends in 2011!

My goals for the 2011:

BE happy, creative, great full and loving everyday
EAT healthy but still treat myself from time to time but save treats for the good stuff like chocolate croissants
EXERCISE everyday even if I just have a few minutes
LAUGH more often
CONNECT with more people and old friends, try to make new connections, network
BUILD up my work portfolio, get those buzzing ideas out on to paper or into 3D form or up on here!
SEE more places and EXPLORE (first stop Guatemala...stay tuned...)
LIVE and be content....and get a hair cut :D

it's that time again...

2011-01-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

...where I start obsessing about my hair. See I've almost always had short to medium length hair and about a year or so ago I decided to try growing it out long. I figured might as well see what it looks like and then I could donate my hair. I personally feel like my hair is super long right now and all I want to do it HACK it all off. It's hot in Panama and it takes a long time for it to dry. I'm lazy and hate combing out the knots. Sooooooo I think I am going to try a new look! YAY!

hair evolution since January of 2009 the last time I cut my hair short. What do you think? I mean I like my hair long too. I think it looks nice down, but I tend to always tie it up because it gets in the way and it's hot here. So maybe short would be good...
Here's what I'm going for....

Before

After

supposedly what my hair will look like on me!

Back on the Web + updates

2011-01-11T18:40:00.001-08:00

* images linked to source
Yay! I'm back! Got the internet set-up and have been enjoying it for a few days already. I've been anxious to update and get into the flow of this blog but I've just been so busy busy! I'm trying to get lots of new merchandise ready for another exciting event this Friday! If you are in Panama city come check out my stand at Rising Fashion (villa Agustina in Plaza Herrera across from Mojitos in Casco Viejo). Doors open at 7pm. Oki doki now back to work Laurie!

New Years 2011

2010-12-30T08:35:00.001-08:00

New Years 2011 by Lalipourie featuring chandelier earrings

I'm so ready for 2011! Bring it on! A New Year for smiles, adventure, creativity and LOVE!

As you may remember I'm still living without internet in my home! That's why I've been polyvoring like a crazy lady.....Good news is that in about a week I should be all set-up in the apartment and ready for more regular blogging! Hip hip hurray!

So what are your plans this New Years 2011?! I can't believe how fast 2010 was, but I'm super excited for new things ahead. This year I am going with a group of friends to El Valle, a lovely mountainy get-away just 2.5 hours from PTY! We are renting a house for the weekend. Our plans for the 31st are to make speghetti and s'mores before we celebrate the count down to 2011! Then on the 1st a few of us are going on a zip lining tour. I can hardly contain my excitement. Then from there we have discussed checking out the hot springs, hiking and visiting the beach on the 2nd. It's gonna be a good weekend I can already tell!

Bah, Humbug!

2010-12-24T17:21:00.001-08:00

Bah, Humbug! por Lalipourie con gold plated jewelry

I'm inspired my Ebineezer Scrooge. Ive been having a hard time feeling Christmasy this year. I think its mostly being so far away from home. So here is an outfit just for fun.

Soon I'll talk with my favorite big sister and parents on the phone. That will be my biggest present this year. So that is what I am most looking forward to this Christmas.

The other evening as leaving work I was grumbling to some coworkers, that for some reason I did not feel like it was Christmas yet. I got home and while made a quick dinner before heading out to my yoga class, out of no where I heard some Christmas carolers in my apartment complex. I peaked outside and enjoyed my dinner of sauteed mushrooms with sun dried tomato basil and eggs, with egg and onion matzo while listening to the festive music. It may seem sort of cheesy but it made me tear up because I realized how hard it has been to be far from home! But here I am in my home away from home, looking forward to a sunny day tomorrow with my relatives on this side of the globe. Hope you are all having a Merry Christmas with your loved ones!!!!!!!!!!!

PIN ME!

2010-12-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hi lovelies! As you may already know I LOVE pinterest! I think it's a great resource of inspiration/keeping track of images I love. Feel free to check out my pinboard by clicking my new "pin me" button to the below or on the right below my sponsors thank you!

Xmas morning

2010-12-13T11:34:00.001-08:00

Xmas morning by Lalipourie featuring skinny pants

Nothing like being home for the holidays. Imaginary Christmas morning at home with my favorite big sister Miki. After opening some presents we'd drink hot cocoa and make a yummy fritatta and eat pastries. All the while watching our favorite movies and staying in our pijamas until at least noon :D

Christmakkah!

2010-12-13T10:31:00.001-08:00

Christmakkah! by Lalipourie featuring plaid dresses

imaginary outfits for this holiday season!

Holiday Charm

2010-12-13T10:29:00.001-08:00

Holiday Charm by Lalipourie featuring ankle socks

A little collage inspired by a warm cozy and happy holiday with my family, especially my big sister. We would spend the day making and eating yummy cookies and latkes. That would be the perfect holiday time for me!

I'm back!

2010-12-11T13:24:00.001-08:00

Actually I never left but I do not have internet set-up at home yet! Opppps! Right now I am actually at this great little restaurant called the Musa de Chai on via Argentina! A funky little place that serves yummmy yummy Puerto Rican food. I came here for the first time a couple weeks ago to see Scott Pilgram vs. the World. Hilarious movie!

Today I am here at a cute little design fair! I am participating with some new designs! So if you are in PTY come on over!

Movie night at Musa de Chai: fried plantain balls (OMG soooo damn good), with a couple girl friends enjoying some excellent sangria and funny movie

live right now from design sale: new stuff from Lalipourie designs!

Hi my lovely readers!

2010-12-02T08:29:00.001-08:00

Hello my lovely readers! I'm sorry I have sort of abandoned the blog! I've been busy with some personal issues and no longer have internet access from home! I am still here and all is well! As soon as I get things back to normal I have lots of beautiful and inspiring things to share! Until then perhaps check out my pin board so see what has been inspiring me lately: My Pinboard

PS: happy belated Thanksgiving and Happy 2 day of Hanukkah!

Laurie S. Harris

if it sounds to good to be true....

2010-11-15T16:57:00.001-08:00

...it probably is.

Damn I hate when that saying rings true. The last few days have been sad, very sad and very very frustrating for me. As you may remember I was a winner of a free flight with Copa Airlines and I should be enjoying grilled meat, malbec and excitedly planning my days ahead...But alas I am still in PTY. Why?

Despite having been in communication through various phone calls, and emails with the organizer of this so called "prize," unfortunately neither her nor the short concise letter they gave me explained the horrible risks I would be taking. This note outlines various restrictions as to date and destination, as well as that I needed at least 15 working days to notify them, and present my certificate in order to get my ticket. After communication with said organizer who confirmed that there would be no problem and there was space I made my reservation a good two months prior to my flight date. What was NOT explained was that the ticket, did no guarantee an actual seat on the plane but was actually a Stand By ticket that IF (and only IF), for some reason by the grace of God some one doesn't show up I might get a seat on the plane. On top of that this flight to Montevideo is apparently almost always restricted. I now know that these flights to South America are of restricted, meaning that the plane is never filled to full capacity due to weight and balance.....Now maybe I'm an exception but I don't think this is common knowledge. Well, after waiting over two hours at the gate, stress fully as one by one the passengers showed up for the flight and having to compete with 3 other very upset costumers, I was coldly told that I was not getting on that flight. Add insult to injury, I'm told to come back the next day (only 1 flight PTY-Montevideo daily), AND as the attendant explains to the other passengers that they have hotel, transportation, food vouchers, and 100% guarantee they will be on the flight the next day and that I would NOT. I had a special ticket and didn't have priority. He asked if I was an en employee and I said NO this was a prize, ah well that's why you don't have prioty those tickets are based on availability. WHAT!? Um, so what does this mean now? I was given another ticket for the next day, but told it would be the same situation. I cried right then and there and stormed out of the airport....

Stupidly I prayed and prayed that I could still get out to my trip and not ruin months of planning and money, not to mention a friend waiting to show me around Buenos Aires. Sadly, the next day was an even worse realization that this was basically NOT going to happen. I had been tricked into believing that this was a prize worth accepting. After crying and making a scene basically anyone working for Copa at the airport couldn't do squat and I had to take it up with the person who have be the prize if I had a complaint. I have canceled the reservations I could, but the hotel deposits and ferry tickets are non refundable. Angry, tired, hungry and a few $ poorer I must say this was been a BAD experience.....

Today was spent a good 2 hours on the phone with the woman who issued me this prize...she finally explained all the risks and knitty gritties that she FAILED to inform me before of hand about the terms of these types of tickets and the problems with the destination I had chosen. At this point it's a little too late. Her offers to extend the prize and change destination are hardly tempting to me since, it would still be an issue of being on stand by until I could get a flight.

Out of all this I just thank God that this mess happened while in the country that I live...for I would have also been left on stand by on my return flight to PTY, and worse since it was a flight for 3:51 am. I would have been left hanging in the middle of the night with no where to go in a foreign country all alone, for God knows how many days on flights that are always restricted...Does that sound like a prize to you? This situation is beyond absurd!

UPDATE: after fight back & with the help of ACODECO (like consumer protection) I was able to get COPA to give me a real ticket so I went to Guatemala!

wee people

2010-11-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

oh my darling! Aren't these little bohemian girls adorable! Check out wee people by free people!

mmmmm bread!

2010-11-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm off of work for the next few days due to national independence holidays, and today I enjoyed a walk around Casco Viejo (pictures soon) to see the festivities. It was quite nice. Then I came home to cool off and veg out watching Gossip Girls on my laptop! So lovely to have the day off!

This morning I made some coffee to eat with my eggs and toast when sadly I noticed the milk had gotten sour. I was bummed and was ready to dump it when it occurred to me that I could use it for something. This afternoon I remembered my task! I needed a recipe that used a sour milk that was easy and didn't involve me having to go to the store! After some searches I found this recipe for Iris Brown Bread and decided to give it a go! Total SUCCESS! I did make a few slight changes (listed below) but this is yummy. It's kind of a cakey bread, I'm not sure it will hold up to making into a sandwich but it sure tasted yummy as is freshly sliced out of the oven. Mmm the crispy edges are quite nice. Oi I'm gonna be eating lots of carbs this week...

Here's my adaptations:
1/2 C of oatmeal to replace the bran
2 T of flax seed meal
cut sugar down to about 2T and added about 2 tsp of salt
used extra virgin olive oil for the oil
added about 2T of crushed walnuts
*my oven doesn't measure temperature and I didn't put a timer...I just came and check on it and when the fork came out clean I turned the oven off. I made mine in a pot (don't own a loaf pan), but I'm thinking of using my muffin pan next time for more easily accessible size.

a sweet Halloween treat

2010-10-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hi! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. It's just so fun to dress up and gorge on candy. I tend to be sort of a chicken but a little spookyness can be lots of fun! Today I'm going to go to club party, dress up as a punk rocker chick and dance the night away. What are you plans?

Yesterday we were all surprised at work for a special Halloween treat! Aren't these little bottles cute?! They made us spooky little bottles filled with some chocolate and coconut candy from Colombia! I love that they recycled the glass juice bottles, got creative with printing on sticker paper and then sewed adorable little ornaments out of felt! How cute is that! It was a very sweet surprise we were all a buzz all afternoon!!! Happy Halloween!

Hiya quick update + travel chic

2010-10-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hi! I've been blocked at work from blogging :(, which is too bad because I hardly waste time blogging at work anyway (lately) but alas I will have to be posting in the evenings from the comfort of my own home. I don't have anything particular to share. I just felt like saying hello. I'm feeling all mellow and lovely right now. A friend and I are trying out a yoga class and it feels super good. I haven't felt lovely and worked out in while! Lately belly dance has been kicking my bum so this feels good and I think will help!

I've been obsessing about my travel plans for Montevideo/Buenos Aires trip. Planning what I'm going to see, eat and wear! I've got the knitty gritty details like hostels and ferry boats all reserved up now it's just find things to fill my time! I'm making google maps, general calender of events and budgeting! I can't wait and though this is the first time I will be traveling solo, I am really looking forward to some alone time and adventure! I guess I inherited a my dad's love of research and travel! Because I've gotten all pycho in my planning and preparation! It's way too fun. On a lighter note I would really like to pack with only the essential. I'm planning on bringing one small bag and purse for 10 days! So I am trying to think of outfits in my head with just some basic light weight clothes. Just for fun I made an imaginary collection of items I would pack in a bag for my trip...and made 3 different looks! HAHA I know. But if you have a moment it's really fun to put yourself through the challenge of making cute looks with just a few items! Have a great week!

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travel chic: airplane by Lalipourie featuring wool shawls

travel chic: bicycle ride by Lalipourie featuring a striped handbag

travel chic: ferry ride by Lalipourie featuring a striped handbag

foodie friday!

2010-10-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some things I've eaten or cooked at home in the last 2 months or so.

1) mimosas at Fashion Week Panama 2)sambar and masala dosa at local restaurant Sabor de la India 3) at home curry roasted carrots, green beans with fresh pesto, stewed yellow split peas and brown rice medley (a vegetarian feast!) 4) raspao-Panamanian snow cones 5) roasted veggie & tomato soup with homemade whole wheat/garbanzo flour veggie pizza 6) oven roasted root veggies with curry tofu 7) dinner at a girlfriends house: toasts with olives & sauce, eggplant and chayote 8) oven roasted plantains with spices served with homemade whole wheat papaya and coco muffins and some rum raisin ice cream!

So I've been promising my newest recipe card for Papaya Seed Dressing for a long time. I finally finished the design and since I took so long to get this up here I also redesigned the my first recipe for Quesadillas with Yummy Lentils and added Smoked Pork Chops with Apples. Did you know you can eat papaya seeds? Well you can and they are said to be good for digestive problems. I used the papaya seed dressing for salad and to marinade chicken breast. It was the best with the chicken. Very flavorful! Enjoy! Just print and paste back to back for you recipe file! Let me know what you think!

*©Laurie's Kitchen recipe cards are for your personal use only and I maintain the copywrite. Thank you.

do you no poo?

2010-10-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

*image linked to source
So apparently there is this No Poo movement, where basically you stop shampooing your hair. The idea behind this is that shampoos are filled with chemicals and strip hair of natural oils. Consequently we produce more oils and then our hair gets greasy and our scalps get itchy forcing us to shampoo again completing the cycle of dependency on shampoo. My best friend introduced me to this idea about a year ago. Initially it sounded interesting, but I figured I'd let her try it out first and told her to get back to me with her finds. Knowing my BFF, and her love of showering she didn't last too long and then I sort of forgot about it.

However, I am a firm believer in shampooing less through experience. As a classic American girl, I absolutely had to wash my hair everyday. But I have always been sort of blessed in the hair department, I have super easy hair to take care of. My routine was (and basically still is), washing it and letting it air dry....I know I'm annoying and I know for a fact that is not the case for everyone. But hey can you blame me if my hair is shiny and soft no matter what?????? Hehehehe. When I moved to Panama, one of the many different cultural difference I noticed was hair washing routines. Most girls washed there hair only once a week and often go to the hair salon to get it blown out straight. To me this seemed bizarre and I didn't think I could ever let my hair go more than 24 hours without shampoo. But at some point (don't remember exactly when), I just stopped washing it everyday. I don't even remember major transition issues either but eventually I adjusted my hair shampooing routine and am proud to say I only was my hair about twice a week.

But then coming across Cucumbersomes post today it reminded me of the crazy No Poo movement my BFF mentioned so long ago. And I'm thinking maybe I could try it...or just reduce my shampooing even more and try it with a mix of baking soda/apple cider vinegar routines? Have any of you out there tried it? Did it work for you?

some interesting articles:
when it comes to shampoo, less is more
The No-'Poo Do
how to go no poo
Ditching shampoo a dirty little beauty secret

Let's play dress up: rainy day blues

2010-10-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

We all probably have a love/hate relationship with the rain. There's nothing more lovely than falling asleep to the rain, or being at home with a warm cup of tea or cocoa and being cozy while it rains outside. And not to mention the glee and wonder that is when you see a beautiful rainbow! All that lovely rain is great, well, until you actually have to go somewhere! Sometimes when it rains I get majorly colossally grumpy. I hate that I can only wear certain shoes, or have to lug around an umbrella or raincoat...or when it ruins my beach trips or plans for spontaneous picnics....or the most dreaded of all things being forced to take a taxi home...If you have ever been to PTY you know, the stress that comes with having to take a taxi when it rains. It's a huge pain in the you know what! But this post isn't just about the negative aspects of rain today I'd like to pretend that every time it rains I do it in style! So hope you like imaginary outfit!

rainy day blues by Lalipourie

+Here's a picture from the office when we saw a double rainbow! (2nd rainbow hard to see but it was there!) It was soooooo beautiful and fleeting! It absolutely made my day. Moments like that I guess make the rain not so terrible.

* These pictures are for your personal use only and I maintain the copywrite. Thank you.

healthy start

2010-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! How was your weekend? Mine was lovely! Beach trip sort of fell through due to weather but I spent the day at El Charco with a couple of friends chilling out on the waterfall munching on tortilla chips & hummus, sipping sangria and discussing recent travels. It was both beautiful and relaxing.

So I've been a little lax on my food diary lately but I am happy to say that since I started I've lost about 2 inches! My main issue(s) are when I forget to keep track of my meals. I also notice I screw things up in the afternoons and on weekends. Those are my big issues and I need to choose better when eating out. But I'm happy with the pace I'm going. I would like to loose about 3 inches and I'd be a happy clam.

I've woken up the past 2 days for yoga, pilates and belly dance before getting for work and my usual 40 minute walking commute. That extra bit of time to wake up slowing really lifts my spirits! I soooo need to remember that when I hit the snooze button...anyway to keep myself inspired in this life long change here is a collage of inspiration from my healthy pinboard! Have a great week!

*images linked to source or check out more ideas at my healthy pinboard

on the corner + happy weekend

2010-10-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

OMG! I'm so happy! Well about a year a go I was the lucky winner of a free plane ticket with Copa Airlines! After months of debating I've finally settled on my location and picked up my tickets today! Hurrah! So I am going to be traveling to Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina in mid November. Couldn't be more excited. I'm a huge research/travel nerd so I've been looking up every last detail in preparation. Super excited about shopping in street markets, walks along beach promenades, tango dancing, bicycle adventures and meat eating! Buahahhahaha!

Ok. So as a fashion nerd I even found a Buenos Aires Street Style site! Check out the lovely ladies and gentlemen of On the Corner! YAY!

What are your plans this weekend? I think tonight will be a chill Friday with my boyfriend. Leftover spaghetti and a movie perhaps. Tomorrow errands and dance class and Sunday I'm off to the beach!!!!! Happy weekend!

the sweetest thing 2

2010-09-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

Picture from an old classmate at UCD, Winnie's kitty resting on her baby bump is probably the sweetest thing I've ever seen! AW! Plus I'm flipping out over the adorable red bows on her pants! AGH to cute! YAY! Totally made my day and she was sweet enough to let me share with you!

Inspiration: out west

2010-09-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

*images linked to source

Mod Studio Space

2010-09-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

I created this set for ModCloth Blog's interior design contest! I had a blast creating my own design studio/inspiration lounge!!!!!!!! I wish I really had this room right now! I imagine lots of beautiful things coming out of this space! Let's hope I win!

Mod Studio Space by Lalipourie
PS: check out my design studio pin board!

shade loving + quote of the day

2010-09-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

*images linked to source
“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.”
Jane Austen

Yes indeed! I'm thinking of sunny sky's after days after day of rain and blah! I've been loving big sun hats lately! I got a real pretty one a few weeks back and have not had too many occasion to wear it! But I'm hoping I will soon! Take care and have a great week! I'll be trying to share some more inspiration this week :D

Le sigh....much needed beach time

2010-09-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Browsing through the cherry blossom girl's blog I see this French beauty has gotten hitched! What a lovely sweet, girly, french wedding to boot! But I'm all-a-swoon over her honey moon pictures in French Polynesia! I had the great fortune to go with my family in 2001 (aghhh that long ago!). We went on a cruise to Tahiti, Raiatea, Moorea, Bora Bora and Huahine! That for sure was a trip of a lifetime! Makes me feel nostalgique for those gorgeous perfect beaches and crystal clear water, adventuring around each island, stopping at the roadside for baby bananas and black pearls! Not to mention drooling over the hunky tahitian men! mmmmmm HAPPY WEEKEND!

Preppy Pretty

2010-09-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

I might be watching too much Gossip Girl, but lately I've been all about preppy and comfy! I'm loving these looks from Zara Lookbook.

freckled beauty

2010-09-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hi! I need to get back to work but I have been browsing through these amazing photos on Laura Taylor's photostream. I love her photography. The angles, the lighting, the appearance of spying on a secret moment in time. I especially love this picture above. Those freckles and dark hair! So pretty!

what I'm lovin' right now...

2010-09-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

HI! Eeek! I have been so busy lately this lovely blog has been a little bare. I'm sorry! Keep checking back though as I still have lots of pretty to share. Lately I've been really into relaxed comfortable classic style....
*images link to source

fall essentials polyvore contest!

2010-09-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

It might be too late as this ends tomorrow at midnight...but if you want to participate and possibly win $1000 make a polyvore using my favorite 100 fall essential items!!! Make as many sets as you want and we both could win!!! Do it and please send me an email or comment with you sets please!
-Lali

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Laundry day + Happy Weekend!

2010-09-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

(picture via fffound! via yes i am one of those people)
Hi! So glad it's Friday! I have nothing special planned just excessive loads of laundry to do. Le sigh. Have a great weekend! Any plans?

Hunterbelle's Room Design Inspirtation!

2010-09-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

I'm so looking forward to a new addition to my extended family and her name is Hunterbelle! My dear and oldest friend is expecting around November! Sadly I am missing all the fun stuff like the baby shower and helping decorate the nursery. So I promised I would help look into some inspiration and ideas to help from afar! She wants a dino theme for her baby girl and going by her eclectic, funky, boho style I came up with this! I hope you enjoy it B! Love and miss you a lot! Do check out my wee ones pinboard for more ideas that didn't make the final cut!

1) DIY dino night lights 2) dallas' vintage- I love the colors and way this space is organized! 3)magnet photo holder- easy DIY toy magnet holders! Would work perfectly with toy dinos for displaying photos or daddy's beautiful artworks! 4) lets get personal-sweet little nursery with cool tree collage-an idea she originally wanted when she was going to do a bird theme. I think some kind of wall collage could still be cool. Maybe dinos or a volcano? 5) lion pillows- I think these are too adorable! I think any handmade pillows or plush toys would be sweet for this room. Who knows maybe auntie Laurie will get creative soon! Wink wink! 6)kawaii crush-another great example! love the retro handmade look going on here. 7)dinosaur mobile-perhaps this tutorial could be adapted for a similar look. 8)extinction necklace-Hunterbelle will need one. 9)doll house bookshelf-cute way to organize books. 10 & 11)cute kids interiors-I love this colorful and comfy reading space and the little table work space is so colorful and perfect! Get neat looking patterned paper and cut into shapes for instant wall decoration! 12)dinosaur print 13)animal index-I think this is a funny and cute little detail to ad to a book shelve. An easy DYI to boot!

Rapsodia

2010-08-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today I've been doing a bit of research for my next travel adventure to Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina! I'm getting super excited looking into things to fill my time! I'm looking forward to free city walking tours, street markets and renting bikes! Oh and of course lots of eating and shopping. I came across a link to this clothing brand called Rapsodia and can't wait to check out those clothes in person! The presentation of trend looks are spectacular on the website! Take a look!

inspired by waka waka

2010-08-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hello pretty readers! Being busy has taken away my quality blog posting/reading time! I'm hoping things even out soon and I can share some of the new inspirations I've been planning for Lalipourie. Here's a post I've been meaning to finish up! Hope you enjoy! Comments please!

So during the world cup the Waka Waka song by Shakira was driving me nuts being played over and over constantly....but I do like some of the African/inspired styling in the video. I'm a big fan of accessorizing and mix match patterns so here's my take on the looks with my own polyvore! Enjoy! Have a great week!

*PS: link to my polyvore only has 1 outfit...I accidentally deleted other one's :(

Happy Weekend

2010-08-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies! Sorry I've been a little MIA from Lalipourie, this week was a busy one. I've been saving up lots of lovely sources of inspiration for you! It's Saturday and I'm having a good time cooking and preparing all the fruits and veggies I just picked up this morning from the fruit truck! It makes me feel so healthy and happy to prepare my own food. I just picked up mangos, papayas, pineapples, tomatoes, carrots, potato, plantains, bananas and cucumber! So I decided to make some homemade tomato sauce that I can use throughout the week in my cooking. I'm also thinking of some delicious salads this week with all that yummy fruit! I have a wonderful recipe for papaya seed dressing which I used to marinade chicken breast that came out just divine! I promise to get on here this coming week and some new pictures of my own adventures at the seafood market!

This weekend I'm going to take it easy. Besides belly dance practice today I would like to organize my room (again), work on this exercise book I'm making myself, maybe watch a movie with my honey and make something pretty. I just found out where the Indian grocery store is but I might just save that for next weekend unless tomorrow I get a burst of energy to go. I really would like to buy some garbanzo flour so that I can try to make this. What are your plans?
*image liv by Andaria

comfy classics

2010-08-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Lately all I've wanted to be is comfy. All the time. Comfy pants, comfy shoes...little fuss. I'm loving these uber simple looks mixing plain white shirts, leather belts, flats and jeans. Timeless and always cute!
*images linked to sources...please do take a look

a good start....

2010-08-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

*pic via joie de vivre
Hiya! Today I woke up to rain....It is so much harder to roll out of bed when I know its raining. So as you can imagine I didn't workout and I couldn't walk to work. I think my quest for being healthier is going OK. I'm not perfect but I am very realistic with myself...I'm trying to eat less and eat less bad things. One day at a time right? Anyway this picture (and a cup of coffee) totally lightened my day up. So funny. Each kitty looks pretty annoyed. I wonder how they got all those cats in there?

My weekend was lovely. Friday I had some me time. I watched Gossip Girls online and then practiced some belly dancing. Saturday my honey and I went to El Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) and tried the famous ceviche! Sunday I chilled at home did some cleaning, made new curtains for my room, made pot holders out of scrap fabric and listened to music.

Have a Sunny weekend!

2010-08-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

* image glamcanyon
Hi! Thank goodness it's Friday! I'm hoping for clear skys tomorrow so that I can do some exploring and maybe checking out the seafood market to finally try famous ceviche! If not I'm sure I'll be lazing about my apartment, cleaning and maybe practicing belly dance! Have a great weekend! Cheers!

organized pantry + kitty!

2010-08-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

*click image for source
via today I love via home shopping spy

el baile del vientre

2010-08-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

As you may remember I am taking a belly dance class Saturdays and I absolutely love it! I've done my share of dancing since I was 5 years old studying ballet, tap, hula, tahitian, latin (salsa, merengue, samba, punta/soca, bachata, reggaeton etc), and tid bits of tango, flamenco, hip hop and swing dancing....But people's eyes tend to pop out just a wittle bit when they hear that I used to tahitian dance! Being that it is such a fast and impressive dance style (plus skimpy costumes with which I have a love/hate relationship) but man belly dance is kicking my bum in other ways than my excessive practicing for UC Davis' Na Keiki O'Hawai'i club did. I fondly remember the days of pain in my quads I would suffer especially after the first days of practice during Fall Quarter. Simple tasks such as sitting were painful, let alone biking! But with belly dance you have to be able to move every itty bit of your body....the hip movements for me aren't an issue (I often get snarls from my 19-20 year old dance classmates at my lighting speed shimmy! buahahaha), but all those tricky arm movements are really tough! Now we are getting into the real freaky way with which belly dancers move there stomachs. It's both exciting and good painful trying to get the moves down. We also started to do strange things on the floor and this is when my weak points really show, I'm not that flexible and really being graceful on your knees is not as easy as it looks!

Another exciting feature of my class is that after the year course is over we have presentations AND we have to make our own costumes! I'm super excited about this part and have been obsessive the last few weeks. Above is my inspiration collage! If you have time look up "Ansuya" or "Sadie" in youtube! Man those ladies know how to move!

Anways I'm always lurking around my favorite blogs when today I saw that Free People had their new catalog up! Cool to see some cool shimmy worthy accessories in the August selection!

a lovely afternoon

2010-08-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I spent a lovely afternoon picnic and stroll with my honey!

* These pictures are for your personal use only and I maintain the copywrite. Thank you.

good morning + food diary!

2010-08-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

Everyday is a constant struggle to not only just get out of bed with enough time to get ready for work, but also to actually workout before I start my day. I walk about 35-40 minutes each way to work daily, but I know for a fact that I should do more. I'm such a fan of the snooze button its terrible. I think the issue is that I never get to bed early. I always manage to get distracted with the internet, reading something or crafting...next thing I know its 1:30 am and I am wide awake. However, I am proud to say that THIS MORNING I woke up a little early and did some stretching exercises. I've been taking a belly dancing class since March and it would be nice to get into better shape before we have any presentations. I'll be thinking positive that I will wake up early again tomorrow.

Another thing on my recent to do list is eat healthy (trying to slim down after the roll that formed on my waistline from my last trip home). Especially for breakfast. Obviously with above mentioned issue breakfast is difficult. I absolutely have to plan ahead or I will get sucked into to buying various fried things that are sold on the street here in Panama. And I know there are no excuses because I could just as easily buy some yogurt and fruit but fritura always looks yummier. Anyway I'm on a quest to eating healthy overall.

Thus having a food diary is something I've tried on and off during the years....I'm usually too unorganized and not disciplined enough to make it useful. I've thought about posting about my meals as a way to keep myself from cheating but then decided against it. So I am really excited that I found out you can Tweet What You Eat, to track calories and weight loss. I am going to experiment and see how it goes. I'm going to use calorie count and calories burned calculator. According to Prevention's daily calorie counter to maintain my weight I need 2,268 calories daily and to loose 2 lbs a week must reduce 1000 calories daily....reduce 400 calories from food and do 600 calories of exercise daily. Seems totally doable. So on your right you will see updates to my food diary. It's mostly a personal thing and to keep myself in check! If there is ever anything in my food diary that interests you or you wish to request a recipe just let me know!

Anywho I have lots to share this week. I had prepared a lovely post and new polyvore but I didn't have my computer plugged in and it shut down loosing my post. It was tragic but I think I can recreate it tonight. Keep a look out for new Laurie's Kitchen recipe!

PS: please read this...it had me snorting I was laughing so hard...quite embarrassing while at work actually but so funny. It totally expresses my feelings that being an adult is so overrated.

PPS: my first day with my food diary and I think I'm doing great!!!!!!!!!! Plus ate lots of yum :D

botanical illustration

2010-08-02T08:45:00.001-07:00

Remember my botanical mood board? Well here's is the final fashion illustration! Tell me what you think!

the sweetest thing

2010-07-28T10:33:00.001-07:00

Jen Loves Ken
Please read this sweet letter from father-to-be to his daughter. It's really sweet!

imaginary outfit: explore

2010-07-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

new cute travel inspired outfit!

picture of the day: giraffe

2010-07-26T14:27:00.001-07:00

wow! This giraffe statue is made entirely of tape????!!!!!

roap trip picture board!

2010-07-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

I had such a lovely visit home! It's always so rejuvenating to relax and spend time with family and friends...this visit was a little sorter than usual but just as lovely. Besides being home visiting friends and what not, my family took an awesome road trip all the way to Vancouver, Cananda to visit our extended family there. It was a great trip with lots of beautiful scenery and tons eating....

top corner picture at the SF Alemany Flea Market possibly the best market I've been too. No junk just tons of neat old antiques and funky extras. Beautiful scenery of Mount Shasta, Oregon's lush forests, purple and yellow cauliflower at the Salem Wednesday Farmers Market, downtown Portland (sneak picture of Anthropologie!), Mount Rainer, Bonnaville Dam.....

Arrival in Vancouver, Canada was long awaited! First stop was the Richmond Night Market (lots of good eats), and next day visit to Fort Langley for browsing of cute shops! I especially fell in love with this adorable store/tea house set in an old house called the Little White House. Everything about it was drool worthy. Then day visit to Capilano Park, crossing the suspension
bridge, and visit to Gastown (awesome boutique, Lynn Steven, with a paper back romance novel dressing room!)

Visited major Seattle landmarks. I thought the Pikes Place Market and the Fremont Troll were pretty darn awesome! On the way home down south we stopped in Olimpia to see the beautiful capital building (inside were all Tiffany Co. Lamps!), accidently coming across the high school where they filmed Twilight in Kalama, WA, visited a Fort, and finally back in California with a stop in Winters for dinner at the Putah Creek Cafe for blissful wood burning oven pizza, sangria and pie....mmmmmm

* These pictures are for your personal use only and I maintain the copywrite. Thank you.

Obsession: swinging beauties!

2010-07-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

* images link to source
Ever since I saw this picture I've been just smitten with the the idea of a swinging bed perfect for lounging around or reading a book....it's like an upgrade to a hammock....I'm totally obsessing about this and fantasizing of a beach home with a porch to chill out on...the breeze, listening to Jack Johnson, drinking some sun tea and looking at fashion magazines........bliss

BART Swing

2010-07-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

What a brilliant idea! Lovin' this picture of the swing someone decided to put on BART.

ready for a picnic?

2010-07-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

There's nothing more lovely than a picnic on a lovely sunny day....here's some inspiration for your day!
*images linked to source

Sweet Friday!

2010-07-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Oh I am finding it very hard to concentrate today! I have all sorts of interesting things to share with you all. But I think I will hold off till Monday since I've been procrastinating so much today. Oooops. It's hard especially when you've been sucked into the vortex that is Enjoy Cupcakes...I love everything about them! The color scheme of the site, the zillion different flavors AND the cute little trailer they sell them from! GAH. Too much cute/food yumminess to handle! Too bad they are so far away...but perhaps that is a blessing. Take a look and enjoy the eye candy. Have a great weekend!

Thanks to Oh Joy for sharing this today! And Please check out this other cupcake amazingness site: Ming Makes Cupcakes, deliciously evil website with recipes for all sorts of cupcakes....

adorable kitty time

2010-07-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

*image linked to source

tie dye to a T

2010-07-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies! Sorry I've been neglecting you! I've been kind of busy but don't worry I've been cataloging lots of new things to share with you AND pictures from my vacation. Till then, it's still summer back in the states (and always hot in PTY), so I thought I would talk about something that always evokes summer for me: tie dye. I remember at school when everyone brought old shirts, socks, tote bags etc and we learned how to tie dye! Getting messy and having fun with rubber bands and string! Waiting impatiently for them to dry in the sun to finally reveal the beauty hidden beneath the folds. My first attempts came out very blotchy-brown looking just because it was so hard to narrow down my color choices! I love tie dye for the textural interest it adds to fabric, it's informal vibe and it's one-of-a-kind qualities...however I am aware that if done wrong can tie dye can look awfully busy and very unflattering. But I think if you choose tie dye in simple combos (best with just 1-2 colors), or wear it as an accessory and mix with simple and complimentary items it can be so chic! Here are four ideas of how I would wear tie dye and more some images of inspiration :

beautiful

2010-07-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

I love this picture and love the details in this dress. I saved it to my pinterest inspiration board. If you haven't joined pinterest yet than you should! I swear it's the easiest way to save images from the web right along with their original source! It's dreadfully addictive looking at others people's boards for inspiration.

surf girls

2010-07-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a cute picture? I like the vintage suits!

rainbow trees

2010-07-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Aren't these beautiful? Nature is such a talented artist! Check out these Rainbow Eucalyptus trees!

I'm back + puppies!

2010-07-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

HEYA! I'm back! It was so lovely being on vacation :D I had a wonderful 3 weeks in California and the road trip with my family was lots of fun. I'll be sharing pictures so keep a lookout!

ahhhhhh aren't this puppies adorable? I could have sworn the pug had a bow tie on! ahahhahaa soooooooo cute! this made my day :D via puglypixel

Have a great weekend!

chic road trip imaginary outfit

2010-06-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Just a cute look idea for a roadtrip! I love the muted steel blue, gray and hints of turquoise...I'm really into agate and turquiose jewelry! Plus aren't those panties adorable...I included lucky magazine and madlibs, a tradition I have with my best friend and sister! Best way to make long trips seem shorter!

chic road trip by Lalipourie

inspiration: Portland

2010-06-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

So I'm all a buzz about coming home to the Bay Area (California) and going on a family road trip all the way to Vancouver, Canada! Oh I'm so excited! It's very hard to concentrate on the Men's T-shirt I need to finish today...anywho today I've been doing some research on the different places we are going to stop and already mentally packing my bag with thin dresses and comfy flip flops....One of our stops will be the lovely Portland, Oregon! I've never been but some of my favorite blogs are based there! See Modish for fabulous handmade, vintage and indie fabulousness! Urban Weeds, for great street style ideas! And I love checking Frolic for great styling and decoration ideas! Anyway here is some pretty:

*click on image for original image

featured on rikrak + Happy Weekend!

2010-06-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello! It's been an interesting week. I've been busy working on my botanical fashion illustration, and trying to market this blog! I would really love more feedback from you. What is missing? Feel free to contact me with any comments or concerns or to share something here. I've added a show and tell series where I hope to get inspiring individuals to share what they do. This weekend I'm going to take it easy, and do some packing....because tammmmmddaaaaah I'm coming home! I'm so happy to announce I will be back home in the lovely Bay Area for 3 weeks and I look forward to some fun times with my family and friends. We are planning a road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver! I finally get to meet all my relatives up their form my Chinese side of the family! I'm super excited to take some pictures of the scenery and I am hoping we visit Portland and Seattle! So stay tuned! Next week's themes is road trip! Happy Weekend!

I was featured on RikRak Blog this morning so check it out here!

show and tell: Olga Reyna

2010-06-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

Hi all! The show and tell series, is a place for readers, shop owners, crafty people or anyone who wants to share on Lalipourie Blog. Go here for directions.

Our first participant is the lovely Olga Reyna! This 24 year old Panama City, Panama dweller and I met right here on our blogs! We follow one another and met once accidentally at the Kramelos Bazaar!

What do you do for a living, your hobbies, special projects?
I'm studying law, I love to write, sing, and design, and I have a Fashion blog called Fashion Seeker.
What inspires you in your life/style/surroundings? For me everything in this world inspires me, love, magic, fashion, the sun, life is full of inspiration.
What are you going to share?
Here is a polyvore set I created using my favorite inspirational quote: We may not have it all together but together we have it all.

Wisdom! by Olguita featuring Christian Dior bags

Thanks Olga!

quote of the day: my garden

2010-06-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

the shobu flower garden

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Claudia Ghandi

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bella @ the beach

2010-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

bella @ the beach by Lalipourie

I made this a couple weeks ago for a The Twighlight Saga: Eclipse Nordstrom Challenge through Polyvore. Basically design a set using the clothes from the new Twilight Saga inspired clothing available at Nordstrom, and you could win a trip to the Eclipse Premiere! I had too much fun and made 3 different entries. This is my favorite. I have been desperate to go to the beach for a long time!

Get featured on Lalipourie Blog!

2010-06-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in getting featured on Lalipourie Blog? It's a free and great opportunity share! Please forward this to your contacts if you believe they would be interested! Requirements: must be 18+, must have interest in style, fashion, decoration, sustainability, cooking or topics related to Lalipourie blog. Just email me your responses!

Who are you? your name, age, picture of yourself (optional)
Where do you live or where are you from
What do you do for a living, your hobbies, special projects? Do you have a blog/or business? Share here. (But keep concise +/- 100 words) Provide me with your urls here
What inspires you in your life/style/surroundings?
*Special (choose one to focus):
Style collage: create an outfit or decoration style collage (+ provide links) or polyvore set, for any general topic of choice, you can see my "style collage" or "polyvore" section for ideas. Give brief description to what it's about. If you have a product you may include two of your own products if they fit within the theme. This is good for using actual items you like, that could be purchased.
Inspiration: please provide me with 9 images of any given theme (color themes, going camping, Hawaii, sandwiches etc), please provide me with links to all images plus a brief description. Please choose beautiful images. See my "inspiration" section. This option is good for using photography.
Recipe: please give me your favorite quick/easy go to recipe! Either just write for me and I will design an recipe card (as seen in "Laurie's Kitchen" section) or design your own!
Thought/quote: share you favorite quote or inspirational idea.

*please note that I want to keep within the look/style of my blog so I may edit down your responses if they are too long or edit images slightly to make it more visually appealing

I will contact you once I have uploaded your feature! Please contact me for any questions/suggestions!

Examples below:

style collage

inspiration

recipe

thought/quote

NEET Stuff!

2010-06-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hey lovelies! NEET magazine just came out with a new issue! It's full of all sorts of great stuff! Including my first real advertisement on page 241! Let's hope I get a bunch of sales! I explored the issue and checked out some of the links, these were my favorite NEET stuff:

boots lovely people, wallet ethics girls, print mitchel and dent, radio reform school, photo toujourstoi, fringe bag sabrinatach, pouffe donna wilson, poppy suit the moon and mars

Botanical

2010-06-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

New mood board for a new collection of I am working on for my portfolio...I was inspired by pale tones, teal and green, vintage lace, chiffon, ruffles, a foggy day at the beach....

thought of the day: grow old with me

2010-05-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

I made this piece of artwork yesterday....if you haven't seen design is mine blog's thoughts of the day section, than you should. She shares a lot of great art and awesome sayings. I was inspired by one I saw on her blog and mixed that saying with an idea I had cooking in my mind for months. I am very happy with the come out and I think I will make more.

Basically, I started with a basic sketch and then I put it into illustrator so that I could fiddle with it more. Then I printed on recycled paper (backwards), pasted it to a magazine page that had pretty colors, then cut out the pieces and put them back together on another page...I'd also thought about using an x-acto and cutting the pieces out. That would have been nice too, but I don't have an x-acto and this way worked out too. Sorry for the bad quality of image, the scanner at my work isn't working so I took a picture this morning....Tell me what you think!

PS: have a great weekend!

© Laurie Harris 2010 for Lalipourie Blog. This image is for your personal use only and I maintain the copywrite. Feel free to share but please link back to this page/post. If you do share please do let me know by sending an email.

Maybe it's time for some lazy cheesecake?

2010-05-27T13:53:00.001-07:00

I'd sure say so! recipe here.