the bomb.blogspot.com

cheer

2011-12-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Casey and went out and got our first Christmas Tree together.

When we saw it, we knew it was the one.

So Casey carried it home!

We added some sparkle.

We added some love.

Macintosh helped too.

and it filled out house with Christmas cheer!

Christmas Tree

you are the bomb.com!

(even though the Christmas tree seller ripped us off. It's okay. He'll get coal in his stocking.)

tampa

2011-11-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

I am in Tampa this week, visiting my family.

I am a very happy girl.

the 813

you are the bomb.com!

feeling blue

2011-11-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

It has been a very tough week. Some very sad and stressful family stuff. It has been so tough, that I have needed to be away from this blog for a few days. But today is a new and better day.

So back to the bomb.blogspot.com!

Here is a bit of what I have been up to.

Casey has been an explorer.

So has Macintosh.

We went to the visit the wild.

We brought a little bit of the wild home with us.

and I did what I do best. BRUNCH.

thanks New York, for bringing me back to me.

taking some time for myself

you are the bomb.com!

stress

2011-11-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

I have been having very long, very stressful days lately.

Work has been getting out of control.

I just have to remind myself that I am a very lucky girl to have a job and get to do what I want.

buttttttttttttt

On these very busy and stressful days

all I want to do is sit at home with a big cup of coffee

play with Macintosh

and dream about what is ahead of me.

being able to daydream during a long day
you are the bomb.com!
(unproductive, but still the bomb.)

Snowtober

2011-10-31T07:03:00.000-07:00

NYC had crazy snow this weekend.

It is OCTOBER, people!

However, even though I was full of Floridian whines,

it was, I guess, kinda pretty.

I stayed warm by eating a bowl of the most delish broccoli soup made by my friends' very talent mommy.

Casey stayed warm by stuffing himself with Chicken and Waffles (disgusting)

Macintosh stayed warm by hiding in a box.

I hope you stayed warm too!

staying warm and cozy
you are the bomb.com!

a green heart

2011-10-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I tried an artichoke. One night, when I was a little kid, my mom was eating them alone (the men in my family are not fond of vegetables).I wanted to sit with her and keep her company. She asked if I wanted to be brave and try one. They looked gross and scary, but I wanted to make her happy. They were delicious. My mom was so proud of my little kid self for trying something new and being so brave.

Today, I really miss my mom.

I think I'm making artichokes tonight.

artichokes (and being brave)
you are the bomb.com!

Holiday Season 2011: leather clutch

2011-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone!

I hope you had a great fall weekend. NYC was absolutly stunning. The weather was just right!

As we move out of October this upcoming week, I can't help but start to dream about the holidays. I will be sharing a series of beautiful things I hope will inspire you this giving season! (maybe they will appear under my Christmas tree also!)

LEATHER CLUTCH

pretty post.

a leather envelope

row of trees

wouldn't these be beautiful paired with a black dress on a night out with girl friends in the city?

I am in love.

a beautiful brown clutch
you are the bomb.com!

Krishna

2011-10-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Look.

It's time for some real talk.

I've been to India.

I live in New York City.

There is nothing as good as Krishna from Cincinnati, OH.

Krishna, where are you when I need you?

Please, if you are in the Greater Cincinnati Area, VISIT.

313 Calhoun St, Cincinnati, OH 45219

the Aloo Saag that haunts my dreams

you are the bomb.com!
(and i miss you. so much)

chocolate chip

2011-10-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

A Cup of Joe (one of my fav bloggers) posted yesterday about her favorite NYC chocolate chip cookie at Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven. OBVIOUSLY, Casey and I had to go check it out for ourselves.

we give it two chocolaty thumbs up.

Check it out!
350 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014

chocolate chip cookies

you are the bomb.com!

A rainy autumn day

2011-10-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

The nicest thing about the rain is that it always stops. Eventually.

Hope you are staying warm and dry.

being warm inside (and not gross and soggy)

you are the bomb.com!

new walls

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have been dreaming about having my own apartment in New York ever since I can remember. The idea has always been such a fantasy. In college, I would spent hours on design blogs planning my future space. I can't believe it is finally time to put these plans into action!

Let me start by bragging a little bit about my new apartment. It is a huge studio space (whole top floor of the building) with a rooftop deck that overlooks a beautiful park. It is also really cheap (by New York City standards). I can't believe how lucky I am to have found it. I promise I will upload more pictures of the design process, but for now let's just start with paint :) Here are some inspiration pictures for what's to come!

The paint we used is silver sage from Restoration Hardware. I became obsessed after seeing it on my friend Caitlin Brown's blog (which is amazing, check it out!). I am so pleased with how it turned out. It totally transformed the space, making it super warm and inviting. Here are pictures of Casey and I painting our happy home!

love it.

Silver Sage paint

you are the bomb.com!

Washington, DC

2011-10-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

(I got to see one of my best friends Sarah who is working in DC! What a great day!)

Ever since I was 12 years old, I wanted to live in Washington, DC. I took a trip with my middle school class and was completely blown away by its beauty, history and people. I applied to many colleges in DC with my boyfriend at the time, and LOVED dreaming about what life would be like living and learning in such an exciting place. Even though I did get into to all those schools, I was blessed to also get accepted to my #1 dream school, CCM (can't turn that one down!). So, moving to DC was put on hold for a while. However, this weekend I did get to re-visit! I got to take a little trip because of an audition I had this Saturday in downtown DC (which went so great!). It was really nice to be there on my own, as grown up lady. I spent a fair amount of my day day dreaming what it would have been like if my life had gone another way and I ended up in the capital.

I think it would have been really nice.

However, I am very happy to be back to my real life and my many adventures in NYC! Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Washington, DC

you are the bomb.com!

my new friend

2011-10-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

This is Macintosh (we got him the day Steve Jobs passed, it's a tribute).

He is absolutely perfect.

I hope you can see why!

Macintosh

you are the bomb.com!

Happy Friday

2011-10-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!

Here's to a being a little bit silly!

Friday afternoon
you are the bomb.com

carrot and cilantro soup

2011-10-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than cuddling up with a warm blanket, a glass of wine and a bowl of hot soup during these chilly autumn nights.

Recently, I made the most delicious Carrot and Cilantro soup. Oh my god, so good. It is a really hearty soup, and so good for you. If you are from the Cincinnati region, it kind of reminds me of the Thai Pumpkin soup from Myra's (which is the best soup I have ever had). Here is the recipe. Make this immediately! You won't regret it.

Alice Waters’ Carrot & Cilantro Soup

1 white onion
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bunch of carrots (~1 lb)
3 potatoes
1-1 1/2 quarts vegetable stock (I used homemade)
1/2 bunch cilantro (add more if cilantro is your thing)
salt and pepper to taste

Peel and slice the onion and put in olive oil to stew. Peel the carrots and potatoes and cut them into large chunks.
Once the onions are soft, add carrots and potatoes, salt generously, and continue to stew for approximately 10 minutes.
Add vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and simmer until the vegetables are cooked and soft. Take the pot off heat.
Add the cilantro to the pot. Puree the soup in a food processor in multiple batches until smooth. Strain through a medium sized sieve.
Reheat on stove and serve with crusty bread!

(mmmm. I want some right now!)

yummy carrot soup

you are the bomb.com!

cocktails

2011-10-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Casey and I's anniversary!

So we went downtown to Five Points (who has the best happy hour in the city) for celebratory drinks.

Let me tell you, the Citrus Herb Martini is out of this world! It made for a very lovely evening for two people who maybe like each other a little bit every now and then.

Check it out!
5pm-7pm $5 cocktails!
31 Great Jones St # 1
New York, NY 10012-1178

Five Points

you are the bomb.com!

this guy

2011-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Today is our anniversary!

Thanks for a great four years, baby. Here's to many more!

Casey, darling
you are the bomb.com!

little reminders

2011-10-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes little reminders are all you need! Thanks cute sign I saw on the homepage of etsy this morning! You made my day.

the smiles you get from the little things
you are the bomb.com

autumn in the city

2011-10-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

I love October. I really reaaaaallllyyyyyy love October. Every year I wait and wait for the first day of month like it's Christmas. I think it's my lucky month. I really do! I have huge rituals around this luck, like not doing certain things before October 1st so I don't mess with its perfect-ness. I am always really luck with love during October too. (Casey and I have our anniversary today!!! More on that later).

This year I am so excited to be spending my October in New York City.

Here's to sweaters!

Here's to pretty leaves!

Here's to PSls!

and being full of luck!

the beautiful autumn season
you are the bomb.com!

the beach

2011-10-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I took a day trip to Rockaway Beach. It may or may not have changed my life.

This is something you have to understand about me blogosphere. I am from Tampa, Florida. So being near the ocean is part of what makes me a happy lady. Also, this past summer I had to make a HUGE and very tough decision to either move to NYC or LA. While I LOVE my current living arrangements, I do sometimes get sassy texts from my friends who chose the opposite coast about how happy they are to live somewhere sooooo tropical.

yeah yeah i get ittttttt.

HOWEVER! I forgot just how close I live to the water! HELLO. MANHATTAN IS AN ISLAND.

my little day trip made me a very happy girl.

it's not far, not hard to reach
we can hitch a ride to rockaway beach

Rockaway
you are the bomb.com!

moving to the big ol' city

2011-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

So, I recently made the big move to the very big apple. I scored a BFA this past summer, moved into my own apartment and got a great job. Therefore, I am ready to try my hand at being a grown up lady with a grown up ladyblog (okay not THAT grown up, just more updated).

YES I AM READY TO UPDATE THIS.

Expect some fun new posts on my life as an artist trying to have a grand old time in the big city.

Holla!

NYC
you are thebomb.com

this blog

2011-05-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

Do you know what is truly the bomb.com?

the bomb.blogspot.com!

Do you know what is not the bomb.com?

SHAME.

An apology.

dear the bomb.blogspot.com,
Hey. How are you? It has been too long since we've last spoken. I'm so very sorry I've neglected you. To be honest, two years ago, you were too much of the bomb.com. I wasn't ready for you. But I've grown. I've matured. I'm ready. Forgive me?
forever yours,
mikayla

reconnecting to your long lost blog
you are thebomb.com

valentines day cards

2009-08-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today, I received a Valentines Day card from the love of my life, Miss Allyson West .

Is it February? NO. No it is not. Which is why these cards are the bomb.com! The untimeliness and utter dysfunction made me giggle with delight. I wish everyone could have the same love for disorder as Ms. West. Lets make Christmas cookies on the forth of July! Hand Turkeys on Groundhog day! Paint eggs on the beach! Crafts 365, baby.

Valentines Day Cards
you are the bomb.com!

Sunday

2009-08-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

[Thanks patty_mitchell]

The ABC's of Sunday.

A. The Amazing Race comes on CBS. (This is homage to my mother, who refuses to speak to anyone until the show is over. She would also kill if she was ever a contestant.)
B. Sunday Brunch! Veggie Sausage and Mimosa are a must.
C. Casey Kasem's top forty countdown. He counted down those hits!
D. Sunday Drives. (The Disney flick or your own.)
E. Easter Sunday. You cannot argue with GIANT CHOCOLATE RABBITS.
F. Listening to Fleet Foxes while cooking b-fast with the man I like here and there. Totes Sun Mus.
G. Grande Iced Coffee. Summer Sundays never looked so bright.
H. Humor Sunday! Garfield and Dilbert, bring me the gospel.
I. Ice Cream Sundae(sunday!)! (hahaha, I'm so funny)
J. Jesus tells you to spend the day in bed, if you're into that sort of thing.
K. KY warming gel. Enough said.
L. That really annoying SNL skit Lazy Sunday. Okay, Okay, it WAS funny the first 100 times...
M. Second Sunday on Main/Over the Rhine fiesta!
N. New York Times Sunday Edition.
O. Omelets! The First Watch Greek Fetish Omelet is my favezles.
P. Taking a Stroll in the Park is very Sunday to me.
Q. Quiet Time. and loud time. Try both!
R. Catching up on Reading. I love reading on Sunday. There is something about the the sunday sun light that makes it easier to dive in.
S. SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! GO Tampa Bay Buccaneers! (don't laugh, we took it that one year).
T. Drink Tea. It's good for you.
U. Updating your blog! It is so nice when the "blogs I'm following" section is full.
V. Take a mini Vacation. Even if it is just to the laundry mat or sitting on your couch watching True Life.
W. It is still the Weekend! Work/school ain't got nothin' on this.
X. X-treme sports! I dunno. Someone must relate this to Sunday.
Y. Doing some Sunday morning Yoga. When I lived in Tampa, we would get up and do it on the beach. Cincinnati, however, does not include this luxury.
Z. Catching up on some ZZZ's.

The Day of Rest
you are the bomb.com!
(just please don't turn into Monday. Pullleeezzzzz.)

disney world

2009-08-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

What is really the bomb.com?

GOING TO MOTHERFUCKIN' DISNEY WORLD!

that's right. There's no need for an explanation.

so, blogosphere- I will be MIA for the next few days, enjoying some magic with this boy I get along with every now and again. PEACE!

Disney World
you are the bomb.com!

cupcakes

2009-08-05T08:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, when I came back from lunch, there was a packages of cupcakes sitting on my desk in honor of my upcoming birthday. I'm the luckiest lady in the world!

I am pretty sure most people like cupcakes. I mean, they are a small, pretty, personalized version of a full sized cake! What could you not love? Anyone who does not love cupcakes, I just cannot associate with. Potential Pals, watch out! You've been warned.

What I love about cupcakes:
One. delicious. Obvi.
Two. I don't have to share.

This I like.

back off,
cupcakeporn 09

Cupcakes
you are the bomb.com!

My bomb.com cupcakes came from the the bonbonerie!

Cincinnati, Check it outtt!
2030 Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45208

ten thousand villages

2009-08-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Confession: I suck at birthdays. Actually, I hate birthdays. My own, in particular. Last year, one of my good friends decided that he HAD to come out to his catholic family on the night of my day of birth. Could he wait until the day after? No, of coarse not. So, of coarse, I gave up my special day to be there for the way dramatic coming out extravaganza. Now, obviously coming out is a very important day for anyone. But, hello! Can't I just have this one day to celebrate me? Fuck it.

Anyway, I also hate buying birthday presents. They are always never personal enough, always way cliche, and I'm always nervous that even if they don't like it, they'll HAVE to pretend to love it because I've spent time making or buying the hideous item they've just unwrapped. Also, living hundreds of miles away from my best friend, I never get her birthday presents to her on time. And by on time, I mean it has taken my years to get her some gifts.

SO, this year I am determined to actually bring her birthday presents and them some when I go and visit! Take that procrastination! Suck it!

Yesterday, I went shopping for a rad present for my fabulous best friend and I decided to check out my local fair trade market, Ten Thousand Villages. Not only did I find something she will absolutely love, but I supported a local artisan in an impoverished country. Check out Ten Thousand Village's company information, and you will see why they really are the Bomb.com.

Ten Thousand Villages is an exceptional source for unique, handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor and personal accessories representing the diverse cultures of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. One of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. Ten Thousand Villages accomplishes this by establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America, and building long term buying relationships in places where skilled artisan partners lack opportunities for stable income. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.

Ten Thousand Villages
you are the bomb.com!

(My gift giving skills
are NOT the bomb.com)

Check them out at

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com

or visit them locally, Cincinnati!
2011 Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45208

happy the 'appy

2009-07-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

I love riding horses, and not in a lame "mommy I want a pony" kind of way. Okay, so I've only been riding once, but I just love the strong, beautiful women who work those horses in the Kentucky Derby. I mean just look at Julie Krone, the first woman to ever ride in more than one Derby. She is so powerful and fierce. So when I went horseback riding this summer, I knew if only I had been put on a horse when I little and not in ballet, I could have been just like her. Regardless, this is the account of my love affair with my first and only horse love, Happy.

Dear Happy the 'Appy,

Thanks for being such a great first riding horse. When the ultra butch woman and one armed cowboy told me I was riding the oldest horse, I will admit, at first I was pissed. But you did not disappoint. Thanks for slowing way down, and then galloping ahead of everyone else. Thanks for making my cousins look like amateurs, and me a Derby Pro. I hope you spend the rest of your days eating carrots and being sassy. Don't let those other horses be assholes.

Your Jockey Love,
xxxhorselovermikaylaxxx

Happy the 'Aappy
you are the bomb.com!

ravioli

2009-07-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Last night, the boy I like every now and then took me to Via Vite, this Italian restaurant in Fountain Square.

(http://www.viaviterestaurant.com/)

This is the recount of the love affair that ensued.

Oh Ravioli, why are you so damn tasty? When I read the menu that you were stuffed with spinach and ricotta, I knew we would get along just fine, but your Vermont butter and truffle sauce sealed the deal. Sure, the tortellini with arugula looked appealing, but nothing could compare to your glistening, ribbed shell. And I know you intimately, Ravioli. I know what you are hiding. We shared secrets and spinach for at least 30 minutes. I'm sorry I finished so quickly. Can I see you again? I promise this won't be a hit and quit. I'm looking for the long haul. Don't leave me here with the bruschettas! Please take me back, Ravioli! I can't bear to live without you!

my lips are longing to taste yours,
Mikayla

Here's to you, Ravioli
you are the bomb.com!

cincinnati, ohio

2009-07-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog, the Bomb.blogspot.com.

My name is Mikayla and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio, studying to become an artist. After reading that first sentence, lots of questions probably came into your mind. I will kindly answer some of the most obvious ones in my first ever post.

I've never heard of Cincinnati. Is it real?

Yes, my friends, it is real. It is located on the Ohio river, just north of Kentucky. Kentucky is also real, despite popular belief (I had my doubts).

Why, WHY would anyone ever live in Cincinnati? Do you just have bad luck?

No, I don't have bad luck. I choose to live there, because they have a great Acting Program inside of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I am very happy to be there, despite the fact it is located in one of the grossest places ever.

Did you grow up there?

I did not grow up in Cincinnati. I grew up in Tampa, Florida. Please don't leave my blog now, friends. I am not as crazy as it seems! Yes I did leave the sunny, tropical paradise of South Florida to venture to the cold, dirty city of Cincinnati, but I was trying to expand my horizons! Really! There is good art up here in Ohio! I promise!
Oh Tampa, please don't forget me.

Isn't Vine St. located in Cincinnati Oh? I heard that is the most dangerous neighborhood to live in! Aren't you terrified you'll be killed?

yes.

so there you have it! Cincinnati, Ohio. In honor of my current home, I've centered my first post around you.

Cincinnati, Ohio

you are the bomb.com!

until I move away.

soon.