Wasabi-nouncement: It's Official. I'm a Workaholic.

I normally don't do Friday posts, but usually I try and take the time to do periodic updates over what I've been doing outside of the blog, also known as SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION POST! Which, along with this post totally being that, I'm just checking in the with universe to see if everyone else is workin' like a crazy mofo too??

A portrait of Wasabi's brain on the last few months - crazy photo collage by Wasabi Prime

I don't really have a prettier way of showing what the Wasabi Life has been looking like over the last few months. This helpful diagram is probably the most informative way to illustrate the flowchart that inevitably leads to magenta scribbles floating around my unwashed, in-dire-need-of-a-haircut noggin. Not that I'm saying I'm miserable -- far from it. I'm just letting you know, apologies in advance if I just need to lay down an nap for a while, because it's been busy and it continues to remain busy as I hurdle through the week's deadlines with gazelle-like grace and fury. OK maybe no grace or fury. More like awkward stumbling and much swearing like a sailor.

But if you feel so inclined to see what I've been up to, you can take a gander at the latest menagerie of Wasaberie:

• Grab the latest copy of 425 Magazine, the spring health-themed issue that includes an article I wrote, listing some favorite salads around the 425 area code.
• Also on local newsstands and online - the spring issue of Bellevue Downtown Magazine, where I shot the cover and wrote a feature about new restaurant openings
• If you live in the Bay Area, grab a copy of Drink Me Magazine, or check it out online - I regularly develop booze-a-riffic themed recipes for them
• Speaking of recipe development, I worked on a tasty mini lamb burger with the folks at MySpiceSage, to show how you can use sumac in cooking
• And last, but certainly not least, I'm happy to say I'm a regular contributing writer at new online food magazine, Honest Cooking, and I have a monthly column called Sense Memory

I've been extremely lucky to work on these projects and I'm very grateful to have been given the chance to write about and photograph the things I love. I just happened to see the calendar, realize it's the first of April, and I know I'll feel like much less of a workin' fool if I know everyone else is doing the same crazy stuff every day to keep following their bliss, 24/7, never beggin' for a raincheck, as the sage wisdom of Fred Durst of  Limp Bizkit would say. So, Sanity Check time: everyone else is multitasking, doing a minimum of three different jobs, and flitting around like a hummingbird from project to project... right? People are nodding. I'm sure of it. Safety in numbers.

So as we enter this realm called "The Weekend," and I hope to partake in some of its weekending goodness in the form of a frosty alcoholic beverage (or three), I leave you with another little glimpse into my sorry excuse for what I do in my spare time. Because even when I'm doing something as granny-tastic as embroidery, I still can't stay away from food. I'm either one step away from a recovery clinic or an Etsy shop, whatever comes first.

Even when  I'm crafting, it's still food-related. Help me. Someone. Before it's too late. - Photo by Wasabi Prime

Thank You For Your Support: A Non-Election Message from The Prime

Admit it. You're glad election day is OVER. No more negative ad campaigns literally fighting it out across commercial breaks, no more mailboxes stuffed full of paper mailers from all the candidates, and best of all -- no more endless phone calls that were getting seriously disruptive, calling as late as 8:30 and 9:00 in the evening (for serious, it was that bad). Don't get me wrong, I voted and I encourage everyone to do the same for every election because after all, if you don't vote, you can't rightfully complain and berate the state of affairs later on like a proper curmudgeon. Rock the Vote! Despite having said all that, I, Wasabi Prime (aka, Denise Sakaki - yes, I'm a girl, not a dude), would like to ask for your support on the following issues: Dinner, Breakfast and Dessert. Let the political stumping begin.

It's here! It's here -- so buy twelve copies each!!  Foodista's Best of Food Blogs Cookbook in bookstores now!

If you haven't already put this lil' gem on Santa's Wishlist, get Foodista's Best of Food Blogs Cookbook on that list. Because it's way better than a pony or a BB gun. This cookbook will most certainly not shoot your eye out, and offer a ton of tasty recipes by fellow food bloggers. Win-win, right??

I was truly fortunate and grateful to have one of my own recipes chosen to be published in this book, and it couldn't be in better company. If anything, my Nice Girl's Chicken Puttanesca recipe is probably wondering when a bouncer is going to kick it to the curb after being allowed to mingle amongst such well known food bloggers. As the daunting holiday season of gift-giving arrives, do consider this cookbook as a gift, as there really is a bit of everything for everyone. The recipes have a range of flavors as well as skill levels, plus knowing each recipe was chosen from an individual food blog makes each item special and personal, knowing an individual is attached to each recipe and photo.

I like my eggs runny and my comics funny - check out my breakfast article in newest 425 Magazine

As you balance that teetering stack of Foodista cookbooks in your hands at the check-out counter, don't forget to pass by the magazine rack and see the latest issue of 425 Magazine, if you live in the Pacific Northwest. I was very excited to share some favorite breakfast/brunch locations in the magazine's Flavor column, which was a really fun thing to write and photograph. I won't spoil the surprise of which ones made the cut, but I can say they are all unique locations with their own twist on savory and sweet ways to start the day.

Save room for dessert - a tasty alternate way to enjoy your alcohol in Drink Me Magazine

Speaking of sweet, don't forget to leave room for dessert -- take a peek at the recipe I developed for Drink Me Magazine, for a very rich and flavorful brownie and ice cream made with beer. Their latest issue, titled The Alchemy of Alcohol, is full of interesting articles and is available as a free download on their site. The magazine is available in print in the Bay Area. This was probably one of my most favorite recipes I've worked on so far, as I was really pleased with how the chocolate in the brownie went so well with the smoky coffee flavor of a porter beer, and the maltiness of an ale pairs nicely with the sweetness of a simple ice cream. Beer for dessert? Don't knock it till you try it!

To finish off this post in proper politico style, I send out rounds of kisses to little babies, a round of handshakes to all, a cheesy wink to the camera, and a sincere closing statement of: I thank you for your support!

Mixed Plate: Wasabi-nouncement and Counting Blessings

For those who haven't already seen me Twitterify and Facebook this to death, if you live in the Puget Sound area, check out the latest fall issue of 425 Magazine, as it features the article Brewtiful Bounty that I wrote about local Washington breweries, with a long list of local favorites as well as noting some unique destination breweries like Redhook, Black Raven and Gallagher's Where-U-Brew. So pick up a copy (or twelve) before I buy up all the copies I can find to send to my family to show that "this writing thing" has not yet backfired horribly. At least for the month of September, anyway. Notify Andy Warhol's ghost because my fifteen minutes are so totally over.

The cover model is thinking, "baby, you look thirsty - let's have a beer."

Keep your eyes peeled in the month of October, as Foodista's Best of Food Blogs Cookbook will be published, featuring recipes from bloggers all over the world. I had my trademark "for realsies?" look on my face when I was told my Nice Girls Chicken Puttanesca recipe was a finalist, but had no idea it actually made the final cut. I'm still in disbelief. I was just happy enough to be a contender, and even more pleased to be invited to the International Food Blogger Conference the other week, but must have been really out of it to miss the final winner's list. I found out Thursday because they had to email me for official notification. It's official, all right -- I'm the winner of the Biggest Space-Case Award, but don't get me wrong -- I'm incredibly grateful and humbled by the chance to have one of my simple weeknight meals sit alongside such passionate and talented bloggers.

I'll bet you can't guess what's going to be your Xmas present this year!

At the risk of The Fickle Hand of Fate crushing my head like a Kids in the Hall skit, just knowing a few things I did are published is such a thrill, like a major Bucket List item has been checked off. Not that I'm looking to step off this mortal coil anytime soon, but if I were to unceremoniously depart due to a freak radioactive spider accident or an unfortunate run-in with a sewer alligator down some dark urban alley, I think I could face the great beyond with a bit of contentment in my heart. But don't worry, I'm not looking to check out anytime soon. If anything, this just encourages me to see how much further I can push this rickety, duct-taped jalopy called, "Freelance Writer/Photographer, aka, Wasabi Prime," and be continually grateful for all the support you as readers, friends and family have given. None of this would be possible without you, so bless your hearts, every one.