If Jesus came back and saw what is going on in his name, he would never stop throwing up. -Max von Sydow, "Hannah and Her Sisters"
I've seen that moment in the movie a few times, but each time I see it or read the quote I smile and feel a little better about all the religious nonsense that happens in this crazy world.
I find religious fervor and fanaticism to be not only preposterous and a sign of mental weakness, but what people do in the name of "faith" boggles my mind and makes me sick.
Obviously, people's religious convictions and private beliefs are a.) none of my business; and b.) completely respectable in the way that everyone's personal and subjective experiences are (this is my disclaimer).
But judging other people... well, suffice to say, it makes me crazy.
So in the midst of waiting in line at the pharmacy or check out line at the supermarket and being barraged by Jesus songs, I look at this quote and giggle.
Happy Holidays!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Getting your car towed, improv & the gym
Whatta day yesterday was. I run out the door all cheerful-like to move my car at the designated street cleaning time (yes, I live in NYC) and round the corner, keys in hand to see... nothing. The whole block is clear of cars. At the very end are a couple of work trucks with their lights flashing and then I see it... a small red sign that the PIC and I did not see the night before as we parked in the dark: NO STANDING 7AM - 7PM.
FUCK!!!!!
So I hussle my butt back to the apt and immediately call my husband with that resigned feeling of facing a sliver of doom settling into my heart. We both beat ourselves up for a few minutes before I say, "Hey! It happens" and we move on.
I spend an hour on the phone with one of my brothers steeping more and more in denial at the reality waiting for me: The Brooklyn Tow Pound.
Well, first I call the Dept. of Finance for NYC and get directed to the Replocation office ("I think your car has been Relocated, if there are work trucks on the block? On the actual block? There's work being done? Yeah, I bet it's been relocated.") where a woman answers the phone and says, "There's work being done on the block? On the actual block? Yeah, it's probably been relocated to... somewhere else in your neighborhood." Me: ...Is there a way to tell if it's been relocated? Her: You just have to... look around... your neighborhood, for your car. PAUSE Me: What? Her: Just look around your neighborhood. Me: Is there a way to confirm that it has, in fact, been relocated. Her: Oh... well, the woman who can help you with that has gone to lunch, so you'll have to call back in an hour or so. Me: Ok, thank you.
So then I called the Brooklyn Tow Pound and the woman answered the phone in a voice SLIGHTLY above a soul-deadened whisper. No inflection: brooklyntowpound. Me: Yeah, I think my car was towed. DEEP SIGH Her: plate# Me: It's a CA plate. SILENCE Her: Hello?
Me: Yeah! Her: plate# Me: [i give plate #] Her: Yeah, we got it. Me: And where are you, exactly? Her [suddenly booming, crisp voice]: SANDS AND NAVY STREETS. Me: What do I need to retrieve it? Her [back to monotone]: licenseregistrationinsurancecard. Me: My registration is in the car. BEAT BEAT SIGH Her: we'll see about that when you get down here.
So I get a ride from a good friend of mine who when he sees the exterior of the tow pound says, "Jesus, it looks like Auschwitz!" And it does.
I wait in line for 2+ hours with about 30 other grumbling people and finally pay $185 (which does not include the TICKET we also got... bastards) and get a slip and am told to "wait by the fence".
By this time it's 6PM and I'm late for trying to get to my improv class in the city. I'm standing in the pitch dark in Auschwitz Tow Pound by a collection of fences with a receipt in my hand.
I start walking towards a guard booth at the entrance to the Pound and one of the 3 city cops inside sticks his head out of the heated booth and yells across the empty lot, "Maam?? Can I help you?!" I yell back, holding up my receipt, "Where do I collect my car?" and he says, "Wait by the fence!" I gesture to where I was just waiting and he nods and closes the door.
I wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Then I walk over the other police booth shining like a beacon in the night and ask someone else what to do. He tells me that I should wait where I was and a van will come take me to my car.
I wait a few more minutes and a police van shows up, lets two guys off and picks me and one other guy up. She drops him off first and then asks me what kind of car I have. I say, "Blue Honda Civic". We drive around and it's hard to see the colors of the cars it's so dark. She says what I think is: It's a dark night. I chuckle and say: yeah, it is. Her: DARK or LIGHT honda? I mumble and say: Oh, dark. It's this one on the left.
Then driving into Manhattan to try to get to my class which I did end up making, just, 3 separate people PUT THEMSELVES in front of my car separately, consecutively and within about 4 minutes. I was driving slowly and carefully through the East Village and first a crack addict with her tummy hanging is just walking down the middle of the right lane on Houston. Just... walking, and talking... to herself.
Then 30 seconds later a homeless man in a wheelchair is wheeling himself (very poorly) in the street and I barely see him, but luckily do. Then about 2 minutes later I'm driving through a green light and a kid on a skateboard comes careening in front of my car, he gets into my headlights and freezes, scared. I stop. He bends down, grabs his skateboard and runs across the rest of the intersection.
Needless to say, I was glad to get the fuck out of my car and leave it in a lot for class.
FUCK!!!!!
So I hussle my butt back to the apt and immediately call my husband with that resigned feeling of facing a sliver of doom settling into my heart. We both beat ourselves up for a few minutes before I say, "Hey! It happens" and we move on.
I spend an hour on the phone with one of my brothers steeping more and more in denial at the reality waiting for me: The Brooklyn Tow Pound.
Well, first I call the Dept. of Finance for NYC and get directed to the Replocation office ("I think your car has been Relocated, if there are work trucks on the block? On the actual block? There's work being done? Yeah, I bet it's been relocated.") where a woman answers the phone and says, "There's work being done on the block? On the actual block? Yeah, it's probably been relocated to... somewhere else in your neighborhood." Me: ...Is there a way to tell if it's been relocated? Her: You just have to... look around... your neighborhood, for your car. PAUSE Me: What? Her: Just look around your neighborhood. Me: Is there a way to confirm that it has, in fact, been relocated. Her: Oh... well, the woman who can help you with that has gone to lunch, so you'll have to call back in an hour or so. Me: Ok, thank you.
So then I called the Brooklyn Tow Pound and the woman answered the phone in a voice SLIGHTLY above a soul-deadened whisper. No inflection: brooklyntowpound. Me: Yeah, I think my car was towed. DEEP SIGH Her: plate# Me: It's a CA plate. SILENCE Her: Hello?
Me: Yeah! Her: plate# Me: [i give plate #] Her: Yeah, we got it. Me: And where are you, exactly? Her [suddenly booming, crisp voice]: SANDS AND NAVY STREETS. Me: What do I need to retrieve it? Her [back to monotone]: licenseregistrationinsurancecard. Me: My registration is in the car. BEAT BEAT SIGH Her: we'll see about that when you get down here.
So I get a ride from a good friend of mine who when he sees the exterior of the tow pound says, "Jesus, it looks like Auschwitz!" And it does.
I wait in line for 2+ hours with about 30 other grumbling people and finally pay $185 (which does not include the TICKET we also got... bastards) and get a slip and am told to "wait by the fence".
By this time it's 6PM and I'm late for trying to get to my improv class in the city. I'm standing in the pitch dark in Auschwitz Tow Pound by a collection of fences with a receipt in my hand.
I start walking towards a guard booth at the entrance to the Pound and one of the 3 city cops inside sticks his head out of the heated booth and yells across the empty lot, "Maam?? Can I help you?!" I yell back, holding up my receipt, "Where do I collect my car?" and he says, "Wait by the fence!" I gesture to where I was just waiting and he nods and closes the door.
I wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Then I walk over the other police booth shining like a beacon in the night and ask someone else what to do. He tells me that I should wait where I was and a van will come take me to my car.
I wait a few more minutes and a police van shows up, lets two guys off and picks me and one other guy up. She drops him off first and then asks me what kind of car I have. I say, "Blue Honda Civic". We drive around and it's hard to see the colors of the cars it's so dark. She says what I think is: It's a dark night. I chuckle and say: yeah, it is. Her: DARK or LIGHT honda? I mumble and say: Oh, dark. It's this one on the left.
Then driving into Manhattan to try to get to my class which I did end up making, just, 3 separate people PUT THEMSELVES in front of my car separately, consecutively and within about 4 minutes. I was driving slowly and carefully through the East Village and first a crack addict with her tummy hanging is just walking down the middle of the right lane on Houston. Just... walking, and talking... to herself.
Then 30 seconds later a homeless man in a wheelchair is wheeling himself (very poorly) in the street and I barely see him, but luckily do. Then about 2 minutes later I'm driving through a green light and a kid on a skateboard comes careening in front of my car, he gets into my headlights and freezes, scared. I stop. He bends down, grabs his skateboard and runs across the rest of the intersection.
Needless to say, I was glad to get the fuck out of my car and leave it in a lot for class.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving & Bond
I hope you had a fantabulous Thanksgiving like I did. I spent it at a friend's house with a good group of people and a really good dinner. I made Wisconsin Mac n Cheese and a Pumpkin Ginger cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (both recipes are available on my recipe blog here: http://badgalcooks.blogspot.com/)which ROCKED. So did all the other dishes my friends put together. I got wasted and had a fine time doing it. So there.
I saw the new Bond tonight and after reading horrible reviews of it and hearing disparaging comments about it I had few expectations.
The PIC and I went to our local animal shelter to pet kitties in cages, I went to the gym and then we went and saw "Quantum of Solace". It was fine - not nearly as good as "Casino Royale", in my opinion, but as my husband pointed out, "it was a lot better than any Roger Moore Bond, or Pierce Brosnan". Which is true.
I don't like the blurry fight/chase scenes where you can't really tell what's going on, but I love Mathieu Amalric who plays the villain and Daniel Craig once added more dimension than many previous Bonds. Judi Dench, as always, is a pleasure and delight to watch.
Now - on to work on my many sewing projects this week which you can monitor on my quilting blog! How fun.
http://badgalquilts.blogspot.com/
Happy Holiday Season officially. Don't kill yourself when you've heard 300 holiday songs in public places. Just drink more eggnog.
I saw the new Bond tonight and after reading horrible reviews of it and hearing disparaging comments about it I had few expectations.
The PIC and I went to our local animal shelter to pet kitties in cages, I went to the gym and then we went and saw "Quantum of Solace". It was fine - not nearly as good as "Casino Royale", in my opinion, but as my husband pointed out, "it was a lot better than any Roger Moore Bond, or Pierce Brosnan". Which is true.
I don't like the blurry fight/chase scenes where you can't really tell what's going on, but I love Mathieu Amalric who plays the villain and Daniel Craig once added more dimension than many previous Bonds. Judi Dench, as always, is a pleasure and delight to watch.
Now - on to work on my many sewing projects this week which you can monitor on my quilting blog! How fun.
http://badgalquilts.blogspot.com/
Happy Holiday Season officially. Don't kill yourself when you've heard 300 holiday songs in public places. Just drink more eggnog.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Oooohhhhhh, ooohhhh, oh oh oh oh oh oh!!!
look at THIS!
Eradicating sadness! Make me empty promises, Maria! I'll take them. With the gym with me, as I try to release endorphins to elevate my mood hence alleviating the feeling that we are all doomed to a mediocre existence rife with pain and futile struggle only to end in a torturous and lonely death!
Or something.
See? See?
My medication is WORKING!
P.S. In case you have more to do than I do tune in exactly to min. 3:25 of that video. The first part is kinda boring but it picks up. It picks right up.
Eradicating sadness! Make me empty promises, Maria! I'll take them. With the gym with me, as I try to release endorphins to elevate my mood hence alleviating the feeling that we are all doomed to a mediocre existence rife with pain and futile struggle only to end in a torturous and lonely death!
Or something.
See? See?
My medication is WORKING!
P.S. In case you have more to do than I do tune in exactly to min. 3:25 of that video. The first part is kinda boring but it picks up. It picks right up.
I can't feel my hands.
TWO GREAT THINGS ON A DAY WHEN I DON'T FEEL GREAT! UNLESS BY 'GREAT' YOU MEAN 'A SADNESS THAT THE FORMER USSR [I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO CALL IT NOW] COULD FILL BUT NOT ALLEVIATE'!
A) [THANK YOU, ALEX, FOR SHOWING ME YET ANOTHER FABULOUS MARIA BAMFORD VIDEO]
MARIA BAMFORD IS STILL FUCKING HILARIOUS
AND
B) CUCUMBER VODKA?????? IF I WAS DRINKING SOME CUCUMBER VODKA I WOULDN'T FEEL A YAWNING CHASM OF DESPAIR REACHING FOR ME!!!! RIGHT???!!! I SHOULD BUY THIS PRODUCT!
good luck.
it's a jungle out there.
A) [THANK YOU, ALEX, FOR SHOWING ME YET ANOTHER FABULOUS MARIA BAMFORD VIDEO]
MARIA BAMFORD IS STILL FUCKING HILARIOUS
AND
B) CUCUMBER VODKA?????? IF I WAS DRINKING SOME CUCUMBER VODKA I WOULDN'T FEEL A YAWNING CHASM OF DESPAIR REACHING FOR ME!!!! RIGHT???!!! I SHOULD BUY THIS PRODUCT!
good luck.
it's a jungle out there.
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Christmas Tale and some pork... no, a lot of pork.
So this weekend the PIC (Partner-in-Crime, in case you don't know) and I saw some kick ass friends from the great state of Maine who came to visit us and NYC and they brought us some homemade sausage. That's right - HOMEMADE SAUSAGE. Try not to drool. They brought us several kinds and a big side of bacon. Now, I have never had real bacon before and ladies and gentlemen, it ROCKS. We cut bacon strips from the side of... pig, I'm assuming, and I fried that shit right up. It was finger-smacking good.
I can easily say that I've never eaten that much pork in one weekend in my life. And I certainly enjoyed it.
If you are interested in purchasing said meat products from my friend who makes them for sale, drop me a line and I'll get you in contact with him. It DOES go especially well (if I may do some self-promotion here... Oh! You may! You may!) with Harriett's Hot Mustard which I make.
We also watched the French movie "A Christmas Tale" which is in theatre's right now, but is also conveniently available On Demand through HBO. It stars Catherine Deneuve and several other well-known French actors, and was ... okay. I was hoping to add another film to my current favorite holiday favorites (Home for the Holidays being my all-time favorite minus the implausible love-relationship between Holly Hunter and Dylan McDermott), but alas, this was not to be.
The film opens with Deneuve being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer and her children's complex and extremely strained relationships with one another being mapped out for the audience. That, in and of itself, was not enough to put me off because the Voice described as a "comedy" and I, more than most, am willing to admit that those things that bring us the most despair are often the funniest. And there are some wonderful moments amongst the family members whose comments to one another are brimming, nay DRIPPING, with sarcasm and wit. This does not, sadly, make up for the fact that most of the characters just don't JIVE.
Perhaps if I had not approached it with the pre-set context of "holiday film" in my mind I would have warmed to it more... but likely not. It's too strained, frayed and ... well, too FRENCH for my tastes. And I love me some French cinema.
I can easily say that I've never eaten that much pork in one weekend in my life. And I certainly enjoyed it.
If you are interested in purchasing said meat products from my friend who makes them for sale, drop me a line and I'll get you in contact with him. It DOES go especially well (if I may do some self-promotion here... Oh! You may! You may!) with Harriett's Hot Mustard which I make.
We also watched the French movie "A Christmas Tale" which is in theatre's right now, but is also conveniently available On Demand through HBO. It stars Catherine Deneuve and several other well-known French actors, and was ... okay. I was hoping to add another film to my current favorite holiday favorites (Home for the Holidays being my all-time favorite minus the implausible love-relationship between Holly Hunter and Dylan McDermott), but alas, this was not to be.
The film opens with Deneuve being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer and her children's complex and extremely strained relationships with one another being mapped out for the audience. That, in and of itself, was not enough to put me off because the Voice described as a "comedy" and I, more than most, am willing to admit that those things that bring us the most despair are often the funniest. And there are some wonderful moments amongst the family members whose comments to one another are brimming, nay DRIPPING, with sarcasm and wit. This does not, sadly, make up for the fact that most of the characters just don't JIVE.
Perhaps if I had not approached it with the pre-set context of "holiday film" in my mind I would have warmed to it more... but likely not. It's too strained, frayed and ... well, too FRENCH for my tastes. And I love me some French cinema.
Stage fright
So one of my biggest personal goals right now is to address this issue that has plagued me since I was little: stage fright. It's unfortunate because the only thing I've ever really wanted to do with my time is perform on stage and it's the one thing that makes me want to pass out.
I've studied theatre on and off since I was young and I've done it occasionally, sometimes more than that. But I keep coming up against my fear of being in front of people. More often than not, once I'm on stage it's fine. Sometimes it's not and I am not able to forget that I'm being WATCHED and I can't access my creative place and I don't do very well but most of the time I can get into a groove at some point. But the panic (and I do mean PANIC) that I experience beforehand is horrible. I can't talk to anyone or deal with anything. If I remain very still and control my breathing I can usually make it through without feeling like I'm literally going to die. But that is so extreme, I'm determined to find a way to lessen that so I can function.
Right now I'm taking improv class in an effort to get my creative muscle re-attuned to performing. I haven't performed since moving to NYC and it's time. I've been busy doing other things like setting up a life with my now husband which has been so fucking awesome I can't believe how lucky I am! But now it's time to concentrate on me and what I want for myself.
So many women I know at my age are in this conundrum of being at child-bearing age and yet not ready to have children for a myriad of reasons; Financially, emotionally, relationship-wise, career-wise... we want to be set before we procreate. It's scary and exciting at the same time.
I remember after college watching some of my friends go to grad school and thinking, "I have no idea what I want to do with my life yet". Loving theatre, philosophy and the arts was not enough to guide me in the direction of a specific career... you have to really WANT something to go after it with everything you've got. And if you don't know what that something is and have a plan, most likely, you're not going to get it. You may not get it anyway, but you most certainly won't get there just by showing up.
Having said that, life leads you in places you can't anticipate most of the time and that is the exciting part. But for me, growing up on my own (which was very different from the growing up I did in my parents house) has been a hugely rewarding process. My life is very rich in many ways that it would not be had I placed a huge importance on succeeding in my twenties. I'm glad I took the time to get to know myself before getting to this point. I have incredible friends, a perverted, strange, creative, smart and totally lovable husband, and have had the opportunity to live different places and go where I want, when I want, as a result.
However. I'm 34 without a job, nevermind a career, and I need to find a way to make myself happy while providing myself with a life that will help me and my husband to flourish as people and not paint us into a corner.
Puzzles, puzzles. What to do, what to do.
For all of my weaknesses (of which there are plenty), I am a determined person who, once I sink my teeth into something, does not let go. And I'm getting a picture (albeit still a little out of focus) of what I might like to do. That I will not share with anyone until I know for certain a few basic things. So many people have an opinion when they should not that I have learned to keep my hopes to myself until it is time to act (if you'll pardon the pun).
I've studied theatre on and off since I was young and I've done it occasionally, sometimes more than that. But I keep coming up against my fear of being in front of people. More often than not, once I'm on stage it's fine. Sometimes it's not and I am not able to forget that I'm being WATCHED and I can't access my creative place and I don't do very well but most of the time I can get into a groove at some point. But the panic (and I do mean PANIC) that I experience beforehand is horrible. I can't talk to anyone or deal with anything. If I remain very still and control my breathing I can usually make it through without feeling like I'm literally going to die. But that is so extreme, I'm determined to find a way to lessen that so I can function.
Right now I'm taking improv class in an effort to get my creative muscle re-attuned to performing. I haven't performed since moving to NYC and it's time. I've been busy doing other things like setting up a life with my now husband which has been so fucking awesome I can't believe how lucky I am! But now it's time to concentrate on me and what I want for myself.
So many women I know at my age are in this conundrum of being at child-bearing age and yet not ready to have children for a myriad of reasons; Financially, emotionally, relationship-wise, career-wise... we want to be set before we procreate. It's scary and exciting at the same time.
I remember after college watching some of my friends go to grad school and thinking, "I have no idea what I want to do with my life yet". Loving theatre, philosophy and the arts was not enough to guide me in the direction of a specific career... you have to really WANT something to go after it with everything you've got. And if you don't know what that something is and have a plan, most likely, you're not going to get it. You may not get it anyway, but you most certainly won't get there just by showing up.
Having said that, life leads you in places you can't anticipate most of the time and that is the exciting part. But for me, growing up on my own (which was very different from the growing up I did in my parents house) has been a hugely rewarding process. My life is very rich in many ways that it would not be had I placed a huge importance on succeeding in my twenties. I'm glad I took the time to get to know myself before getting to this point. I have incredible friends, a perverted, strange, creative, smart and totally lovable husband, and have had the opportunity to live different places and go where I want, when I want, as a result.
However. I'm 34 without a job, nevermind a career, and I need to find a way to make myself happy while providing myself with a life that will help me and my husband to flourish as people and not paint us into a corner.
Puzzles, puzzles. What to do, what to do.
For all of my weaknesses (of which there are plenty), I am a determined person who, once I sink my teeth into something, does not let go. And I'm getting a picture (albeit still a little out of focus) of what I might like to do. That I will not share with anyone until I know for certain a few basic things. So many people have an opinion when they should not that I have learned to keep my hopes to myself until it is time to act (if you'll pardon the pun).
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Let the Right One In
If you live in NYC I highly, highly recommend the movie "Let The Right One In" - a Swedish vampire flick at the Angelika right now. I went to see it a while ago with my husband and a friend and it was awesome. It's actually an excellent film AND it's a vampire movie.
I am into vampires as I have been for a while. I have read the Twilight series (a film that does not promise to be good, but one I will see and enjoy, I'm sure), I watch True Blood with all the dedication of a fanatic but I swear to you this is not why I'm recommending this film.
The sound is incredible, the characters are real and interesting and the pace and tone make it unusual and captivating.
Okay, I've said enough. I went to see it after scanning the Voice's review (which is what made me want to see it) and didn't really know anything about it. That was a good way to see it - without watching previews or reading plot synopsis.
I am into vampires as I have been for a while. I have read the Twilight series (a film that does not promise to be good, but one I will see and enjoy, I'm sure), I watch True Blood with all the dedication of a fanatic but I swear to you this is not why I'm recommending this film.
The sound is incredible, the characters are real and interesting and the pace and tone make it unusual and captivating.
Okay, I've said enough. I went to see it after scanning the Voice's review (which is what made me want to see it) and didn't really know anything about it. That was a good way to see it - without watching previews or reading plot synopsis.
Voting Day!
Well, today we will see who the United States chooses as our next President. Dear god, let it be Obama! Otherwise I'm seriously going to be depressed.
Jon and I got up early today and walked down to the voting facility which was held in a high school gym. It was easy-peasy. In and out in 10 minutes.
I am heading to the UWS tonight to hopefully celebrate Obama/Biden's victory with Saramanda at a Columbia bar.
I'm taking another improv class at UCB (Upright Citizen's Brigade) and it's proving to be difficult, but a great learning experience. The first class I was so nervous I almost crawled out of my own skin. But yesterday, the second class, went a little better. I made a lot of mistakes, but I also risked more so I will take that happily.
I have Curtis Gwinn as a teacher and enjoy his comments. He is not going to sugar coat anything... he will tell you when you make a mistake or wander off-track. But he seems to be fair in his criticism and also tells you when you have done something successful. Which makes those times all the more fun!
In general, I'm trying to get some things I've sewn up on Etsy.com under "BadGalQuilts". I have a lot of ideas for sewing projects and have so many things I want to make. No one, except for some friends, has bought anything yet. But I have hope. I would buy my stuff and especially as I move away from tea towels (which are the only things up there right now) and into bags and napkins, placemats etc. I think it will pick up. I will post a couple of photos of my favorites at the end.
My life seems to be one big experiment right now. There are a lot of pieces that I am trying to put together and have work... and I'm not sure how that will go! But the good news is I love living in NYC, love our apartment, love my husband and friends. If I can just find a way to balance my creative side with a way to make money I will be a happy camper.
Happy Election Day!
Get out there and vote!
Jon and I got up early today and walked down to the voting facility which was held in a high school gym. It was easy-peasy. In and out in 10 minutes.
I am heading to the UWS tonight to hopefully celebrate Obama/Biden's victory with Saramanda at a Columbia bar.
I'm taking another improv class at UCB (Upright Citizen's Brigade) and it's proving to be difficult, but a great learning experience. The first class I was so nervous I almost crawled out of my own skin. But yesterday, the second class, went a little better. I made a lot of mistakes, but I also risked more so I will take that happily.
I have Curtis Gwinn as a teacher and enjoy his comments. He is not going to sugar coat anything... he will tell you when you make a mistake or wander off-track. But he seems to be fair in his criticism and also tells you when you have done something successful. Which makes those times all the more fun!
In general, I'm trying to get some things I've sewn up on Etsy.com under "BadGalQuilts". I have a lot of ideas for sewing projects and have so many things I want to make. No one, except for some friends, has bought anything yet. But I have hope. I would buy my stuff and especially as I move away from tea towels (which are the only things up there right now) and into bags and napkins, placemats etc. I think it will pick up. I will post a couple of photos of my favorites at the end.
My life seems to be one big experiment right now. There are a lot of pieces that I am trying to put together and have work... and I'm not sure how that will go! But the good news is I love living in NYC, love our apartment, love my husband and friends. If I can just find a way to balance my creative side with a way to make money I will be a happy camper.
Happy Election Day!
Get out there and vote!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Oh, Havana... I mean Habana... I mean Cubano bocadillo.
My favorite bar in Brooklyn is one I rarely go to. It's way too popular for me and I hate crowds and wading through bodies when I have to use the damn bathroom. However, when a good friend of mine was in town we stopped by at about 4:30pm and got a table and people met us throughout the evening. It was awesome. I had a Cuban sandwich and some Cuban corn and a few margaritas and some sangria. Just lovely. What better way to welcome Fall?
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Coolest recycling bin EVER!
So I am a domestic weirdo. I LOVE to find the perfectest bestest things for my home that make things efficient and streamlined and attractive. LOVE it. It's one of my hobbies.
In that vein, I recently purchased the fourth (?) solution to our recycling issuse in our apartment that we've lived in for two years. I've tried plastic garbage bins, two sets of recycling containers and small metal garbage cans... none of them really worked. We have limited space where our trash is and if it gets too wide we can't get down the stairs out the side door to drop it off and we can't open the cupboards to get at the cat food on the other side.
Blah, blah, blah... I FOUND IT. Not only did I find the PERFECT recycling bin but also the PERFECT trash can. And when you're me, this is a big deal. I find myself going to the kitchen with one piece of paper happily recycling now just so I can see our set up.
Anyway - they weren't cheap, but perfection never is. We got the Fingerprint-Proof Butterfly Recycler by SimpleHuman. And for our trash can we have the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Rectangular 40-Liter Touch Can.
I will say that you can get a nice trash can for a little cheaper - SimpleHuman makes a step can with a black lid for $99. But it's only 9 gallons and this one is 12 and takes up very little room. I also like the Touch Can because you can leave it open when cooking and just throw things in there for 10 minutes and close it when you're done.
Regardless, the recycling can is GREAT. It holds a lot of recycling (in the photo they use for trash and recycyling and we use the two containers to divide paper products and glass/plastic/metals) and is easy to take out the containers and dump them into the recycling bins outside. It's sleek, sexy and takes up almost no room. For urban living, I highly recommend it.
My last great trash can I had for 8 years and I hope to have this one just as long.
In that vein, I recently purchased the fourth (?) solution to our recycling issuse in our apartment that we've lived in for two years. I've tried plastic garbage bins, two sets of recycling containers and small metal garbage cans... none of them really worked. We have limited space where our trash is and if it gets too wide we can't get down the stairs out the side door to drop it off and we can't open the cupboards to get at the cat food on the other side.
Blah, blah, blah... I FOUND IT. Not only did I find the PERFECT recycling bin but also the PERFECT trash can. And when you're me, this is a big deal. I find myself going to the kitchen with one piece of paper happily recycling now just so I can see our set up.
Anyway - they weren't cheap, but perfection never is. We got the Fingerprint-Proof Butterfly Recycler by SimpleHuman. And for our trash can we have the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Rectangular 40-Liter Touch Can.
I will say that you can get a nice trash can for a little cheaper - SimpleHuman makes a step can with a black lid for $99. But it's only 9 gallons and this one is 12 and takes up very little room. I also like the Touch Can because you can leave it open when cooking and just throw things in there for 10 minutes and close it when you're done.
Regardless, the recycling can is GREAT. It holds a lot of recycling (in the photo they use for trash and recycyling and we use the two containers to divide paper products and glass/plastic/metals) and is easy to take out the containers and dump them into the recycling bins outside. It's sleek, sexy and takes up almost no room. For urban living, I highly recommend it.
My last great trash can I had for 8 years and I hope to have this one just as long.
Sometimes ya gotta make a cake.
When it's a time of cravings and mood swings and tears at commercials... ya gotta make a cake.
My current favorite favorite cake is yellow cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. So i set out last night to make just that. I have a recipe from a cupcake cookbook that ROCKS but i was scared to use it for a cake because i'm not so good at math and haven't tried it before. But I want to make this cake for my Dad's upcoming birthday so I thought I'd try it out.
It had NOTHING to do with the fact that I want to eat an entire bowl of melted chocolate with a spoon and a glass of milk... nothing at all.
But I fucked up, ladies and gentlemen. I used a NEWWWWWW recipe that I'd never tried before from the Joy of Cooking for both the cake AND the frosting.
Don't change. When something is already perfect, don't fucking change it right when you are relying on the good ol' cake you knew and loved.
It's FINE. But it ain't the yellow cake I was craving and this "Chocolate Satin Frosting" is NO buttercream. The fact that the recipe calls for butter and cream is a mere coincidence.
This is what I ate for dinner. And breakfast. And a little snack just now. In fact this is ALL I've eaten since 5pm yesterday. I'm over it.
Use these recipes next time REDHEAD. Jeez.
1 1/4 unbleached all-purpose flour.
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola or corn oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the egg and yolk and sugar until thickened and lightened to a cream color, about 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during mixing. On low speed, mix in the oil and vanilla until blended. Mix in the sour cream until no white streaks remain. Mix in the flour mixture until it is incorporated and the batter is smooth. The batter is ready to bake, or for additions such as nuts, or other flavorings.
And this frosting, noodlebrain.
Makes frosting for 18 cupcakes.
3 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 T unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, at room temperature
Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl or the top of a double boiler and place it over, but not touching, a saucepan of barely simmering water (or the bottom of the double boiler). Stir the chocolate until it is melted and smooth. Remove from the water and set aside to cool slightly.
Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into a large bowl. Add the butter, and using an electric mixer on low speed, beat until smoothly blended, about 2 minutes. At first the mixture will look crumbly, but then it will form a smooth mass. Beat in the melted chocolate. Add the vanilla and cream, mixing to incorporate. On medium speed, beat the frosting for at least 3 minutes, until it looks smooth and creamy and the color lightens.
Both are from Cupcakes! by Elinor Klivans. I highly recommend this cookbook. Not all the recipes are great, but the ones that are (yellow cupcakes and chocolate buttercream etc.) are fantastic.
My current favorite favorite cake is yellow cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. So i set out last night to make just that. I have a recipe from a cupcake cookbook that ROCKS but i was scared to use it for a cake because i'm not so good at math and haven't tried it before. But I want to make this cake for my Dad's upcoming birthday so I thought I'd try it out.
It had NOTHING to do with the fact that I want to eat an entire bowl of melted chocolate with a spoon and a glass of milk... nothing at all.
But I fucked up, ladies and gentlemen. I used a NEWWWWWW recipe that I'd never tried before from the Joy of Cooking for both the cake AND the frosting.
Don't change. When something is already perfect, don't fucking change it right when you are relying on the good ol' cake you knew and loved.
It's FINE. But it ain't the yellow cake I was craving and this "Chocolate Satin Frosting" is NO buttercream. The fact that the recipe calls for butter and cream is a mere coincidence.
This is what I ate for dinner. And breakfast. And a little snack just now. In fact this is ALL I've eaten since 5pm yesterday. I'm over it.
Use these recipes next time REDHEAD. Jeez.
1 1/4 unbleached all-purpose flour.
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola or corn oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the egg and yolk and sugar until thickened and lightened to a cream color, about 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during mixing. On low speed, mix in the oil and vanilla until blended. Mix in the sour cream until no white streaks remain. Mix in the flour mixture until it is incorporated and the batter is smooth. The batter is ready to bake, or for additions such as nuts, or other flavorings.
And this frosting, noodlebrain.
Makes frosting for 18 cupcakes.
3 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 T unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, at room temperature
Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl or the top of a double boiler and place it over, but not touching, a saucepan of barely simmering water (or the bottom of the double boiler). Stir the chocolate until it is melted and smooth. Remove from the water and set aside to cool slightly.
Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into a large bowl. Add the butter, and using an electric mixer on low speed, beat until smoothly blended, about 2 minutes. At first the mixture will look crumbly, but then it will form a smooth mass. Beat in the melted chocolate. Add the vanilla and cream, mixing to incorporate. On medium speed, beat the frosting for at least 3 minutes, until it looks smooth and creamy and the color lightens.
Both are from Cupcakes! by Elinor Klivans. I highly recommend this cookbook. Not all the recipes are great, but the ones that are (yellow cupcakes and chocolate buttercream etc.) are fantastic.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Oh, look - it's martini o'clock!
Which would be fine except that it's 8:45 am EST. And I have been up for an hour making tea and oatmeal and trying to get decent photos of my baby quilt (Bad Gal Quilts) uploaded from my iPhone [product placement] for my blog.
And I'm sitting here and thinking, "Is it time to go have drinks with my friends yet?"
A good friend of mine who shall remain anonymous (Jessica) upon returning to CA from Bermuda after the wedding was so upset at being back in her everyday life and not on a tropical island with her good friends texted a mutual friend at 10 am PT to see if they could go get drinks. She was up at 8am and waited a WHOLE TWO HOURS until it was socially acceptable (by whom I'm not quite sure) to mention getting drinks.
And that's how I feel today. Part of it is because I've been a recluse since I returned from Bermuda and have been working on getting our lives straightened up and cleaned out and looking pretty again. And I've been working like crazy on this baby quilt. (Two days.) Which I'm about to start on again.
But the other part is that my friends are the funniest people on the face of the planet and when I'm around them I care less about all the starving, homeless cats, the warming of the globe, the futile efforts of humanitarianism, the national economy and what an irresponsible waste of human being I am (depends on the day - for complaints see The Superego Dept.). And when I haven't seen them in oh, two to three days I start to get fussy.
My nameless friend (Jessica Huppi) is also coming to visit for a few days in early Sept. which is making me want to run in circles now in anticipation.
ALSO, another good friend of mine (Mrs. Tavano) is coming to pick up two kittens that were homeless and now will be fostered in Maine until they are found good and loving homes. She is driving ALL the way from Portland, ME to Brooklyn, NY on Sunday to pick up these kittens, one of which is in our guest room having breakfast at this very moment, and bring them back to the foster home. How's THAT for altruistic? Oh, and she too wants to see friends and have drinks.
So bring on the dirties - both people and drinks, because I'm ready.
And I'm sitting here and thinking, "Is it time to go have drinks with my friends yet?"
A good friend of mine who shall remain anonymous (Jessica) upon returning to CA from Bermuda after the wedding was so upset at being back in her everyday life and not on a tropical island with her good friends texted a mutual friend at 10 am PT to see if they could go get drinks. She was up at 8am and waited a WHOLE TWO HOURS until it was socially acceptable (by whom I'm not quite sure) to mention getting drinks.
And that's how I feel today. Part of it is because I've been a recluse since I returned from Bermuda and have been working on getting our lives straightened up and cleaned out and looking pretty again. And I've been working like crazy on this baby quilt. (Two days.) Which I'm about to start on again.
But the other part is that my friends are the funniest people on the face of the planet and when I'm around them I care less about all the starving, homeless cats, the warming of the globe, the futile efforts of humanitarianism, the national economy and what an irresponsible waste of human being I am (depends on the day - for complaints see The Superego Dept.). And when I haven't seen them in oh, two to three days I start to get fussy.
My nameless friend (Jessica Huppi) is also coming to visit for a few days in early Sept. which is making me want to run in circles now in anticipation.
ALSO, another good friend of mine (Mrs. Tavano) is coming to pick up two kittens that were homeless and now will be fostered in Maine until they are found good and loving homes. She is driving ALL the way from Portland, ME to Brooklyn, NY on Sunday to pick up these kittens, one of which is in our guest room having breakfast at this very moment, and bring them back to the foster home. How's THAT for altruistic? Oh, and she too wants to see friends and have drinks.
So bring on the dirties - both people and drinks, because I'm ready.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I love Bermuda. And I want to go back and drink a Dark 'n Stormy stat.
But I will settle for Dark 'n Stormy's in Brooklyn with my husband.
(A word that still sounds strange to me. But not as strange as "wife". "Who's a wife? Me? Nooo shit.")
I had so much fun in Bermuda I didn't want to come home at ALL. Except to see my cats. But once I saw them I thought, "Yeah, could still be in Bermuda".
We had such good friends join us and had such great weather. There was a DELUGE the morning of the wedding.
Exhibit A
But by some miracle, the weather was perfect by evening when the wedding started. Cooler, less humid, and sunny with a slight breeze.
Exhibit B
So then we got married.
Exhibit C
And now we're back in Brooklyn enjoying the rare coolness of this August weather. I think my friend and I might have found another stray kitten at least a foster home which is awesome. I am starting my second baby quilt. Just finished washing the fabrics and will embark on cutting and finishing the last block if I ever get unpacked. Oh, lord what a bunch of crap I brought on this trip.
Someday I will learn not to over pack. I am getting better as I get older, getting more organized and such, but I still pack for EVERY occasion at least five times.
Usually when I come back to NYC after being away I'm filled with relief and let my breath come a little easier than it did before. Returning from Bermuda I did not feel this sense of calm. I felt ... sad.
Bermuda is this combination of quaint, gorgeous, old fashioned, and tropical. The roads are narrow and windy and transportation is a bitch. Hibiscus grow everywhere in many shades and the ocean views are incredible. Our cabana was literally OVER the tropical waters and the first thing I would see when I opened my eyes was the aquamarine sea through the doors leading to our balcony.
I sat in the evenings on our "terrace" reading in a plastic lawn chair, listening to the Caribbean waters and watching the horizon. Snorkelers would pass by, a boat would zoom out in the distance and occasionally I would see fish swim. There was always a breeze as Bermuda is the only land for 300 miles in any direction. North Carolina is the nearest land mass besides the cluster of islands that constitute Bermuda.
If you visit - I highly recommend a restaurant called Fresco's. It's located in Hamilton and is new. I went there with some friends and it was excellent. None of the food in Bermuda is cheap. None. If you want cheap, too bad, you can't get it. But you can go to the grocery store and live on PB&J to cut costs. If you're willing to go out to eat, stick with places that have fresh catches of the day. That is always the best meal on the island.
Fresco's is Mediterranean, dimly lit, and the wine selection, while expensive, is very good. I had the goat cheese tart with tomatoes and arugula which was quite good. My friend, Hillary, had the catch of the day cooked in a broth and served over rice with vegeables. Sounds plain - it wasn't. It was superb.
I've eaten at Blu twice in the past year and a half and while the food is quite good it's very pricey and the atmosphere is that of a family restaurant (i.e., loud sometimes and not as high brow as I like when I pay $150 for dinner).
We had friends over to our cabana and had cocktails while watching the sunset and making our own Dark 'n Stormy's. If possible, that is the way to go.
Don't expect to get around easily in Bermuda. The taxis are in high demand and the buses, while consistent, take a long time. The ferry is a good way to get around to popular destinations.
We also visited Mrs. T's Victorian Tea Room which was very quaint, if a little light on the scones and tea sandwiches. We double ordered tea sandwiches and were stuffed by the time we left and got a ride from one of the hotel staff who was kind enough to drop us at our resort.
Bermuda is famous for its rum - Gosling's rum - and its Barritt's ginger beer (my personal favorite and I've tried many) and hence its signature drink is the Dark 'n Stormy. If you haven't tried one then you must. I am not a rum drinker normally, but nothing says tropics to me like a nice, cold Dark 'n Stormy.
You can buy and bring home Bermuda Rum Cakes as we did. The naval dockyard, where the rum cake factory is, is a fun place to poke around and get mementos. It shares a building with the Bermuda glassworks where you can see the artisans at work.
If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive vacation close to the East Coat of the U.S., I highly recommend 9 Beaches. For just under $300/night you can get a cabana on a hilltop looking out over the ocean. All the cabanas are made out of heavy sailcloth so the winds keep you cool and during one of their many downpours you are dry and safe.
The food is decent, not great, but again that is true for most of the island. Their fresh fish is quite good and their pastry chef is excellent. Our wedding cake was a rum cake with chocolate layers, vanilla buttercream and strawberries on top. It was gobbled up.
9 Beaches is true to its name and has... you guessed it, 9 beaches on its premises. The main beach has a few umbrellas but is often more crowded. The smaller coves and beaches are more intimate and quiet, but do not have umbrellas and when you're fair-skinned that may not be an option in high summer.
The staff is friendly and helpful and the grounds has everything you could want out of a relaxed resort on a tropical island. It is not one of the fancier places to stay - i.e., you don't need a jacket and Bermuda shorts to dine if you're a guy, but that suited me and my husband. You can rent snorkel gear and sea kayaks at the 'surf shack'. The snorkeling is pretty good and there are a lot of colorful fish at the nearby coves and inlets at the many beaches. There is an island within swimming distance to the cabanas that has a lot of fish too, although the water can sometimes be a bit choppy on the windward side.
There is a shipwreck (Bermuda has a ton of them which was great for snorkeling and scuba diving) near the resort as well, but I would advise renting a small boat or kayak to get out there. There is a lot of boat traffic between the wreck and the beaches and the current out there is strong.
Enough about Bermuda and how I wish I was still there! I suppose it's a good thing that at least four of my friends has contacted me saying how depressed they are after returning from our wedding celebration. That, I believe, is the sign of a good party.
(A word that still sounds strange to me. But not as strange as "wife". "Who's a wife? Me? Nooo shit.")
I had so much fun in Bermuda I didn't want to come home at ALL. Except to see my cats. But once I saw them I thought, "Yeah, could still be in Bermuda".
We had such good friends join us and had such great weather. There was a DELUGE the morning of the wedding.
Exhibit A
But by some miracle, the weather was perfect by evening when the wedding started. Cooler, less humid, and sunny with a slight breeze.
Exhibit B
So then we got married.
Exhibit C
And now we're back in Brooklyn enjoying the rare coolness of this August weather. I think my friend and I might have found another stray kitten at least a foster home which is awesome. I am starting my second baby quilt. Just finished washing the fabrics and will embark on cutting and finishing the last block if I ever get unpacked. Oh, lord what a bunch of crap I brought on this trip.
Someday I will learn not to over pack. I am getting better as I get older, getting more organized and such, but I still pack for EVERY occasion at least five times.
Usually when I come back to NYC after being away I'm filled with relief and let my breath come a little easier than it did before. Returning from Bermuda I did not feel this sense of calm. I felt ... sad.
Bermuda is this combination of quaint, gorgeous, old fashioned, and tropical. The roads are narrow and windy and transportation is a bitch. Hibiscus grow everywhere in many shades and the ocean views are incredible. Our cabana was literally OVER the tropical waters and the first thing I would see when I opened my eyes was the aquamarine sea through the doors leading to our balcony.
I sat in the evenings on our "terrace" reading in a plastic lawn chair, listening to the Caribbean waters and watching the horizon. Snorkelers would pass by, a boat would zoom out in the distance and occasionally I would see fish swim. There was always a breeze as Bermuda is the only land for 300 miles in any direction. North Carolina is the nearest land mass besides the cluster of islands that constitute Bermuda.
If you visit - I highly recommend a restaurant called Fresco's. It's located in Hamilton and is new. I went there with some friends and it was excellent. None of the food in Bermuda is cheap. None. If you want cheap, too bad, you can't get it. But you can go to the grocery store and live on PB&J to cut costs. If you're willing to go out to eat, stick with places that have fresh catches of the day. That is always the best meal on the island.
Fresco's is Mediterranean, dimly lit, and the wine selection, while expensive, is very good. I had the goat cheese tart with tomatoes and arugula which was quite good. My friend, Hillary, had the catch of the day cooked in a broth and served over rice with vegeables. Sounds plain - it wasn't. It was superb.
I've eaten at Blu twice in the past year and a half and while the food is quite good it's very pricey and the atmosphere is that of a family restaurant (i.e., loud sometimes and not as high brow as I like when I pay $150 for dinner).
We had friends over to our cabana and had cocktails while watching the sunset and making our own Dark 'n Stormy's. If possible, that is the way to go.
Don't expect to get around easily in Bermuda. The taxis are in high demand and the buses, while consistent, take a long time. The ferry is a good way to get around to popular destinations.
We also visited Mrs. T's Victorian Tea Room which was very quaint, if a little light on the scones and tea sandwiches. We double ordered tea sandwiches and were stuffed by the time we left and got a ride from one of the hotel staff who was kind enough to drop us at our resort.
Bermuda is famous for its rum - Gosling's rum - and its Barritt's ginger beer (my personal favorite and I've tried many) and hence its signature drink is the Dark 'n Stormy. If you haven't tried one then you must. I am not a rum drinker normally, but nothing says tropics to me like a nice, cold Dark 'n Stormy.
You can buy and bring home Bermuda Rum Cakes as we did. The naval dockyard, where the rum cake factory is, is a fun place to poke around and get mementos. It shares a building with the Bermuda glassworks where you can see the artisans at work.
If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive vacation close to the East Coat of the U.S., I highly recommend 9 Beaches. For just under $300/night you can get a cabana on a hilltop looking out over the ocean. All the cabanas are made out of heavy sailcloth so the winds keep you cool and during one of their many downpours you are dry and safe.
The food is decent, not great, but again that is true for most of the island. Their fresh fish is quite good and their pastry chef is excellent. Our wedding cake was a rum cake with chocolate layers, vanilla buttercream and strawberries on top. It was gobbled up.
9 Beaches is true to its name and has... you guessed it, 9 beaches on its premises. The main beach has a few umbrellas but is often more crowded. The smaller coves and beaches are more intimate and quiet, but do not have umbrellas and when you're fair-skinned that may not be an option in high summer.
The staff is friendly and helpful and the grounds has everything you could want out of a relaxed resort on a tropical island. It is not one of the fancier places to stay - i.e., you don't need a jacket and Bermuda shorts to dine if you're a guy, but that suited me and my husband. You can rent snorkel gear and sea kayaks at the 'surf shack'. The snorkeling is pretty good and there are a lot of colorful fish at the nearby coves and inlets at the many beaches. There is an island within swimming distance to the cabanas that has a lot of fish too, although the water can sometimes be a bit choppy on the windward side.
There is a shipwreck (Bermuda has a ton of them which was great for snorkeling and scuba diving) near the resort as well, but I would advise renting a small boat or kayak to get out there. There is a lot of boat traffic between the wreck and the beaches and the current out there is strong.
Enough about Bermuda and how I wish I was still there! I suppose it's a good thing that at least four of my friends has contacted me saying how depressed they are after returning from our wedding celebration. That, I believe, is the sign of a good party.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Watching Shark Week before going to a tropical island... hmmm
Yes, that's what I'm doing. I love Shark Week.
Normally, my family is in NC this week and we watch Shark Week and then go into the ocean where there are actually a fair amount of sharks. Bermuda doesn't have a reputation for a lot of shark activity, as far as I know, although there are barracuda and other game fish that I've seen while snorkeling.
If you're a fan of sharks or love to scare yourself you should check out my friend, Sharky's, blog The Chum Slick.
So I'm on my fifth shark attack recount and reenactment and I'm thinking this may not be the best idea.
I also bought a video about the Bermuda Triangle but I think I'll keep that for when I get back.
Okay - "Top Five, Eaten Alive" is on now. And I'm not sure I can handle this.
Happy Hunting!
Normally, my family is in NC this week and we watch Shark Week and then go into the ocean where there are actually a fair amount of sharks. Bermuda doesn't have a reputation for a lot of shark activity, as far as I know, although there are barracuda and other game fish that I've seen while snorkeling.
If you're a fan of sharks or love to scare yourself you should check out my friend, Sharky's, blog The Chum Slick.
So I'm on my fifth shark attack recount and reenactment and I'm thinking this may not be the best idea.
I also bought a video about the Bermuda Triangle but I think I'll keep that for when I get back.
Okay - "Top Five, Eaten Alive" is on now. And I'm not sure I can handle this.
Happy Hunting!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Getting ready for marriage
So. I am swamped with things to do, but wanted to take a moment to document the time right before I get hitched! We leave next week for Bermuda to have our wedding and honeymoon.
I'm so excited and am so ready to be done with all the details that have lead up to this event. I love a party and am a good planner, but I have never put this much energy into one event in my entire life. It's kind of amazing the amount of planning and the thousands of little to big decisions you have to make as you go along the way.
What kind of invitations will you have? Will you get them printed or do them yourself? What color? Shiny or matte? Funny or serious? What kind of food? Open bar (duh)? What jewelry will you wear? Shoes? Nail polish? Hairstyles? Purse?
The list goes on.
Because our wedding is a destination wedding a lot of planning was done way in advance - about nine months in advance. But the last minute stuff is still here and we are plowing our way through it as bravely and efficiently as we can. Luckily, Jon is very patient with me and we manage to groan about the ridiculous amount of crap to do together. Something that makes all the difference when it's 6pm and you haven't showered because you've been coordinating with the wedding coordinator and fixing the budget and making decisions about flowers and chocolates and cake and chairs.
I don't mean to imply that it's not fun at all, but it is sooooo long-term that it is also very draining. Now I'm really getting into the fun stuff.
Sample schedule:
-Finances
-Call bank
-D/o laundry
-UPS Store, post office
-See friend
-Start to pack
-Cook dinner
-Go over budget/list with Jon
Sat
-Personal trainer
-Pack
-Get cat food, litter
-Go to friend's bday party
Sun
-Pack (and yes, it will take this long)
-p/u laundry, dry cleaning
-drop off programs and cameras to friends
-confirm flight itinerary
-start cleaning apt
-confirm catsitter
-print extra programs
Mon
-p/u dress in Jersey
-get clip and comb for hair
-personal trainer
-go to pharmacy and stock up on toilletry items
it goes on...
I am SO excited to get to Bermuda and relax with Jon. I am so happy that I get to marry him on a beautiful beach (with good weather, I hope, I hope). I am watching the weather websites every day and at the same time trying to tell myself it's out of my hands now. And no matter what, we will have fun.
So now I have to run out to the post office, the UPS Store, say hi to a good friend of mine who just had a baby and come home and wash the fabrics that I want to start quilting my NEXT baby quilt with. I'm lying to myself thinking that I have time to start this before I leave. But it keeps me sane.
It took four hours to go through finances and paper this afternoon. I'm now done and am going to shower! Yay! And change and leave.
I have a two-page to-do list on my kitchen counter that I am slowly crossing off as I go along.
The good news is today is Jon's last day at work so he will be at home to help starting tomorrow! We are celebrating by staying in tonight and relaxing. I.e., going over the guest list and budget one last time to make sure everything's in order. Awesome.
Can't wait until this is all in motion! There are so many people traveling to come celebrate with us, it's incredible. I think I will probably be in tears most of the weekend.
Off to drop off laundry. Ah, the glamorous life I lead.
This is the photo of Bermuda that I have as my desktop that keeps me movin and excited for next week:
I'm so excited and am so ready to be done with all the details that have lead up to this event. I love a party and am a good planner, but I have never put this much energy into one event in my entire life. It's kind of amazing the amount of planning and the thousands of little to big decisions you have to make as you go along the way.
What kind of invitations will you have? Will you get them printed or do them yourself? What color? Shiny or matte? Funny or serious? What kind of food? Open bar (duh)? What jewelry will you wear? Shoes? Nail polish? Hairstyles? Purse?
The list goes on.
Because our wedding is a destination wedding a lot of planning was done way in advance - about nine months in advance. But the last minute stuff is still here and we are plowing our way through it as bravely and efficiently as we can. Luckily, Jon is very patient with me and we manage to groan about the ridiculous amount of crap to do together. Something that makes all the difference when it's 6pm and you haven't showered because you've been coordinating with the wedding coordinator and fixing the budget and making decisions about flowers and chocolates and cake and chairs.
I don't mean to imply that it's not fun at all, but it is sooooo long-term that it is also very draining. Now I'm really getting into the fun stuff.
Sample schedule:
-Finances
-Call bank
-D/o laundry
-UPS Store, post office
-See friend
-Start to pack
-Cook dinner
-Go over budget/list with Jon
Sat
-Personal trainer
-Pack
-Get cat food, litter
-Go to friend's bday party
Sun
-Pack (and yes, it will take this long)
-p/u laundry, dry cleaning
-drop off programs and cameras to friends
-confirm flight itinerary
-start cleaning apt
-confirm catsitter
-print extra programs
Mon
-p/u dress in Jersey
-get clip and comb for hair
-personal trainer
-go to pharmacy and stock up on toilletry items
it goes on...
I am SO excited to get to Bermuda and relax with Jon. I am so happy that I get to marry him on a beautiful beach (with good weather, I hope, I hope). I am watching the weather websites every day and at the same time trying to tell myself it's out of my hands now. And no matter what, we will have fun.
So now I have to run out to the post office, the UPS Store, say hi to a good friend of mine who just had a baby and come home and wash the fabrics that I want to start quilting my NEXT baby quilt with. I'm lying to myself thinking that I have time to start this before I leave. But it keeps me sane.
It took four hours to go through finances and paper this afternoon. I'm now done and am going to shower! Yay! And change and leave.
I have a two-page to-do list on my kitchen counter that I am slowly crossing off as I go along.
The good news is today is Jon's last day at work so he will be at home to help starting tomorrow! We are celebrating by staying in tonight and relaxing. I.e., going over the guest list and budget one last time to make sure everything's in order. Awesome.
Can't wait until this is all in motion! There are so many people traveling to come celebrate with us, it's incredible. I think I will probably be in tears most of the weekend.
Off to drop off laundry. Ah, the glamorous life I lead.
This is the photo of Bermuda that I have as my desktop that keeps me movin and excited for next week:
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Province Canteen & Sweet Lily Spa - What a day!
My good friend, Keri, got me a gift certificate to a spa downtown for my ladies' night a while ago and I used it today.
If you live in NYC and ever go to get your nails done or get waxed - I beg you to try the Sweet Lily Spa on West Broadway and North Moore Street. It is SUCH a relaxing place - there are overstuffed armchairs you sit in while you get your pedicure (what a luxurious experience that was! hot water in a retro bin with sliced cucumbers in it for your tired feet...) run, do not walk there.
I believe that says it all. I was a stressed out ball of nerves and irritation before we had lunch (that's to follow) and had my spa appointment - and when I walked out I felt like Buddha himself. Except not male, and a little thinner.
And lunch was at this incredible small, minimalist Chinese Canteen on Church Street at Walker Street. AMAZING. Pork Shoulder Sandwich and Beet Salad are incredible! I bought more Pork Shoulder Sandwiches to bring home and had to eat one immediately! So good and really cheap - and you can order pieces as you go so you can eat as little or as much as you like of what you like... what a novel idea! I highly recommend it.
AND they have Gus soda! Open Mo-Sat 11-9PM. Awesome.
If you live in NYC and ever go to get your nails done or get waxed - I beg you to try the Sweet Lily Spa on West Broadway and North Moore Street. It is SUCH a relaxing place - there are overstuffed armchairs you sit in while you get your pedicure (what a luxurious experience that was! hot water in a retro bin with sliced cucumbers in it for your tired feet...) run, do not walk there.
I believe that says it all. I was a stressed out ball of nerves and irritation before we had lunch (that's to follow) and had my spa appointment - and when I walked out I felt like Buddha himself. Except not male, and a little thinner.
And lunch was at this incredible small, minimalist Chinese Canteen on Church Street at Walker Street. AMAZING. Pork Shoulder Sandwich and Beet Salad are incredible! I bought more Pork Shoulder Sandwiches to bring home and had to eat one immediately! So good and really cheap - and you can order pieces as you go so you can eat as little or as much as you like of what you like... what a novel idea! I highly recommend it.
AND they have Gus soda! Open Mo-Sat 11-9PM. Awesome.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Best Products List - ongoing
So I have been meaning to make a list of my favorite products for a long time. There are certain things that I love and want to share with the world! Or at least the three friends who read this blog.
So this will be an ongoing post - I will add to it as I think of things.
1. Nivea creme - this stuff is simply the best in getting eye make up off. If you've had a hard day/night and need under-eye replenishing buy this stuff. If anyone knows where I can buy the smaller, travel-sized version
please let me know. I am never without this in my bathroom cabinet and on the road.
It's about $7.50 for a 6.8 oz jar at CVS.
2. Best lotion for post-shaving of the legs. Which, of course, is different than what you use on your face. I also would spread this stuff all over my body.
Say hello to my little friend.
Crabtree & Evelyn Body Cream
I prefer the Avocado selection, but since they have cruelly decided to discontinue that line I am in mourning and have stockpiled as much as possible under my bed which I will blow through all too quickly, I'm sure.
But this doesn't change the quality of their lotion. The Body Cream, specifically, is perfect for post-shaved legs. Some lotions are too oily (I have naturally oily skin so I don't like extra oil), some don't get absorbed into my skin but stay on top and slide around for hours after I put it on. I live in NYC where it gets humid in the summer and I want a lotion that I can apply and not have it sting or make my legs sweat afterwards.
Crabtree & Evelyn's Body Cream is by far the best product I have ever sampled. It's worth the extra money, in my opinion. It runs $28.00 for 8.8 oz which will last you a long time.
3. Face sunblock. This is something I am very particular about having both oily and dry skin on my face and also have skin that dermatologists have told me "should never, ever be in the sun... ever". I have to wear sunblock everyday, regardless of weather, and I am sure there are better, more expensive products that I don't know about, but for every day use and the right budget, Oil of Olay's Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 is perfect.
$14.99 at CVS.
4. Facial hydrating cream. Another great facial moisturizer I use at night before bed is Oil of Olay's Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream.
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Often when I wear this out I will get compliments that my skin is "glowing". It's silky and smooth and lovely and doesn't make me break out. $18.99 at CVS.
5. Lip balm. I am also very particular about what kind of lip balm I use. I need to have it on me at all times and use lip balm with SPF in it as well, so I have sampled many - expensive and inexpensive - over the years. My all-time favorite lip balm WAS Rite Aid's Aloe Lip Balm but that doesn't exist anymore and it has been replaced by generic Rite Aid Lip Balm. This stuff is pretty good.
However, my current favorite is Banana Boat's Aloe Vera with Vitamin E SPF 30 Lip Balm.
This shit will protect you from the sun, stay on, it's not too waxy or slimy. It smells like vacation and keeps your lips smooth and soft and supple. If you have a matte lipstick that dries out your lips, try applying some of this before you put it on. I never go anywhere without this product.
6. Sunscreen. Don't get a sunburn. Just don't. If you use sunscreen and are out in the sun you will probably get some color anyway and it might stop you from dying a horrible death. Well, one of many, I suppose.
This is the sunscreen I use (Banana Boat Sport) when I'm out in the sun, especially when I'm in the water a lot and need good protection that won't wash away after ten minutes.
WAIT!!!!!!!!! Don't leave! It's just getting good!
7. Hair product- curling gel that won't make you look like you used Jerry Curl! Deva Curl.
It makes my hair curl and look so pretty people confuse me for a unicorn. Or a puppet.
8. Welcome to Sonya Dakar. Some of the best facial products I have ever used. I have combination skin and got recommended these products when I got a facial at D'mai Urban Spa in Park Slope a while back. I will say two negative words about Sonya Dakar: NOT CHEAP.
The Berry Mask is unbelievable. I have used it a bunch and it completely cleans my face of any oily feeling or any dryness. I plan on getting some more for my wedding weekend. $67.00
The Triple Action Scrub is also amazing - makes your skin tingle, you wash it off (otherwise it gets uncomfortable) and cleans out my pores very well. $49.00
9. Bumble & bumble. I wouldn't say I used their products alllll the time, but there are a few I adore and like to keep around. Their Grooming Creme is awesome- gets rid of the frizzy immediately and smells incredible. Gives hair a glossy, sleek look right out of the shower.
So this will be an ongoing post - I will add to it as I think of things.
1. Nivea creme - this stuff is simply the best in getting eye make up off. If you've had a hard day/night and need under-eye replenishing buy this stuff. If anyone knows where I can buy the smaller, travel-sized version
please let me know. I am never without this in my bathroom cabinet and on the road.
It's about $7.50 for a 6.8 oz jar at CVS.
2. Best lotion for post-shaving of the legs. Which, of course, is different than what you use on your face. I also would spread this stuff all over my body.
Say hello to my little friend.
Crabtree & Evelyn Body Cream
I prefer the Avocado selection, but since they have cruelly decided to discontinue that line I am in mourning and have stockpiled as much as possible under my bed which I will blow through all too quickly, I'm sure.
But this doesn't change the quality of their lotion. The Body Cream, specifically, is perfect for post-shaved legs. Some lotions are too oily (I have naturally oily skin so I don't like extra oil), some don't get absorbed into my skin but stay on top and slide around for hours after I put it on. I live in NYC where it gets humid in the summer and I want a lotion that I can apply and not have it sting or make my legs sweat afterwards.
Crabtree & Evelyn's Body Cream is by far the best product I have ever sampled. It's worth the extra money, in my opinion. It runs $28.00 for 8.8 oz which will last you a long time.
3. Face sunblock. This is something I am very particular about having both oily and dry skin on my face and also have skin that dermatologists have told me "should never, ever be in the sun... ever". I have to wear sunblock everyday, regardless of weather, and I am sure there are better, more expensive products that I don't know about, but for every day use and the right budget, Oil of Olay's Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 is perfect.
$14.99 at CVS.
4. Facial hydrating cream. Another great facial moisturizer I use at night before bed is Oil of Olay's Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream.
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Often when I wear this out I will get compliments that my skin is "glowing". It's silky and smooth and lovely and doesn't make me break out. $18.99 at CVS.
5. Lip balm. I am also very particular about what kind of lip balm I use. I need to have it on me at all times and use lip balm with SPF in it as well, so I have sampled many - expensive and inexpensive - over the years. My all-time favorite lip balm WAS Rite Aid's Aloe Lip Balm but that doesn't exist anymore and it has been replaced by generic Rite Aid Lip Balm. This stuff is pretty good.
However, my current favorite is Banana Boat's Aloe Vera with Vitamin E SPF 30 Lip Balm.
This shit will protect you from the sun, stay on, it's not too waxy or slimy. It smells like vacation and keeps your lips smooth and soft and supple. If you have a matte lipstick that dries out your lips, try applying some of this before you put it on. I never go anywhere without this product.
6. Sunscreen. Don't get a sunburn. Just don't. If you use sunscreen and are out in the sun you will probably get some color anyway and it might stop you from dying a horrible death. Well, one of many, I suppose.
This is the sunscreen I use (Banana Boat Sport) when I'm out in the sun, especially when I'm in the water a lot and need good protection that won't wash away after ten minutes.
WAIT!!!!!!!!! Don't leave! It's just getting good!
7. Hair product- curling gel that won't make you look like you used Jerry Curl! Deva Curl.
It makes my hair curl and look so pretty people confuse me for a unicorn. Or a puppet.
8. Welcome to Sonya Dakar. Some of the best facial products I have ever used. I have combination skin and got recommended these products when I got a facial at D'mai Urban Spa in Park Slope a while back. I will say two negative words about Sonya Dakar: NOT CHEAP.
The Berry Mask is unbelievable. I have used it a bunch and it completely cleans my face of any oily feeling or any dryness. I plan on getting some more for my wedding weekend. $67.00
The Triple Action Scrub is also amazing - makes your skin tingle, you wash it off (otherwise it gets uncomfortable) and cleans out my pores very well. $49.00
9. Bumble & bumble. I wouldn't say I used their products alllll the time, but there are a few I adore and like to keep around. Their Grooming Creme is awesome- gets rid of the frizzy immediately and smells incredible. Gives hair a glossy, sleek look right out of the shower.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Exercise the demons! Part 3
Holy baby Jesus.
If you want a workout that will make sense and get you sweating for real - forget Tae Bo.
Try this video out.
It's a great workout.
Too pooped to blog.
If you want a workout that will make sense and get you sweating for real - forget Tae Bo.
Try this video out.
It's a great workout.
Too pooped to blog.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Oh, Spring in New York... you make love to me like a Spanish lounge-singer... slowly y con pasion!
Or at least, that's how I interpret it.
AND I have a treat for you. Recently while at Sharky and Mrs. Sharky's house we were watching comedy central and a comedienne named Maria Bamford came on and did a bit and she was super duper funny. Like had me laughing out loud repeatedly funny! Which almost never happens.
Most stand-up comedians are not funny. I like Eddie Izzard, George Carlin, Richard Pryor... and Maria Bamford.
Anyway- enough about ME... here's Maria.
AND I have a treat for you. Recently while at Sharky and Mrs. Sharky's house we were watching comedy central and a comedienne named Maria Bamford came on and did a bit and she was super duper funny. Like had me laughing out loud repeatedly funny! Which almost never happens.
Most stand-up comedians are not funny. I like Eddie Izzard, George Carlin, Richard Pryor... and Maria Bamford.
Anyway- enough about ME... here's Maria.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A brief quilting update... the countdown is on.
It's fuckin Spring!
At least in New York. And let me tell you, it is most welcome. I don't like hot weather so I always grimace a little when the last chill of winter dissipates because I know humidity and misery are in store for me. But this Spring is SO beautiful that it melts even the heart of a an old grinch like me.
I have been grinding away at the sewing machine trying to get this baby quilt done by Sunday at 12:30pm (not that I'm counting) and I thought I'd share my progress thus far. Some of it is quite good, and some of it is ridiculous, but I am a beginner quilter and it's the goddamn thought that counts... right?
Here is the quilt all pieced together. I have just finished the actual quilting and have to bind it and I will be done!
This is the top of the quilt juxtaposed with the backing fabric.
The backing fabric is awesome - it's called "Goth Baby" and is blue with chocolate brown skulls & crossbones.
The borders.
Now, I thought I would be clever girl and quilt in a pattern, large and "easy" in each block to leave it relatively puffy and relaxed since it's a baby blanket. I thought "I'll just do a crescent moon and star pattern in each one" and practiced on some muslin. Well, I'm taking my creative license and calling it "rich with character" because as you can see... the moon and star pattern (and this is my best one) sort of look like they were done by a two-year-old. Such is life.
So on I go towards binding. This I have never succesfully done before. I have watched five videos on youtube.com about it and taken a class where I WATCHED someone do it, but have yet to do it myself. So this should be interesting.
I suspect quilting is like the rest of life where you complete one part of one task and think, "That would have worked a lot better if I had only done ______." But ya know, there are times to go back and be a perfectionist and there are times to say, "Fuck it" and keep moving.
This is a "Fuck it" time. Go babies!
At least in New York. And let me tell you, it is most welcome. I don't like hot weather so I always grimace a little when the last chill of winter dissipates because I know humidity and misery are in store for me. But this Spring is SO beautiful that it melts even the heart of a an old grinch like me.
I have been grinding away at the sewing machine trying to get this baby quilt done by Sunday at 12:30pm (not that I'm counting) and I thought I'd share my progress thus far. Some of it is quite good, and some of it is ridiculous, but I am a beginner quilter and it's the goddamn thought that counts... right?
Here is the quilt all pieced together. I have just finished the actual quilting and have to bind it and I will be done!
This is the top of the quilt juxtaposed with the backing fabric.
The backing fabric is awesome - it's called "Goth Baby" and is blue with chocolate brown skulls & crossbones.
The borders.
Now, I thought I would be clever girl and quilt in a pattern, large and "easy" in each block to leave it relatively puffy and relaxed since it's a baby blanket. I thought "I'll just do a crescent moon and star pattern in each one" and practiced on some muslin. Well, I'm taking my creative license and calling it "rich with character" because as you can see... the moon and star pattern (and this is my best one) sort of look like they were done by a two-year-old. Such is life.
So on I go towards binding. This I have never succesfully done before. I have watched five videos on youtube.com about it and taken a class where I WATCHED someone do it, but have yet to do it myself. So this should be interesting.
I suspect quilting is like the rest of life where you complete one part of one task and think, "That would have worked a lot better if I had only done ______." But ya know, there are times to go back and be a perfectionist and there are times to say, "Fuck it" and keep moving.
This is a "Fuck it" time. Go babies!
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