Today I stayed in waiting for the Salvation Army to pick up. I called the pick up in 3 weeks ago, described and listed all the items I wished to donate so that the man on the phone could tell me whether or not they were acceptable and create a job ticket for the driver. The ticket can also be used for tax purposes. Included in my donation was an antique sewing box from the 1940s and a working Necchi sewing machine that was collecting dust. There were also 2 large bags of clothing, some clear plastic shoe boxes from the Container Store, a dozen stripped cloth storage boxes, 2 bags of clothing and a large standing jewelry chest from Pier One.
All of the items were clearly listed on the ticket but the two men picking up decided to take only the 2 bags of clothing and the jewelry chest, after I showed them that it wasn't broken and that the top hinged open to reveal a hidden mirror and ring compartment. They claimed the other items were no longer accepted and not worth taking in as they would only be thrown away. I think they just decided not to take the items because I wasn't intimdated by the driver's manner. One was rude and cocky, which did not impress me, and when I met him in kind and questioned why he would reject items clearly accepted by the dispatcher his aggression turned to the power play of not acceptable the bulk of my donation. I can admit not only did their manner piss me off but the fact when I reviewed the list of acceptable items on the Salvation Army site there, clear as day, were a few of the items left behind, including working sewing machines. The customer rep at the Salvation Army told me it was up to the drivers whether or not to accept the items. Lesson learned - I will now only donate to Housing Works.
I know a number of people that no longer donate items too large to drop off to places like the Salvation Army because it takes too much effort to do. Appointments must be made 2-3 weeks in advance and though they rightfully have a list of items they no longer accept and it is the donator's responsibility to sort out what will and will not be taken, as per the customer representative it is the driver's final decision that counts. In addition pick up is between 8AM and 4PM so someone is stuck in the home all day waiting for the truck to arrive and no they can't give you an estimated window.
Instead many of my friend's use Freecycle groups in their areas. This network of people pass on and accept all manner of items. I posted all the items left and within 10 minutes had commitments to each and every item up before the evening ends. Check out http://www.freecycle.org/ for a group in your area and pass it forward....
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday Mental Musings
There comes a point in our lives when we all fall from grace, even if we have never considered ourselves living within its boundaries. This fall is a natural occurance that happens when we fail to live up to the levels of honor and correct behavior we have set for ourselves or that others have set for us. It happens when we go against our own natural character, against the expectations we or others have for ourselves or when we push against the perimeters that we have accepted and worked within up until the fall. It happens because we are human and making mistakes is part of the human experience.
Falling from grace isn't so bad. It gives us a chance to make decisions and making decisions often brings about change, something most of us yearn for even when we fear and dread it. Falling presents choices and it is we, individually, who decide to take the responsibility and power any opportunity to make a choice brings. Regardless of whether the fall was just a stumble or a drop off a cliff it is an opportunity to redefine ourselves and our lives. We can decide to we pick ourselves up and continue on the journey or allow the tumble to keep us in places where we have decided to be. The choice is ours. Most of us dust ourselves off and keep going, but even when we do it doesn't mean we won't fall again. It just means that we understand that these stumbles are part of the gift of being human, the gift of being able to make choices and evolve, the gift of living.
If we do it right, meaning if we reassess and begin the journey again with new found understanding and intent, we have the choice of living a life balanced life between extremes, as it is often the tasting of those extremes that make us fall to being with. We can choose to understand what lies in the middle of emotions and sensations so that we can experience the nuances of being not just the intensities of life. This doesn't mean by standing in the middle of ourselves that we will forgo the highs and lows that make life the wonderful ride it is, it means that we can develop the ability to identify and address extreme situations that usually throw us off from our intent and decided purpose and then make decisions that are right for us.
Being neither angel nor demon, despite having attributes of both, falling is inevitable. Our lot isn't to live at the extreme spectrum of the senses but to experience them in the round. We are human and it is because we are human we have an even larger gift than any celestial being has; we humans, flawed perfections and all, neither damned nor saved for long, can make mistakes and fall but in most cases we can regain balance and choose to place one foot in front of the other and continue on this journey called life.
Falling from grace isn't so bad. It gives us a chance to make decisions and making decisions often brings about change, something most of us yearn for even when we fear and dread it. Falling presents choices and it is we, individually, who decide to take the responsibility and power any opportunity to make a choice brings. Regardless of whether the fall was just a stumble or a drop off a cliff it is an opportunity to redefine ourselves and our lives. We can decide to we pick ourselves up and continue on the journey or allow the tumble to keep us in places where we have decided to be. The choice is ours. Most of us dust ourselves off and keep going, but even when we do it doesn't mean we won't fall again. It just means that we understand that these stumbles are part of the gift of being human, the gift of being able to make choices and evolve, the gift of living.
If we do it right, meaning if we reassess and begin the journey again with new found understanding and intent, we have the choice of living a life balanced life between extremes, as it is often the tasting of those extremes that make us fall to being with. We can choose to understand what lies in the middle of emotions and sensations so that we can experience the nuances of being not just the intensities of life. This doesn't mean by standing in the middle of ourselves that we will forgo the highs and lows that make life the wonderful ride it is, it means that we can develop the ability to identify and address extreme situations that usually throw us off from our intent and decided purpose and then make decisions that are right for us.
Being neither angel nor demon, despite having attributes of both, falling is inevitable. Our lot isn't to live at the extreme spectrum of the senses but to experience them in the round. We are human and it is because we are human we have an even larger gift than any celestial being has; we humans, flawed perfections and all, neither damned nor saved for long, can make mistakes and fall but in most cases we can regain balance and choose to place one foot in front of the other and continue on this journey called life.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Find is Found
Yesterday I took the bus to Lowes, my temple of creative worship but because it was a beautiful day and the buses were running on Sunday schedule I ended up walking home which gave me the opportunity to stop in a store I have been dying to go into. It’s taken me some time to find my way into FIND Home Furnishings because I am usually pressed up against a bus window leering at the tempting furniture and home decorative pieces left invitingly at the entrance of the cavernous warehouse space while the bus makes its way pass it to downtown Brooklyn.
FIND Home Furnishings is located at 59 9th Street. The space is filled with an eclectic, sophisticated selection of lighting, rugs, vases, cabinets, sofas, chairs and odds and ends that definitely invite you to take them home with you. Some of the items are imported and some are refurbished but each is individual and promises to add a new amazing life to your space. They can customize on site, alterations are rightfully confined within the design of the piece, and offer decorative services to ensure you are buying something that works for you and your living space.
FIND Home Furnishings is located at 59 9th Street. The space is filled with an eclectic, sophisticated selection of lighting, rugs, vases, cabinets, sofas, chairs and odds and ends that definitely invite you to take them home with you. Some of the items are imported and some are refurbished but each is individual and promises to add a new amazing life to your space. They can customize on site, alterations are rightfully confined within the design of the piece, and offer decorative services to ensure you are buying something that works for you and your living space.This is not a discount place, but considering the individuality and the workmanship of the goods the pricing is appropriate. I saw many pieces that fall within comparable price ranges for such things. They are currently having a 20% off sale. Just ask for Anca and tell her Simone sent you ;). Just teasing! but do ask for Anca. She was more than generous with her time and allowed me to take as many photos as my dying camera battery let me. 
Below is about 1/4 of the images I wanted to share.
So worth getting off the bus stops before your destination!
(I am dreaming about the above piece!)
Dyed Memories
I grew up in a very creative family. Musicians, Artists, Cooks, Dressmakers and Story Tellers abound. Creativity was in their genes and circumstance never stopped them from finding ways to express themselves. They chose to improve their day to day lives by making and sharing things that in the end became things I now realize were luxuries. Their choice to do so enriched my life in ways I am still learning about. I can never fully express my graditude.
When I think of fashion I can not do so without recalling my Grandmother Rosalie, father and Aunt Frances, but it was Aunt Frances' ability to look at a picture of any dress, hat or handbag and with the materials available make her version of it that has influenced me most.
Aunt Frances was always stylish and she and my Aunt Patty were the movie stars of the family (see photo above, sorry poor quality). Frances was known for dying hand bags and shoes to match and compliment her outfits, sometimes changing the same accessories over and over again until they couldn't be salvaged anymore. It is because of her influence and lessons that I do not hestitate to experiment with recyling the fabric of clothing that no longer suits, dying shoes and bags whose original colors I liked less than than their design or take apart jewelry to rework into new pieces to wear. When I bought Tarrago Self Shine Color Dye Kit with Preparer in black to dye a pair of lime green leather peeptoe slingback sandals black I couldn't help but think of Aunt Frances.
This dye kit is a complete step by step product that includes all you need to change the look of most leather items, including shoes, bags, hats and if your adventurous and patient even clothing. It comes in a variety of colors, including metallic gold and silver. I encourage you to test on a small area first and remember dying darker is always easiest.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Lazy Sunday Afternoon Music Break
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bADgq3mvpM
(My parents played this song so often I still know all the words)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Betty, Betty, Betty....
By now dear reader you must know I love to bake but as a rule of thumb I don't usually buy or keep these goodies in the house. Breakfast muffins aside, I only bake for specific and special occassions and though I don't t buy such treats I do on occassion indulge in other people's goodies while making my way across the city.One of my favorite places is Betty Bakery on Atlantic Avenue. Their red velvet cake is wonderful and the cupcakes they sell are just the right size to satisfy a craving.
A visit is worth the calories -
Betty Bakery at 448 Atlantic Avenue
Betty Bakery at 448 Atlantic Avenue
Shirted Commonwealth for Men
Regardless of your business life every man should have at least one fitted well made men's style shirt in their closet, one that can be paired with jeans or worn with that suit you love or loath. If you're looking for one Commonwealth proper is the brand for you. They take their shirts seriously and offer a wonderful varitety of fitted tailored shirts made of quality fabrics - http://commonwealthproper.com/why.htm
If you're in Philly on July 1 stop by the Pinot Boutique @ 227 Market Street store for a their Trunk Show (6-9pm)
Protection for $22.50
For a limited time Sephora is offerring a kit that contains samples of 13 summer "must haves" -This set contains:-
0.14 oz Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15- 0.23 oz
DDF Protect and Correct UV Moisturizer SPF 15- 0.5 oz
Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20- 0.25 oz
Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20- 0.25 oz
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Lotion SPF 30- 1.0 oz
Anthony Logistics Facial Moisturizer SPF 15- 0.1 oz
Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40- 0.34 oz
Korres Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30- 0.33 oz
Cosmedicine Medi-matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20- 0.08 oz
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++- 0.25 oz
Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Cream SPF 15- 0.4 oz
Philosophy Hope in a Jar SPF 20- 0.25 oz
Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15- 0.01 oz
Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Well-Rested for Eyes SPF 30
Need I write more?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
When Spain Met China
For those of you familiar with it, the above picture doesn't include a sad version of Fry Bread, sorry.On the occassion I get a craving for a crisp piece of fried bread I make a morphed vegan version of a Tortillita, a chickpea flour based pancake usually has chopped shrimp pieces, and a Scallion Pancake that is sometimes made with rice flour.
I love pancakes and fry breads and have been experimenting with recipes trying to make more healthy variations of these types of breads. I usually swap out the regular white flour used for flours that have more nutrients, such as whole wheat or chickpea flour which packs proteins and a number of vitamins and minerals and also include veggies and fresh herbs to add even more. In the end, regardless of the recipe, these types of foods should only be an occassional treat because any variation is almost always fryed in oil.
This isn't and will never be your mother's fry bread...It's probably more like her fritters...
(RECIPE is a variation of a Tortillitas with Shrimp recipe from the NY Times and my friend's husband's batter Scallion Pancake Recipe)
Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup thin soy sauce
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and let sit for 1/2 hour or more before you need it.
I love pancakes and fry breads and have been experimenting with recipes trying to make more healthy variations of these types of breads. I usually swap out the regular white flour used for flours that have more nutrients, such as whole wheat or chickpea flour which packs proteins and a number of vitamins and minerals and also include veggies and fresh herbs to add even more. In the end, regardless of the recipe, these types of foods should only be an occassional treat because any variation is almost always fryed in oil.
This isn't and will never be your mother's fry bread...It's probably more like her fritters...
(RECIPE is a variation of a Tortillitas with Shrimp recipe from the NY Times and my friend's husband's batter Scallion Pancake Recipe)
Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup thin soy sauce
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and let sit for 1/2 hour or more before you need it.
Pancake
1/2 c chickpea
1/2 c rice flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/4 t black pepper or white pepper
1/3-1/2 c chopped scallions
1/3 c confetti sized chopped peppers
1 t sesame seeds
Approx 1 c Iced Cold Water
Veggie Oil
Frying Pan
1/2 c chickpea
1/2 c rice flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/4 t black pepper or white pepper
1/3-1/2 c chopped scallions
1/3 c confetti sized chopped peppers
1 t sesame seeds
Approx 1 c Iced Cold Water
Veggie Oil
Frying Pan
Place all dry ingredients in a bowl.
Do not pour all the water in at once, instead gradually add the iced water until you have a smooth pancake like batter.
Add scallions, veggies and sesame seeds.
Set aside until frying pan is ready.
Warm frying pan over a medium heat and cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of veggie oil. Let oil get hot before ladling in enough batter to cover the entire pan and or smaller amounts to make medallion sized pancakes.
Allow the pancake(s) to fry for about 3 minutes until the edges are firm and beginning turn golden.
Flip and cook for another 3 minutes before flipping one last time for 30-45 seconds or so to crisp up. Place on paper towels to drain.
If you want crisp pancakes do not, I repeat do not, turn them on the draining towel!
The pancake(s) should be crisp and a beautiful golden brown.
Serve HOT with a side of dipping sauce and a good glass of white wine.
THESE ARE NOT GOOD COLD!
Sigh. I only had sparkling water the evening I made those shown in the attached picture.
Cruising New York Style
If you've ever lived at the southern tip of Brooklyn you have probably ventured onto Staten Island at some point in time. Back in the day I found myself on that island more than I care to admit or remember. Nothing against Staten Island, I am just choosing to forget the misadventures that occurred during my visits (You'll have to read the book once it's written after a few of the key players have passed away and can no longer sue me!).Unless the ferry is your mode of transportation onto Manhattan island most New Yorkers forget that they can enjoy a cooling water ride with seashore views of lower Manhattan and other boroughs during the hot summer months for next to nothing via the Staten Island Ferry (http://www.siferry.com/).
Check the website for history and schedules of this New York attraction.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Leather & Laced & Spray Painted
A few weeks ago I pulled p34 out of a magazine that will remain nameless. It featured 3 textured black leather bracelets I really liked, but at $650-$1,290 each these YSL bangles were never going to be gracing my arm.Inspired I had a few ideas on how to create the looks. I tacked the picture to my idea board and as if by magic all of the pieces I needed began to fall into place. See photos below -
I found 2 black wooden bracelets at a jewelry table along 7th Avenue. They cost me $1 a piece
I remembered I had leather string that I could use to weave around the circular bangle. (see middle bracelet in photo)
I decided to glue some unfinished wooden beads I had to the octagonal shaped bangle before adding thin braided leather strips to either side (see bottom bracelet in photo)Once both items are complete I will spray paint them with matte black paint.
I am not drawn to the top cuff in photo but believe it could be re-created by simply gluing dried black turtle beans to a plain wooden cuff and spray painting it black as well.
Tuesday's Mental Musing
A few Saturday mornings ago, coffee cup in hand, I spent way too much time on awfulplasticsurgery.com, a site that features photo after photo evidence of our obsession with maintaining an exaggerated youthful and “perfect” appearance. I was both fascinated and appalled by the before and after pictures of actors, politicians, socialites and musicians we all see in the media, sometimes on a daily basis. I was also a bit ashamed that I was 10 pages in before I could look away.
As I poured over page after page of god-awful images with my mouth hanging open and my head spinning I couldn’t help but feel really sad and despite being far from the ideal, somewhat grateful for my reality. Trust me, there are a number of things I would like to change about me but most of those things are a combination of internal and natural external alterations that work together for my personal evolution rather than physical ones that reflect a youth no longer meant to be mine. What made me sad about the pictures on that site, especially pictures of women who fall into my age group, is that they lacked the grace of aging.
Aging has been an issue since before Cleopatra took all those milk baths and set about making bees wax potions to keep her skin youthful but with the strides continually being made in both the medical and pharmaceutical industries the idea of and ability to maintain a youthful appearance are more and more today’s reality. Unfortunately much of that reality in person is not as pleasant as we anticipate from the photo shopped images we are bombarded with on a daily basis. These images of women in their 40s, 50 and 60s with breasts that defy gravity and stares that look out at us from behind the masks of a 20-30something year old face are telling us not to age and life can only be worth experiencing if it is being done from behind a youthful appearance. They are also skewing what aging beauty is and distracting us from the natural process of time so that the arrival of wrinkles, age spots, thinning hair and changing bodies, once badges of a life lived, are both unacceptable and unexpected.
I can admit that I mind aging and that I will fight tooth and nail to age as gracefully as I can while still owning every line and wrinkle this wonderful experience called life has and will bestow upon me. Yes, if I had a choice I would remain as I looked in my mid 20s while continuing to gather all the experience as I go along, but that’s not going to happen. So, like most women, I will struggle with acceptance and try not to force back time in order to become a mere jarring facsimile of who I was in my youth. Luckily I come from good genes and I only have to look around at the women in my family to see that the path ahead isn’t so bad. It is my head that must wrap itself around the changes coming.
I know I am not alone in this struggle. Even the most confident secure women, women who flaunt masters degrees, speak 6 languages, own businesses and raise families with one hand while they do their life work with the other, get caught off guard by changes that occur with time and the message that we are receiving that they shouldn’t be accepted let alone embraced. Earth mother movements, which accept the loving and powerful crone image, itself is a stereo type of ideal aging, aside, the role models for women balancing and being the best they can be through healthy and natural diet, exercise and beauty routines that don’t require scalpels and injections or photo shop are far and few between. It is only with diligence that the reality of our true individual beauty can be held in focus and allowed to shine in its own manner so that we are as beautiful as we feel. And it is we that must demand that she reveal herself as she is and it is we that must find empathy when she does and not ridicule that which we need to see in order to look in our own mirrors and accept the reality of the women we are becoming.
As I poured over page after page of god-awful images with my mouth hanging open and my head spinning I couldn’t help but feel really sad and despite being far from the ideal, somewhat grateful for my reality. Trust me, there are a number of things I would like to change about me but most of those things are a combination of internal and natural external alterations that work together for my personal evolution rather than physical ones that reflect a youth no longer meant to be mine. What made me sad about the pictures on that site, especially pictures of women who fall into my age group, is that they lacked the grace of aging.
Aging has been an issue since before Cleopatra took all those milk baths and set about making bees wax potions to keep her skin youthful but with the strides continually being made in both the medical and pharmaceutical industries the idea of and ability to maintain a youthful appearance are more and more today’s reality. Unfortunately much of that reality in person is not as pleasant as we anticipate from the photo shopped images we are bombarded with on a daily basis. These images of women in their 40s, 50 and 60s with breasts that defy gravity and stares that look out at us from behind the masks of a 20-30something year old face are telling us not to age and life can only be worth experiencing if it is being done from behind a youthful appearance. They are also skewing what aging beauty is and distracting us from the natural process of time so that the arrival of wrinkles, age spots, thinning hair and changing bodies, once badges of a life lived, are both unacceptable and unexpected.
I can admit that I mind aging and that I will fight tooth and nail to age as gracefully as I can while still owning every line and wrinkle this wonderful experience called life has and will bestow upon me. Yes, if I had a choice I would remain as I looked in my mid 20s while continuing to gather all the experience as I go along, but that’s not going to happen. So, like most women, I will struggle with acceptance and try not to force back time in order to become a mere jarring facsimile of who I was in my youth. Luckily I come from good genes and I only have to look around at the women in my family to see that the path ahead isn’t so bad. It is my head that must wrap itself around the changes coming.
I know I am not alone in this struggle. Even the most confident secure women, women who flaunt masters degrees, speak 6 languages, own businesses and raise families with one hand while they do their life work with the other, get caught off guard by changes that occur with time and the message that we are receiving that they shouldn’t be accepted let alone embraced. Earth mother movements, which accept the loving and powerful crone image, itself is a stereo type of ideal aging, aside, the role models for women balancing and being the best they can be through healthy and natural diet, exercise and beauty routines that don’t require scalpels and injections or photo shop are far and few between. It is only with diligence that the reality of our true individual beauty can be held in focus and allowed to shine in its own manner so that we are as beautiful as we feel. And it is we that must demand that she reveal herself as she is and it is we that must find empathy when she does and not ridicule that which we need to see in order to look in our own mirrors and accept the reality of the women we are becoming.
Sun, Sand and Coconut
One of the great pleasures available during the summer months in and around NYC's Chinatown are the cold coconut water stands that come out when the heat hits. For about $1.50-$3.00 you can enjoy the refreshing and cooling water housed in it's natural shell and if you're adventurous use a spoon to scrape the sweet jellied like fruit treat afterwards.
hmmmmmmmmmmm
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Cleverly Seductive....
A few weeks ago I received a free promotional sample of Post-it's new Flag Pen. This medium point ball point pen comes in varity of colored inks and each one has 50 tag flags readily available for taking and making notes. I find myself so smitten that I am even considering purchasing another from Amazon.com -http://www.amazon.com/Post-Flag-Pen-Flags-Refills/dp/B0000AQNWH/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1245458104&sr=8-3
Happy Father's Day!
to all the men out there that have taken the responsibility of being a Dad beyond the contribution of making a child and are reaping the reward of watching lives, whether they are of your blood or not, form .Happy Father's Day!
(My Great-Grandfather Papa Hoey and Friend being dapper back in the day!)
A Memory Modernized
Growing up my cousin Yvette loved 3 things, Violet candy, strawberry smelling shampoos and anything that smelled like coconut or cocoa butter. A bottle of Palmer's Cocoa Butter could always be found on her dresser. It was frequently replaced because she did not hestitate to slather it on every chance she got and those of us within reach were always the receipients of the "extra" lotion. To this day anytime I smell anything with a cocoa butter scent I think of Yvette.Back then there was no thought of sunscreen and Hawaiian Tropic Tans were the dream so when I came across a few samples of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E and SPF 15 in a magazine recently I had to stop and consider it. The minute I put it on I was once again 6 years old watching my teenage cousins "play the fool" and waiting to have my elbows and knees roughly slathered with "extra" Lotion. Of course this time I was protected from the Prospect Park sun while wearing the memory.
After happily using all the samples I called Yvette to share the news, but she already had a bottle on her nightstand!
Available at your local drugstore for around $8.00 a 8.5 oz bottle.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
One of These Things Is Alot Like the Other..
I pulled this page from the most recent Instyle magazine because of the Vera Wang Shoe circled. It reminds me so of the Old Navy Jersey Ankle-Tie Wedges I have been eying for the last few months, see below, which look an awful lot like another pair of espadrille tie wedges I bought 3 or 4 years ago....The Raffia Wedges with Grosgrain Ribbon from Vera Wang Lavender Label retail for $275. I think the differences in design between it and the Old Navy's Wedge, which retails for between $29.50 -$20.00 depending upon color, is worth the savings of $245.00 difference in pricing. What do you think?
Friday Music Video Break...Warning Adult Language & Teenage Lust...
(haha I had to post this! I couldn't stop laughing , total 1989 recall!)
Adding this one for my friend who commented
"I thought your blog was suppose to be classier than that"
Uhm..sometimes one can't help being blunt and beastie ;)
HAPPY FRIDAY!
My Perfect Threesome..
If you've never sprinkled good balsamic vinegar on ripe watermelon or strawberries
you don't know what you're missing...
Try it..you might like it..
To Fish Or Not To Fish...
I REALLY want this ring by Kenneth Jay Lane or maybe I just want to wear it for a while. 22K Gold plated with stones and Swarovski crystal eyes it retails for between $150 (http://www.blogger.com/www.saks.com) and $185 (http://www.my-wardrobe.com/) .
See how beautiful it's green pave' Swarovski crystal sister looks on the hand.
I think I will go fishing in calmer waters and see who has been "inspired" by this beauty....
"GONE FISHING"
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sexy, Sexy, Sexy
My friend Mark always asks me why I don't post about sex or things sexy. Funny I thought living life in your own luxurious ways was sexy. I guess my posts aren't blatant enough - lol!
Sexy is something that goes beyond looks, though being attractive is part of the allure. Owning your looks and style is sexy. Being in the moment is sexy. Playing both your weaknesses and strengths is sexy. It's about energy and charisma and charm. It's about intelligence and humor and so much more. Some of us have it all naturally, some of us have to work at it, which if done wrong is not sexy at all.
So for my friend Mark I post the following photos of people who I think were/are sexy....Let your eyes luxuriate on some sexy and work it out
Sofia " Classic Sexy" Loren
Jane " Bad Girl" Russell
Rita Hayworth
Catherine "Forever" Deneuve
Dorothy Dandridge & Harry Belafonte
Gregory Peck
Cary "Dapper Man" Grant
Paul "American Sexy" Newman
Chow Yun Fat
George " Classic" Clooney
Will "I grew into my ears" Smith
The Incredible Eatable Egg
With summer in full stride it is especially important to me that I spend as little time preparing and making meals as possible. One of my fall backs is always the simple and complete CHICKEN egg. I know people who actually cook Ostrich egg omlettes so I want to be clear I mean chicken eggs!Unfortunately many of us still consider an egg a breakfast only food but with a little imagination and even less effort the egg can be a quick lunch or supper meal that provides 13 essential nutrients, including high quality protein, promotes weight management and is only 75 calories per large size egg.
A while back I posted the baked egg recipe I use a lot, but it's summer and I, like many of you I am sure, loathe the idea of turning on the oven, so following is a list of easy simple recipes to consider
- Lay Simple Fried Egg over a bed Mix Greens, Tomatos and a few shredded Basil leaves.
Sometimes I even season the egg by sauting a bit of chopped garlic and onion in Olive Oil and Butter before cracking the egg on top to fry. After placing Egg atop salad bed sprinkle with Balsamic Vinegar, then Salt & Pepper for an improvised salad dressing.
- Hard boil and Chop 2 Eggs and fill 2 small Pita Pockets with them, Mixed Greens, Red Onions, Chopped Black Olives with Capers and Tomatoes, Salt & Pepper. (Think of your options here!)
- Poach 2 Eggs per serving in salted water and serve over cooked Pasta that has been lightly salted and still a little moist. I usually sautee some garlic and fresh herbs in olive oil and pour it still hot over both Egg and Pasta before mixing it all up. If you like or want meat you can add a slice or 2 of shredded proscuitto or fried, crumbled bacon or panchetta to mixture.
- Make an Omlette (screw technique here!) using chopped fresh Herbs and Veggies that draw your eye this season. This options are endless this time of year. You can combine and mix Onions, Scallions or Shallots, Garlic, all variety of Mushrooms and Peppers, hot, pickled or jarred, roasted, etc, Kernals of Corn, diced Tomatos, Asparagus, Yellow Squash or Zuchinni chopped into match sticks so they cook quicker..don't forget the fresh herbs - Basil, Rosemary, Mint, Cilantro..I haven't even mentioned using shredded cheeses...Serve with toast points and a small side salad.
- Take any of the ingredients you would use for an omlette, saute in butter and a bit of oil, your choice, spread the mixture to cover the bottom of pan, pour 6-8 beaten salt and peppered eggs over, cover and let cook for until firm around edges, flip using plate technique (place plate larger than pan atop, turn over and pray all plops out, slide back into pan) let cook a bit more and cut into 6-8 wedges before serving with sides of salads, veggies.
What you do to your egg is between you, it and your stomach, but consider the versatility of this small humble and complete meal.
This post is not endorsed by the American Egg Board (aeb.org)
Please Kill Me...
Should you ever hear that I paid $125 for a tube of mascara. I do not care if it promises to grow my lashes and make them thicker. Luckily I have lashes long enough to keep the dust out of my eyes and to bat while flirting but even if I didn't I could never justify spending this much money on mascara or any make-up for that matter. Can You?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musing
Not a day goes by that I am asked what country I am from or assumed to be an ethnicity other than what history runs in me. I find it infuriating and I am not alone. Many of my friends and family that claim various directions but one path have similar stories of always explaining who we are to people that don’t matter or ignoring requests to be what we are not from people who do. For much of my life these daily, I kid you not, incidents left no room for vulnerable exposure and can explain why much of my youth was spent in extremes of silent tolerance or determined and loud explorations of various aspects of my traditions and why my tongue learned to slice off heads and other body parts in response to insensitive assumptions.
There was a time when being told what I was expected to or should be made me cringe and shake with anger and indignation. I was appalled that people did not have the decency to ask the questions in a direct and honest manner and once the answers were received accept that who or what I might be wasn't as simple as they would have liked. There were even times when I felt ashamed that my truth was too complex to tie up in a neat little package for delivery. I was angered that in America, the great melting pot, people still needed to define others as not belonging. What truly irritated me was rather than stopping and owning their own issues regarding the fact that who and what I might be differed from their expectations of who and what I should be they believed I wasn't being honest. Their choice to pigeon hole me within their understanding of my "people's history" often alienated me from the security I had originally felt in just being me. At times it made me question the worth and value of my own history despite knowing the wealth I had.
Perhaps coming from the family I come from I was blessed with the gift of no expectation. I come from a multi ethnic and religious family. We know our history, some of us more than others, but we are a true American family that can touch on most lines of immigration into this country, some before it was a country, while holding hands with those that have always been here. I write this with unabashed pride but without conceit. As a child I never questioned our differences, instead I embraced the culture and traditions members of the various branches of my family shared with me. It wasn't until I entered the school system that I was made painfully aware that last names didn't match physical expectations, that religious symbolism couldn't possibly be claimed and that the history I had been given was a fairy tale because those in question couldn't see America beyond the boundaries that kept them safe. Needless to say this did a lot of damage to not only my self esteem but to the self esteem of many of my cousins and friends who shared the similar experience of struggling against being defined as who and what they were based on assumptions not on who they believed and knew themselves to be. Many chose to trade in their rich family history for the history of one parent or selected spouses in order to protect their children from facing the similar circumstances. Many of them, like me, refused to be defined and continue to struggle against the ignorance of others and at times, ourselves, but the struggle in what seems an endless war can take its toll.
My grandmother once explained to me that everyone is in search of their “tribe" and that is why someone will make assumptions regarding the particular ethnic or religious group you “should” belong. By identifying you they are trying to connect or relate to you, sometimes in a way that separates them from you, but they are trying to determine the boundaries of that understanding. Her innocent way of trying to explain away peoples rude and hurtful behavior, as well as help me confront my own prejudicial feelings towards others, was appreciated but as an adult I am a little less "we are all related" when it comes to tolerating such behavior. I often end up asking questions of the person making the assumptions in a way that holds a mirror up to them. Whether they actually see what they are looking at is their choice but I know that if I am lucky I am going to run across people whose culture and traditions differ from my own and allowing my curiosity to be vulnerable and sincere might go a longer way than just making assumptions regarding their cultures and beliefs. Admitting my ignorance and accepting that when my path crosses someone who is beyond my experience that they belong to my experience regardless of the details might allow that person to not only share who they are but be happy and in turn allow me to be happy as well. Admitting my fears and uneasiness with things different might allow me to reach pass the safety of the prejudices and stereotypes I have in regards to others that I have no true individual history with and allow the reality and depth of an individual to reveal itself in a wonderful and magical way.
I will be the first to admit it is a struggle to do so, especially when faced with social situations that encourage a hierarchy based on stereo-types and definitions. Despite standing rooted in who and what my genes and traditions tell me I am I know that the definition of me goes beyond what I have been given especially as those boarders change with age and experience. I adopt and let go of things with the understanding the roots are still strong. In trying to define myself for the sake of those who require me to, including myself at times, I find that I can be but I can not own any part of who I truly am. In protest of being defined only within my history I find myself proudly checking off "other" in most areas of my life, especially when Woman, Artist, American doesn't pacify the curious. Sometimes not staking firm claim to a specific identity alienates me from certain aspects of what joins together to define being that "other" but it also leaves room for what "other" can be defined and hopefully pushes peoples, including my own, notions of what someone of "----" background should be. " Perhaps that is the best way to be? I am still living this life so I will let you know when I reach the end.
There was a time when being told what I was expected to or should be made me cringe and shake with anger and indignation. I was appalled that people did not have the decency to ask the questions in a direct and honest manner and once the answers were received accept that who or what I might be wasn't as simple as they would have liked. There were even times when I felt ashamed that my truth was too complex to tie up in a neat little package for delivery. I was angered that in America, the great melting pot, people still needed to define others as not belonging. What truly irritated me was rather than stopping and owning their own issues regarding the fact that who and what I might be differed from their expectations of who and what I should be they believed I wasn't being honest. Their choice to pigeon hole me within their understanding of my "people's history" often alienated me from the security I had originally felt in just being me. At times it made me question the worth and value of my own history despite knowing the wealth I had.
Perhaps coming from the family I come from I was blessed with the gift of no expectation. I come from a multi ethnic and religious family. We know our history, some of us more than others, but we are a true American family that can touch on most lines of immigration into this country, some before it was a country, while holding hands with those that have always been here. I write this with unabashed pride but without conceit. As a child I never questioned our differences, instead I embraced the culture and traditions members of the various branches of my family shared with me. It wasn't until I entered the school system that I was made painfully aware that last names didn't match physical expectations, that religious symbolism couldn't possibly be claimed and that the history I had been given was a fairy tale because those in question couldn't see America beyond the boundaries that kept them safe. Needless to say this did a lot of damage to not only my self esteem but to the self esteem of many of my cousins and friends who shared the similar experience of struggling against being defined as who and what they were based on assumptions not on who they believed and knew themselves to be. Many chose to trade in their rich family history for the history of one parent or selected spouses in order to protect their children from facing the similar circumstances. Many of them, like me, refused to be defined and continue to struggle against the ignorance of others and at times, ourselves, but the struggle in what seems an endless war can take its toll.
My grandmother once explained to me that everyone is in search of their “tribe" and that is why someone will make assumptions regarding the particular ethnic or religious group you “should” belong. By identifying you they are trying to connect or relate to you, sometimes in a way that separates them from you, but they are trying to determine the boundaries of that understanding. Her innocent way of trying to explain away peoples rude and hurtful behavior, as well as help me confront my own prejudicial feelings towards others, was appreciated but as an adult I am a little less "we are all related" when it comes to tolerating such behavior. I often end up asking questions of the person making the assumptions in a way that holds a mirror up to them. Whether they actually see what they are looking at is their choice but I know that if I am lucky I am going to run across people whose culture and traditions differ from my own and allowing my curiosity to be vulnerable and sincere might go a longer way than just making assumptions regarding their cultures and beliefs. Admitting my ignorance and accepting that when my path crosses someone who is beyond my experience that they belong to my experience regardless of the details might allow that person to not only share who they are but be happy and in turn allow me to be happy as well. Admitting my fears and uneasiness with things different might allow me to reach pass the safety of the prejudices and stereotypes I have in regards to others that I have no true individual history with and allow the reality and depth of an individual to reveal itself in a wonderful and magical way.
I will be the first to admit it is a struggle to do so, especially when faced with social situations that encourage a hierarchy based on stereo-types and definitions. Despite standing rooted in who and what my genes and traditions tell me I am I know that the definition of me goes beyond what I have been given especially as those boarders change with age and experience. I adopt and let go of things with the understanding the roots are still strong. In trying to define myself for the sake of those who require me to, including myself at times, I find that I can be but I can not own any part of who I truly am. In protest of being defined only within my history I find myself proudly checking off "other" in most areas of my life, especially when Woman, Artist, American doesn't pacify the curious. Sometimes not staking firm claim to a specific identity alienates me from certain aspects of what joins together to define being that "other" but it also leaves room for what "other" can be defined and hopefully pushes peoples, including my own, notions of what someone of "----" background should be. " Perhaps that is the best way to be? I am still living this life so I will let you know when I reach the end.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Similar Ingredients..Same Indulgences..Different Expressions
The making of good coffee is about ritual not just about flavor. It's about the smells and presentation not just about taste, though for the taste to be amazing all those things need to come together in a pageantry worth the experience.One of the pleasures I brought home with me from Brazil many years ago was the sometimes treat of using sweetened condensed milk in my coffee. Sweetened condensed milk is a Brazilian favorite and shows up in many deserts and drinks. Using it in your coffee is like having both, since there is always a layer of the creamy goodness left in the bottom of the cup to be spooned like syrupy pudding until it’s gone. This stuff, like nutella, is calorically lethal but ooooooooh so damn good! This is definitely an occassional luxury!
I recently learned that Vietnam shares a similar tradition. Whether the coffee is enjoyed hot (ca phe sua nong in Vietnamese) or iced (ca phe sua da) a good dollop of condensed milk is added to the bottom of the cup before the piping hot directly filtered coffee descends upon it.
Up until about week ago I made these style drinks by simply pouring piping hot freshly brewed strong black coffee over a layer of sweetened condensed milk placed in the bottom of a cup or glass filled with ice but last week I received a Vietnamese Style Coffee Filter (http://www.amazon.com/ for $4.98 + shipping) and am now able to mimic the taste and style of these Vietnamese coffee treats without much effort. The key is to use coffee that has chicory in it. I used the Cafe Dumont coffee I keep in my refridge. Many Asian markets carry this brand of coffee, but if you can't find it in your area, http://www.amazon.com/ sells the coffee 2 cans for $11.95.
hmmmmmm coffee
hmmmmmm coffee
I May Be Late On the Draw...
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Published in July 2008 this book shows you how to turn t shirts, candy wrappers, placemats and other odd things into fairly fashionable totes and sacks. Using scissors, tape, staples and little or no sewing the book shows step by step instructions. These bags are fun, but with a little effort and imagination of your own you can turn them into as high of an end handbag as you want.I took out the copy from the library and suggest you do the same before heading on over to Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Sublime-Bags-Low-Sew-Projects/dp/0307393623/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243650070&sr=8-1#
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thank You My Friend!
I have thunder thighs and that’s a complimentBecause they are strong, toned and muscular
And though they are unwelcome in the petite section
They are cheered on in Marathons
Fifty years from now I will bounce a grandchild
On my thunder thighs and then I’ll go for a run
Just Do It!
Roman Lust..
I have wanted a pair of Gladiator style sandals since last summer but I refused to pay the sometime $100 and over asking price I was finding attached to the styles I was drawn to. Sorry I can't justify that price for a shoe that is basically made of wisps of leather with bits and bobs for decoration that I will probably destroy before the season ends.Yesterday after work I took my "frugal self" on a shopping spree and found the attached silver studded sandals at Pay Half in the Altantic Avenue Mall(I've blogged about this place before!) They cost me all of $19.99. Yes, they are made of man made materials, PETA should be proud, but they seem pretty sturdy. I pulled and pushed and played with zipping and unzipping them to make sure that all pieces were firmly in place.
Pay Half has a huge selection of sandals that reflect the current trend in this footwear. Prices range from $7.99 to $29.99, depending on style and brand. I tried on 8 different pair before deciding to buy these and don't think I am not considering returning to buy a fuschia pair I vetoed in my attempt not to be greedy...sometimes it takes greed to build an empire....
Sooo worth the trip to your local Pay Half Store
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