Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
If only...
I still think the Vena Cava show was the best. Everything else just seemed too "held back" in a sense, very retail oriented, not enough art...
Individual looks I like from some of my favorite designers (& a few new ones):
Bodkin
3.1 Phillip Lim
Matthew Ames (my dream everyday wear)
Ohne Titel
Rachel Comey (oh so 1994)
Thakoon (the most subtle of the 'side cutouts' i've seen this season... always love his saturated colors)
Narciso Rodriguez (love love love all that opaque white... although, of course, no real woman could pull that off...)
all pics via nymag.com
Individual looks I like from some of my favorite designers (& a few new ones):
Bodkin
3.1 Phillip Lim
Matthew Ames (my dream everyday wear)
Ohne Titel
Rachel Comey (oh so 1994)
Thakoon (the most subtle of the 'side cutouts' i've seen this season... always love his saturated colors)
Narciso Rodriguez (love love love all that opaque white... although, of course, no real woman could pull that off...)all pics via nymag.com
Sunday, February 15, 2009
God, I love Vena Cava
A few of my favorite looks from Vena Cava's Fall 2009 collection... The shoes are pretty great, too.
The last is a tempting wedding dress, don't you think???
(Pics via WWD.)
The last is a tempting wedding dress, don't you think???(Pics via WWD.)
Monday, February 09, 2009
Matthew Ames S'09 Lookbook
I love love love the new lookbook for Matthew Ames Spring 2009 collection. It's beautiful in every way - the clothes, the location, the photos, styling, perfectly cast model... I'm dying to see more of photographer Sybille Walter's work, but I can't seem to track down a website... Boy, what I wouldn't give to assist on a shoot like that!
Pics via Refinery29
Pics via Refinery29
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Heaven
When I die, I hope God serves ramen...
and really fresh sushi...
...and perfectly ripe avocados. And I hope I get to wear stripes and cardigans while eating it...
and really fresh sushi...
...and perfectly ripe avocados. And I hope I get to wear stripes and cardigans while eating it...
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Good Ol' Steve
I'm foaming at the mouth for Steven Alan's Spring Preview! Now, if only I could convince myself that my income tax refund should go towards a new wardrobe...
All Soft and Brooklyn-y
My new favorite thing is this picture I took yesterday of fellow Brooklynites (& fellow former Okies), Muggabears. I'm in love with the soft colors & light and the faint reflection of Brooklyn apartments in the window... To see more, check out my photo-blog.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
Yesterday was incredible. I woke up early (due to sickness, but thankfully), and watched the entire day of events on my couch. At about 10pm, I was on inauguration overload and went to bed. Some of the moments that struck me:
1. The very visible transfer of power from one man to another. I had no idea I would be able to see one man's power visibly fade while the other visibly absorbed it.
2. The grace and charm with which the Bushes & Obamas treated each other throughout this transfer.
3. The pomp & history of our country that played out yesterday. The plethera of traditional events, manners, and salutations was fascinating.
4. Obama's walk, alone, through the halls of the Capital, approaching his destiny. You could see the poignancy & contemplation on his face. It was truly an amazing moment. I was so moved. I think that's when my tears started flowing uncontrollably...
5. The gathered past presidents.
6. The Obama daughters' poise, good behavior, and joy through what had to be a tiring day.
7. The equality & mutual respect of Barack & Michelle. I feel like she's so much a part of him, and vice-versa.
8. The sexiness of Barack & Michelle. Man, when they had their first dance, (through my second round of tears) I saw such obvious sexual attraction between them.
9. Barack's potent joy post-inauguration.
10. And one of my favorite moments of the entire day was the inaugural benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery. The entire prayer was lovely, as was his cadence, but the end was so full of sixites' activism, humor, history, and joy:
"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!
Say amen --
AUDIENCE: Amen!
...and amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!"
Amen, indeed.
1. The very visible transfer of power from one man to another. I had no idea I would be able to see one man's power visibly fade while the other visibly absorbed it.
2. The grace and charm with which the Bushes & Obamas treated each other throughout this transfer.
3. The pomp & history of our country that played out yesterday. The plethera of traditional events, manners, and salutations was fascinating.
4. Obama's walk, alone, through the halls of the Capital, approaching his destiny. You could see the poignancy & contemplation on his face. It was truly an amazing moment. I was so moved. I think that's when my tears started flowing uncontrollably...
5. The gathered past presidents.
6. The Obama daughters' poise, good behavior, and joy through what had to be a tiring day.
7. The equality & mutual respect of Barack & Michelle. I feel like she's so much a part of him, and vice-versa.
8. The sexiness of Barack & Michelle. Man, when they had their first dance, (through my second round of tears) I saw such obvious sexual attraction between them.
9. Barack's potent joy post-inauguration.
10. And one of my favorite moments of the entire day was the inaugural benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery. The entire prayer was lovely, as was his cadence, but the end was so full of sixites' activism, humor, history, and joy:
"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!
Say amen --
AUDIENCE: Amen!
...and amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!"
Amen, indeed.
Monday, January 12, 2009
I, resolved.
I didn't follow many of my resolutions for 2008 (except the best ones, #4 & #5), and I'm already grumbling at the ones I made for this year ("Work hard"?! Ugh!)... BUT... in keeping with tradition (yes, I know I've only done it once before), I'm sharing my resolutions for the year. I haven't really started on them yet, and I think I must've written them when I was feeling much more idealistic about my life than I am at the moment. Perhaps, though, they are indeed the ideal for my life this year, and sharing them with you is akin to printing them out and posting them all over my walls where I'm forced to face them. Most of them relate to my newfound (nearly) boundless (yikes) freedom as a freelancer. And so, without further ado... Ahem...
• Live, not vegetate. (What can I say? I tend to veg. I feel like Oprah coming out of the fat closet. I know New Yorkers are not supposed to veg... I do... Ripped this from Arnold Bennett's wish that we'd make "the full use of one's time to the great end of living as distinguished from vegetating".)
• Work hard. (See what I mean? This was obviously written while on vacation when I was all pumped about making things happen.)
• Yoga & run. Run in a race (and actually RACE!).
• Kick-start the year with a new reel, resume, and website, and send to contacts. (I am working on this.)
• Work on PROCESS. (In progress.)
• Use the library. (I love the NYPL, and I used to love going to the library all day as a child/student. Just need to add those two together.)
• Journal every day. (Yeah, haven't done that yet... I've thought about it as I lie in bed at night... I did dig out a notebook today...)
• Communicate. (As my cousin used to say to her 2 year-old son, "Use your words.")
• Quit reading celebrity trash online. (Ooh! I am doing this... but do I really want to admit this to you people?)
• Figure out a productive daily routine. (M-Th = work days. Get up early. Get out of house early. Go on a walk...)
• Live, not vegetate. (What can I say? I tend to veg. I feel like Oprah coming out of the fat closet. I know New Yorkers are not supposed to veg... I do... Ripped this from Arnold Bennett's wish that we'd make "the full use of one's time to the great end of living as distinguished from vegetating".)
• Work hard. (See what I mean? This was obviously written while on vacation when I was all pumped about making things happen.)
• Yoga & run. Run in a race (and actually RACE!).
• Kick-start the year with a new reel, resume, and website, and send to contacts. (I am working on this.)
• Work on PROCESS. (In progress.)
• Use the library. (I love the NYPL, and I used to love going to the library all day as a child/student. Just need to add those two together.)
• Journal every day. (Yeah, haven't done that yet... I've thought about it as I lie in bed at night... I did dig out a notebook today...)
• Communicate. (As my cousin used to say to her 2 year-old son, "Use your words.")
• Quit reading celebrity trash online. (Ooh! I am doing this... but do I really want to admit this to you people?)
• Figure out a productive daily routine. (M-Th = work days. Get up early. Get out of house early. Go on a walk...)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
V O T E
Feelin' H O P E F U L on the walk home from voting today... No lines either! I kinda wanted to wait in line!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama
My new favorite thing is not only the fact that Colin Powell just endorsed Barack Obama on "Meet the Press"... It was the way he did it.
Finally, someone worth respecting has endorsed one person while respectfully R-E-S-P-E-C-T-fully disagreeing with the campaign of the other. Key word is "respect" here people. Has everyone forgotten what that is?
Colin Powell also brought up a few things that have been worth mentioning, but everyone's been so wound up lately none of it ever gets said:
- The Arab issue. "Obama's an Arab. He's Muslim..." After Powell repeats that Obama is indeed a Christian American, he asks, "Well, what if he was Muslim?" Powell says this is the RIGHT question, adding that we as a nation seriously need to get beyond this prejudice. He eloquently described the story of a U.S. soldier of high-honor and Arab-descent. Powell reminded us that Americans come in all races, ethnicities, and beliefs. ALL of these people should be given due respect as U.S. citizens, remembering that some of these citizens are U.S. soldiers.
- The Terrorist issue. Powell ties this to the Arab issue, and he calls out the hateful message surrounding the McCain campaign that Barack Obama is somehow a "terrorist" or tied to various terrorists. (And if he's Arab AND a terrorist, why then he must be an ARAB TERRORIST!!!) While many of us know this is completely ridiculous, it doesn't go without saying. Powell didn't shy away from Ayers in the interview, but called its use in McCain's campaign "demagoguery" (a leader making use of popular prejudices and false claims in order to gain power).
Powell also addressed his lack of faith in Sarah Palin and questioned McCain's judgement in choosing her. His party moving more to the right, as he mentioned more than once, is not a concept he supports, and a concept he claims Palin is more than ready to push even further.
He says all of this with due respect for McCain as a soldier, colleague, and friend of 25 years. McCain has already said he's "not surprised" by the endorsement (um, why not, pray tell?) and rattled off a list of other high-profile repub's supporting him (Kissinger, one). Sorry, Johnny, but Kissinger's endorsement isn't as "Pow! Right in the kisser!" as Powell's.
My favorite part of the endorsement was when Powell described the Obama campaign's general worldview as "inclusive" and McCain's as "narrow" (or exclusive). I have personal moral opinions regarding this general distinction, and it's just another reason I believe Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama is not only worthy of our respect, but RIGHT.
Finally, someone worth respecting has endorsed one person while respectfully R-E-S-P-E-C-T-fully disagreeing with the campaign of the other. Key word is "respect" here people. Has everyone forgotten what that is?
Colin Powell also brought up a few things that have been worth mentioning, but everyone's been so wound up lately none of it ever gets said:
- The Arab issue. "Obama's an Arab. He's Muslim..." After Powell repeats that Obama is indeed a Christian American, he asks, "Well, what if he was Muslim?" Powell says this is the RIGHT question, adding that we as a nation seriously need to get beyond this prejudice. He eloquently described the story of a U.S. soldier of high-honor and Arab-descent. Powell reminded us that Americans come in all races, ethnicities, and beliefs. ALL of these people should be given due respect as U.S. citizens, remembering that some of these citizens are U.S. soldiers.
- The Terrorist issue. Powell ties this to the Arab issue, and he calls out the hateful message surrounding the McCain campaign that Barack Obama is somehow a "terrorist" or tied to various terrorists. (And if he's Arab AND a terrorist, why then he must be an ARAB TERRORIST!!!) While many of us know this is completely ridiculous, it doesn't go without saying. Powell didn't shy away from Ayers in the interview, but called its use in McCain's campaign "demagoguery" (a leader making use of popular prejudices and false claims in order to gain power).
Powell also addressed his lack of faith in Sarah Palin and questioned McCain's judgement in choosing her. His party moving more to the right, as he mentioned more than once, is not a concept he supports, and a concept he claims Palin is more than ready to push even further.
He says all of this with due respect for McCain as a soldier, colleague, and friend of 25 years. McCain has already said he's "not surprised" by the endorsement (um, why not, pray tell?) and rattled off a list of other high-profile repub's supporting him (Kissinger, one). Sorry, Johnny, but Kissinger's endorsement isn't as "Pow! Right in the kisser!" as Powell's.
My favorite part of the endorsement was when Powell described the Obama campaign's general worldview as "inclusive" and McCain's as "narrow" (or exclusive). I have personal moral opinions regarding this general distinction, and it's just another reason I believe Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama is not only worthy of our respect, but RIGHT.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
My new favorite thing is this video! Go white, working-class man! Holla!
There are lots of people out there, especially where I'm from (Oklahoma & Texas), that question who Barack "really" is and come up with all kinds of reasons not to believe him. I wonder why so many working-class people with families might not "trust" the man who wants to give them a tax break and healthcare (NON government-run, btw). It's an important question that I don't think many people are willing to ask themselves (or challenge themselves on).
This speech is by Richard Trumka, Secretary of the AFL-CIO -- a leader in the labor movement. He worked in mines starting at 19, and became the president of the miners union.
Trumka has focused on creating investment programs for the pension and benefits funds of the labor movement, fighting Wall Street greed, and challenging politicians to create an equitable economy for working people.
And just to top it off, how about NOT voting for a candidate because he called his WIFE a trollop & a c*nt!!!?!!??? And it tweren't Obama. Mmm, gotta love those family values.
Shout out to my old friend & new favorite morning blog-check, MaryAnn! Thanks for sharing the good word, MAS!
This speech is by Richard Trumka, Secretary of the AFL-CIO -- a leader in the labor movement. He worked in mines starting at 19, and became the president of the miners union.
Trumka has focused on creating investment programs for the pension and benefits funds of the labor movement, fighting Wall Street greed, and challenging politicians to create an equitable economy for working people.
And just to top it off, how about NOT voting for a candidate because he called his WIFE a trollop & a c*nt!!!?!!??? And it tweren't Obama. Mmm, gotta love those family values.
Shout out to my old friend & new favorite morning blog-check, MaryAnn! Thanks for sharing the good word, MAS!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Blog for Peace
John Lennon belongs in my "perpetual favorites" category over there on the left. He was such a huge inspiration to me as a kid growing up in the 'burbs. Now, I marvel at his ease of expressiveness even more than I could've understood back then.
A teenager snuck into his Toronto hotel room in 1969 armed with a tape recorder and asked for John's thoughts on peace. Recently, animation reminiscent of Elenor Rigby in Yellow Submarine was added to the soundtrack to produce this inspiring little ditty:
A teenager snuck into his Toronto hotel room in 1969 armed with a tape recorder and asked for John's thoughts on peace. Recently, animation reminiscent of Elenor Rigby in Yellow Submarine was added to the soundtrack to produce this inspiring little ditty:
Friday, September 19, 2008
Kate Lanphear
Well, here's my biannual Fashion Week-referring post. So, my new favorite thing is Elle's Senior Fashion Editor Kate Lanphear's style. After a week weaving through crowds filled with powerful fashion ladies in their 4-inch spikes, chunky enamel necklaces, frilly ruffled tops and poufy satin skirts, it is refreshing for someone like me (who adores stripes, jeans, black, comfort, and boy-ish cuts) to see one of those powerful ladies wearing just that. Kate Lanphear is known for her rock 'n rollerish-style, platinum bob, and ability to mix low-end pieces with high-end style. I love it! It's so great to see some individual style out there in this industry, and it reinforces that there isn't just one (super-expensive) way to have style. And, she digs the Smiths. I don't think you'll hear Ms. Wintour humming "How Soon is Now?" anytime soon.
Now, where's the peroxide?!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
As Years Go By
I just realized that not only did I just have a birthday (last Thursday), I'm actually now a year older. I forgot about that part.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Nikon d60
My new favorite thing is definitely the Nikon d60. I'm OBSESSED! My friend at work caught me looking at pics of it online and likened it to looking at porn. I tried to be sneaky and shrink the window before anyone walked in, but he caught me! So (sadly) true. This is the smallest digital SLR out there at a whopping, near-professional 10 megapixels.
I am a true photo-wannabe who has basically been without a decent camera for about five (or, more truly, ten) years. I cannot wait!!! Birthday present to myself!!!
I am a true photo-wannabe who has basically been without a decent camera for about five (or, more truly, ten) years. I cannot wait!!! Birthday present to myself!!!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
I am jewelry, HEAR ME ROAR!!!
My not-so-new (but new-to-you!) favorite thing: ANIMAL JEWELRY!
My beau surprised me (by acting as if he'd coughed something up, no less) (and fittingly, I guess he did...) with a beautiful gold snake ring for my birthday last July. NY jeweler, Hannah Clark, designed the oroborus ring with diamond eyes and a very handcrafted texture. Ever since, I've been preying on snake necklaces, elephant rings, etc., albeit from a distance. Check out auto., St. Kilda, and Odette for a peek at some of my favorites.
My beau surprised me (by acting as if he'd coughed something up, no less) (and fittingly, I guess he did...) with a beautiful gold snake ring for my birthday last July. NY jeweler, Hannah Clark, designed the oroborus ring with diamond eyes and a very handcrafted texture. Ever since, I've been preying on snake necklaces, elephant rings, etc., albeit from a distance. Check out auto., St. Kilda, and Odette for a peek at some of my favorites.
Monday, February 11, 2008
rock!
My favorite thing from Fashion Week (aside from the sixty hours of overtime + the high levels of stress & exhaustion) was definitely Sonic Youth at the Marc Jacobs show. I got to see them rehearse, hang backstage while Marc bitched about belt loops, and was graciously gifted with, by far, the coolest fashion week swag ever (hello! sonic youth mixed-nuts)!
Oh yeah, and I MET THURSTON MOORE!!!
The rehearsal:
Oh yeah, and I MET THURSTON MOORE!!!
The rehearsal:
bat at this
One of my favorite things about working during Fashion Week is hearing new (to me) songs on the runways & then hunting them down. There are a few notable catches I made this season: Serge Gainsbourg's "Requiem Pour Un Con," that 70s tranny Amanda Lear's "I Am a Photograph," Frenchies Ultra Orange & Emmanuelle's "Bunny" & "Sing Sing," and Lily-Allen look-alike Bat for Lashes' "What's a Girl to Do?" That's her below!
Almost better than the clothes!
Almost better than the clothes!
Friday, December 21, 2007
"My New Favorite" Resolutions for 2008
Oh, yes, it's that time again... and, for some odd reason, I feel compelled to expound a few of my intentions for the upcoming year.
1. EAT BETTER
Okay, of course I mean "eat less and eat healthier". I do love my organic plain yogurt with walnuts, oat bran, and agave nectar (lower glycemic-index than honey, people!)... I do love my salads & whole grain wasa crackers for lunch (not an everyday thing, but I INTEND to be more consistent!)... I do love my ceylon tea instead of coffee... Yet, this is not entirely what I mean.
I also love the twice-cooked, carmelized heirloom Berkshire pork in two ways over hand-pulled ramen at Momofuku. I love the medium-rare Filet de Boeuf with amazing buttery bearnaise sauce that I experienced during my last visit to Les Halles. I love day-dreaming of the evening Grant and I finally set foot in Per Se, reservation on the books, cash in hand, and palettes prepped to be wowed... And, THIS, this is what I really intend when I say I want to eat better in 2008. I want to experience tasting menus, each plate paired with its own particularly suited wine, so that I may know what it means for food and wine to dance a very coreographed dance in my mouth. I want to expand my palette. I want to taste very familiar foods as if it were for the first time (i.e. the steak at Les Halles). I want to taste new foods and crave more. I want the Spotted Pig, WD-50, more Momofuku, amazingly fresh sushi, ramen in the Japanese dives, kimchee in Koreatown, smelly cheeses, bread from the Italian bakery down the street, more dinner parties at home (with little hand-written nameplates and happy guests)...
I want to eat better in 2008.
2. SAVE MONEY
Again, it's obvious. Another bland resolution. But I've had a revelation. While I've gotten much more selective in my purchases... While I've quit using my credit-cards practically entirely... I am still in Debt. As long as I am not saving permanently, I am just living & working to owe. I'm enslaved by money just as much as it enables me...
Money this year has gotten me a beautiful new apartment that I'm very happy in, a few pieces of nice new furniture. It has allowed me to dump some of my college-grad attire for more swanky duds. It's allowed me to pay off a credit card and pay my bills. It's allowed me to give some money to those that have less of it than I do... Yes, for all its woe, money has given me a little more stability and peace of mind this year. And, still, I am definitely in the red. I intend to continue to work my way into the black. I intend not only to save to spend - I intend to save to SAVE!
3. YOGA
Easy. This is my "be more active" resolution. Duh. All of us couch potatoes need more of it (although, I fully intend to relax & allow myself to indulge, see resolution #5). No, what I really mean by this is to be more CONSISTENT in my life. I want to dedicate myself to something. At the same time, I want to dedicate myself to LESS, and yoga is the one thing. I already know there are new discoveries to be made every day (this year, my eyes were opened to the mysteries of yoga!) What I really want is to practice something regularly, to apply myself, to be disciplined - not in every area of my life, just starting with this ONE thing...
4. EXPRESS MYSELF
It's the same every year. Take more pictures, write more, be crafty, design dresses... make a film... Being a creative person (who hopes to make a career out of this self-expression), I hope to let go of some of the expectations of where I should be at this point in my life creatively, artistically... I want simply, for its own sake, to express myself more often creatively.
This also goes for my verbal expressions. I think coming to New York stifled a bit of my voice, but I'm more comfortable here now. I want to be louder, more fearless, and steadier in speech this year.
5. ALL OF THE ABOVE
Really, I want not only all of the above but all of the things that come along with them. I want to be able to let go of expectations I have of myself and others. I want to carry less anger along with me. I want to greet strangers and (especially) old friends & family with openness. I want balance: relaxation AND discipline, ambition AND acceptance, constancy AND spontaneity, seriousness AND fun!
6. AND... I and my Domino magazine have plans to redecorate the apartment!!!
1. EAT BETTER
Okay, of course I mean "eat less and eat healthier". I do love my organic plain yogurt with walnuts, oat bran, and agave nectar (lower glycemic-index than honey, people!)... I do love my salads & whole grain wasa crackers for lunch (not an everyday thing, but I INTEND to be more consistent!)... I do love my ceylon tea instead of coffee... Yet, this is not entirely what I mean.
I also love the twice-cooked, carmelized heirloom Berkshire pork in two ways over hand-pulled ramen at Momofuku. I love the medium-rare Filet de Boeuf with amazing buttery bearnaise sauce that I experienced during my last visit to Les Halles. I love day-dreaming of the evening Grant and I finally set foot in Per Se, reservation on the books, cash in hand, and palettes prepped to be wowed... And, THIS, this is what I really intend when I say I want to eat better in 2008. I want to experience tasting menus, each plate paired with its own particularly suited wine, so that I may know what it means for food and wine to dance a very coreographed dance in my mouth. I want to expand my palette. I want to taste very familiar foods as if it were for the first time (i.e. the steak at Les Halles). I want to taste new foods and crave more. I want the Spotted Pig, WD-50, more Momofuku, amazingly fresh sushi, ramen in the Japanese dives, kimchee in Koreatown, smelly cheeses, bread from the Italian bakery down the street, more dinner parties at home (with little hand-written nameplates and happy guests)...
I want to eat better in 2008.
2. SAVE MONEY
Again, it's obvious. Another bland resolution. But I've had a revelation. While I've gotten much more selective in my purchases... While I've quit using my credit-cards practically entirely... I am still in Debt. As long as I am not saving permanently, I am just living & working to owe. I'm enslaved by money just as much as it enables me...
Money this year has gotten me a beautiful new apartment that I'm very happy in, a few pieces of nice new furniture. It has allowed me to dump some of my college-grad attire for more swanky duds. It's allowed me to pay off a credit card and pay my bills. It's allowed me to give some money to those that have less of it than I do... Yes, for all its woe, money has given me a little more stability and peace of mind this year. And, still, I am definitely in the red. I intend to continue to work my way into the black. I intend not only to save to spend - I intend to save to SAVE!
3. YOGA
Easy. This is my "be more active" resolution. Duh. All of us couch potatoes need more of it (although, I fully intend to relax & allow myself to indulge, see resolution #5). No, what I really mean by this is to be more CONSISTENT in my life. I want to dedicate myself to something. At the same time, I want to dedicate myself to LESS, and yoga is the one thing. I already know there are new discoveries to be made every day (this year, my eyes were opened to the mysteries of yoga!) What I really want is to practice something regularly, to apply myself, to be disciplined - not in every area of my life, just starting with this ONE thing...
4. EXPRESS MYSELF
It's the same every year. Take more pictures, write more, be crafty, design dresses... make a film... Being a creative person (who hopes to make a career out of this self-expression), I hope to let go of some of the expectations of where I should be at this point in my life creatively, artistically... I want simply, for its own sake, to express myself more often creatively.
This also goes for my verbal expressions. I think coming to New York stifled a bit of my voice, but I'm more comfortable here now. I want to be louder, more fearless, and steadier in speech this year.
5. ALL OF THE ABOVE
Really, I want not only all of the above but all of the things that come along with them. I want to be able to let go of expectations I have of myself and others. I want to carry less anger along with me. I want to greet strangers and (especially) old friends & family with openness. I want balance: relaxation AND discipline, ambition AND acceptance, constancy AND spontaneity, seriousness AND fun!
6. AND... I and my Domino magazine have plans to redecorate the apartment!!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
This ain't your regular Truth or Consequences
My new favorite thing is Asian game shows that have painful consequences involved.
This first one is a Japanese game show that involves tongue twisters and nut whacking. Pay particular attention to contestant #3 in green. He's my favorite!
Up next, we have a game in which the contestants must not laugh (of course, they have friends constantly quipping at them and so forth):
Finally (and this is my personal fave, although after those last ones, not as potent), we have the Korean show "Happy Together". The two spazoid hosts have boy-bands and soap opera stars on as guests. They must sing a song without messing up their assigned line or risk getting pounded in the head by falling pans.
I love YouTube. Happy watching!
This first one is a Japanese game show that involves tongue twisters and nut whacking. Pay particular attention to contestant #3 in green. He's my favorite!
Up next, we have a game in which the contestants must not laugh (of course, they have friends constantly quipping at them and so forth):
Finally (and this is my personal fave, although after those last ones, not as potent), we have the Korean show "Happy Together". The two spazoid hosts have boy-bands and soap opera stars on as guests. They must sing a song without messing up their assigned line or risk getting pounded in the head by falling pans.
I love YouTube. Happy watching!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
I'll go anywhere for good mexican food
When we travel to the Oklahoma/Texas region, there is one thing I crave... One thing I salivate over for days prior to departure... One thing I could eat every meal during my trip... Six days in and five tex-mex meals later, I still want more MEXICAN FOOD!!!
See, most people don't understand. In New York, it's "I know a good mexican restaurant over at So-and-so Street at X Avenue..." or "We just ate at this really good place at Metropolitan & Whatever." Uh, no ya didn't. You ate South American food at a place owned by Polish people or a Mexican-run establishment that caters to the palette of the white urbanite.
In Oklahoma, it's a lot of "What!? You can't get Mexican food in New York?" or "Aren't there Mexicans up there?" Well, yes there are, but they don't share their secrets with the public-at-large. The "Mexican" restaurants in New York are named "Rodeo" or "El Moderno" or, God-forbid, "Mexican Radio." No, I don't want a Mexican Radio! I want a Mexican (Woah-oh) a-restaurant with free handmade chips and a salsa that doesn't taste like Italian-spiced canned tomatoes!
All things considered, when I'm home I eat like a true Okie (or Texan, which I also am). After Mariano's excellent chipotle salsa, Joe T. Garcia's amazing lard-soaked refried beans, and Chelino's creamy cheese sauce & fried jalepenos, the best Mexican meal I've had so far was at the Texaco taqueria off the I-30 in Arlington, Texas.
There's nothing quite like the smell of pertroleum that permeates the gas station to make you long for those greasy Pork tacos frying-up behind the Pork Rind and car-freshener aisle. Three soft tacos with your choice of Pork, Beef or Chicken, wrapped in a small, homemade flour tortilla, served with rice, beans, sauteed onions, green & red salsas, and a mixture of chopped cilantro & raw onions on the side. Wee-doggies, it's good! The meat is greasy, but spiced and cooked to perfection, while the sides and salsas are the perfected compliments to any Texaco delicacy. All for under five bucks, I might add.
A foodie should trust the advice of a local in any unfamiliar scene, ESPECIALLY when that local leads you into unexpected territory. The Texaco Taqueria run by some immigrant Mexican family in Arlington has my vote! Maybe people will catch on, and they'll move up to a Kroger's by my next visit.
See, most people don't understand. In New York, it's "I know a good mexican restaurant over at So-and-so Street at X Avenue..." or "We just ate at this really good place at Metropolitan & Whatever." Uh, no ya didn't. You ate South American food at a place owned by Polish people or a Mexican-run establishment that caters to the palette of the white urbanite.
In Oklahoma, it's a lot of "What!? You can't get Mexican food in New York?" or "Aren't there Mexicans up there?" Well, yes there are, but they don't share their secrets with the public-at-large. The "Mexican" restaurants in New York are named "Rodeo" or "El Moderno" or, God-forbid, "Mexican Radio." No, I don't want a Mexican Radio! I want a Mexican (Woah-oh) a-restaurant with free handmade chips and a salsa that doesn't taste like Italian-spiced canned tomatoes!
All things considered, when I'm home I eat like a true Okie (or Texan, which I also am). After Mariano's excellent chipotle salsa, Joe T. Garcia's amazing lard-soaked refried beans, and Chelino's creamy cheese sauce & fried jalepenos, the best Mexican meal I've had so far was at the Texaco taqueria off the I-30 in Arlington, Texas.
There's nothing quite like the smell of pertroleum that permeates the gas station to make you long for those greasy Pork tacos frying-up behind the Pork Rind and car-freshener aisle. Three soft tacos with your choice of Pork, Beef or Chicken, wrapped in a small, homemade flour tortilla, served with rice, beans, sauteed onions, green & red salsas, and a mixture of chopped cilantro & raw onions on the side. Wee-doggies, it's good! The meat is greasy, but spiced and cooked to perfection, while the sides and salsas are the perfected compliments to any Texaco delicacy. All for under five bucks, I might add.
A foodie should trust the advice of a local in any unfamiliar scene, ESPECIALLY when that local leads you into unexpected territory. The Texaco Taqueria run by some immigrant Mexican family in Arlington has my vote! Maybe people will catch on, and they'll move up to a Kroger's by my next visit.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
i'm weird.
I’ve been tagged to tell six things weird things about me. That'll be REAL hard...
1. I grew up on top 40 dance tunes. Whenever I hear Salt 'n Pepa, Taylor Dane, Rob Base, or Rick Astley, I break out in dance. Or I get the dreaded "cheerleader face" and lip-sync to every word.
2. I like to tell DJ's when I think they've done a "good job." Most times, I'm met with looks of disdain or embarrassment.
3. If I find something gross in my food (i.e. gristle, hair, hard bit, etc.), it immediately turns my stomach, and I will not eat a bite more.
4. I enjoy a self-help book every now & then... Blame my dad.
5. I'm deathly afraid of large dogs with crazy eyes. I will cross a street just to get out of harms way. I swear, they can smell fear.
6. Come to think of it, I'm pretty afraid of horses too. Grant's "Papa" makes me ride Mary Rose every time I visit the Provence family farm, even though I tell him I don't want to... Mary Rose also gives me looks of disdain & emabarrassment...
I’ve been tagged by Kim. I shant be tagging anyone else, since none of my other friends have blogs. Bummer. :)
(Except Lori who never writes on hers...)
1. I grew up on top 40 dance tunes. Whenever I hear Salt 'n Pepa, Taylor Dane, Rob Base, or Rick Astley, I break out in dance. Or I get the dreaded "cheerleader face" and lip-sync to every word.
2. I like to tell DJ's when I think they've done a "good job." Most times, I'm met with looks of disdain or embarrassment.
3. If I find something gross in my food (i.e. gristle, hair, hard bit, etc.), it immediately turns my stomach, and I will not eat a bite more.
4. I enjoy a self-help book every now & then... Blame my dad.
5. I'm deathly afraid of large dogs with crazy eyes. I will cross a street just to get out of harms way. I swear, they can smell fear.
6. Come to think of it, I'm pretty afraid of horses too. Grant's "Papa" makes me ride Mary Rose every time I visit the Provence family farm, even though I tell him I don't want to... Mary Rose also gives me looks of disdain & emabarrassment...
I’ve been tagged by Kim. I shant be tagging anyone else, since none of my other friends have blogs. Bummer. :)
(Except Lori who never writes on hers...)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
the beet
i love beets. they're my new favorite vegetable. (i also love that i'm drinking a corona & writing about beets while dubya is telling me about "shia extremists, iran, osama, hezbollah, totalitarian threats, amer'cans, democracy in the middle east, fighting the enemies, and bringing peace to the holy land," which leads us, of course, to "protecting the american people" stand up condi! stand up!)
so... beets! iron chef battle beet was exciting, no?
it all started at our company holiday party in 2005. i had a delectable roasted beet & goat cheese salad served with some type of green, i forget which (arugula?). it was delicioso, and so set me on my course to beautiful beet bliss! can i recommend the eastern european borscht? my favorite is at (our favorite) the ukranian diner, veselka, in the east village.
a quickie merriam-webster definition of borscht:
Etymology: Yiddish 'borsht' & Ukrainian & Russian 'borshch'
: a soup made primarily of beets and served hot or cold often with sour cream
veselka doesn't usually serve it with cream, but wonderful potato bread. yummers! how about a quick recipe for borscht that you might try?
свинина, говядина или курица - 500гр.,капуста - 1/3 кочана,
картофель - 4 шт.,
лук - 1-2 шт.,
морковь - 1 крупная шт.,
свекла - 1-2 шт.,
кетчуп - 3 ст. ложки (свежие помидоры - 1-2 шт.),
соль, укроп и петрушка, сметана
* для постного блюда: суп варить на воде, а не на бульоне и не заправлять готовый борщ сметаной (можно заправить постным майонезом)
(did anyone else notice dubya's rhetoric had the faint resemblance to biblical scripture? ... a "volunteer reserve corps"? don't we already have one of those?)
beets!
so... beets! iron chef battle beet was exciting, no?
it all started at our company holiday party in 2005. i had a delectable roasted beet & goat cheese salad served with some type of green, i forget which (arugula?). it was delicioso, and so set me on my course to beautiful beet bliss! can i recommend the eastern european borscht? my favorite is at (our favorite) the ukranian diner, veselka, in the east village.
a quickie merriam-webster definition of borscht:
Etymology: Yiddish 'borsht' & Ukrainian & Russian 'borshch'
: a soup made primarily of beets and served hot or cold often with sour cream
veselka doesn't usually serve it with cream, but wonderful potato bread. yummers! how about a quick recipe for borscht that you might try?
свинина, говядина или курица - 500гр.,капуста - 1/3 кочана,
картофель - 4 шт.,
лук - 1-2 шт.,
морковь - 1 крупная шт.,
свекла - 1-2 шт.,
кетчуп - 3 ст. ложки (свежие помидоры - 1-2 шт.),
соль, укроп и петрушка, сметана
* для постного блюда: суп варить на воде, а не на бульоне и не заправлять готовый борщ сметаной (можно заправить постным майонезом)
(did anyone else notice dubya's rhetoric had the faint resemblance to biblical scripture? ... a "volunteer reserve corps"? don't we already have one of those?)
beets!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
you'll be my what?
here's an easy one.
my ny'er friend, jennie, made an uncommissioned video last summer for M. Ward's song, I'll Be Yr Bird. she's an aspiring screenwriter & filmmaker who dabbles as a college professor in Harlem and a travel coordinator at our company during Fashion Week. this sweet little ditty is quite convincing.
take a gander:
uncommissioned, i'll be yr bird
Add to My Profile | More Videos
my ny'er friend, jennie, made an uncommissioned video last summer for M. Ward's song, I'll Be Yr Bird. she's an aspiring screenwriter & filmmaker who dabbles as a college professor in Harlem and a travel coordinator at our company during Fashion Week. this sweet little ditty is quite convincing.
take a gander:
uncommissioned, i'll be yr bird
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Special Tribute to the Noodle Papa
MOMOFUKU ANDO, Inventor of the Instant Ramen Noodle
March 5, 1910 – January 5, 2007
Ramen is one of my very favorite things. I am a certified ramen fanatic. I could eat ramen noodles everyday for the rest of my life. I was once but a wee tot feeding on 10-for-a-dollar packages. Now, a bit older, my ramen craving has propelled me to explore a culinary culture. Because of my feelings for this lovely soupy item, I have discovered one of my very favorite restaurants - Momofuku Noodle Bar.
Ramen is a coveted artform and culture in Japan unbeknownst to most starving college students. For example, the Japanese will travel far & wide for new & interesting broth concoctions. There are definite ramen rules (don't bite the noodles, they are a symbol of longevity). Ramen means "hand-pulled," not "instant & cheap". At age 48, Ando perfected a flash-fried, instant noodle to help feed his starving countrymen post-WWII. He called it the "Chikin Ramen," and it was considered a luxury item with a price many times that of the traditional udon & soba.
So, with all of these little ramen factoids, and with my great love for the Great Noodle, I must pay tribute to the man who made "ramen" a household name (on par with The Beatles or Elvis). Long live the ramen! Long live Momofuku Ando!
Monday, October 02, 2006
and the gods chilled
My new favorite illustrator is Yunmee Kyong. She is an artist/illustrator who received her MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Her thesis collection on different religions is part Babar, part Joseph Campbell (two of my very favorite things, I might add...)-- all very bright, folk-y, and subtly smart. Besides all the religious, mythical, and mystical mumbo-jumbo, her work includes musical instruments that come alive, Milan Kundera illustrations, a sofa book about a sofa, and location drawings from Brooklyn and NYC...
Sunday, October 01, 2006
ship necklace & knitting
Two new favorite things tonight...
Some of my favorite (& I think the best) street vendors in the city are in SOHO, esp. for jewelry. The vendors there are more in touch with what's reallly going on, and a lot of them offer the customer a chance to build their own pieces from of a selection of different chains & charms... There are always a few good jewelry vendors on Broadway at Prince Street. I just bought my (Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria) carved shell & cheapy gold chain ship necklace for a mere 10 bucks there. I didn't bother bargaining, but I'm sure one could have gotten it for at least $7. Also check out the vendors down Prince, to the west of B'way.
I'm also in love with this telephone line knitting by Suzette Gondry that was apparently featured somewhere in Michel Gondry's new movie, The Science of Sleep. I know I'm way behind, but I love the unexpected combo of the cool image with the medium of homestyle-knitting. Makes me want to get crafty. (As seen at the Deitch Gallery.)
Some of my favorite (& I think the best) street vendors in the city are in SOHO, esp. for jewelry. The vendors there are more in touch with what's reallly going on, and a lot of them offer the customer a chance to build their own pieces from of a selection of different chains & charms... There are always a few good jewelry vendors on Broadway at Prince Street. I just bought my (Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria) carved shell & cheapy gold chain ship necklace for a mere 10 bucks there. I didn't bother bargaining, but I'm sure one could have gotten it for at least $7. Also check out the vendors down Prince, to the west of B'way.
I'm also in love with this telephone line knitting by Suzette Gondry that was apparently featured somewhere in Michel Gondry's new movie, The Science of Sleep. I know I'm way behind, but I love the unexpected combo of the cool image with the medium of homestyle-knitting. Makes me want to get crafty. (As seen at the Deitch Gallery.)
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Charlotte Gainsbourg
My new favorite thing is Charlotte Gainsbourg's new album, 5:55.
I don't have the album yet... waiting for it to be released in the U.S. (sometime in October, maybe?). The album is so soft & beautiful, and a bit dreary... all of which reflects that French & English heritage she was given via Mom (Jane Birkin) and Dad (Serge Gainsbourg). Produced by Nigel Godrich, with help from the boys from Air, Jarvis Cocker , and Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy). Can one girl get any cooler? Oh, wait... and she stars in the newest Michel Gondry film. I'll post an mp3 once I figure out how...
"My heart is breaking somewhere over Saskatchewan."
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