Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Ice Ice Baby



A few days before I came home, an ice storm hit Fort Wayne, which left the city looking like a winter wonderland. Although this ice caused many trees to fall, powerlines to go out, and people to drive slower than I could walk, it was a beauty to see. Of course I saw this a few days after it all occurred, not to mention it was sunny when I came home, but it was very very pretty to see. The funny thing about the weather last week was that it became ridiculously warm a few days later, which melted this ice kingdom, turning everything wet and ugly again. That's nature for you!

I'm Baaaccckkk!


After a week long with my lovely family and friends in the Fort of Wayne, I am back in New York!

So a little about my vacation....
I took off Friday, December 19, although my flight wasn't until Saturday. On my day off, I met up with my friend Courtney M. and her friend Dennis at a local bar, had some vino, then went to Magnolia's for some dessert. Twas a lovely day to be with some friends, eat some coconut cake, and pack for my trip.

My flight wasn't until Saturday night at 6:45PM. Being that a snow storm hit the day before, the airport was pretty packed with people whose flights were canceled the day before and those whose flights were delayed this day. I was no exception to this. I missed my connecting flight in Chicago and ended up sleeping on an airport bench; only to wake up with a family staring at me. Nonetheless, I made it home safely.

So the rest of my week was very relaxing (thanks to my mom!). Lots of eating, watching movies, playing with the pups, shopping, and being in good company. A highlight of my week was being able to feel my cousin's baby kick in her belly. The baby is due in 2 months and the sex of the baby will be a surprise. I was also able to reunite with most of my high school/grade school friends. There's something special about being with people who have known you since the age of 5, and no matter how long you go without talking, you get together and it is as if you were never apart. The funny thing about my friends is that many of them are married, engaged, and/or have babies; something unheard of for 20 somethings in NYC.

The worst thing about my week was my visit to the dentist who told me I needed a bagillion dollars worth of dental work. I love my dad, but I don't love the genetic disposition to bad teeth. No matter how much I floss, rinse, and brush, I always end up with a laundry list of problems.

Overall, I left Ft. Wayne not sad to where I wanted to cry, but fulfilled that I had spent such a great week with those I love. I look forward to my next visit, and I hope there are many wonderful holidays to be spent together in the future.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Santa Sammy


Although he was raised a Jewish pup, I have turned him into Santa Sammy this year. I win, I always do.

Songs I Love: My Friends


So I'm not typically a musical-lover, but I LOVE Sweeney Todd, More specifically Tim Burton's rendition of Sweeney Todd featuring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Although I love all the songs, my favorite is "My Friends". It is a song he sings about his beloved barber tools, which he eventually uses to retaliate (and kill) against Londoners for the loss of his wife and daughter.

In case you did not know, Johnny Depp actually sings the songs, and it is quite lovely!

Simplicity


On my way home from a lovely dinner and some tea with the girls, I was on the subway and could not help smiling. I saw a woman rushing to make the train, she got on, sat down, and then she opened a little box of truffles and had a piece. From the look on her face, that little piece of chocolate made her day. It made me think that although we are in hard economic times, taking a moment to enjoy yourself is still VERY important. Even if enjoying yourself is eating a piece of chocolate on your way home after a long day at work.

"Life IS like a box of chocolates, enjoy it!" --- I made that up while sitting on the train (at least I think I made it up?)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Scent of a Whopper


Just when I thought Burger King's advertisements couldn't be more unusual, they come out with a cologne with a meaty essence called "Flame". You can by some for yourself at Ricky's here in NY or online at www.firemeetsdesire.com for a mere $3.99. I say it is cheaper just walking into BK if you want to smell like a burger, but I guess this will last a bit longer.

Designer Jerky



Need a drunk snacky-doody? Why not eat your purse or wallet? Look at this "Chanel" purse and "Louis Vuitton" wallet made out of beef jerky! Definitely NOT vegan.

HippoBOTTOMus


Hehehehe hahaha I love a funny animal photo!

Chili on a Cold Day


I love chili and decided to make my own one Sunday. The pic doesn't do it justice, but it was sooo delicious. I didn't follow any recipe, just winged it (like I normally do)

My recipe:
- 2 large cans of diced tomatoes with jalapeno
- Can of black beans
- Can of red kidney beans
- Sliced portabella mushrooms
- Half a red onion (yes, that is red onion flipped over in the pic, not a foreign object)
- Pack of Yves Meatless Ground (instead of ground beef)
- Frozen corn
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Curry seasoning
- Put tomatoes, beans, and seasoning into pot to simmer for 20 minutes
- Saute meatless ground, mushrooms, and onions together and put into pot
- Let simmer for a little while longer (maybe 20-30 minutes)
- Put in frozen corn at the end
- Serve with fresh onion on top and a little cheddar cheese

It was pretty darn tasty if you ask me!

The Incredible Mr. G


Mr. G is the 10 o'clock weatherman on Channel 11 here in NY, and he is no ordinary weather dude. I think Anchor Man was influenced by this man. He looks like he wears a toupee, but he gives us the weather in a big and cheesy manner. I never liked the news until Mr. G came into my bedroom every night at 10PM.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Pink Guns


Is there something wrong with this pic? I can't tell if it's an ad for gun safety or the sale of pink guns to little girls who don't believe their teddy bears are enough to protect them.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Voodoo Knife Holder


This contraption will make any voodoo believer a happy camper. Although a bit macabre, I find this knife holder to be a pretty genious design. My friend Elizabeth would love this, since it could function as both a holder of knives and voodoo doll for the ex-bf (found at A+R).

An answer from the breakfast gods


I love poached eggs, but all of my attempts turn into a pot of water with egg-white "streamers" floating around and a wandering egg yolk. I need to get myself a "poachpod" and my breakfast prayers will be answered (found at Green Head).

Wine Stopper


Thanks to all my wino friends, I've begun to really enjoy wine. I love this porcelain wine stopper (found at Moss). It could make a bottle of Boone's Farm look like an aged fine wine.

Item details:
Porcelain Bottle Stopper
"Courtesan
"

Designer:
Franz Anton Bustelli

Design year:
1760

Manufacturer:
The Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, Germany

Materials:
Ivory glazed porcelain

Price:
$430.00 (Wowzers!....I think I will stick with the cork the bottle came with)

Blue Water Delight




My friend Kilee from IU was visiting NYC with her family last weekend and what a lovely time it was. My friend Courtney and I acted as tour guides one of the days and took them to various shopping destinations. At the end of our day, we went for dinner with the fam (which they so generously took care of), and it was the perfect winter-dinner-scenario. We racked our brains for a nice place that would take a large group of us last minute, and with that, we came up with Blue Water Grill in Union Square.

I wouldn't go here with a group of girl friends or on a date, but it was a great place to take visitors and/or family. The menu had a wide variety and it was all delicious. Not to mention we were seated in the Jazz Room, which kind of resembled a holiday cruise ship, but it had a delightful jazz band playing. We ate, drank, and were certainly merry. To top things off, when we left the restaurant, snow had begun falling. It soon turned into rain, but it was a lovely sight to see, even if only for a few minutes.

The nights menu:
- Bamboo-steamed shrimp dumplings
- Shrimp and lobster spring rolls
- Steamed lobster with fingerling potatoes and broccoli rabe
- Pecan crusted corvina with hickory smoked gnocchi in a sun-dried cherry reduction (pictured above)
- Seafood paella
- Gulf shrimp and diver scallops with roasted root vegetables in a lemon-mustard vinaigrette (pictured above)
- Chilean sea bass with rock shrimp risotto
- Big-eyed tuna with bacon braised brussels sprouts and a lemon-mustard vinaigrette (pictured above)

Songs I Love: Cross the Dancefloor


As you may or may not know, I am a huge fan of dance music. I know it sounds broad, but I like anything you can dance to (most interested in electropop - think synthesizers of the 80s and 90s + catchy lyrics and/or chorus + a great beat bop your head and tap your feet to).

Anywho, I have a song of the week called "Cross the Dancefloor" by Treasure Fingers. I just can't the chorus out of my head..."I want to see you move it, shake it cross the dancefloor. Hey boy watch me shake it, move it cross the dancefloor".

Friday, December 12, 2008

Make Peace


This shirt makes me smile, yet sends a good message also. Although I do not agree with the war, I will always support our troops.

The Acceptor





I found this artist named Matt Cipov from Milwaukee, WI who has such an interesting aesthetic. I'm no art-buff, but I was drawn into his work. It reminded me of the adult cartoons on MTV in the 90s (i.e. Aeon Flux) meets "Where The Wild Things Are". What are your thoughts?

Top: "The Acceptor", Second is called "She's Got Claws", Third is "Fifty Percent", and the last piece is called "Super Super"

"We don't need no stinkin patches!"




If only my days as a Girl Scout (a Brownie actually) had patches this cool.

Buzz Off = Being most annoying girl in the troop

Stinker = Smelliest girl in the troop

Squirrel Drummer = Most musical, yet down to earth girl in the troop

Zoomies


While living at the sorority, a room called "The Zoo" existed. Our sophomore year, the girls in that room were nicknamed "The Zoomies". So when I came across this product called Zoomies, I automatically thought of them. Mind you the product is to get rid of pet odors and stains, but the name is what caught my attention.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Holiday Pose


I decided to head to Sears for my annual Christmas photo. I got my hair done and my make-up applied by Missy at the Clinique counter. I should think about entering a beauty pageant.

Antler Ring



I like the idea of this ring, but I really don't think it would look right just wearing around. It must be my past at Abercrombie & Fitch that makes me attracted to antlers.

Hhhhanukkah!


If I were Jewish I would have this menorah (ok maybe not, but it's funny).

The Original Peter


Wondering what the hell that is? It's an "Original Peter Figuren - Inzing-Austria - Copyright 1973". I can't believe these scary faces were ever sold. Then again I guess they were made to scare people. Basically, a person would pull his tie and his eyes would roll around, he would cackle like a witch, stick out his tongue, and spit out water. As my friend Courtney and I would say, "Creeeepppyyy crawlers!"

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Me Want!


What kid doesn't enjoy going to the candy store? I remember my cousins taking me to the drug store across the street to get candy in the summers. One of my favorite candies were the sugar buttons that you take off the paper. It's funny because those things don't taste like anything and they often have paper stuck to the bottom of them.

So instead of eating them, why not make furniture dedicated to those "goodies"? If it wasn't $1400 I would buy it.

What to Give?

(Above: Timex watches in retro colors)
(Above: Saltine cracker necklace made of brass and hanging on a 18" gold-plated chain)
(Above: Book containing thousands of ingredients and cross-referencing them with other ingredients)

I always try to think of the best gift to give someone, especially during this time of year, but some times the ideas just don't come to you. That's why I like websites such as the Cool Hunting 2008 Holiday Gift Guide. There are soooo many cool things on this site, and you can search by category and more importantly, by price.

Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper



Most of us are trying to be more green these days, but why for-go that lifestyle at Christmas time?
You don't have to! Tis the season for earth-friendly gifts and green paper to wrap them in.
Websites such as Seltzer Goods sell green gift wrap that is much prettier than recycled newspaper.

I Was Told There'd Be Cake


Author Sloane Crosley wrote a book titled "I Was Told There'd Be Cake", which recounts tales of plastic pony collections, wanting to raise her unborn kids in Belgium and locking herself out of her apartment twice in one day, Crosley's stories will make you think of Larry David if he was a cute thirty year-old woman. No wonder HBO snapped up the rights to the book. (coolhunting.com)

I MUST read this book.

Controversial Ad


Crispin Porter + Bogusky are known for their eye-opening ad campaigns. Most notably, the ad agency has done many projects for Burger King (the infamous Burger King King -- creepy man in king outfit, Subservient Chicken -- type in commands to this man in a chicken suit and he will do them, and now the Whopper Virgins). These are ingenious ads that really get the public's attention and have even become a part of modern pop culture. But are they pushing the limits with this Whopper Virgin ad? For those of you who have not heard or seen this commercial, Burger King goes to remote parts of the world to find people who have never had a burger. They have these people try a Big Mac and Whopper to decide which is best, and obviously the Whopper won. My thoughts? I think it is slightly distasteful, but I do appreciate this ad agency doing things "outside the box".

Songs I Love: Forever


Uncle Jesse on Full House got his big break when he sang the song "Forever" (originally a Beach Boys song). I looovvvveeeddd this song growing up, and I had to download it.

Listening to this song reminds me of when I used to sing love songs, like Sting's "When We Dance" or Jewel's "You Were Meant For Me" in my room, dreaming of my future love. Funny now because I have found my love!

I Wish I Spoke French


I've concluded that I am automatically drawn into all things French or French inspired. I believe it stems from my background. Vietnam was occupied by the French for about 60 years in which they influenced the Vietnamese culture, food, music, and language. My dad has definitely raised me with these same influences. Growing up, I ate pate on a baguette for breakfast, dipped french loaves in condensed milk as a snack, and listened to French music. Oddly enough, I can't speak a lick of the language. However, hearing the words and eating the food brings a sense of comfort to me. It makes me think of home and my family.

What brought out this thought? A group I am listening to these days called Stereolab (mostly in French) who has a 60s Pop vibe to them.

Luxurious Cell Phones

(Above: Chanel "Coco" Phone - concept)
(Above: DIOR Phone - $5,500 - $26,000)
(Above: Vertu Phone - $7,900 - $30,000)
Most people consider Blackberry's and iPhones to be ultimate luxury phones, but that is certainly not the case. I found a few over-the-top glamorous phones via the internet.

Chanel Coco Phone (concept):
Designed by Fred de GARILHE. It works by "integrating an optical fiber that display image between two glass parts. There are 12 micro lighter fibers, that throw image components to the glass, that offer a quite good luminosity, and keep the mobile phone concept as light as possible. All lights only appear when you open the phone, by pushing removable part on the side of it." (newlaunches.com)
DIOR Phone ($26,000 for a full Swarovski-studded version):
Dubbed the "Lady Dior," the crocodile skin exterior is inlaid with 640 stones of 3251 carats of Swarovski crystals. The handset includes a 2.6-inch touch screen with QVGA resolution, 2.0-megapixel camera, ringtones. Users can pick up or make calls with a miniature phone the size of a USB key, and use the main phone for more complicated functions - ideal for women who don't want to rummage through their bags to find their phones. (mobiledia.com)

Nokia's Vertu Phone:
Made of solid gold, the $30,000 device is claimed to have taken 2,200 man-hours of workmanship to create. The keypad is made of sapphire and it comes with a walnut case made by Reuge. (boingboing.com)

Dolce & Gabbanna, Giorgio Armani, and Prada also have phones for around $950.

Brass Knuckle Gadgets


This takes the violence out of brass knuckles.....an umbrella with brass knuckle handles!
I'm sure you could really hurt someone with it if you really needed to, but it is so much less intimidating isn't it?

Side Note:
My friends find the coolest things on the web.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Crabby Hatty


And where might one find one of these fine hats/meals?