Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Sweet Life




I was never really into sweet foods. I always preferred chips over cookies and burgers over cake... then I moved to NY. Only in NY are bakeries as big of a tourist destination as the Statue of Liberty. Tourists and residence alike hop from one bakery to the next seeking the perfect sweet, luscious, and to-die-for desserts. Tarts, cakes, and pies....oh my!

If you live in NY, you have a favorite cupcake destination, with Magnolia's being the most famous, but it's not necessarily the most delicious (at least in my eyes...or mouth). I personally enjoy Batch in West Village as well as Sugar Sweet Sunshine in the L.E.S., where some of my friends would prefer Crumbs, or Baby Cakes. Now don't think these are your Betty Crocker - made from the box - cupcakes. These are carrot cake cupcakes with salted caramel frosting, and vegan cupcakes that taste like a dream, and cupcakes with chocolate in the middle and rolled in crumbled Reese's Pieces. You are salivating aren't you?

So nowadays, I look forward to a sweet treat after din...whether it's alone or with friends.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Grey Monday

Today was the Dow's biggest single-day drop in history.

What do I think? I think that this day could be called "Grey Monday", which coincides with the Great Depression's "Black Tuesday". I believe there was a trillion dollars lost today. A trillion?! A made up number with lots of zeros!! Who ever sees a trillion dollars? I just pray that I do not wake up and witness Black Tuesday Jr.

A day like today makes me think of the less fortunate even more than usual. With prices rising on every day goods, such as milk and gas, how will low income workers raise their families? Part of me wants to withdraw my money and hide it under my mattress, and the other half wants to spend my day off tomorrow putting money into the economy... AKA shopping.

Of course the day this stock market atrocity occurs, a West Village electronics store premiered "The World's Largest Flat-Panel TV", which is 103" and costs $75,000. 

This day will go down in history, and I unfortunately have witnessed it. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Ahahahaha!


Sounds crazy, but I've been looking for the perfect headband to wear for my cousin's wedding next weekend. I've been searching every website, every store I can and have not found what I was looking for. I either loved it and it didn't come in the right color or cost too much OR I just couldn't find anything appealing. Maybe I follow Gossip Girl a little too much and have an obsession with Blair's headbands, but I really want that particular look. Is that too much to ask for? I have a simple dress that would look amazing with just the right headband. 

Anywho, I was looking on Amazon.com today and came across the above picture when I searched "headband". WTF?! That thing looked like someone took the remnants of the Sesame Street cast  and turned into a hat. To make matters worse, that patriotic atrocity is being sold for $149. 

Monday, September 22, 2008

Rosa Mexicano

(Above: Real chili peppers in the landscape outside Rosa Mexicano in Hackensack, NJ)

I don't typically enjoy a chain restaurant, especially having all of the eating options in Manhattan, but I do like Rosa Mexicano. It's not a typical Mexican restaurant; rather, it is more upscale and specializes in small plates, as well as larger entrees, that aren't heavy in sour cream, ground beef, and hard taco shells. They carry items such as duck pie, crab empanadas, spicy black bean and pumpkin tamale, pomegranate margarita, a guac made table-side, and much more. Yeah, it's a bit pricey, but it's a nice atmosphere, good food, and good drinks. If you like Dos Caminos, then Rosa Mexicano is right up your alley.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

SJP's SATC Residence


Although I'm a big Sex and the City fan, I have not stepped over the line and taken the SATC tour. I have a few friends who have, and I found out a few SATC tour stops....one being Magnolia's bakery (where the show made cupcakes as fashionable as a Louis Vuitton bag) and two being Carrie's "U.E.S" apartment, which is actually in MY neighborhood. So I decided to take a little walk in the 'hood when I spotted Carrie's apartment on Perry St. and HAD to take a pic. I'm a loser, I know. My friend informed me of the "Do Not Trespass" sign that hangs across the entryway, so I knew exactly which one it was. I can only imagine how annoying it must be to live there with all the tourists, and people like myself, who come to take pics. I say "whateva!"

How Much Is That Doggy In The WIndow?


I walk by a pet store each and every day, and I stop and gawk at the puppies in the window each time. I mostly dislike pet stores and would prefer to get a dog through a breeder or the local humane shelter, but I can't help but fall in love with these pups. I wish I could save them all from their caged hells....like in E.T. when Elliot freed the frogs in science class. After my boyfriend's brother bought a little pup this past weekend, I was thiiissss close to getting one also. Then I thought about all the work and money it takes to have one of those guys and decided to remain pet-free. Sigh....I've always wanted my own smooshy-faced English Bulldog. Sigh again because I miss my fat-faced Hercules who lives in the Fort of Wayne with my parentals. 

Playground?


I saw this sign as I was walking down W. 3rd St and laughed because there was NO playground in sight. Why is there a playground sign, but no ground to play on? 

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

EZ Mac

I know many ppl oppose the infamous blue box macaroni, AKA Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and say it is crap. Although I agree it is sub par mac, I will say that it is a quick and easy meal to make... I just jazz it up. Here are few quick additions that turn your boxed mac n cheese to "home-made".

1) Add your favorite cheese: cheddar, pepper jack, feta, goat...one or all!
2) Saute onions and peppers and mix-in before eating
3) Add frozen peas (stir in right before you turn the heat off to defrost quickly)
4) Hot sauce!
5) Add seasoning: Italian blend for a bright taste, curry powder for something exotic, cumin for smokiness

You can make a quick and delicious mac in under 20 minutes!

Monday, September 15, 2008

John's Pizzeria



When asking a New Yorker who makes the best pizza, you will generally get a handful of the same answers....Grimaldi's, Lombardi's, John's Pizzeria, and a few more. With that said, I will admit you could get a pretty good slice almost anywhere, but they are far from the best. My friends and I recently went to John's Pizzeria in the Theater District before attending Avenue Q. As soon as I walked in I recognized the stained glass windows, high ceilings, and grandiose space, although I had never taken a step in their before. Where did I see this place? In my dreams? No, the next best thing, Food Network. John's Pizzeria was featured on a segment on one of the Food Network's "Best Of" shows, and man were they right. We ordered a pie with olives, basil, and lots of fresh mozarella. A slightly odd combo, but there were three of us, and we each chose an ingredient we wanted. We were not the slightest upset about what we received. It was a hot, thin, crispy, chewy, cheesey, fresh, delicious pizza. Their ingredients were fresh and I believe they make all of their own sausage, pepperoni, mozarella, and more. Anywho, to top things off, the pizzeria is located in an old church and even if the food was bad, the space was beautiful to look at.

Fall of Lehman Bros.

Tell me if I'm overreacting, but I am very nervous about what is happening to our economy. I have experienced this downfall first hand when I was laid off from my first job out of college on January 23, 2008. Luckily for me, I was able to get another job a week later, but never have I felt so lost, even for that short time. How was I going to pay my rent? Pay my student loans? Pay my bills? Then there was the fall of Bear Stearns where thousands of people lost their jobs. Finance majors were looked to as being "the shit" and making big bucks after college, but now they probably take the lead in unemployment as an entire profession. Is anyone's job safe nowadays?

Throughout this day, the news has covered the bankruptcy of Lehman Bros. with a tone of voice that is lacking confidence and holds sadness. I'm scared, I have minimal money in the banks, and I do not know what the future holds for me and for our nation. All I can do is keep working and try to stay positive. My optimistic view about these issues is the fact that this is not our nation's first time with economic hardships....The Depression and numerous recessions throughout U.S. history - most recently in the 1980's, 1990's, times post-9/11. I like to think this is how the economy works, and how life works in general. Before things get better, they get have to get worse...right?

Seven Years Later

(Above: "9/11 Lights" that shine the week of 9/11 each year in the places where the towers once stood)

Last week marked the seven year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. I remember that day very vividly, as I was a Sophomore in high school in my second period history class. We had heard about the first plane hitting the tower, and as we watched the news coverage, we saw the second one hit. Next thing you know they were covering the plane crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and then the Pentagon attack. The nation and world changed in a matter of an hour or two. I was scared too death, wondering "is this how the world will end?" in my head. Now seven years later, politics, the economy, our daily lives have changed because of this day and the actions that took place because of it. I don't want to get political, but we all know the issues we face today as the after-effects of 9/11.

I moved to NY in the summer of 2007 and have experienced how New Yorkers commemorate this day for 2 of the 7 years since the attacks. The morning news transformed into hours of memorial coverage and interviews of those left behind as well as those who survived. There were numerous moments of silence for each tower that fell and each attack or crash that happened that day. Tons of photos and small biographies shared by families and friends of those lost that day. All-in-all it was a solemn day as it has been for the past seven years and will continue to be for years to come. However, we, as a nation, will continue to console, support, and honor those directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy. Never have I been more happy and hhonored to be a citizen of this country, and I thank God each day for allowing me to live the life I lead and the wonderful people who share it with me.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Love You MJ


I'm no fashionista, but I do enjoy the livelihood of the city when Mercedes Benz Fashion Week comes around. You can't look at one newspaper, local magazine, or newscast that doesn't mention the fabulousness of this event. World renown designers come together to display the trends and looks for Spring 2009. I can't discuss Fashion Week without mentioning the presence of every major movie, television, music, star! Kanye West and the Olsen twins at Marc Jacobs, Ivana Trump and Vanessa Williams at Carolina Herrera, Lindsay and Samantha at Charlotte Ronson (Sam's sis), Oympian Nastia Liukin at MaxAzria..... and sooo many more. It was a celeb-stalkers dream! 

These 15 minute shows determine all you will see in the stores this coming Spring. With so many designers, it is amazing to see everyone's own distinct taste and interpretation of upcoming fashion. My personal favorite was Marc Jacobs (who also happens to be my fav designer in general). Although he can be costumey and very over-the-top with not only his runway design, but his ready-to-wear line also, he never ceases to lack true creativity. His theme was, as style.com described, "Mary Poppins meets Dubai". What does that mean? Mary Poppin-type hats, skirts bustled below the knees, colorful and intricate prints, mixing prints in the most interesting ways, thick belts, and so much more! Looovee it! 


Monday, September 8, 2008

GG Addiction


"What's this? Chuck's date and Blair's date are mother and son? And Nate and Blair are exes? And Nate and the mother are in a book club? Now there's a novel plot twist. " -- Gossip Girl

Now if that isn't an enticing line in a show, I don't know what is. I love a good quote from Gossip Girl, and that is by far my favorite. Of course you would have zero clue what I meant if you have not seen the show, and if you have not seen it yet....YOU ARE MISSING OUT! Ok, so maybe it's a modern-day 90210, or a more modern day OC, none-the-less it is addicting.

The uber privileged, typical high school drama no longer takes place on the West Coast and finally takes place in NYC. The infamous Upper East Side high schoolers rock Diane Von Furstenberg headbands and Balenciaga heals to class where there is no shortage of sex, lies, and scandals. Maybe I am a bit bias living in the same city where the show takes place, recognizing the streets of Manhattan, laying out on the same beach in East Hampton, and shopping in the same stores (mostly window shopping where they shop). Blair, Dan, Serena, Nate, and most notably (to me) is Chuck....all combine to make an intriguing cast I can't help but follow each week. There aren't many shows I watch religiously, but this is definitely one I will turn on every Monday at 8PM EST.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

You Go Girl!


I am super excited for the newest season of America's Next Top Model. Yeah I know it is cheesy to some, but me, I love this show! Like most sane people, I find Tyra overwhelming and self-absorbed, but she does know how to make a show worth watching. Whatever, it is on my Fall-To-Watch List along with Gossip Girl and Entourage.

So maybe these girls are young and therefore ignorant and naive, but I cannot believe the negative talk about Isis (the transgender contestant). In today's world, gays, lesbians, transgender, transsexual, etc. are more accepted...or so I thought. These girls were not only saying how uncomfortable they felt being in this competition with a "he-she", but many of them say, "she has no right to be in this competition." All I have to say is, "You go girl!" Isis is a pretty woman and deserves her spot in this competition. As for her least support from the group, Brittany B., she was the first to go. Karma Karma Karma.

My 2 Favorite Men (In New York)



After graduating college at Indiana University, I was unsure of my next step in life. I applied for jobs all over the U.S., mostly in Chicago, New York, and the greater Midwest area. My thought was that if I did not find something in New York, that I would like to be close enough to my home in Indiana to come home at times. Well, I was wrong, and I decided to take a leap of faith and move to NY. Of course this was made possible by my friend Courtney who had a spot open on her futon with her friend Kathryn, but it also helped that my boyfriend of year at this time was already working in NY. Long story short, I have been here for a little while now and have missed my friends and family so very much. However, I am fortunate to have a great group of friends from IU and to have my wonderful boyfriend, Rob, around. 

Unfortunately, due to my boyfriend's occupation, he can be put on projects all over the U.S. for any length of time. He is currently on a project in Pittsburgh, PA for the next year, and I am only able to see him on weekends. Not only do I miss him, but I also miss his doggie, Sammy (Sammy Dumplings is what I like to call him). These are my absolute 2 favorite men (other than my father, brother, grandfather, and 2 doggies at home...duh!) I spend just about each and every weekend with Rob and Sammie and I wouldn't want it any other way. 

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Ohhh Risotto





As you can see, I love food! Not only do I love food, but my friends love food also! So much in fact, that we could spend hours looking through cookbooks, giving each other tips, and best of all cook with one another. This past Sunday, my friends Courtney and Megan decided to make a lovely dinner. For $20 a person we were able to make a tomato-basil-olive bruschetta, butternut squash and mushroom risotto, baked asparagus with freshly grated parmesan, and a couple bottles of wine. To top things off, it was a beautiful evening and we were able to enjoy our dinner on the lovely patio. Oh...but I cannot forget our trip to our favorite tea joint, Teany, where we sipped delicious tea and indulged in a vegan chocolate macaroon and carrot cake. Mmmmm!

My First Broadway Show


                            

I have lived in NY for over a year and had not been to a Broadway (or off Broadway) show, that is until this past Tuesday, when my friends and I went to see Avenue Q at the Golden Theater on W. 45th. I was sooo excited to see this show because I had heard so many great things about it (and because it was my first one). My main attraction to Avenue Q were the characters...most of which are puppets. This was Sesame Street on crack!  Even a few of the characters mimicked some well known Sesame Streeters - Trekkie Monster = Cookie Monster and Rod & Nicky = Bert and Ernie, but of course this was an adult show (full of politcally incorrect jokes about sex, race, careers, and more). There was even a puppet sex show (the second best puppet sex show since Team America)! The best part was that my friend and I ran into the cast leaving the theater and we were able to get some pics with them! I loved it so much that I would definitely see it again...although I should probably venture out into the Broadway world considering I only have one under my belt.  

Spitzers!


The L.E.S. is full of vintage boutiques, eateries covering all parts of the globe, wine bars, and booze bars. I lived in this area my first year in NY and enjoyed every moment (although I lived on the futon in the middle of the apartment). My friends and I have spent many evenings in the neighborhood, hopping from restaurant to bakery to bar. A relatively new addition (moved onto the corner of Ludlow and Rivington last winter) to the neighborhood is Spitzer's Corner. They have a HUGE selection of beers (they only serve beer and wine as far as alcohol is concerned). I'm talking about a front and back list that is about 3 feet long full of beer choices, some of which they brew themselves. They serve anything from your normal 4% alcohol beer to a brew with 14% (I guess I won't feel bad being a "one beer queer"...pardon my politcally incorrect use of words).

My main point of this blog is to, of course, discuss their food menu. This place has amazing "bar" food...if you consider grilled bass and sesame-crusted asparagus bar food. My friends and I went to Spitzer's last week and ordered the following:

* Herbed Popcorn (olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and sea salt)
* Watermelon Salad with Feta and Olives
* Sesame-Crusted Asparagus with Citrus-Soy dipping sauce
* Paparadelle Crudo (fresh paparadelle, veggies, pine nuts, parmesan, and herbs)
* Spitzer's Sliders (bacon, tomato, and cheddar cheese)
* The day's special, which was grilled Chilean Sea Bass with a delectable orange sauce

All of this food + Good beer + A reunion with old friends = A lovely Friday!