It's back to a short week for me! Today is actually my last day at work before I head to Vegas for Steph's rager of a bachelorette. Pray for our livers.
I am newly obsessed with Letters of Note, a website that features the correspondence of famous people. Sometimes sentimental, sometimes humorous, these letters provide a glimpse into the lives of those we idolize. In many cases the actual letter has been scanned in so you can see the piece of history itself. In going through past posts, I found a line I loved in a letter from Ronald Reagan to his son on his wedding day: "There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the
end of a day knowing someone on the other side of that door is waiting
for the sound of his footsteps."
Like many a New Yorker, I had my head down, staring at my phone while walking home on Tuesday. I was scrolling through the latest tweets when I saw one that said Nora Ephron, at age 71, had been diagnosed with leukemia. About two tweets later, she had already passed away. Now, I'm not one of those who gets depressed when someone I don't even know personally passes away, but let's just all take a little moment to celebrate the woman who brought us When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You've Got Mail. I could watch You've Got Mail every weekend and be happy as a daisy, the friendliest flower.
20 of us gals will be invading Sin City for this weekend's bachie. I imagine it will look something like this video.
This was my first full week at work in a while and I was dreading it. Thankfully, it hasn't been too terrible and I have been trying to make it go by quickly by getting to the gym and adding some post-work events to the schedule.
After hearing all about this show for months, I finally decided to Netflix it. The show - from PBS of all places - reveals day-to-day life at British estate Downtown, with a focus on the staff. It is so interesting - and I don't mean that in an "it's fine enough" way. I mean I was so interested in learning about the staff's hierarchy and the process by which they keep the estate running that my eyes were glued to the screen. Now if I could just get myself to stop calling it Downtown Abbey we'd be good.
My friends are so much cooler than me. The three ladies pictured above are the type who kick butt and take names. Unsatisfied with their lives, they decided to actually do something about it (novel idea) and just launched Quarterlette about two weeks ago. Quarterlette is a website designed to help girls navigate the quarter-life crisis. Think crises are only for midlife and men? Wrong. I, myself, have been trying to figure out what the heck I want out of life. Is this the career I want? Am I happy with the status of my love life? Do I want to live in this city? These are the questions that plague many a 20-something, and now we have a place to help us sort through them. I am so proud of Emily and Rachel for identifying an underserved niche and conquering it at full speed. I encourage you to peruse the beautifully designed website - there's a little something for everyone. Also, try to find their video "A Quarterlette Story" on the homepage where you may spot a certain someone (me!). If you can't find it on the site, check it out on YouTube here.
Blow dry salons are actually not new to the city. In fact, I wrote about Blow a while ago. Then how is it that drybar made such waves? I'll tell you how: great prices and great branding. All blowouts are $40, no exception. The atmosphere is fun and girly like a cocktail party where movies like "Mean Girls" and "The Holiday" play on flat screens around the salon. It's infectious. For me, it means the opportunity to flaunt the big Southern hair I love but can't do myself. On a run last weekend, I noticed they are planning to open another location this Summer, right by my apartment. I don't plan on going weekly, but it'll be nice having it around for special events, especially as Matt and Karina's wedding rolls around (the wedding hotel is right around the corner making this uber convenient for us bridesmaids).
Last weekend afforded me no time to rest and this week has been no different as I run around preparing to host a full scale Passover Seder on Saturday...
Newsweek has been stumbling in the last few years, but if the issue they released two weeks ago is any indication, I think they're on the way back up. Newsweek capitalized on the excitement around the Mad Men season (after an unbearably long 18-month hiatus) by putting their issue into a time machine set for 1965. Not only did they revert to the same fonts and style they used then, they convinced the advertisers to do the same. I'm not an avid news magazine reader, but I was completely engaged while reading this issue. I still can't bring myself to throw it away. If you can, try to get your hands on it.
Yes, I have DVR and often fast forward through commercials. But sometimes, when I'm watching per-recorded show I let it run straight through and attempt to multi-task (check my Twitter or Pinterest feed, browse recipes online, flip through a magazine) during the commercial breaks. When this commercial came on I stopped and watched the whole thing then rewound and watched it again. The "one of a kind" and "know who you are and own it" messages gave me the warm fuzzies. I'm not a Dr. Pepper drinker, but now I won't discourage others from sipping away.
If you're single, this video will give you a serious chuckle. If you're not single, you'll still probably laugh your pants off.
Yes, I know last month's Inspiration Station was also a John Hughes movie, but I couldn't resist using Ferris Bueller as February's inspiration once this teaser clip came out:
Could it be?! A modern day Ferris adventure is exactly what the world needs. Sadly, no. While we now know this was just the beginning of a longer Super Bowl commercial for Honda, it still got me thinking about some things you might enjoy:
The Dish: When they try to eat at a fancy French restaurant, Ferris impersonates Abe Froman, the Sausage King of Chicago so sausage had to be the base of my dish. I decided to make a potato and sausage gratin using apple chardonnay chicken sausage. I used a mandolin to get perfect thin potato slices and then cut the sausage into 1/4" thick slices. Make sure you grease your casserole dish so you can actually get the tasty potatoes out once it's cooked. I layered the potatoes like shingles, topped with a layer of shredded cheese (gruyere is the classic gratin cheese, but I used another aged cheese that I found because it was less expensive but still provided that earthy flavor), sprinkled with chopped cipollini onions, added a layer of sausage, and then repeated. After two full layers of everything, I added one more layer of potatoes and reserved some cheese for the end of baking. To lighten it up, I used half and half instead of cream (pour until it's about 3/4 of the way up the dish) and then baked it at 350 for a little over an hour. In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle some more cheese on the top and finish cooking until the potatoes are soft and the cheese is browned. It'll need to sit out for a few minutes to tighten up, but once it does, you're in for a treat. This is so much better than the gratins you find at steakhouses because you get to add your own fun ingredients and control how fattening it is. Using a strong, aged cheese adds a ton of flavor so you don't need too much of it to get the taste you want (despite what those steakhouses try to make you think) and I can now tell you that heavy cream isn't necessary to get the flavor you want.
The Doodads:
Sloane wears a great fringe jacket throughout the movie that, thankfully, is back in style. I'm a big fan of fringe in unexpected places so it doesn't look too line dance-y, but I'm already over the fringe hobo bags and boots that were so popular a year or two ago. This bathing suit top uses fringe to add sex appeal on the beach without showing too much skin. Unfortunately, I already forgot where I found this so you'll have to do some searching online.
I still have not realized my dream of commandeering a parade float and leading the crowd in a crazy singalong, but I'm pretty sure the feeling is the same as the one I get at karaoke. New York is filled with karaoke bars where you can fill a private room with your friends and belt it out for a few hours. One of my new favorites is Radio Star Karaoke because of the great drink specials.
Every day can't be a parade day, but I recommend incorporating some confetti or streamers into your home to make it extra cheerful. I'm a big fan of these garlands from Confetti System that remind me of the parade floats and get me in the mood for a little Twist and Shout.
I did the shower faux-hawk for years after I first saw this movie. I may not have fully matured out of this phase, but I have moved beyond No More Tears shampoo. I still don't use fancy shampoos, but a hairdresser recently used Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray on my locks, and I was pretty pleased with the results. It may not be faux-hawk, but beachy waves is a look I may actually be able to rock outside the shower.
Work-wise, it's been an interesting week. Work finally slowed down, which has been nice and - dare I say it?! - a little boring. The high ups in the company all went to CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Vegas and when the cat's away, the mice will play. It's been nice having a little time to relax, but of course there is always a fire or two to put out, even during the slow times. These mini work crises all popped up at about 5:30 so I bobbled back and forth between laid back and frantic. Fun. Now I just have one more day before I can enjoy a nice 3-day weekend in honor of MLK Jr.
This past Sunday there was a great article in the Times about couples making their own wedding bands. These ambitious spouses-to-be aren't just designing the rings, they are actually torching the metal. It seems like a great way to add extra meaning to the symbol of your bond as a couple, though I don't know if I should ever be trusted with a blowtorch.
How cute are these iPhone cases?! I love anything monogrammed and these patterns are so my style it's ridiculous. I'm holding off in part because the $50 price tag seems steep, but mostly because I don't know which one I would choose.
By now, if you aren't aware of the "Shit Girls Say" phenomenon, it's safe to say you're a hermit. The original video spawned TONS of spoofs that everyone seems to be over and done with. These videos may be old news, but they're still hilarious. My personal faves are "Shit Christians Say to Jews" (and yes, just about every one of these things has been said to me) and "Shit Girls Say to Gay Guys".
Today marks the day I pulled out the tights. I can't complain because I usually have to resort to leg protection by November, but New York has been blessed this year with a Winter that moved in as fast as dial-up internet. In addition to the elongated Fall season, these things have made me happy this past week:
Last Friday, Stu came over for a pregame before we hit up a Holiday party. I didn't have much time to pull together a real meal, but I ran to the store to grab a baguette and a few cheeses for a last minute nosh spread. While I was in the cheese department, I found this great jam by Nû Lait. After doing well in the yogurt business, they recently decided to translate their probiotics into spreadable versions of their flavors. I decided to go with the peach/honey/cinnamon/cardamom/clove flavor because it seemed very Fall and I knew it would go well with the Humbolt Fog cheese I picked up. The thick jam was delicious and I'll be using what's left in the jar to top waffles for a quick breakfast next week. A little goes a long way so I consider the $3.99 price tag for this gourmet condiment to be quite a deal. Stocking stuffer, perhaps?
While shopping at Bendel's (just saying that makes me feel like an uptown New York lady), I discovered Ali B Belts. The designer was in the store for a trunk show, and I thought her velvet ribbon belts were luxe and beautiful. They are all one-of-a-kind designs featuring, feathers, brooches, or both. They're a little pricy (about $175), but tie one of these around a simple dress and you have a whole new outfit. One of these belts could easily take a cotton shift to cocktail party status. If you're wondering what to wear to one of those Holiday parties you have coming up, this may be your perfect solution - très festive. These two women just started their business, so if you're interested, contact alibnewyork@gmail.com
This chick has Kristen Stewart's swallowing and hair/knee touching to a T. Please watch "Kristen Stewart Explains Christmas" to get into the Holiday spirit.
Why do I love this week? Because it's a short one. My weekend kicks off this evening because I have decided to take tomorrow off so I can play with my parents who planned a quick last minute trip. Here are my favorite things of late that should help move your weeks along, even if they are full, 5-day work weeks.
On Monday, I was invited to join a publication at the table they had purchased for the MS Brain Games, a fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis. The event was very well done with wonderful hosts and a generally jovial atmosphere. If you haven't participated in a fundraiser, what are you waiting for?! There are so many worthy causes and in New York there seems to be some sort of philanthropic event every night. Not only will doing good give you the warm fuzzies, these events are always fun and held in gorgeous places like Gotham Hall, pictured above.
Knowing me, it should be no surprise that my family members are smart, witty, and a general great time. With that, allow me to introduce Manifestos for Everything, a blog by my cousin, Greg, a copywriter at a top ad agency, and Robert, his art director partner in crime. This tumblr final gives credit where credit is due and serves as an homage to those things you only think you don't care about, like designer doggie sweaters.
First of all, the person in the video above is a dude...I didn't get that at first. And he is so off the wall that you may actually end up liking this obnoxious guy's status by the time you're done viewing. Watch this to put a little wacky in your weekend.
Aaaand I am so happy that the weekend is just around the corner. Let's jump right into some of this week's best:
I just learned about National Novel Writing Month. As long as you can write 50,000 words in 30 days, you're considered a winner. True, a real prize would be nice, but I'm happy with the satisfaction of completing a difficult goal and the motivation to get off my booty and complete something I have been talking about for a while. I have one month to organize my thoughts and then it's time to make some literary history.
Today was National Coffee Day. I hope you celebrated with a nice cup of Joe. My favorite coffee has become Stumptown, shown above at the Ace Hotel. If you haven't tried the java from this Portland, OR based roaster, I suggest you find someone who sells it pronto.
My gay friend from work shared this gay video with me. That's not me using the word gay to mean stupid or lame. I mean that this video is all about gay things. I can't handle it. In a good way.
So I skipped last week's "3 on Thursday" entry. Let's call a spade a spade; I skipped blogging all together for a week. Between being home for five nights and then coming back to one of the craziest work weeks in a while, the blog was the last thing on my mind. But now I'm back and I'm hoping you haven't forgotten about me because I certainly haven't forgotten about y'all. Let's proceed to the three things that are adding a little life to my otherwise dreary work week:
My first flight home was cancelled. So was my second flight. I wound up getting to the SAV a day late and was not happy about it. On the bright side, I got those crispylicious Biscoff cookies that you can only get on Delta flights.
The main reason I was home was for my best friend's wedding. Claire looked beautiful, the entire wedding weekend was top notch, and I was so happy and honored to be a part of her and Stephen's special day. Unfortunately, this is one of only two pictures I took the entire weekend. Fortunately, that's because I was too busy having a righteous time to be bothered with a camera. Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Rilee!
In the book I'm currently reading, the author talks ad nauseum about ordering cold sesame noodles in peanut sauce. Tonight, I had to see what was so good he could write ten full pages on the subject. I slurped down each and every noodle with vigor. The flavor was simple but kept me going back for more. Like cold pizza, this is serious drunk food that I still devoured stone cold sober.
*Bonus*
As a form of apology for not blogging recently, here's an awkward-funny video Matt recently sent me:
Burgers and corn salad. Those two things sound like perfect Summer Sunday fare. I'm not sure how Andrew knew I had been craving burgers all week - perhaps he tapped into Sookie's telepathic powers since we were meeting for our weekly True Blood dinner. ESP aside, Andrew's real superpower is cooking up a great meal. The corn had been perfectly grilled and tossed with red onion and mint. The lamb burger was massive and although andrew was unhappy with the tomatoes, I thought they were perfect. He was bummed he couldn't manage to master the perfect, thick, grilled tomato - they kind of fell apart. For me, I thought it was one of those happy accidents, like penicillin. The burger was already so thick that I wouldn't have been able to open my mouth wide enough had a thick tomato been piled on top. What we got instead was more of a smoky tomato relish that absorbed the meat drippings and was easily spreadable on the bun. The bun, may have been my favorite part of the burger. Andrew had toasted Norwegian rye rolls he found at the market that day. I didn't know Norway was big on bread, but I'll award it the rank of #2 Norwegian export, the first being the band A-ha.
As far as my recap goes, I am thrilled (as I am sure every female HBO viewer was) that Sookie and Eric finally hooked up. A full on nude romp in the woods and even talk of love - it's what we've all been waiting for! After showing enough boobies in that episode to keep the men happy - my dinner companion included - it was about time True Blood gave the women something to squeal about. Other thoughts on the episode:
I don't care about a Hoyt/Jason/Jessica love triangle. I think Jessica and Hoyt are too cute together.
When is Sookie going to let Eric call her "mine"?
Pam needs to check herself before she wrecks herself. She has always been my favorite character, but she needs to redirect her anger away from Lafayette and toward the crazy old Spanish witch who just possessed a woman.
Do you remember this Duracell commercial?It is probably a distant memory since so few devices require batteries nowadays (praise be the iPod!), but I was recently reminded of this creepy tv spot because I really needed to recharge my batteries.I have been running around for weeks and was starting to feel like the Grandma who passes out in her pasta.I needed a serious energy boost and with so many friends out of town this weekend, I decided to seize the opportunity to become a recluse for three days.I talked to no one and spent the time reading, watching movies, and laying out at the park.
Since I was parked on my couch for a large chunk of the weekend, I watched a lot of cooking shows.By Sunday, I had to make one of the recipes I had seen on TV.But which lucky Food Network chef would I choose to emulate?Ding ding!The winner was Emeril with his tuna melt and salad.
I’m pretty boring when it comes to tuna salad – I just like the tuna fish and mayo and won’t touch it if I see celery so I left out the majority of Emeril’s mix-ins.I did, however, like one of his additions so I threw some capers in there for a little salt.Emeril’s best suggestion was the cheese – brie.After a few minutes in the sauté pan, the brie got extra creamy.It put the melt in tuna melt and took the American classic into international territory. But don't think that this tasted like mush just because there's creamy cheese on top of a mayonnaise-based tuna. Thanks to a nice coating of butter, the bread got browned and crispy in the pan, providing a bite along with the creamy middle of the sandwich.
I also followed Emeril’s lead when it came to the side salad.I tossed hearts of palm, avocado, and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.It might sound bland with its lack of dressing, but all this needs is good olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables. It is the ultimate easy Summer salad. And that's a good thing; because I plan to have the ultimate summer.
A couple weeks ago, I was watching one of my favorite shows, Modern Family, and was struck with inspiration. In this particular episode, flamboyantly gay Cam is hijacking a middle school musical and his boyfriend, Mitchell, brings him a pb&j in an attempt to be supportive. Of course, a crazy gay man won't eat peanut butter and jelly, and we soon learn the sandwich is actually pear, brie, and jambon.
I thought the sandwich sounded so delicious, so when I was at the Union Square Green Market yesterday, I picked up some fresh sourdough and the other ingredients to re-create the sandwich. So simple and yet such a perfect meal. Sweet, juicy, salty, creamy - all rolled into one.
It was so good, I made it again today. Get on this one - you'll love it.
A big thanks to Sasha for sending this video my way. She knows I was one of those losers dedicated fans who went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part I. Yes, I liked the movie and no, I did not dress up. (I have to save something special for the final movie.) If you love Harry Potter as much as me, this is a must-see:
A big thank you to Sarah Rabin for making me aware of this vid. We all thought the "Jizz in My Pants" SNL Digital Short was cute, but I'm a big fan of the ladies' response: "Puke in My Mouth". It's remarkably well done and the lyrics are great. Sometimes a guy is not quite as fly as he thinks an it causes a little vom to creep up. We've all been there, am I right gals?
