The Alchemist: Not Quite Golden

While blog-reading is great, it does not come close to the feeling of picking up and getting lost in a good book.  As a voracious reader I know that the sheer number of books out there can make choosing a title a daunting experience.  I am happy to help by lending my thoughts via book reviews to make your selection process easier.  For a more extensive list of my likes, dislikes, and past reviews, feel free to check me out on Goodreads.  I also hope this will satisfy my desire to participate in a book club, so please post your comments to facilitate a sort of virtual book club experience.

And now onto the book du jour: The Alchemist...

After hearing about this book for ages by just about anyone and everyone, I figured it was time I lent my discerning eye to the novel.  I had to see what all the fuss was about!  Was the book good?  Yes.  Was it as amazing as everyone told me it would be?  No. 

I found The Alchemist to be a great allegory showing the powerful nature of destiny and the importance of following one's heart.  However, I found the message came across as a tad trite.  The ideas are important, but I feel that at age 24, after having experienced high school, college, and [some] of the real world, I had already absorbed many of the lessons prior to reading.  While it was nice to have those lessons reinforced through this very quick read, the book did not surprise me in any way - and surprise is a key element taken into account on my likeability meter.  I wish I had read this book earlier, when I was less sure of myself, which is why I would make this required reading for high school or college students.

Unanswered Questions: Gossip Girl Recap - 11/9 Episode

Once again, it is Cotillion time for our GG social butterflies.  While this ball did not quite live up to those of years past, it was a fun, drama-filled evening.  But don't think the grads are going to let their mini-mes have all the fun.  Now that they have gone to college, they are partaking in even more grown up debaucherous behavior.  And now, onto the recap of this week's Unanswered Questions...

• Could it be?!  Are the GG writers reading my blog and taking my thoughts into consideration?  They must be because after my complaining, Jenny appeared last night with makeup of normal proportions.
• Speaking of Little J, if she's supposed to be the new Blair, who's her Serena?  Blair, while a tad Mussolini-esque, was always grounded by her true best friend.  Now that Eric's not taking the job, all Jenny has is her tribe of lackeys.
• A kiss?!  That's all we get from the big, controversial, parental outrage-feuling threesome?!  I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was a little more than that.
• Who else noticed that Kyra was the daughter from Spanglish?
• Have any of the wardrobe stylists ever been to a deb ball?  The girls wear WHITE ball gowns, not jewel toned, mermaid cut frocks. 
• A low, messy chignon and a draped dress...has Serena actually turned into her mother?
• It is well into the evening when Serena decides she "must" tell Tripp she was quitting. Does she even believe that lie she's telling herself?
• What makes Jenny immune to the whole uniform thing? At least show us some semblance of a plaid skirt.
• ANSWERED QUESTION ALERT:  Camp Suisse is real!  When it came up during the whole Aaron Rose mistake, I was slamming GG writers for such an awful, cheesy, unimaginative fake name for a camp.  But after hearing about it again in this episode, I decided to do a little research, which led me right to their homepage.
• I just went to the Kandinsky exhibit and found it nowhere near sexy.  Did I miss a wing at the Guggenheim?
• When do we get to see some Queen vs. Queen catfight action?  Now that we have confirmation that hierarchies exist at the other private schools, I want to see the claws come out.

Move Over Disney World - Stew Leonard's is the Most Magical Place on Earth

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to go to a truly magical place.  You see, I already visit grocery stores and get lost roaming the aisles with recipe ideas streaming through my head like ticker tape.  Combine a supermarket with singing and dancing animals, and I can be entertained for hours.  Not only does Stew Leonard's have amazing private label brands and any food imaginable at great prices and even better quality ($5 lobster rolls anyone?), throughout the store you can be entertained by vegetable bands, wishing wells, and moving/talking animals of all sorts (see below for a pic of me pulling a rope to make a cow moo).

AND if you spend $100, you get a free yogurt (though you may already be full from the samples they give out around the store).  Sure, you could buy your own yogurt or fresh gelato and save a little money, but that wouldn't be nearly as much fun.  And let's face it, when it comes to food, it's not that difficult for me to spend a hundred smackaroos.

Another bonus: all meat and dairy products are acquired from their own nearby farm, so you get to support the locals.  If interested, you can watch live video feed of the beautiful bovine at various places in the store.

A friend once told me she went to Stew's on a first date, and I found myself jealous.

Upon my return to this wonderland, I was on a mission to pick up the ingredients for a fabulous, fresh Sunday supper.  We started with an appetizer of lamb chops (a Mama Smiles fave) and a salad.  Next up was the main course of stuffed mushrooms, roasted potatoes, and island teriyaki pork tenderloin.  Unfortunately, we did not have dessert as I am operating under the pretense of trying to be healthy...but it's ok because I satisfied my sweet tooth with some of the yummy, free frozen yogurt at the end of the shopping trip (caramel and pumpkin flavors).

Din Din with Daniel Vinn

Now I know what you're thinking, "Tess has a blog.  She must be sooo cool!"  True, but I must concede that my blogging is nothing compared to what one of my dearest friends is doing.  You see, I write "musings" (as my Mommy so lovingly puts it) online, but Dan is an entrepreneur.  He has quit the rat race and started a company - Pushing Beyond - whose goal is to motivate Gen Yers to do the same in order to follow their passions.  The idea is simple: do what you love and success will follow. 

Well, one thing I love is hanging out with Dan.  Usually this is not possible due to the GA/NY divide, but this week, Dan has been in NYC interviewing fellows who have followed their passions and been wildly successful (and happy with their jobs/life, go fig!).  We decided to meet at a UES favorite, Beyoglu, for a late mediterranean supper.

Now onto the food, because if you're anything like me that's the real reason you're reading this.  Because we were both exhausted (and I knew how big the portions are), we opted against an appetizer.  However, had we gone with apps I would have suggested the Vegetarian Platter.  Doesn't sound like something I'd be interested in as a carnivore to the core, but this delicious plate of spreads always hits the spot and starts the meal off right.  The warm, fluffy pita/flatbread they bring to each table is the perfect dipper. 

Dan heeded my advice on the entrée and we both ordered my favorite dish on the menu: The Iskender Kebab.  Gyro style lamb served over pita cubes that have soaked up all of the yogurt and tomato sauce that has been poured over the top.  I visit Beyoglu often and the fish is always wonderful - as are the meat and rice dishes - but the smoky, creamy, hearty flavor of the Iskender Kebab is impossible for me to refuse.  For only $14.50, you have enough for dinner and lunch the next day.  I will be the envy of all my co-workers.

Unanswered Questions: Gossip Girl Recap - 11/2 Episode

As always, this week's episode left me scratching my head a bit.  The biggest unanswered question, of course, was posed during the sneak peak of next week's episode: who will the threesome be?!  But before we even begin to wrap our heads around that doozy, let's focus on this week's politically scandalous episode...

• What was supposed to be embarrassing about the Bathroom Boy story?  It's definitely not something I'd go to great lengths to hide from my boyfriend.  Come on GG writers!  You excel at scandal and intrigue and this was all you could come up with?!
• What was it about Jenny that looked so good in this episode?  Ohhh I get it, she came down with swine flu and is therefore not wearing all that makeup.
• Are we supposed to believe that Olivia went on Jimmy Fallon again 2 days later?  No celeb is that in-demand.  Or maybe Jimmy Fallon's show is just that bad...hmm this one's a toughie.
• Glad Serena got wise and realized what she was doing was not a job but instead could be classified as just being someone's bitch.  But what will she do with her non-college educated life now?
• Is it really that hard to make friends that Blair considers sticking with Brandeis after confirming her hooker status? 
• How cute and family-like are Rufus and Lily?!  Once almost repulsed, I now find them adorable.  They're turning into the Walshes from 90210.
• Has there been a single episode this season that didn't end with some big event? We've had a wedding, movie premier, Halloween soiree, and now...a political celebration? Doesn't exactly seem like the kind of event a bunch of 18 year olds would be dying to attend.
• As Chuck helped resolve Blair and Serena's squabble, it occurred to me that he has become the sage of the show...but I secretly miss the old, sleezy Chuck who deep down had a heart. Am I alone?
• Does anyone else find Tripp cute? Hopefully this flirtation with Serena progresses so we can see a little more of him...preferably shirtless.
• Why would Tripp's wife just give herself up like that?  Doesn't she realize a man as powerful as Grandfather will simply bide his time and take her down?
• On that note, why does Nate call him Grandfather?  It's creepy.
• And finally, the most perplexing of all: outside of middle school, does anyone actually celebrate their one month anniversary?

Costumes Make Everything Better: THK's 2nd Annual Halloween Party

I love to entertain.  Give me an excuse to don my ultra cute apron and have people over for food and fun and I'll throw a shindig together.  This Saturday was Halloween, which is by far my favorite reason to throw a partay.  I'm a firm believer that music sounds better, people look hotter, and food tastes yummier when experienced in costume.  Maybe I'm just nostalgic for my sorority days filled with socials date nights, but I LOVE a good costume party, making Halloween one of my favorite nights of the year.  Should you wish to experience the evening vicariously through my blog, keep reading.

• Before I dive into the food, I should first go into costume detail.  We had Rainbow Brite, Ring Toss, Condom Queens, Steve Urkle, Catholic School Girl, a lame-o who didn't dress up (next year I will deny entry), and me, a Mail Order Bride, complete with bubble wrap veil, ring pop, stamps on the shirt, and FedEx skirt.
• I served a witches' brew filled with gummy spiders.  Next time I'll know to drink a little less of my lethal concoctions...
• It wouldn't be a party without some apps:
• Warm brie topped with apples and honey
• Dumplings
• Spicy shrimp and avocado in endive boats
• I also had a bowl of candy available for the taking filled with some of my tasty faves.  I wound up with tons of leftovers and now realize the dual nature of picking candy I like.  On the one hand, I don't have a pile of stuff I don't like but feel guilty about throwing away.  On the other hand, I'm left with massive amounts of treats I like and will probably be drawn to at 2 AM.  In 3 days you'll probably be able to come to my wrapper strewn apartment to find an empty candy bowl and a 20 lb heavier Tess.

I deem the party a success and am already beyond excited for next year's 3rd Annual Halloween Extravaganza!

Columbia Football - Who Knew?!

This past Saturday, I decided to do something a little different.  I had some time before I needed to begin prepping for my annual Halloween party, so Dave and I decided to hop on the 1 train and head to 218th St. for the Columbia/Yale football game.  I'm not gonna lie; I was a little leery - I'm used to tailgating UGA-style and thought an Ivy League university could never compare.  I was right.  You can't compare the two.  That's like comparing steak and spam.  Yes they're both edible, but I'm not even sure they can both be considered meat.  It doesn't come close to an SEC experience; nevertheless, I had a great time at the game.

Let's start with the best part: the sweetest deal in Manhattan.  A $10 ticket  buys you a great seat on the 50 yard line and 4 free beers in the tailgating area.  In case you're not a beer drinker, there's also complimentary water and coke so you can still feel like you're getting a deal.  They're basically paying you to go to the game.  Football and beer is a classic combination.  Football and FREE beer is an even better combination.  This is quite the hidden gem.

Once you get into the stadium, you'll notice a few other differences.  For a college stadium, it's not very big, but that's ok because it didn't fill up anyway.  The spectators are not big football people, and their M.O. is pretty much to cheer when they see other people cheering.

And finally, the band is a sight to see.  They were dressed casually in rugby shirts and had no adult supervision.  During the halftime show they presented a skit in which they made fun of the other Ivy League schools; however, in true Ivy League fashion, their trash talk was limited to "we're smarter than you", "Brown is full of hippies" and "There's no Ivy in Ithica hahaha".  I was hoping they would at least throw in a "yo mama", but alas, those Ivy Leaguers are just too highbrow.  The band also took it upon themselves to act as the unofficial cheerleaders of the game (even though there were already cheerleaders there).  They spent the game yelling obscene phrases from their section such as:

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  Proctologist!  Proctologist!  Ram it in the hole!
  
  
  
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  Hold her hand ::clap clap:: Tell her lies ::clap clap:: Hold her hand!  Tell her lies!  Let's score!
  
  
  
• 
  
  I also heard one that ended with "make my nipples hard"
  
  
  

All in all, it was a fun experience and one I'll definitely have to repeat.  Although I was unable to replicate the true UGA tailgating experience, this was a great way to tide me over.