my musings...

words to live by

2011-10-21T16:09:00.002+02:00

My baby won't eat--Coxsackie isn't just a town upstate.

2011-06-02T22:56:00.005+03:00

(photo from profvrr on flickr)

Today I decided to take the babe to the pediatrician as he suddenly wasn't eating the Smorgasbord of finger foods I had chopped, sliced and diced like an Iron Chef.

After only a few moments of examining him, the doctor asked if I had ever heard of Coxsackie Virus. I'd read the books and hadn't remembered seeing that anywhere. "Hand, food and mouth disease" he corrected.

Oh yeah, I'd read all about that. But S was only mildly fussy and had no fever or copious drooling. After looking at the back of his throat, it was diagnosed that he was on the mend and the 5-day bug was on the way out of his system.

Humph...here's hoping he'll be feeling much better. Wanted to post this in case your baby might not be eating for the same reason. Apparently it's really going around.

Perfect summer baby outfit: FOUND!

2011-06-02T16:52:00.004+03:00

(image from carters.com)

I've mentioned before that I love Carters, but here I go again.

Last weekend I bought a couple of these rompers for my tiny little romper and I love them. They're lightweight, sleeveless, are easy to open (can you say SNAPS?!) and are super cute.

This my friends, is the PERFECT summer outfit for little boys. I am obsessed with them and you can check them out at the Carter's site right now during their HUGE sale!

Don't say I didn't warn you...

My baby won't eat!!! My solution: finger foods

2011-06-01T16:58:00.002+03:00

Last Friday, I got a call from my son's day care. He only ate his cheese cubes and cheerios and wouldn't eat his breakfast OR his lunch. First of all, why did they wait to call me after he'd skipped TWO meals?

Moving on...

I called my amazing pediatrician who mentioned he'd probably like to feed himself and didn't want the mushy food I'd made the night before. Hmmmm...a new stage? Bring it on.

When he got home that night, I had cut up Kiwis, Muenster cheese, Bananas, turkey, roasted squash and had it ready to roll.

I added a dollop of Labne cheese on his tray (for the fun of eating with his hands) and it was a HUGE success. HUGE.

Of course it was really really REALLY messy, but quite successful. He ate dinner!

After his bath that night I felt like I had won a small battle and was ready for anything!

Online sales...better than in stores? But why?

2011-06-01T16:42:00.003+03:00

(gratuitus shot I know, but he's wearing Carter's!)

Last weekend I was in Connecticut visiting my parents and I went to Old Navy and Carter's (two of my FAVORITE stores) to get a few baby summer essentials.

Old Navy always has great sales online and in stores so I peeked at some t-shirts and shorts for me. They were marked down to $7!!!

The exact same stuff is online for $19.50. Now I know that stores have to clear inventory differently than their web counterparts, but come ON. Couldn't they also have huge web clearances and the stores could send their merch to the site?

UPPA Baby vs. City Mini

2011-05-18T14:18:00.004+03:00

(image from UPPA Baby site)

I couldn't help it. I was seduced by a stroller.

I was in one of those baby stores that piles their inventory from floor to ceiling and was totally overwhelmed. The City Mini seemed like the sensible choice: it was really light, the baby could sleep totally flat and with one hand, it folded in half. DONE!

Now almost 9.5 months later, I cannot stand it. The basket is teeny and very hard to access, the wheels always squeak (no matter how much WD-40 we use) and I haven't done that sexy one-handed fold since we bought it.

I had imagined myself jumping into a cab at a moment's notice or heading down to the subway with my City Mini in one hand, tiny child in the other....yeah, right.

So, a few weeks ago I went to that same giant baby store and checked out the strollers. A good friend of mine has the UPPA, so I headed there first.

After talking to a NEW sales associate, I was in love (again).

I could add a second seat, I could move the chair to face me OR to face out, the basket was HUGE and easily accessible from front or back, it came with a bassinet and it wasn't that heavy ( I have an elevator in my building anyway).

But with a $679.00 price tag, there was no way I could switch.

I tried to put it out of my mind until last week when one of the Yahoo groups I belong to had a listing for an UPPA.

For about an eighth the price, they were selling their stroller and threw in a Boogie Board, rain cover and travel bag.

Long story long, I left with an UPPA!!!!

The only catch was the small broken part in the basket. I called their customer support and the super chipper Susan, helped me and sent me my part FOR FREE overnight.

I couldn't be happier with my new stroller. Buying that City Mini was only one of many baby purchases I made that didn't work out (will post some more). I thought I knew what I should buy and was convinced I didn't need any of that "cheesy" baby stuff.

Did you ever buy anything for your baby that was a total disaster?

Baby cheesecake

2011-05-16T17:33:00.001+03:00

My son loves cheese, LOVES it.

So for dessert the other night, I made him a little something sweet. Baby cheesecake!!!!!

I was watching Dr. Oz and he had mentioned that cottage cheese had a TON of sodium in it so I tried some ricotta from Trader Joe's.

(made this great cheesecake and forgot to take a picture, sorry!)

Baby Cheesecake

2 tablespoons ricotta cheese (I used full fat)

1 Graham cracker, crumbled

1 tablespoon rehydrated, no sulfur blueberries

Stir and smush the cheese and graham crackers. Chop the blueberries (side note: I will use fresh blueberries when they're in season, but now the only options are from Chile or Mexico and have a ton of pesticides. Dried, sulfur-free from Sahadi's is the best option. I just rehydrated them) and stir into cheese and cracker crumble.

Delish...

Did you try it? What did you think?

Oatmeal add ons.

2011-05-11T13:57:00.004+03:00

I've always loved how satisfying a good bowl of oatmeal can be.

Before we became parents it was mostly eaten on chilly mornings with a steaming cup of turkish coffee and Bloomberg radio in the background.

So, when it came time to make "baby" oatmeal, I was beyond excited. There's no real secret when it comes to making this dish, and it also means there are no real limits either.

Here's a list of the spices and fruits that are in our son's oatmeal on any given day:

spices

cardamom

cinnamon

nutmeg

allspice

turmeric

fruits

chopped apple

banana

pureed mango

pureed papaya

roasted, chopped mango

roasted, chopped pears

roasted, chopped apples

roasted, chopped peaches

roasted, chopped apricots

chopped sulfur-free raisins

sulfur-free dried blueberries

My recommendation? Try anything, at least once. I think it should be fun to introduce your child to new flavors...have fun with it! Let me know what works, or if you have any oatmeal tips/tricks.

Already working on tomorrow's post....

Adventures in baby feeding.

2011-05-10T14:58:00.006+03:00

Creating meals for a 9 month old is no easy feat. They don't spare your feelings when you've given them something they don't like and it can be frustrating finding ways to get them to ingest the vitamins and proteins their growing bodies need. Bottom line--I've had to step up my game.

Committed to making his meals myself, I've decided to post what works (DISCLAIMER: for us, for now).

Great Greens

2 cups frozen spinach, kale, collards, Swiss chard (you can use one of these or all 4)

1 cup shelled Edamame

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Toss the leafy greens in about an inch of boiling water, just until their color changes to a vibrant green. Add the Edamame and stir for a minute or two. Drain most of the water and pour into a blender/food processor. Mixture should be chunky. Add cheese and blend.

That's it, enjoy!

Already working on tomorrow's recipe...stay tuned.

it's been a while.

2010-11-23T15:01:00.002+02:00

I know, I know.

A lot has happened in the time that's passed, (almost 2.5 years!?)

R and I got married, had a baby and might be moving to Israel. It's a lot in such a sort amount of time, no?

Not surprisingly, I've got a lot of opinions and observations when it comes to weddings, pregnancy and parenting so stay tuned...

something I wanted to share

2008-10-30T15:34:00.000+02:00

More Israeli Genius

2008-10-04T19:34:00.002+03:00

Ok, so maybe you don't like tolls.

But popsicles? you like those? Here in Israel they have these popsicles, called "shlookeem" and I am obsessed with the packaging.

You have a colored plastic tube and a pinched center. when you take it out of the freezer you break it in half and you have two! AND....AND, little kids can eat it without a mess.

Brilliant. Also, it comes sans color, so the kids choose the tube color and there is none to wear, only to eat.

Genius

2008-10-02T23:40:00.004+03:00

Ok, so I love Israel. Ain't no surprise.

But I am constantly thrilled by discoveries when I am here. For example, the other day we were driving on highway 6.

For those of you who know, keep quiet.

Instead of "easy pass" and congestion from ill-equipped toll booths, guess what they do here?!

There is only one toll road in all of Israel. To take it, you have to have and "easy pass" like type of device. Because instead of a toll booth, they have the above bridge-like contraption. It scans your pass at whatever speed you are traveling and charges your account. Don't have a pass? They send you a bill.

I LOVE THIS PLACE.

It is so efficient, seriously. No lines, no fumbling for cash. Please save the Big Brother crap for someone who cares. *NEWSFLASH* they are already watching you. Why not skip the line at the toll booth, skip that jerk that will inevitably cut you off at the last minute cause he's in the wrong lane? Come on people....make your life a little easier.

Next post...I'll introduce you to the wonders of "Sponga".

Floating

2008-09-27T14:19:00.004+03:00

(a photo from 3 years ago, but you get the general idea...yes?)

After what has been a rather tumultuous few months, I am completely at peace. Things tend to get a little out of your control once in a while, blogs go unwritten, friends' emails unanswered, and for that I apologize.

I am missing a lot, I know. Trader Joe's opened in Brooklyn Heights (sorry Sahadi's), Sarah Palin was interviewed by Katie Couric (some might say horrifically), my least favorite Iranian was at the UN, people in cubicles (no telling where) obsessed over minutia.

I will post more when I can upload all of my photos. Roy and I got back from a road trip to Maine and Nova Scotia not too long ago, so I will start with those.

For today, you'll have to make due with this slightly (read VERY) old photo. Doin' the same stuff, just with slightly shorter hair.

The Javier Bardem of the feline world

2008-07-27T20:26:00.003+03:00

This cat makes it so hard to hate him, even though he makes me SNEEZE ALL THE FUCKING TIME.

Wherever I go, he follows me. Mews when I look his way, snuggles up next to me at every opportunity.

This morning, I got back from the gym and he jumped into his new spot behind the couch in the window sill.

I like it when he sits there. It's like he's my bodyguard.

Tour of the Subway?!

2008-07-27T20:09:00.000+03:00

They had this really cool thing today in Brooklyn. I should have made a reservation.

They were giving a tour of the Atlantic Avenue Subway tunnel today, and I missed it. How could I have known?

Will have to make a reservation for September, cause I am totally going. LOOK at these pictures!

(image via BHRA site)

(image via BHRA site)
(image via BHRA site)
(image via BHRA site)

top shelf

2008-07-27T08:44:00.002+03:00

Spent the day with my lovely friend Cordelia. We were on a mission, ok, I was on a mission.

I rented a ZipCar, and we headed to the new IKEA in Brooklyn. After that, we headed to Fairway Market in Red Hook.

We got a little lost on the way to pick up the car (a BRAND new Subaru Outback --300 miles on it), but it didn't damper our spirit.

At IKEA I needed to pick up a few things (had a list), and we dined on my favorite meatballs with gravy.

Did I mention you can see the STATUE OF LIBERTY from the cafeteria?
At Fairway we got a little lost, but Cordelia was my rock, she helped me stay on task and sane. I am lucky to have her.

When we got back to my apartment to "assemble" some of the pieces I purchased, and we realized that IKEA doesn't include a few of the major parts I needed.

We drove back to IKEA stood in line, negotiated our way through and got what we needed.
Still haven't fully put it all together, perhaps Cordelia will help me this week before Roy returns from Central America.

I could always do it myself.

sure.

Cat in a hot Brooklyn apartment

2008-07-20T16:57:00.001+03:00

The cat (Mr. Jack, to his friends) was very hot today and yesterday. He's been laying around like a slug on the kitchen floor.

So I soaked him.

Now, that sounds crazy. Cats hate water, right? WRONG-O.

I held Jack as I gently took cool water in my hand and slowly brought it to his body, gently wetting him on his neck, belly, back of his head and arms and legs. He was stoic and perhaps I may have confused his gracious behavior for enjoyment, when I am sure Roy will say he was being polite and hated every second of it.

I secretly think he loved it. He's so much cooler now. I really think he digged it.

long legs, or short legs?

2008-07-20T09:31:00.000+03:00

Went to see Mama Mia yesterday, and spotted some very strange bikes at the bike rack. I normally wouldn't have stopped to check them out, but it takes me so damn long to "tie up" my bike that, well...I had the time.

Here they are, for your viewing pleasure.

Are the riders really tall or really short with a hell of a ladder?

Uncovering more bruises

2008-07-20T05:25:00.000+03:00

Yellow and blue...
lovely shades of green and purple...

Maybe it's hard to see the plethora of bruises that have surfaced since my fall Friday, but they're slowly surfacing in all the colors of the rainbow.

Lovely.

First day with the new legs

2008-07-18T09:36:00.000+03:00

I've fallen AGAIN down the escalator at High Street Station.

You may or may not remember that I’ve already done this. In fact, it was almost a year to the day that I did this.

Roy is currently in Guatemala at lake Atitlan (apparently the most beautiful place on earth. *sigh). Much like last summer when he was traveling, I’ve fallen into a schedule that is fast-paced and, distracted by my itinerary, I.FALL.DOWN.ALOT.

I am not sure what this means, or if it in fact, means anything. But it’s fucking annoying.

This morning was much scarier than last summer. I actually tumbled down the stairs. I have the stripes (or teethmarks) to prove it.

I’m safely bandaged up now, cleaned and ready for more adventures. Perhaps I’ll take the stairs this time.

The Shrop

2008-07-14T04:05:00.002+03:00

I've recently reconnected with one of my best friends from growing up. We were very close--and apart from a singular incident where she let me cut her hair ( I think we were 12)--its been smooth sailing.

After seeing her for the first time in 15 years last week, its safe to say it felt as if no time has passed.

She's still amazing, talented, smart, funny and strong. I feel very lucky that we've reconnected and excited to have her back in my life.

Leggo my Eggo

2008-05-19T19:10:00.003+03:00

I got farm-fresh eggs today at work. Very exciting.

Turkey and about 3 variety of chicken, cannot wait for my morning scramble. We were alloted 4 each, but I built a pyramid scheme wherein I ended up with almost a dozen.

I could not be more excited. Here's a blue egg from one of the Araucana Hens. I know you can’t see in the pic but they are gorgeous.

le sigh*

2008-05-18T22:55:00.004+03:00

As you know, I kinda like me some Goldblum , so my brother sent this to me all the way from stinky France, it's a clip of the lovable, ever-intriguing, uber masculine, Jeff G. Feast your ears on this jewel:

Chamoood

2008-05-09T05:19:00.001+03:00

My adorable brother...kind of weird that there are NO other people or cars, but hey, he's still cute. Nice hair, eh?!

Check out his photos on flickr...(click here)

Le Petit Prince

2008-05-02T07:23:00.000+03:00

I could not be more happy for the kid. Seriously, I see his pictures and I am thrilled that he's having such a good time.

check out his trip....

Dirty Thirty

2008-04-27T06:30:00.000+03:00

My lovely friend Anne had her 30th birthday on Thursday in CT. I trained it after work (yes, to train I a verb) to the good ‘ole 06830, and then to Rowayton to dine in high style with the ladies.

We were a tad late due to unavoidable traffic and lack of a GPS, but we made it and celebrated the glory that is Anne.

There was one weird thing though. AMF ordered her lobster without the shell (see below) and it looked less appetizing than I had imagined. It was like looking at chum before you go fishing, this sad wimpy pile of lobster meat, assembled on the plate to look like the majestic (ok, that was a stretch) creature it had once been.

It tasted good, but since have the work was taken away with the shell, it didn’t seem as satisfying. Also…please note: there is a LOT of meat in the legs and the tail, not to mention the TAMALE inside the top of the body.

Seemed kinda sad that no one needs to open their own lobsters anymore. Maybe they can take my dinner and chew it for me first, that way I don’t need to do anything other then pay.

Wonderful time was had by all, happy to have been there. Welcome to the club lovely…xoxo Gossip Girl (just kidding)

Le Bro

2008-04-26T05:28:00.002+03:00

from Aaron's French photo gallery--which doesn't stink! (hahahahahaha)

I’ve waxed on before about my love for my little brother, so I wont do it again in this post. It was almost a week ago that he left the safety of the 06830 and headed to gay Parieé. (Sorry, couldn’t help it).

Seriously, this is the adventure of a lifetime and I am jealous and thrilled that he’ll have the opportunity to see things on his own and on his own terms. This has been a long time coming and Roy and I were thrilled to see him off. My parents on the other hand, could not have been less happy.

It was kind of funny, actually.

We had a last supper—local parent time it was approximately 5pm—at one of our favorite childhood places, Abis. We ordered the same meals we had for years, thrilled Roy and Melinda with our apparent lack of table manners, and consumed our weight in ginger dressing (as is tradition).

I documented the contents of Aaron’s last meal, naturally.

le garden salad (notice the ginger dressing)

le habatchi steak (once again with ginger dressing)

le sushi (was dipped into ginger dressing)

*check out the kid's blog when you gotta minute...

Moving on.

2008-04-22T23:14:00.000+03:00

Had a bit of an exciting time, this past weekend.

I moved out of my bachelorette pad, took off the training wheels and am not looking back.
Packing up and getting things ready was something I procrastinated doing for ever. I moved on Monday and didn’t start packing until Sunday.
Roy and I taped, packed, labeled and reminisced. This was after all, where we met and shared first meals, kisses (outside the front awning Dad), etc. We were totally different people then in a way, and it was nice to think about how far we’d come.

I used Flat Rate movers after much research and many quotes. They were amazing. I have to say, it went so smoothly and they were so accommodating, it was incredible.

In addition, I have to give props to Westy’s in Stamford. Storing my stuff there was easy and the facilities were high tech and clean. It was like the starship enterprise. No, really. I was lost at a certain point and an intercom told me where to go. It was great.

I am very happy to be moving on from my old digs, but it was sad for a bit, and I did cry on more than one occasion.

The day ended splendidly, with backgammon at my parents' house and dinner with my family. Not bad actually as far as moves go.

But I am ok now, am looking ahead and never back.

To a crisp.

2008-04-01T22:22:00.002+03:00

via brooklyn heights blog

Yeah, so while I was at work and then at the gym...uh...my grocery store BURNED DOWN. It was the weirdest thing, I was headed there tonight for some milk and *poof* it was dunzo.

I mean, I am really happy to know that all the employees are well and safe. I mean it, good that they got out.

But the real me is kinda thrilled. Seriously, now I can safely say I am safe as well...from a terrible store. Old fruit, expired milk and dusty allergy medicine boxes were part of my daily existence, but not any more.

I am sure that they'll reopen in a month, just as stale as before. But here's hoping that another, CLEANER store will go in there.

Immobile

2008-03-31T04:07:00.003+03:00

So on Saturday I went to the gym with my dear friend Brady, for what she assured me would an incredible workout. I believe the direct quote was, "your body really transforms," and I was sold.

Well, as sold as you can be for a class called "total body" that starts before 9:30 on Saturday morning.

I have to get up at 8 to get there by 8:30 and get a spot next to my buddy, so I suck it up and roll out of bed. Looking very much forward to transforming the 'ole bod. It was not until I got there that she pointed out that I would most likely NOT.BE.ABLE.TO.WALK the next day. Foolishly undeterred, I didn't run, and never afraid of a challenge...I stayed.

Class was f*cking hard. I am sorry, but they need to call that "You will want to die" class or "The burning in your lower body/abs/arms will make you want to no longer breathe oxygen", it was rough. Also, since I am not the most flexible person (at least in that room) it was doubly tough.

But, just as she says in her blog I was floating on air after the class. Walked home and took a nap. BUT...BUT today!? Forget it.

I am walking around like I'm 128 years old. It takes me 3 minutes to sit down, and forget about getting up. I have to hold onto railings walking down stairs...

But, you better believe that I will be going back next Saturday.

Eggstra large

2008-03-29T18:02:00.001+03:00

via flickr.com

via flickr.com

I went to the Union Square Greenmarket today to pick up some fresh eggs, milk and veggies. I bought the egg-stra large (been on an omlette kick lately) at Knoll Krest Farm and grabbed some milk at Ronny Brook Farm.

via flickr.com

via flickr.com

Not only are they fresh--they're animals actually RUN AROUND and eat GRASS--but they are really delicious. The eggs will be consumed in the morning, with some fresh farmer's cheese, sliced avocado and toasted Turkish flat bread. Tonight is reserved for the Salmon I found at Chelsea Market, and some crunchy bok choy with ginger, and lentils with garlic and bay leaves.

Baby you can drive my car...

2008-03-14T05:35:00.001+02:00

Saw my lovely Maureen last night. We had our usual (although lately, not so usual) Thursday night date. Mani/Pedis followed by drinks and tapas at Le Zie Trattoria in my old hood.

We had our favorite drinks some dinnerish veggie food and literally laughed our heads off. Maybe it was the hair malfunction, maybe it was the bartender, can't be sure.

Probably was the hair malfunction. (It was good, so good that I think I managed to get 4 or 5 photos of it, but I promised not to post them....but they were FOXY)

I hadn’t really seen her in a few weeks and it was like an afternoon in the sun. She’s such a wonderful friend and such a riot, that soon, we were making such a scene that people were starting to stare .

(flickr)

Once we left I conned Moe in to walking me to the subway and we came across this dude with a FULL OFFICE in his car. There were plants, flat screen monitors, a fax machine (which he was using), coffee mugs, etc. He was wearing a button-down shirt and a tie and I have to tell you, of all the things I’ve seen in this city (and even at the Whitney last weekend) this was one of the coolest.

It was so weird to see this. The guy seemed totally oblivious to the people starting to gather and was faxing, typing and going about his business.

Kinda awesome, if you think about it. There are some pretty creative people out there.

Great night, Thanks M.

dream home

2008-03-13T06:12:00.002+02:00

Flipping through Vogue Living (Australia) and found what I've now named, "my house." It in no way is, or could be in the foreseeable future, but it's gorgeous.

What I like about it is it's simple elegance. It's completely luxurious in a totally (seemingly) accessible way.

It belongs to an Australian painter, Marcella Kaspar, and I admire her restraint.

The images show a home that's innovative, peaceful and clean. She's used her space well and not been too greedy with it. Opening up the center of her home to a pool and some Frangipani trees is a beautiful surprise.

*sigh*

someday, these will be pictures of my real house....maybe.

Aging gracefully

2008-03-13T05:46:00.005+02:00

A few days into my new age, I’ve decided it’s not so bad.

My birthday dinner was more elegant and delicious than I could have ever imagined. I felt like a princess eating across from Roy that night.

The restaurant was amazing. There were more waiters than diners and I felt like I was in a Vermeer painting. The colors were so rich, and I know this sounds kind of nuts, but the only other way I can describe the flavors is to say that I felt like a judge on Iron Chef. Every gram was measured and every flavor used to its utmost potential.

The weekend of my birthday was like a private vacation. It was peaceful and remote and perfect. There were movies, long walks, romantic brunches (a la Roy) and simply happiness.

(my brunch)

(my stroll)

Thank you everyone for your calls and emails, I savored every one.

I have the house all to myself this weekend, so am looking forward to another peaceful weekend, this one focusing mainly on “chick flicks”, long walks, late brunches with the ladies and sadly unavoidable trips to the gym.

This new age might be more fun than I thought, sure is starting out pretty well.

Well-played.

2008-03-10T07:15:00.001+02:00

(click here for source)

Might have mentioned earlier that HC wants to have Barack as her Vice President (quite a sad act of DESPERATION...pulling out all the stops, huh Hill?), well, here's Barack's response:

(read response here)

It is, of course, lovely.

Apple of my eye

2008-03-10T05:36:00.001+02:00

Proud to introduce to you the dark and handsome stranger who’s been occupying much of my time as of late, and frankly, all of my lap:

…am in love.

(To be fair, this is my first computer since 1997 so it’s very exciting not to have to use a MODEM to dial-up. I am extremely grateful, and very excited.)

toda motek, ze mashoo, toda raba.

Old as dirt...

2008-03-09T09:11:00.001+02:00

...and not the television show DIRT (which is awesome), cause that's pretty damn new.

unlike yours truly.

Today I share my birthday with the Barbie Doll in 1959 and the Ford Mustang in 1964. Yeah, that's some uplifting news. Nothin' says YOUNG like sharing your birthday with things people collect.

*sigh*

Anyway, welcome to the morning of my birthday.

I had one of the most magical, romantic nights (will post pictures later), and am headed to the Whitney Biennial.

Counting my blessings* and feeling pretty lucky.

More later, stay tuned.

*also counting my WRINKLES, thanks Lida for the "rejuvenating" cream.

"Come, you spirits, That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty!" (MACBETH, 1, 5)

2008-03-05T06:23:00.003+02:00

(image origin)

Here’s the thing. She won 3 states. 3 big states.

BUT ONLY DEMOCRATS WERE VOTING.

In the face of having her as president or McCain, uuuuhhh, who do you think people will choose?

She is now saying that perhaps she’ll put Obama on her ticket if/when she wins.

(I just threw up a little in my mouth typing that)

Does that not tell you EVERYTHING people? She will do WHATEVER it takes to win?! She will make you think you might get Obama after all, since she’s certain she’s just squeaking by.

Whatever your predisposition, please watch this video. It is very powerful and important to pass on.

(click here)

Tastes like chicken...

2008-02-29T06:06:00.000+02:00

Last night Roy and I went to Benihana for dinner.

Now, before you just die of laughter, I LOVE this place and it’s a little piece of my childhood.

Most of my birthdays were spent at that restaurant (or it’s imitation sister restaurant in Westport, Sakura) watching a total stranger toss knives into the air.

Not surprisingly, Roy had never been and my unrestrained excitement for our dinner was probably frightening him. I tried to explain to him that as a creature of habit, Benihana holds a very dear spot in my heart. Not only is it a place where I spent most of my birthdays after 3rd grade, it was a magical place (much like my beloved Camp Arowhon), where the world just seemed to stay the same. In this case everything was guaranteed to taste and smell the same. Kind of like camp, I guess.

All I can say is, it was amazing. Roy loved it. Was in fact, surprised by the deliciousness of the food. I was in heaven, and it was magical to be able to share the experience.

Maybe next year I’ll take him to Arowhon Pines….

Stay tuned.

life is precious

2008-02-28T04:14:00.001+02:00

I went to my great aunt's funeral on Sunday and most likely will be attending my aunt's funeral this weekend.

It got me thinking about the importance of happiness. How we scurry away at our jobs, racing to catch that carrot just beyond our grasp. Despite all the distractions or promises of love or happiness, we seem blind and jaded, only focused on how to further our own ambition.

It made me realize how lucky I am. How wonderful my family is, my love, and my life. The people I saw last weekend were (and are) grieving, but not for the deceased, for themselves.

My great aunt was a firecracker, a yoga enthusiast for over 30 years, a dancer, artist, poet and incredible mother. She had 3 VERY different children in every way, and it was her nurturing and strength that helped them become and remain who they are today.

I hope to leave a legacy like that for myself. I hope to be able to share in a life well lived and well-loved. This is what is important.

This is what matters.

Please understand, I don’t mean to be morbid. I am just taking things in stride and enjoying a much needed jolt in perspective.

A big F'ing deal

2008-02-22T19:40:00.001+02:00

To further highlight how wondrous the snow is....

People are losing their minds with excitement.

(click here)

Let it snow.

2008-02-22T04:11:00.002+02:00

IT'S SNOWING....
Let me get it out of the way that I am deliriously happy. This morning when I heard the SCREEEEECHING of the snow plowing making my blood curdle, it was nice to see that the streets were indeed covered in white.

I jumped out of bed, thrilled that I could wear my GIANT SORREL boots and headed to work.
While solemn New Yorkers trudged single file through the shoveled parts of the sidewalk, I leaped and kicked snow in every direction. My smile was ear to ear.
I am not sure what it is about the snow that makes me into such a weirdo. But, I must have been a Polar Bear in a former life. I wait all year for days like this.

I am beyond happy.

One point of information though....

An open letter to whomever out there likes to use an UMBRELLA in the snow, a note from little ‘ole me:

YOU LOOK RETARDED…IT”S SNOW, IT FALLS EVERY WHICH WAY. LOSE THE UMBRELLA. And if you’re a guy with an umbrella in the snow, buddy, there’s not much more I can say besides—grow a pair.

*sigh*

That’s all.

Nasty Girls

2008-02-20T21:57:00.002+02:00

(my most delicious chocolate cheesecake, btw)

Look, I don’t mean to be nasty.

Ok, usually I do.

But there’s something I gotta get off my chest. What is the deal with the bathroom? If you gotta use the toilet for something a little more “significant” then ladies, I beg you, what’s the big deal?

When I go in there’s usually some more cramped up woman curled up in the stall next to me, waiting for me to leave so they can be relieved.

Give it up lady. And forget about it when there’s more than one woman “answering the call”, it’s like a game of chicken.

The bathroom is WHERE. SH*T. GOES. DOWN. (quite literally). So please, for the love of Pete, get over yourself and just let it go.

Eat Me

2008-02-19T05:22:00.003+02:00

I made the BEST cupcakes this weekend.

They were from the newest book in my growing collection; “Vegan Cupcakes take over the World.”

Rosewater Pistachio cupcakes with a pinch of cardamom. OMG. They were moist, fragrant and damn delicious. We were having brunch with the lovely Maureen and Nathaniel, so the majority had to be saved for them.

Stupid manners….stupid ME for making them the night before. I swear neither of us got much sleep knowing those babies were just sitting there, frosted in all their glory, glistening in the fridge.

*sigh* they were so decadent, and so dairy and meat free!

PS
Also made Pita…yeah, that’s right. And they were PitaLicious.

(video is of the dough rising...big deal in my house, ok? BIG F'ING DEAL)

My grandmother is a goddess.

2008-02-17T07:13:00.002+02:00

You may have read my posts already about this amazing woman, but I can't sing her praises enough. Last weekend I spent some time with her, and I realized that many of my "eccentricities" can be traced directly to her. (not all of them, Dad...don't worry). There is so much to learn though, and I have taken to video-taping her each time we meet.

This time we went grocery shopping, home decor shopping, gossiped, ate lunch, and enjoyed each other's company.

Looking into her freezer I took stock of what I was going to bring back to Brooklyn and ultimately, Roy's belly.

This is what her freezer looks like. A veritable vault of goodness. (this was taken AFTER I looted and selected some treats for myself). Everything is labeled with the item name, date created, and often times, intended recipient.

My grandmother will be 93 this summer and she constantly tells me that she cooks all the time because she doesn't have anything else to do. I don't buy it. I know that she loves to make and distribute her treats to friends and relatives. In fact, much of our time together each week is spent driving to one of her friends houses to deliver a much treasured container of chopped liver.

I have always LOVED her liver. It's amazing. It was not until recently, however, that I really learned to appreciate her "muffins". In my family, people make fun of them and have for years. They're homemade bran muffins, and because grandma Lill is a health nut, she uses applesauce instead of oil or something nuts. I think there is soy milk in them, or super skim or something weird.

She used to pawn them off on us and they'd go uneaten--more accurately untasted--until they'd be tossed or fed to the dogs.

Roy was actually the first person on record to physically take them and also consume them. I followed suit and am now a very big fan.

But I am not really going to tell anyone--except you, but who are you going to tell--because I'm keeping these babies for myself.

(this is a video of her making our lunch...smoked salmon on fresh bagels, with onions, capers, tomato and cream cheese--she recommends Tofutti):

No deliveries, no way.

Snot funny, snot funny at all.

2008-02-06T06:05:00.000+02:00

*self-portrait

I got sick this weekend. This weekend when Roy and I went to Boston to visit Erez, Hila and Lida.

I got sick.

A little back story here for you, I've inherited the worlds' worst sinuses from the worlds' greatest mother.

Sunday night, when I should have been out watching THE game or in the hot tub on the roof of our AMAZING B&B...I was and am STILL a congested mess.

Let me set the scene:

It feels like my ears need to pop, but I can't pop them.
My sinuses under the tops of my cheeks feels like someone is pushing on them, someone who might be a hippopotamus.
My nose is full and won't be blown, just won't give it up.
I cannot, under any circumstance, stop sneezing.
Because of the above mentioned sneezing, my throat is RAW.

So it's a pretty attractive visual. I've been surrounded by balled up Kleenex in 3 states in 3 days. I am grumbling under my breath, not brushing my hair, and am drinking more tea than Roy.

Ugggghhh, make it stop!

*this is what I feel like

Pistachio Coma

2008-01-29T03:49:00.001+02:00

via filckr

I've eaten way too many pistachios. It's not good. Am feeling like I've been stuck in steerage on some cross Atlantic journey from hell.

I found these Persian Pistachios at Sahadi's and I've been hooked ever since.

If you haven't been to shop there, or even been to that part of Brooklyn (MY part of Brooklyn, actually)--you should.

Sahadi's sits on Atlantic Avenue and has been a hub of activity for more than 60 years. There are piles of salted, roasted, peeled chocolate dipped, candied and sugared nuts from all over the world. Chocolates, dried fruits, spices, coffee, olives, pickled garlic and carrots share space with Turkish breads, fresh Hummus, Tahini and imported oils and cheeses.

It's basically heaven. You know that feeling of overwhelming helplessness when you walk into a drugstore or hardware store? The feeling that there are so many choices, so many little teeny (often well-packaged) items that you never knew you needed, never imagined how you've lived without?

Ok, maybe I'm the only one--or perhaps you're kidding yourself.

Visit Sahadi's, and I dare you not to buy a half pound of the cinnamon almonds, Persian pistachios, Turkish flat bread or Lebanese olives.

That's what I thought. You're welcome.

image via Ron

slightly stale,

2008-01-25T04:47:00.000+02:00

but still delicious...

okay, so it's been easily a month since I've "blogged", but I assure you I've been busy with all sorts of changes:

new Job

officially moved to Brooklyn (ok, that was a few months ago but it was called official recently)

am without a computer of my own--makes life a little tough always borrowing Roy's

Anyway, I am back.

(applause)

Stop and smell the roses

2007-12-12T21:48:00.000+02:00

I don't really have time to in my new job--but if I did--this is what they would look like. They're left over from a photo shoot and they're fragrant and amazing.

*sigh*

Monday morning quarterback...

2007-12-11T04:35:00.000+02:00

...or whatever that phrase is (don't watch football, could care less--me likey baseball).

Anyhoo. As some of you may remember, Brady and I went to McManus last week or so and it was yet another hellish experience. So, because we were both in sour moods and were in the mood for a pint, it was time to try a new place.

We stopped upon "Henry Street Ale House" or something of that ilk and decided to give it a go. It was a dream. Quiet, clean, refreshing new menu items--although oddly they ran out of dessert on SATURDAY, it was lovely.

We had a great bartender and were in business.

Brady was having some issues with this apartment hunt. We New Yorkers use the term "hunt" quite literally around here. You all, wherever you are, may use it loosely or you may even not really understand how the terms are related.

Let me break it down for ya...in this city and its lovely surrounding boroughs, it is about as rare to find an honest, attentive broker as it is to find a bucket full of chocolate-covered plutonium at the 14th street station.

Not likely* my friends.

So long story short she was having issues getting her money back from a broker that was misleading/A LYING COW and we were discussing what to do. I sent her to my good friend "A" who is a big wig Realtor so that he could asses the sitch and give her advice.

Fingers are still crossed.

*this might not be factually accurate, technically speaking. Just that EVERYONE I KNOW has a story like this. EVERYONE.

Festival of might

2007-12-09T23:27:00.000+02:00

We went to CT to see my family for Chanukah. It was very nice. My brother the chef, made latkes (love him, mine were just as good...take that Le Cirque!)

Everyone loved their gifts (especially my 93 year old Nana and the silk leopard pjs we got her)

But once again getting to the train station seemed more than I could handle. Not sure why, or what it is that causes the anxiety. When I am on the way to the train, airport, etc...I lose my mind.

It's like I am watching myself freak out over the potential lateness (or actually lateness as the case may be) and I become like this little general. Mostly barking orders that make very little sense.

Hat's off to Roy who is slowly diffusing both the grenades being thrown at him and the tiny terror who's tossing them his way.

C is for cookie...

2007-12-09T10:14:00.000+02:00

So I got kind of ambitious this weekend and decided to host a cookie swap party. I had told a select few about it and what started off as a way to taste other people's baked goods, quickly morphed into a very girly time.

Maureen was the only person who does not live with me that came, and that poor dear got lost and had massive back spasms most of the time she was here. So much so that upon rescuing her from scary Brooklyn, I handed her my sweats, new socks, fleece and my crocs so that she could shed the woes of what had already been a trying day.

(yes I said crocs...let's move on, shall we?)

So we ate cookies, gossiped, used a little too much glitter puff paint and ate a lot of pizza with Roy. It was different, but much better than I had expected with only one attendee.

Sometimes things turn out just the way they should. I am not saying it wouldn't have been fun for everyone to be eating cookies in unison (then most likely tossing them later) BUT, it was just as nice with some much needed one-on-one time with Moe.

Maybe next time, she'll even bring cookies.

The Office

2007-12-06T23:52:00.000+02:00

Thursday night I got to tag along with the gals in my mother's office to dinner and a show. It was their holiday party and I was thrilled I could snag an invite.

Every year she takes them to some swank restaurant and then the season's "hottest" new play. This year it was some place I can't remember followed by "Young Frankenstein." The play was good, Megan Mullaly was AMAZING. She carried the whole show, to the point where I was seriously restraining myself from screaming out "MEGAAAAAAANNNN YOU RULE" at her curtain call.

But the dinner was amazing. Not because of the truffle and short rib stuffed burger that Tracey ordered, or the "pump and dump" Jill left the table for, but it was the sight few have seen until now...my mother had an adult beverage. Granted, it was a White wine spritzer ( I am not even kidding) but because she was brave enough to try--or let touch her lips--everyone else's drinks.

Her office is filled with supremely talented, funny, smart and ambitious women. And then there was me and my father.

The above picture was taken when she was sipping my new favorite drink (courtesy of my dear friend Jo-Di). I'm not sure she loved it, but you may. So here it is:

I'll call it the Uncle Karl:

1. Petron Silver
2. Fresh Lime Juice
3. Cointreau
3. Olives (this is my own addition, since they add the needed salt, without actual salt and I get to eat them)

Chag Sameach

2007-12-05T21:18:00.000+02:00

It's Hanukkah which means I get to eat some really great food. I also get to make Latkes, which I happen to be really good at it. Sorry, but it's true.

Tonight, here's my recipe:

2 potatoes unpeeled, washed then grated
1 large onion (3/4 grated, 1/4 thinly julienned)
1 egg
2 tablespoons Quinoa flour
2 pinches Kosher salt
many grinds of fresh pepper

Covered the shallow pan with vegetable oil, a pad of butter and a splash of olive oil.
After grating the potatoes and the onions (also after added the cut onions), I squeeze out the extra water, then add the rest of the ingredients.

Pinching a small amount of the batter into the hot oil, I slowly move them clockwise ( so they all get equal cooking time).

When I take them out and put them onto paper towel, I add a small sprinkle SMALL of raw sugar.

That's it.

Roy loves to eat them with applesauce. Or with Sour Cream. Or plain. Or not totally ready yet. Or every night this week.
*Is he hand model material, or what?

Snow Day and a Movie

2007-12-03T06:11:00.000+02:00

You can't really SEE it. But, there was snow on Sunday and I couldn't be happier. I can't really explain it, except to say I might be slightly crazy. Or perhaps I was a polar bear in my former life, because I love the cold and watch out if it snows.

Seriously, watch out. I can make about 12 snowballs in an hour and I am so not afraid to use them. Just ask Roy.

Giggggggle.

*we also saw "I'm not there" with Cate Blanchett and some other actors. She stole the show in such a way that I literally almost said WOW out loud. She's amazing, really. Beyond.

Sunday Munch (even though it was Saturday)

2007-12-03T05:46:00.000+02:00

Heather and I went out for brunch this Sunday. It was a really nice way, nay excuse to eat. It was freezing out, windy and I had had a light dinner the night before, so....where to go? Penelope on 30th and Lexington. If you've never been there, it's exactly like being in a teeny bed and breakfast in Vermont. So either you don't need to go to VT, or you don't need to go to Penelope.

Ok, you should go to Penelope. It's delicious.

Oh, and did I mention the apple cider bellinis? Very yummy.

We gorged ourselves on homemade waffles and cinnamon walnut butter (actually I did, mainly because I finished Heather's) and they give you fresh coffee while you wait for a table.

From there we took a walk to Union Square, checked out the markets, the Christmas Fair--where I heard and met more Israelis then I think I have in all the time I've lived here--and ended up seeing a movie. It was this great Disney cartoon where the evil witch sends the lost princess to a land "where there are no happy endings."

Yeah you guessed it, she ends up in NYC. I have to say it was kind of a sad idea...no happy endings? None? AT. ALL?

(hehe, hehe...we have happy endings here)

I think the idea didn't phase Heather, she's pretty savvy.

But then again, she did find the CHOCOLATE SYRINGES at Max Brenner across from the movies fascinating.

My little buttercup

2007-11-30T23:03:00.000+02:00

Last night I went to my first company party...

Let's just say that the $20 bucks I brought for dinner and drinks was not really cutting it. People made the most amazing things. Tons of cupcakes, cookies* (each individually frosted), dips (IN BREAD BOWLS), cookies, cookies, apps, pies, etc. I took a couple of cupcakes home for Roy and one for Heather (we're having lunch tomorrow), cause nothing says love like butter cream frosting.

My favorite "entry" was this star cake above.

*am still recovering from the sugar high.

Table for two

2007-11-29T05:44:00.001+02:00

Roy surprised me last night with a fabulous dinner.

I ended up waiting for him at the wrong bar and when I finally found him I was a little tipsy and kinda agro.

He giggled and presented me with a present, took my hand and walked me to the correct location.

He had put a plan into action where we would have drinks and then go to dinner.

It was an amazing place. The French Culinary Institutes's restaurant, 'L'ecole.'

The dinner was great, of course.

But for me, the queen of all sappy shmuckettes, was that it was like a first date. Ok, maybe a 4th or 5th, but we were giggling, laughing and sharing our entrees.

This is a good man. This is a thoughtful, patient man. He took a grumptastic girl and made her smile. Most of all, he made me remember how lucky I am.

...he's pretty lucky too. ;)

A real 30 minute meal

2007-11-28T05:33:00.000+02:00

Take that Rachel Ray, you COW!

Actually, it was a 29 minute meal....HA!

Roy made me dinner last night, late night. I've been at the office late this week and it was so nice to come home to such a wonderful man and his wonderful chicken.

PS it was delicious

The view from the top

2007-11-28T05:28:00.000+02:00

...of my office last night.

pretty nice, eh? I used to just look at concrete and now I get to look at dirty Jerz.

Friggin suhweet...

Graduation

2007-11-27T23:10:00.000+02:00

I started my new job on Monday. It's amazing.
Nothing against any job I've held in the past, but this place is heaven. It's like I've graduated from High School and got into an Ivy League School...no, actually it's like going to Oxford.

When I walk the halls I feel that same excited feeling I had when I lived on High Street so many years ago.

Everyone there is the best of the best at what they do, there are people who specialize in the most amazing things, everyone is hard-working and RIDICULOUSLY creative.

I'm giddy.

I even got to order new office supplies today...could it get any better?!

McManus the sequel

2007-11-27T05:15:00.000+02:00

My lovely friend, Brady and I went to grab a drink last night.

We went to our favorite place, which isn't so much a favorite as a TRAP FOR ROTTEN MEN. Let me clarify:

Not so much rotten, as it seems that every time we go there--only when we go there together--some escapee from a circus freak show comes up and talks to us, shouts at us, buys us drinks and then gives us the stink eye, makes weird comments, close-talks, etc.

I love the bar, I don't want to confuse you. It's beautiful, old and has good food and beer. But it seems we have the worst luck. Just when we're sitting peacefully, this guy Brad came over and pulled up a chair. Despite my rudeness, he stayed. Mostly, I think for Brady, who is lovely and polite. I would have preferred to dip this guy's head into a writhing bucket of hungry Piranha.

Anyway, read her blog to understand the scope of the evening. It was lovely to see her, but MAN, this place is testing my patience.

Gobble Gobble

2007-11-25T16:53:00.000+02:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Nothing says happy Sarah like a federal holiday dedicated to eating, eating, fighting with your family and then some more eating thrown in for good measure.

This year I felt especially blessed to have Heather join us and of course, Roy. Roy has since become a convert of Turkey, so he mentioned. Before Thursday he was pacing, hemming and hawing about how dry and bland turkey is...."just you wait Henry Higgins" I explained to him, there's no bland anything at my parents' house.

It was our first Thanksgiving together, (since last year we went to Amsterdam in a flurry of last minute planning) I was thrilled to share it with him, as well as sweet and adorable Heather.

There were a bunch of people at my parents' house and I made introductions, ate some turkey, tons of stuffing and drank my fair share of wine. My 93 year old grandmother opted for Heineken.

That night I drove the troops to the train and prepared to drive up to Rhode Island to see my cousins. Roy had to work on Friday--BLAST!--and Heather's a little too young and impressionable to meet all my family in one sitting. Besides, I LOVE me some RI and was so excited to be heading up.

My drive was fast early Friday morning, it's usually something I really detest. It's about 158 miles, which isn't so bad. BUT for about 60% of it, there is only a 2 lane road which is basically a crap shoot with regards to traffic.

My time with my cousins was amazing--albeit short--and I took tons of pictures (which I am sure annoyed the living POOP out of them.

Basically, my Thanksgiving was amazing. Really, it was. There were some fights, lots of drinking, some driving, and a ton of food.

A TON of food.

*am still eating it, by the by, and couldn't be HAPPIER. Me likey Thanksgiving, me likey MUCHO.

PS
Roy now LOVES turkey, good thing too because I often happen to be one.

La Vie en Rize

2007-11-20T21:56:00.000+02:00

(taken with Maureen's iFRIGGINPhone)

Yes, yes, I am well aware that that is NOT the right spelling.

It's a PUN PEOPLE.

Ok, starting off on wrong foot....I digress.

So Monday night, last night, I had the wonderful good fortune to share a ladies' night with my dear friend Maureen (aka B*tch just got a iPhone--I Kidddddd, I kiddddddd)

Anyway, we went for pedicures and headed to our usual spot for drinks and apps. Life is pretty sweet and we are both really lucky to have had this night to chat. I teased her about some monitor she had to wear for 24 hours that DIED on her. She teased me for making the pedicure people crazy last time we went as I was OBSESSED with having a skull and cross bones painted on my big toes.

We ate toasted cheeses and soaked crusty bread in tomato sauce, devoured olives and some pasta dish I would probably sell an egg for...and because we're women we also found things to complain about, even in our blessed lives we were able to squeeze in a few things that make us miserable.

It was, as always a pleasure to share time with Moe. A pleasure that was only compounded by the fact that we drank more than a couple of these drinks..."La vie en Rize" no idea what was in them besides some champagne, but a delicate rose petal floated on top and that was enough to make it perfect for girls' night.

"..then a couple 'a guys, they were up to no good...started making trouble in my neighborhood."

2007-11-20T21:13:00.000+02:00

(image from wikipedia)

Ok, so please know I am alright ahead of time.

Last weekend, on Saturday, I had just come from the movies. I had seen a 5:30 show of Dan in Real Life and it was great.
I went into a store and then was standing at 23rd street and 8th Avenue about to cross to take the A,C to Brooklyn.

I sensed a guy walk up behind me and one to my left and right. The guy to my left asked some random guy if I was "his woman." When the chivalrous bloke made it clear that I was indeed all alone, this man stood in my way in the crosswalk.

"Hey, how you doing?" he barked.

I said nothing, stood silently looking past his shoulder.

"I said HEY. Can't you HEAR ME?" he insisted.

I still said nothing, fully aware that there were 2 other large men surrounding me and all they had to do was push me or poke me and I would have been toast. Who knew what was going through their mind, they could have been drunk or high, or carrying a weapon. Lord knows why some girl who looked like she was sponsored by Patagonia was enticing, but that night, on that busy street it was me.

"Yo! I like what I see...there something wrong with that? You got a PROBLEM?!"

He steps forward so close to me that I could see his PORES.

I didn't give it another moment or so to think, so I turned right and walked 50 feet into the GAP on 8th. I knew nothing could happen in a huge public space, I was not that much of a target that they would follow me in there.

And they didn't. But as I turned, they laughed at me. Like I was some coward.

I got inside and turned to see that the three of them were waiting for me.

Panic.

Serious F*cking Panic.
(for the official record, it did cross my mind to call Roy, but I didn't)

So I looked for the nearest employee, and asked her to walk me to the subway because I realized that in my PANIC I didn't really see what the guy really looked like.

Although they were dispersed they could have been anyone.

She got the manager, who could have easily been Jack's body double from Will & Grace, and he walked me down to the turnstile and safely into the station.

For the first time I sat with other people while I waited for the train. I was a scared that I've never felt, like I was walking around naked and every man I saw that night seemed eerily threatening.

When I got to Brooklyn, I sat on the stoop and Roy called my cell worried that I was late for our date night. As I began to tell him what had happened, I could hear him running to the stoop to swoop down and give me the softest, strongest hug.

It was rough, but I am ok. Better, definitely better.

...despite being b*tch slapped by this week already...

2007-11-19T00:01:00.000+02:00

(from amazon.com)

a teeny post re: Mr. Anthony Bourdain
(thanks, AJO)
(click here)

new and improved stereotypes...(found 'em, didn't write 'em)

2007-11-15T05:50:00.000+02:00

click here

a room of one's own

2007-11-12T06:24:00.000+02:00

(my lovely friend Maureen)

Roy and I went to see my friend Maureen & Nathaniel this weekend up in CT. “UP” being the operative word.

Their house is 2 hours by train from NYC and although I was a little bit slow that morning and the trip to the Grand Central was a vicious, skull-ripping and unrelenting example of the depths of hell—I loved being up there.

Because we were late to getting home on Friday night and because the WATER.WAS. SHUT. OFF. It took a while to get up and out of the apartment, we sprinted up and down stairs, maneuvered our ways through subway booths and slow pedestrians like first draft NFL rookies. I was thinking, we might be pretty good at “The Amazing Race”. Interesting...Israeli and Greenwich girl win it all on CBS game show--I can see it now....ahhhhhhh.

Anyway, I digress.

So we made it onto the train and arrived in one piece, Nathaniel graciously picked us up and we were off. I have to admit it, I missed the country. I used to drive on these same roads ALL.THE.TIME. when my brother went to school in upstate CT, and breathing in the aromatic Fall air, all discomfort and gruesome fatigue dissolved.

The party was impeccably planned and Maureen’s friends were all (as expected) lovely. Many cupcakes and caramel apples were consumed (couldn’t be helped) and we recharged by the bonfire.

What a luxury it is to have a place of one’s own, where you can shed the impurities of the city and sit in absolute silence around a fire (save the faint sounds of the new James Blunt album), see stars that seem well within reach and begin to feel close to human again.

From the corner of my eye I could see Moe decompressing as well and to me, at that moment everything was brilliant and amazing.

Take a train ride upstate, get lost, find yourself.

I highly recommend it.

(pics from an older trip to CT, these are from Sharon CT which is not too far from where we were.)

Rafi Po (Rafi's here)

2007-11-09T05:31:00.000+02:00

(image from CDuniverse)

Rafi:
(Rah-Fee)
The word Rafi is of Arabic origin, and its meaning is "holding high" or "servant of the exalted one".
The Hebrew root of the name "Rafi" is "Rafael" which means "healed by God." The Hebrew root "rofe" means "heal," and "El" is a name for God.

Famous Rafi's include:
Abu al-Rafi ibn Abu al-Huqayq, a chieftain of Jewish tribes
Rafi Amit, a poker player from Israel
Rafael ('Rafi') Eitan, an Israeli leader
Rafi Izbicki, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson
Rafi Yoeli, Israeli inventor
Rafi (political party), a political party in Israel during the 1960s

BUT.

Most importantly, "Raffi" was the singer (he's still a singer) that sang one of my favorite songs when I was little, "Baby Beluga." Below is a scene from one of my favorite childhood shows (Full House), explaining that my affection for Raffi was pretty much a cultural phenomenon:

I've yet to see if Roy's friend Rafi can do this dance, or sing this song...we're going to Shawna's birthday party tonight, so perhaps he'll bust out the moves.

(I'll let you know)

Either way, I am so excited that he's come to visit, he's one of the first friends of Roy that I met (I think it was on our 4th date) and as always, it's wonderful to see him.

security

2007-11-09T04:49:00.000+02:00

(this image has NOTHING to do with my entry, but shit...the SOX. WON. THE. SERIES!!!)

I love my bank, let me just get that out of the way.

I have been with Bank of America since 1998, when they were Bank Boston. Then they became Fleet, and now they're BOA.

This morning I got an email saying that there was suspicious activity on my account and in order to reactivate my card I would need to call them. I was wary at first, and then examined the email, its path, etc and called. It was Bank Of America, I even goggled the phone number to double check.

Anyway there is apparently some scam going on where companies/hackers this one was using (Comcast as a cover), test your account number by charging you a dollar. Nothing anyone would notice.

But my bank did.

Now they've canceled my card and dealt with the reimbursement. pretty sweet.

I just wanted to post this because I was NEVER one of those people who signed up for "extra care" or "security" with any of my cards, but let me tell you it's hella worth it.

I called BOA to confirm that it was them calling on the other line, just in case and alls well. Just peachy.

I am a very satisfied customer.

he FOUND her

2007-11-07T06:48:00.000+02:00

proof that you really can get anything in NYC

how can you not love this?

2007-11-05T06:47:00.000+02:00

(www.nygirlofmydreams.com)

inspired

2007-11-05T06:19:00.000+02:00

(nytimes.com)

I saw this drawing in Maira Kalman's blog on NYTIMES.com. She's one of my favorite illustrators/artists and it really struck a cord. This comes from a poster that the British government used during WW2 to boost moral and inspire calm.

Life is busy and relentless and it gives me pause, kind of makes me realize I've got it pretty good.

Also tempts me to buy one of these posters for the apartment. (although I like Maira's better)

sock it to me

2007-11-01T08:45:00.000+02:00

(image from flickr)

You'd agree it's getting mildly colder, yes?

Your legs or toes are eventually going to get chilly, yes?

GO.TO.THE.SOCKMAN.

He's on St. Marks in NYC, and is an overabundance of tights, socks, thigh highs, etc. Everything you need, seriously, or ever might need*...is there.

*and yes, Jo-Di they also have arm warmers.

by hook or by cook

2007-11-01T06:52:00.000+02:00

(click here for source)

There are a select few actors/celebs that I happen to find very interesting. Anthony Bourdain is one of them.

He has been in the cooking field for over 20 years, but shot to fame with his book Kitchen Confidential which lifted the rock (so to speak) on the culinary industry and exposed hidden infestations.

I've read most of his books and find them entertaining and smart. Most recently he's been blogging (click here) and my affection for him has grown exponentially.

I scavenge for tidbits he's written and am rarely disappointed when I read what he's got to say.

He is like the Lou Reed of cooking. Cool, confident, funny and not afraid to tell you exactly what's on his mind.

(he's also not too bad on the eyes)

Here is a clip of a video Time magazine did with AB.
You may not like it as much as I did, but hey...you know what?! THIS. IS. MY. BLOG.

old as dirt

2007-11-01T01:09:00.000+02:00

Tonight is Halloween, and people everywhere are cleverly dressed and trick-or-treating their way across the country.

I feel like I am watching it all on TV. This year, probably one of the first, I am really noticing that I am no longer as close to the "treaters" ages as I am slowing sliding towards the parents' ages.

I went to 4 different drugstores in the city to find the coolest "kid" candy (unlike my mother--love you--who geniusly would buy mini Snickers and Good 'n Plenties, because that's what she likes, dammit!)

I grabbed my stash and set myself up for the evening. Bought Roy a truly heinous mask, at his request, and was thinking pretty highly of myself.

Once again I got ahead of myself.

I am officially an old fart who gets ahead of herself. Get me one more cat or 12, and I'll be that crazy lady who wears a giant Santa sweater everyday and has moles with giant hairs sticking out of them.

This beautiful image just recently occurred to me as I passed out some treats one of the mothers tried to persuade her zombie daughters to "grab the Junior Mints for mommy."

Since when did Junior Mints, the candy of savvy taste buds everywhere become the stuff of parental wanderlust?

I mean, really? Junior Mints? Maybe they've had their heyday, they were in Seinfeld and my Father loves them....hmmm

Maybe this isn't so improbable.

the joy of sox

2007-10-25T06:04:00.000+02:00

(getty images)

(boston globe)

I am pretty sure Josh Beckett's not human. Which is mighty fine news considering he plays for the Red Sox, or should I call them:

THE RAD SOX!

1st team in post season history to score more than 10 runs in three straight games

13 Runs = new WS Game 1 record

12 - Largest margin of victory in WS Game 1 (11: White Sox 1959 and Atlanta 1996)

Tied WS record with nine extra-base hits (Pirates 1935).

(records found here, click for my favorite Sox blog)

our very own Ron Weasley

2007-10-23T00:21:00.001+02:00

Although he may not have glowing red hair, or a squeaky voice that singes your ear drum, he's the closest we've got.

(PS he's the one with the sunglasses on)

Ever-present and always smiling (funny...eh, not as dependably I must say), he's a treasure of a friend and will always be in your corner.

We need to work on his sense of humor though, he sadly limits himself to 2 old standbys which I haven't used since 7th grade:

1. ....yo mama?! (after any witty remark, this is his go to reply)

2. with a mouth full of food, he always asks; "do you like see food?"

please call our hotline if you have any tips at:

01.800.DORKUS.MAXIMUS
thank you.

finger lickin' chicken

2007-10-21T10:04:00.000+02:00

It's kinda sad how happy good food makes me. There are few things I treasure as much as a home-cooked meal made with love and dripping in reduction sauce.

This weekend was shortened by a 36 hour sleepless problem-solving marathon Roy had to attend to at work, so I made us some of my favorite Barefoot Contessa chicken last night for dinner. As I mentioned, I am quite a fan of the Contessa, and like to double the recipe for the sauce so I can baste and save some for future marinades (this is the original, un-Sarah-ized version):

1 cup honey
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup minced garlic (8 to 12 cloves)
1/2 cup peeled and grated fresh ginger root
2 (3 1/2 pound) chickens, quartered, with backs removed. Cook the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger root in a small saucepan over low heat until the honey is melted. Arrange the chicken in 1 layer in a shallow baking pan, skin side down, and pour on the sauce. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator**

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the pan, turn the chicken skin side up, and raise the temperature to 375 degrees F. Continue baking for 30 minutes or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh and the sauce is a rich, dark brown.

In addition to the chicken, I made some fresh string beans from the farmer's market in Brooklyn Heights, Israeli salad a la Sarah, Sugar free Angel food cake with Balsamic macerated strawberries and fresh concord grape juice from the farmer's market grape ladies.

*sigh* deliciouso!

* while this is recommended, I've found that 3-6 hours works equally well. Obvi, you want to marinate as long as possible.

um, grossest thing ever?

2007-10-20T11:40:00.000+02:00

Something else from Best Week Ever.

These pictures--click on the cat sitting on the jon--are from an actual Russian family that has an ACTUAL. WILDCAT. LIVING. IN. THEIR. HOME.

A few of the images, NSFW (not suitable for work).

If you're a veg, or are really a fan of seeing your chickens without blood or feathers, 2 of these images re NSFNP (not suitable for normal people)

uuuuhhhh....ew?!

Most of all, it's really sad.

could not be happier

2007-10-19T06:23:00.000+02:00

Have been searching for corduroys for the cold days ahead and its really been a struggle. ok, a huge pain in the ass.

HA HA HA, get it, ass? I'm talking about pants....ass? ok, I digress.

In my travels, have discovered that J.Crew sells 5-pocket corduroys for $80. No, that's not in pesos--$80 American dollars.

Banana Republic also thinks they have some sort of special Divine, chocolate-covered corduroy and price it accordingly at $79.

When I thought all was lost, I found some on the Levi's Website for $20.

Finally, quality and good prices, thank you.

$80 bucks for corduroy, really? I mean maybe you should work on your fit consistency first.

a moment like this

2007-10-18T05:04:00.000+02:00

(from http://barnapkins.org/petphotos.htm)

You ever want to know what it's like to live with a cat? Do ya?

This was forwarded tome by a friend who works at Best Week Ever (only my favorite show) and just take a look at the middle cat in the 6th picture...

This series of images shows exactly how unpredictable life with a feline can be. One moment, you're all snuggly and lovie and the next its nightmare on elm street.

bag lady

2007-10-16T07:09:00.000+02:00

(wnyc.org)

Sweet vindication. For many months, I have been referred to as a "bag lady" by many of those to which I hold near and dear.

Actually, I think it has been longer than that. But, who's counting, really....

Anyway, it used to sting and I battled back by purchasing even more cotton totes to carry with me through the city. I fill it with everything imaginable and yes, it does get messy in there without pockets or dividers, or any sort of structure at all.

But I like a nice comfortable bag, especially one that doesn't scream;" I AM A TREND CONSCIOUS FEATHER IN THE WIND....I WILL DO WHAT YOU TELL ME TO." (ok, a slight exaggeration on my part, but I tend to do that sometimes.)

I am also not spending hundreds on a "purse" when I really don't need one or even can decide which one I like the best.

I would just like to point out that not only am I being environmentally conscious, but I am being fashionable.

Both of which are not so often attributed to the same person.

blind date

2007-10-16T06:26:00.000+02:00

This weekend Roy installed the solar shades we picked out a few weeks ago. He was brilliant at it and now that they’re up I have to admit I was a wee bit nervous about how they would look. I know how I wanted them to look, but you never know.

We got it done in no time…and I helped.

Holding the ladder counts as help.

HOLDING.THE.LADDER.COUNTS.AS.HELP.

Besides, I didn’t want to deprive Roy of the satisfaction of installing them himself. I mean, it looked like a lot of fun.

told you so...

2007-10-13T09:38:00.000+02:00

thought you might like to read this re: Jessica Seinfeld's manifesto...

click here.

liar, liar, pants on fire

2007-10-11T07:56:00.000+02:00

(harpercollins.com)

Ok...

So dump-my-husband-of-one-week-so-I-can-marry-a-millionaire, Jessica Seinfeld, has come out with a book about lying to your children.

Maybe not directly.

But her new book which has the word DECEPTIVE in the title, is about how you get your picky kids to eat veggies. She has recipes for brownies with pureed carrots and spinach in them but the rest of the ingredients are still brownie ingredients. SO, if you want your kids to eat their normal required amount of veggies, they will also be consuming about 8 brownies, well done JS.

Also, the recipe literally says that you have to wait for the brownie to cool so they won’t taste like veggies.

There are so many things wrong with this book. In this world of catering to pint-sized princes and princesses it seems silly to be feeding your kids crap laced with health. Just give them dinner, if they don’t like it, they don’t eat. What is so hard about that?

Obviously this book is going to do well, it’s for lazy people. It’s for the same people who buy diet pills because they don’t want to exercise or stop eating Twinkies, or those electro magnetic thingies that will zap you into shape. These same people would probably call the number on TV for “make a million dollars a week AND find your soulmate without leaving your house!”

YOU. ARE. THE. PARENT.

You cook, they eat. They don’t like it, then you figure shit out. You DO NOT make them a chocolate cake with beets in it, to trick them.

Quite a role model.

from russia with LOVE

2007-10-10T02:37:00.000+02:00

(sexandthecity.it)

Tonight I had dinner with my friend Cordelia and Pietzie, we went to sushi in Chelsea and on the bus, Cordelia was trying to tell me something but I was so busy in New Yorker mode that I'm afraid I didn't hear her as I pushed my way off the bus.

When we go to the street she stopped me looked in my eye and said, "Sarah. Wait. Baryshnikov was just on the bus, and he just got off in front of us."

WAIT. WHAT?

WHAT??

Let me preface, well its too late for that, but before I had a major crush on Mr. Jeff Goldblum, it was all about Baryshnikov.

There was something about the way he moved and his accent coupled with his confidence and presence on stage.

*sigh*

So I trotted along side his entourage and saw that it was him, in the flesh (much shorter flesh then I had imagined, but flesh none the less...)

Turns out we both like sushi, cause he went into the same restaurant we were headed into.

He is just as handsome in person, without question. And although "Carrie" rejected him on Sex and the City:

(ok, he was a unimaginable jerk on that show)BUT, tonight, from a SAFE distance, he didn't look so terrible to me.

(sexandthecity.it)

wicked good

2007-10-09T07:39:00.000+02:00

(from sullystees.com)

Ok, so enough sadness about the Spankees being outta the playoffs...

THE. RED. SOX. ARE. STILL. IN. IT!

That's right, and we did it WITHOUT A-ROD.

(SSNN.com)

I am fairly proud of myself, that this season I have shown some restraint, but this site is where I normally get my Red Sox tees and I thought I'd share it.

It's "wicked pissa."
(pronounced WIK-ID PISS-HA)

sad but true

2007-10-09T05:39:00.000+02:00

Jim Rogash / AP file

The Yankees are officially done for the season. Their fearless, noble leader may be done as well. Joe Torre is a hell of a guy and baseball will not be the same without him.

But an article in The Boston Globe asks "what happened to the Yankees?" I have to ask as well. I mean, all that talent, money, etc...what went wrong?

read article here

where's the beef?

2007-10-09T03:26:00.000+02:00

I had the pleasure of sharing dinner with my childhood friend Danielle last night in Williamsburg. We were inseparable in 7th grade and had ping-ponged many emails before we decided on the right time and place.

After touring her new digs and strolling through the 'hood, we decided dinner would be somewhere neither of us had ever been. An adventure, deep in the heart of Brooklyn.

We stumbled into Wild Ginger (a vegan emporium) and sat in the back—despite any unease over not eating any animal byproduct—I have to admit that the food was delicious.

After an almost 17 year absence we were able to gracefully pick up where we left off (with a pinch of maturity and perspective) and had an ease in our conversation that I never doubted would still exist. It was lovely and easy and real.

It was one of many MANY more.

Below is a short Danielle shot on a plane and sent me this morning, genius that she is, she made me CRY.AT.WORK.

long time passing...

2007-10-08T03:27:00.000+02:00

Wow. So it’s been quite a while since I’ve sat down and posted much of anything. You guys still there?

Nothing of great substance has happened, but life is very good. It's already the 2nd week in October, which is frightening, in the last half year of my twenties....*sigh*, am on the hunt for the perfect fall coat/wardrobe, and I'm beginning to enjoy working out---what? that's craziness! hold the phone, tell me more!

(image from flickr)

Alrighty then...Roy returned from

Israel

and we spent a much needed week together before he had to head back to the office. We caught up on our various adventures and misadventures since he left in July and even planned some together. There was a lot of amazing cooking involved, brunches and dinners shared with friends, movies watched, walks taken and music enjoyed. It was a sweet reminder of how important it is to take time to stop and enjoy life, put things into perspective and not forget to exhale.

Got to know my colleagues from the Europe office through meetings, drinks and random joke-telling. They’re pretty funny…not as funny as I am, naturally, but they have time till I see them again to improve. Practice makes perfect. Basically, work is good.

My Red Sox *sigh* haven’t fallen flat on their faces yet and it’s OCTOBER. HA! That’s right, it’s OCTOBER. The Yankees are playing like the Sox usually do and it’s exhilarating.

Purchased a stunning hot pepper plant and Mint plant this weekend to add to the growing menagerie of Jasmine, Fig, et al literally growing in the living room.

OH. I. ALMOST. FORGOT.

Roy made the most delicious oatmeal this weekend and this morning, and hopefully ALL WINTER LONG…I will post about it tomorrow when I’ve uploaded the images. I don’t know everything that’s in it, but wow…there’s Cardamom, Dates, Walnuts, hmmm, Raisins? Anyway, more tomorrow.

wax on, wax off

2007-10-01T03:35:00.000+02:00

Ok, this will be quick and painless.
GO.TO.BLISS.

For every wax you'll ever need. I went a few days ago and saw a woman named Tess. Not only was she amazing, but somehow, this lovely human made the process pain-free.

That's all I'm gonna say.

No pain, lots of gain.

the butt stops here

2007-09-27T08:01:00.000+02:00

(photo from nytimes.com)

So it's official.

Roy is an innovator, a style-guru, a taste-maker if you will.

Months ago he purchased the Toto Washlet and people scoffed at his acquisition. But now, almost 5 months later people are reading about it in The New York Times and they're finally catching on...or dare I say, getting on?

just curious

2007-09-27T07:43:00.000+02:00

(photo from flickr)

What is the appropriate response when someone falls asleep on a totally packed subway car ON. YOUR. SHOULDER. and begins to snore like a drowning gremlin? Is beating them with my over-stuffed gym bag too severe? Plugging their nostrils with the gum under my seat, over the top?

jack is so grounded

2007-09-26T08:22:00.000+02:00

Officially, Jack and I are not speaking.
This morning as I got up to go to run, I picked him up to say hello and snuggle a bit. He was content with this as he purred, closed his eyes and snuggled in. And then it happened.

He swatted me IN THE FACE. Not a normal swat, sans the death claws, but full force Wolverine-style.

I was bleeding.

BLEEDING, BLOOD WAS DRIPPING FROM MY SKIN!

I am SO not talking to him.
After he did it, I didn't drop him and scream. I held him and looked at him and said NO! in my most convincing baritone Roy voice.

Not cool, little cat, not cool.

This is officially reason #756,807 that I want a puppy, not a wolf in Jack's clothing.

early morning tales of foolish ambition

2007-09-26T07:22:00.000+02:00

After 2 weeks of gorging myself, I have restarted my exercise routine.

*sigh*

This morning I went for a run at 530 (my internal clock has not readjusted itself and so I am WIDE. AWAKE. AT. 4AM.) It was nice, a little chilly and very quiet.

It wasn’t until I got back to Poplar that I realized that my teeny (I thought no one will see them) undergarments were sticking out of the top of my shorts like a little whale tail.

So all those stares in my direction on the Brooklyn Bridge this morning, they weren’t silent encouragements, as I had assumed, they were early morning gawkers—at my protruding white arse.

Quite a way to announce to the neighborhood that I'm back in town.

shorter than a 12.5 hour flight

2007-09-25T09:17:00.000+02:00

Found this video online from an Israeli guitarist, who sent it to his friends to show them a little more of Israel then what they see on TV. I thought I'd share it with you all. I miss it already.

*sniffle*

saddened

2007-09-25T07:05:00.000+02:00

(taken from the New England Holocaust Memorial, Boston)

Yesterday swastikas and other anti-semitic pamphlets and placards were found on apartment buildings, synagogues and cars in Brooklyn Heights.

I don't want to give these hateful people too much attention (this also includes Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad) as they've already had coverage on the news and online, but I thought it important to say something.

Especially after reading the above link where a local realtor, Kevin Carberry, was quoted as saying; "It's irrational and it's sad, but I don't think it has anything to do with me. I'm Irish. "

Mr. Carberry, this can happen anywhere, and when it happens, no matter your affiliation, it applies to YOU.

american cornball

2007-09-25T05:41:00.000+02:00

Saturday Anne and Linds are having a party.

A cornhole party.

Sounds slightly pornographic, but hardly as fun. It's a glorified shuffleboard with bean bags and beer.

What is most entertaining about this "sport" is seeing grown-up, well-educated people losing their minds over their lack of hand-eye coordination. I think I might take some video. To tell you how serious this is, last time in June, the party was just a BBQ with some cornhole involved. This weekend, the Evite said; "There will be less food, more booze... we will be outside for the most part, so dress accordingly."

First of all, that's barely possible. I think there were more handles of booze last time than guys in Nantucket Reds.

Second, I am not sure how well we'll be playing cornhole at 7pm IN.THE.DARK.

I guess thats why we have to "dress accordingly."