The Printed Thought

Cheers!

2011-12-31T11:48:00.000-05:00

On this 31st day of December, 2011, it's the perfect time to reflect on the months gone by over this past year, to count our blessings and contemplate what brought us joy. As we think of all our family and friends, we can recall how both the happy - and not so happy - experiences enriched our lives.

As this fresh and bright new year arrives, may you look towards it with optimism for personal growth, excitement for new experiences and friends to be made, and perfect balance.

Cheers to a happy, healthy, prosperous, and sparkling 2012!

YouTube Grapefruit

2011-01-15T14:57:00.006-05:00

Haha, aww. In case you haven't already seen this super-cute vid on YouTube called "Eating Grapefruit" - here it is! It makes me laugh out loud every time I watch it. Wishing you a happy day with lots of laughs!

Rockin' the Booties!

2011-01-15T12:35:00.010-05:00

A new year most definitely calls for new shoes. And like any woman, I'm almost in as much love with shoes as I am with chocolate...waah, just can't help it. Anyway, these are my newest edition to the collection: ankle cowgirl booties! Paired with skinny jeans, a short skirt and tights, or boot cut pants, they're not only comfortable for miles of walking, but I love not having to wrangle tucking my pants into them as is the case sometimes with high boots. Dressed either up or down, the more worn in they get, the better. Added plus - I'm headed out to Colorado in a week and these will totally be suitcase/western-chic friendly! Technically the booties are from here, but (shhhh) I found them on sale at Marshalls.

Let it Snow!

2010-12-26T17:20:00.009-05:00

Merry {belated} Christmas! Wow - that went by FAST. But hooray for 2011 just around the corner. I like clean "New Year" slates, and it'll be my motivation to get out of holiday hibernation mode. Curse you chocolate reindeer, holiday cookies, and apple pie! (Well no, not really. I still love you despite my yearning for elastic waist pants).

What does winter hibernation entail aside from unabashedly going for that second helping of yummy homemade treats? Lounging on the couch in my parents' house, sipping hot cider, a Snuggie thrown over my feet, all the while snowed in - a blizzard blanketing the world (or at least Southern CT) in crisp, sparkling white. The wood burning fireplace is also cranking on full blast, filling the house with a light rustic smell. This smokiness always lingers on our jackets for the next few months, but it's New Englandy and memorable and utterly delicious smelling.

Given the snow accumulation of about 5-6 inches outside at the moment, it may require digging the car out bright and early tomorrow a.m. and shoveling a good portion of the driveway tonight. You know what though? I'm super excited to tackle both because...NEW SNOWBOOTS!

I purchased these heavy duty babies at the local REI just in the nick of time before the commencement of holiday season craziness. They're seriously warm, 100% waterproof, and uber-functional - all the while looking just chic enough for a dinner out on the snowy town. The faux fur cuff at the top even helps keep snow from falling into the boot - brilliant! They run true to size when wearing a thick wool sock and can be purchased online here and here.

Given hibernation, boots, and blizzard this wonderful time of year, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season and 2011.

NYC Marathon - Race Day Recap!

2010-11-07T23:06:00.015-05:00

Another year, another New York City Marathon. There's something incredibly inspiring about this particular stretch of 26.2: not only does this race attract over 40,000 runners from all over the globe, it unifies the Big Apple in a way no other sporting event can. Given it's THE event to attend on every second Sunday of November, the marathon connects the five boroughs by luring locals out of their high rise dwellings and onto city streets. By encouraging complete strangers to cheer in unity for a global community of determined runners (most of whom they will never cross paths with again), it creates a tight-knit sense of community in a city of 6 million+ people. Literally, for 26.2 miles, the sidewalks are packed with cheering spectators.

Undoubtedly, runners are thrilled by the outpouring of support and more often than not - become quite emotional. To be honest, I can't blame them. At the finish especially, the final stretch is flanked by approximately 3oo country flags. Making the final turn onto Central Park South, it's not uncommon to witness runners with tears of national pride and joy from personal accomplishment streaming down their faces. If that's not moving and inspriational, I don't know what is. Below are some photos I took from the day's event, stationed at Mile 17.

Inspiration pure and simple.

The elite female runners.

They were running at approx. a 5-6 minute-per-mile pace.

Elite male runners approaching mile 17.

They were running at a blazingly fast 4-5 minute-per-mile pace.

View down 1st Avenue.

Tea Time

2010-10-19T23:10:00.005-04:00

Changing of the seasons; onslaught of The Cold. You know when you just start feeling the slightest hint of one coming? That's when it's time to drink this cold-buster tea by Traditional Medicinals. I'm a believer, and prefer steeping 2 tea bags in one mug just to make sure I get a good dose of immune-boosting echinacea before hitting the hay - especially if I'm feeling particularly icky. The taste? Slightly sweet, bitter, herbal lemony-perpermint with a hint of citrus. Add some honey and steep for 10-15 minutes for maximum benefits. See ya later, sniffles!

*Disclaimer: be sure to check the website/ingredient list to ensure this medicinal tea will be good for your tummy. Also, it is not intended or recommended for long-term use.

Weekend Sailing Fun

2010-09-26T23:24:00.016-04:00

When there's wind...

It's time to go sailing! And what a stellar sailing weekend it was. Saturday, my Father and I went out for a day sail on the Sound on a family friend's 48ft boat, Dawnpiper. We happened to come across a regatta just as boats were rounding the downwind mark and flying their Spinnakers. Very colorful!

Here are some more snapshots of the day, along with a short video...hopefully it will work...(at the end of this post) of us cruising along at 6-7 knots.

Today was strictly a race-geared day out on the Sound sailing First Tracks; a 25ft Beneteau. The waves were on the rougher side, making for a fun ride through 4-5ft swells. The wind was blowing 20-25 knots and it was slightly overcast this afternoon, so foul-weather gear was donned and my camera stayed put in the dry bag below deck (hence lack of photo documentation). But here is one picture of First Tracks being rigged - a sleek nimble sailboat built for speed. The sails are made of Kevlar which is why they have a distinctive yellow tint to them.

Overall, the ideal sailing weekend. The very last race of the season is next weekend, so fingers crossed there's both wind and fair weather!

Back in Business!

2010-09-23T12:05:00.006-04:00

Hello again, Internet. Oh, how I've missed you so!

What a wild ride the past several weeks have been. Exciting update: new job! I feel like Princess Ann must have felt zipping around on that moped. Which, unquestionably so, has been the main justification for my lack of posts - after all, transitional adaptation is top-priority stuff. Another reason posts were on hold though: lots and lots of traveling including many a weekend excursion. Summer, it's so sad to see you go. Is it just me, or did the Halloween candy hit the shelves extra early this year?

However, now that I'm comfortably settled into my new position, (though still semi-adjusting to the new commute), I'm rearin' to get going with some new Printed Thoughts. So, dear readers, merci beaucoup for your patience. Time again to give this little portion of the web some much needed TLC!

Food (and recipes) for Health

2010-08-11T23:00:00.007-04:00

Until today, I did not know that cabbage is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, or, that half of a medium avocado has more potassium than a banana. And get this: artichokes are good for our eyes?

Recipes for Health, featured in the Fitness and Nutrition section of The New York Times, highlights an impressive list of tasty fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains always found on the perimeter of our grocery store aisles. There are some eye-opening and interesting nutritional factoids to be found in this article series, as well as delectable recipes that feature each food as the "hero" in their respective dishes.

Take a gander and read all about these super foods here. And cheers to a summer of healthy, fresh, and vibrant cooking!

A Word (or two) on Buckling Up

2010-07-13T21:30:00.013-04:00

The very first Printed Thought blog post debuted in September of 2009. I delayed discussing the following subject because it occurred only a month previous, in early August of last year. At the time, it was a little too raw, (and to be honest - not the most uplifting topic for a first blog post), so I saved it and its important accompanying images for almost exactly one year later.

Just shy of a year ago, my younger sister was in an automobile accident on her way driving to work on a rainy summer morning. Thank the Heavens she didn't even have a scratch after a precautionary visit to the ER, just some resulting back and neck soreness from whiplash, but it was a profound first-hand reminder that seat belts, undoubtedly, save lives.

Seat belts help restrain both driver and passengers to their seats in the event of a collision. When worn correctly, the lap belt (which rests over the pelvis), and the shoulder belt (which extends over the chest), apply most of the stopping force to the rib cage and pelvis, relatively sturdy parts of the body. The power of inertia is humbling; if a car is hurtling down the road at 60 miles per hour, so is its driver...although he or she may just be sitting there seemingly motionless from an interior perspective, with one foot on the gas pedal. Which means, if the vehicle were to suddenly come to an abrupt stop, the contents inside the vehicle would still be moving at 60 mph. In that event, it would be quite noticeable that the inertia of the car's contents are absolutely independent of the car's inertia.

According to a research report from the National Highway and Transit Safety Administration, seatbelts save approximately 13,000 lives in the United States each year. Furthermore, the NHTSA estimates that 7,000 U.S. car accident fatalities would have been avoided if the victims had been wearing belts.

So as a courteous safety reminder, dear readers, please buckle up whenever you get into a moving vehicle (even if it's in a NYC taxi). Remind those around you to follow suit. If you're the driver, it's ultimately your responsibility that your passengers have their seat belts fastened. Not only is it the primary and/or secondary enforcement law in 50/51 states, it's also the simplest action you can take to help ensure that you and your loved ones arrive at any given destination, safely.

On the Ocean Blue

2010-07-11T20:39:00.015-04:00

To me, summer in New England stands for the beach, ocean, sand, sun, and sailing. Lots and lots of sailing. Ok, and it also stands for delicious Summer-specific foods too, like grilled corn on the cob, pasta salads, and fixen's on the grill...but sailing is definitely right on up there with the quintessential American S'more.

Growing up in Connecticut only a mere 10-15 minute drive from the coast of Long Island Sound, my sister and I quite naturally turned into mermaids at the end of June, spending every conceivable moment in the water. We also went to sailing school religiously. Each and every day. And that's where we both learned how to sail.

Little kids start small by learning the basics of sailing in the pint-sized Optimist (they're really cute if you've ever seen them bobbing out on the water...photo below). Starboard here, Port there. That's the Bow, that's the Stern. Additional learned skills include understanding wind directionals, tacking, right of way, basic knot tying, and how to rig and care for a boat. Then, a few years later after one is old enough, weighs enough, and has mastered the necessary techniques, graduation is learning how to sail and race a Laser.

Needless to say, I never grew out of the Lasers-are-so-much-fun! phase. It's the perfect 1-2 person boat. Straightforward to rig, very fast. Very fun. Very portable. Three years ago after seeing a "For Sail" ad for a gently used 2002 race-ready Laser, my father and I jumped at the chance and went 50/50 on it. We christened her the Minnow II.

I find sailing both relaxing and challenging at the same time, which is why it's my #1 summertime outdoor indulgence. There's always a sense of adventure involved, and I've always loved exploring little uninhabited islands on the Sound, ones only accessible by boat. Talk about the ultimate picnic destination! I'm also humbled by the wind and waves; the sailor is always at the mercy of Mother Nature. Having the ability to harness wind power to make a boat go towards a desired destination can, at times, make a sailor really think and map out a mental plan of action. Above all though, I admire that the art of sailing is a lifelong learning process. Skills are most often learned and retained through hands-on experience, and one truly absorbs them best when adapting to ever changing wind patterns, weather, tides, and caring for a craft that demands constant attention.

The inaugural summer launching of the Minnow II was a couple weekends ago. Though, I'll admit it took a few extra hands to make sure all was sea-worthy before setting sail after a long winter hibernation, it was purely exhilarating to be out on the water again. I wish there had been a bit more wind, but luckily for us sailors, summer has only just begun.

Chia Pet, Apt. Garden

2010-06-22T21:46:00.013-04:00

Oh, dear. Looks like this past month's recent warm and sunny it's finally Summer weather has succeeded in keeping me far from the confines of my apartment dwelling. Thus, my blog set-up here has, quite noticeably, been lacking many a Printed Thought.

On the bright side though, my Vitamin D levels are totally up! Taking advantage of fantastic weather has in turn, given my New Englander skin a much needed healthy glow (a glow btw, that is virtually undetectable 7 solid months out of the year).

In light of beautiful weather and today being the first OFFICIAL day of Summer where everything is green and in bloom, I thought I'd share with you a little side project of mine. An herb garden. No, I certainly don't have the luxury of an outside balcony, or for that matter, any room for large potted plants, but I DO have a multitude of cooking pots. Behold: the Chia Gourmet Herb Garden (thanks E!). Easy to care for, easy to grow. And thankfully, kinda fool-proof for someone whose scraggly apartment plants haven't fared too well in the past.

Though my kitchen is indeed the size of a closet, take a gander at some sprightly Cilantro and Basil! My Chives haven't poked through the Chia-Pet soil yet, (I'm afraid something went wrong and they're a lost cause at this point), but I do have some more Basil seeds to throw in there and plant. Can never go wrong with more basil. It is, after all, an essential summertime indulgence.

You might be wondering why these little sprouts are hanging out in a cooking pot? For sure, my roommates have inquisitive looks on their faces every time they reach for one to boil pasta. Well, as it turns out, these Chia Herb Pets demand A LOT of water. Everyday. And let's face it, I may have forgotten this essential ingredient once or twice...or especially after returning from a long weekend away, only to discover them wilted and pathetic looking. So, as a time-saving, plant-saving solution, I just water them all at once by keeping them in a cooking pot by the window. The Chia potting soil draws up water from the bottom of the pan and bingo - there you have it. In no time, it'll be time to harvest. Click HERE to learn more about the Chia Gourmet Herb Garden and to purchase one of your very own!

The MET and the American Woman

2010-05-13T22:11:00.011-04:00

How exciting! Now on special exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity

May 5, 2010–August 15, 2010
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall, 2nd floor

According to the MET's website, the exhibit, (which will probably entice me to go dress shopping at Bloomingdales directly after), "...is the first Costume Institute exhibition drawn from the newly established Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Met. It will explore developing perceptions of the modern American woman from 1890 to 1940 and how they have affected the way American women are seen today. Focusing on archetypes of American femininity through dress, the exhibition will reveal how the American woman initiated style revolutions that mirrored her social, political, and sexual emancipation. "Gibson Girls," "Bohemians," and "Screen Sirens," among others, helped lay the foundation for today's American woman."

Pretty ball gowns, cocktail dresses, sparkly heels, chic clutches? I'm so there. But, if you won't be able to make it to the Big Apple in time, here's a fantastic virtual exhibit tour via YouTube. The mannequins kind of creep me out, but those dresses, oh the dresses! It's like learning American History by way of frocks, fabrics, patterns, embroidery, lace, sequins, and tulle. How very lovely and empowering!

Zebra Inspiration

2010-05-12T22:11:00.015-04:00

The countdown is on: I promised myself I'd be hitting the hay and asleep tonight by 11:00 p.m. at the latest, so a super-quick blog post it must be. This being said, check out these gorgeous Zebra-print towels from pottery barn; on sale now! I'm so sad to see that this print has apparently been discontinued from their line, (hence the deeply discounted closeout prices), but after viewing the Bathroom Inspiration photo (below) in one of their catalogs, it immediately inspired me to hunt down zebra towel replicas at my local HomeGoods.

Indeed, dark-stained wood, a crisp white floor, baskets, zebra print, and a couple vibrant green plants added to the above vanity would quite possibly culminate into a bathroom filled with my favorite colors and patterns ever. While the renting-of-an-apartment (with outdated and tiny bathroom) forces that to stay in my design notebook for the time being, at least I can now relish in my very own stash of safari towels and therefore, bath time chic-ness.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T10:08:00.006-04:00

I was reading USA today the other morning and came across this sweet "Ode to Mothers" in a Procter and Gamble advertisement. Though it is indeed an ad, it's still a super cute Mother's Day poem of sorts; this being said, Happy Mother's Day to you, Mom! Thank you for everything you do, and being there for us each and every day. We love you.

- Oven Zest & The Printed Thought.

Mom will ask you to wash

your hands and wipe your feet.

To mind your manners.

To cover your mouth when you cough.

Mom will ask you to not jump off a cliff,

even though everyone else is.

To stop making that face or it will freeze that way.

To stop fighting or she'll turn this car right around.

Mom will ask that if you don't have

anything nice to say, to not say anything at all.

To remember that money doesn't grow on trees.

To do your homework, clean your room,

keep your elbows off the table and eat your vegetables.

To not forget your jacket. To brush your teeth,

wash behind your ears and wear clean underwear.

Mom will ask you what you want for breakfast,

when you need a ride home from practice

and if you have any clean socks.

Mom will ask you to be kind and patient.

To be a good person, call your grandparents,

work hard and pay your bills on time.

But there's one thing Mom never asks for:

thanks.

Thank you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day.

Seasonal Gazpacho Craving

2010-05-02T22:15:00.014-04:00

One of the tell-tale signs Spring and Summer are right around the corner is when the delicious, cold, tomato-based, raw vegetable soup called Gazpacho starts appearing on restaurants' "Soup du Jour" menus. Since Gazpacho is a seasonal soup that disappears over the cold winter months, Spring (and warmer weather) for me always initiate intense Gazpacho cravings. As in, if I see it listed on a menu, there's a 99.9% chance I'll be ordering it. But, let's be realistic. I'm on a city-girl budget here, so to stretch my dollar a little further, I like whipping up vats of it from scratch using my baby Cuisinart. Hello generous portions of Gazpacho for lunch and dinner all week!

There are many variations of how gazpacho can be made; the consistency, ingredients, toppings, etc. Having studied abroad for a semester in college in Spain's Southern region of Andalusia (Gazpacho's indigenous homeland), I prefer as basic as a gazpacho can get. Not too chunky and not too pureed or over-processed. Garnish with croutons, shaved cucumber, olive oil, avocado, and pour a glass of Rioja to accompany.

Gazpacho is very simple to make - win! And its also super healthy. Raw, dairy-free, and an excellent serving (or two) of nutritious veggies. Turning to culinary master Ina Garten and her to a T recipes of pure genius, this gazpacho recipe of hers is just that. Perfect. Delish. The quintessential melding of cold, sweet, and tangy flavors suitable for a sweltering day. Here is a photo of my homemade Gazpacho, though for a party - look how posh it looks presented in shot glasses!

Buen Salud!

GAZPACHO

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, halved and seeded, but not peeled

2 red bell peppers, cored and seeded

4 ripe plum tomatoes

1 medium red onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups organic tomato juice

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 cup good olive oil - preferably Spanish

1/2 tablespoon kosher salt (or to taste)

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Method:

1. Roughly chop the cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions into 1-inch cubes. Put each vegetable into the food processor separately and pulse until it is coarsely chopped; do NOT over-process!

2. After each vegetable is processed, combine them in a large bowl and add the garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving. The longer the gazpacho sits, the more the flavors develop.

The Good of Social Media: Meet Walter.

2010-04-21T22:55:00.013-04:00

More often than not, news stations thrive on broadcasting disheartening and depressing stories. Fires. Deaths. Robberies. Natural disasters. (Not exactly your morning picker-uppers over a cup of coffee). BUT, every once in a while, an inspiring snapshot of selfless people doing good in their communities graces our television sets. Individuals who are making a positive impact. Even saving a life.

Such is the story of Walter, a 2-month old Pit Bull-mix who has recently become something of a four-legged celebrity throughout the 5 boroughs of NYC. His story has appeared in local newspapers, blogs, and even on News Channel 7. Badly abused then abandoned by being thrown out of a car in Brooklyn, NY on Easter Sunday, Walter was severely dehydrated, malnourished, his skin burned by chemicals, and he was suffering from a debilitating case of mange. He was then discovered on the street by a young man named Alex, who collectively with his friends took on the endeavor of helping him recover.

Arriving at the Veterinary Emergency Referral Group then sequentially at the HOPE Veterinary Clinic, Walter's diagnosis was deemed curable, though with a long road ahead of him, and he was received into the friendly and caring arms of Veterinarians. However, overnight stays, medications, and intensive care quickly brought on an onslaught of steep medical bills. Unwilling to sacrifice this innocent puppy's life for inability to pay for his care, Alex and friends brilliantly turned to the powers of Social Media. Via setting up a "Help Save Walter" Facebook Page and Blog on Blogspot, they were instantly able to share Walter's story with hundreds of friends, family, and coworkers. Then, within the span of only three weeks through viral communication, Alex and his friends had raised enough money to cover all of Walter's medical bills. Walter's Blogspot now has 160 followers and his Facebook Page - more than 5,000 fans (both of which are growing as I write this!). And now that their monetary goal has been reached to cover Walter's care, any additional funds collected will be generously donated to the ASPCA.

The success of Walter's ongoing recovery is credited not only to the kind hearts of this group of friends from Brooklyn, but by Social Media; the means by which Walter's story could be shared so quickly and efficiently. His Facebook Page and Blog were vehicles for letting his story touch the hearts of thousands; his pictures and videos, enabling fans and followers to feel a personal connection to him.

In the words of Walter's new family, they hope his story will inspire all animal-lovers to donate their money, volunteer their time, condemn animal abuse, and have the heart to adopt neglected, homeless, and abused animals, whether they be in shelters or on the streets. Because all of these innocent creatures like Walter deserve a better life, and are in desperate need of loving families.

Walter's Blog

http://www.helpsavewalter.blogspot.com

Walter's Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/HELP-SAVE-WALTER/118164941530998?v=wall

Walter on News Channel 7

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=7397260

ASPCA

http://www.aspca.org/

A Groovy Beat by Corinne Bailey Rae

2010-04-14T23:42:00.010-04:00

There I was, slowly awakening to the world this past Tuesday morning before work as I stood in a midtown coffee shop, pouring soy milk into my black dark-roast coffee. The sun was shining, my caffeinated concoction tasted delish, and to top it all off, I was having a great hair day (if I do say so myself). Perhaps it was a combination of these things that inspired me to really tune into the groovy beat that had just started playing overhead through the cafe's sound system. What a beautiful voice! Who was this?! I quickly whipped out the "Shazam" app on my iPhone to tag it.

Corinne Bailey Rae is my new favorite artist, though she has been recording for some time now; you may recognize her song titled "Put Your Records On". The one I initially heard, also linked below, is titled "Call Me When You Get This". Her voice, her music, her lyrics; gorgeous and unique with a swishy jazz style. I highly recommend checking out Corinne's website and adding her as one of your stations on Pandora for some feel-good/chill musica.

Call Me When You Get This by Corinne Bailey Rae

Play song from Lala.com
Corinne Bailey Rae - 2007 - 5:02

Water from the Coconut

2010-04-11T12:30:00.012-04:00

Eight weeks until half-marathon "go-time." Panicccc. Actually, I do feel as if my running has been progressing, but I'm still recovering from the lingerings of a nasty cold which really threw a wrench into the gears for a solid week and a half. Coughing. Congestion. Sneezing. Symptoms that are NOT conducive to the 6-mile long-run.

Nevertheless, I'm back up and running and have recently discovered the ultimate sports recovery beverage for both pre and post-workout! Coming to a grocery store (or already in) a health-foods store near you: Coconut Water.

I decided to give it a whirl a while back because I'm constantly trying to hone-in on methods to prevent the crippling "side-stitch." For me, its onset is usually a result of eating a meal too soon before running, drinking too much water too soon before running, not having enough salt and/or electrolytes in my system, or being slightly dehydrated throughout the day. Coconut Water is the ultimate cramp-buster, I swear. Entirely all-natural with no added sugars, fat, cholesterol, colorings, chemicals or preservatives, it is low-calorie, chock-full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and boosts more potassium than a banana. Think of it as nature's sport drink.

For more than 4,000 years, coconut water has been revered as a natural source of hydration, nutrition, wellness, and beauty. Present-day, coconut water is harvested from young, green coconuts - approximately 7 months old (before the meat grows) - and is usually flash pasteurized. Naturally containing the 5 essential electrolytes the body needs to keep nerves firing, muscles moving, and to help handle stress - potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, and calcium - they help prevent muscle cramping as well.

Low in acidity with a pH of 5, incredibly, coconut water has also been used to save lives. Particularly in World War II and the Vietnam War when IV solutions were in short supply, coconut water was actually used as an intravenous solution to prevent dehydration. In fact, it is the only natural substance that can be safely injected into the human bloodstream (though drinking it, of course, is the preferred method).

There are three prominent coconut water brands on the market that I've encountered thus far: ZICO, O.N.E., and Vita Coco. They all taste pretty similar to me, though their fruit infusion flavors vary. I recently purchased ZICO's mango-flavored coconut water because it was on sale at Whole Foods. As far as the nutrition label is concerned, here's a snapshot from the back of my 1-Liter carton.

60 calories per approximately 11 oz. (1 serving). Not bad for the nutritional benefits to be gained from this miracle fruit! p.s. You can also freeze coconut water instead of regular water for ice cubes. Margarita on the coconut-water rocks anyone?

Hold the Bag, Save the Dough

2010-04-07T00:40:00.008-04:00

I've traveled to Washington D.C. only a handful of times (and counting!), but here's a story about a girl, a carton of Soy Milk, a plastic bag, and a 5-cent tax. A tax, yes, in the sense I had to part with my hard-earned cash, but a brilliant, potentially-revolutionizing tax that in my eyes, is a progressive step towards greener communities and more sustainable environments.

Before you think I'm crazy, first things first:

1.) No. I do not enjoy paying taxes.
2.) I don't think anybody in their right mind particularly enjoys paying taxes. (If you do, let me in on your secret).

So now, here goes the little story: I purchased a carton of soy milk at a natural foods market this past weekend in D.C. The cashier inquired if I needed a plastic bag. The thought crossed my mind and I briefly debated her question in my head. Pictures of tattered plastic bags blowing in the wind fluttered through my cerebrum. But, against my better judgement, I said yes - "Sure, throw it all in a plastic bag." Side note: I had some other things to carry at the time, I always reuse plastic bags anyway, and my thinking was that it would be handy to consolidate my goodies for fear of dropping them splat all over the sidewalk.

Big mistake. To my out-of-towner dismay after glancing down at my freshly-printed receipt, I had just paid a whopping 5-cents for that flimsy plastic bag. What was that all about?!

Turns out, on January 1 of this year, a 5-cent tax law came into effect for Washington D.C. One of the first of its kind in the nation, the tax is designed to change consumer behavior and limit pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed - specifically, the Anacostia River with collected revenue directed specifically towards the clean-up project. Under regulations created by the D.C. Department of the Environment, bakeries, delicatessens, grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores that sell food, as well as restaurants, street vendors, liquor stores and "any business that sells food items," are required to charge the tax on paper or plastic bags. Signage is posted at the register explaining the law, and vendors must ask the customer if he or she would like a bag-with-purchase. As an incentive, stores keep one cent of every five cents they charge for bags, and two cents if they give customers a credit of at least five cents for each bag (of any sort) that they bring to the store.

Slightly inconvenient, yes. But totally worth getting into the habit of toting along a reusable bag to avoid the additional charge. It's a win-win situation, really. Cut down on disposable bag consumption and simultaneously aid the Watershed clean-up. And the tax is working. Already within a few months, District residents have drastically reduced their use of disposable bags and have adopted using reusable ones more quickly than expected. The D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue estimates that city food and grocery establishments handed out about 3.3 million bags in January, a drastic reduction compared to the estimated 22.5 million bags issued per month in 2009. And according to a recent March 29th article published by the Washington Post, the District's 5-cent bag tax generated approximately $150,000 during the month of January to help clean up the Anacostia River. (A lot of dough for a lot less paper and plastic).

To be honest, after being taxed on something so avoidable, I was slightly irritated. But, after a brief moment of frustration, my better judgement sank in. I don't know about you, but plastic bags are seemingly everywhere I look. Stuck in fences. Snarled in leaf piles in Central Park. Floating along in the East River. Being handed out two-by-two in double-bag form at Drug Stores and Supermarkets around NYC. Whether or not you believe in global warming/climate change, it can not be denied that tattered plastic bags on the ground, in rivers and streams, on the the side of the road, perhaps even in your front lawn, are unsightly and have a negative impact on the environment. Eventually, they all end up in landfills, (if not in the woods or river bottoms). Super ick.

So, while it may require a little extra planning on your next trip to the grocery store, and sure - can be a slight inconvenience from time to time, I think this tax is an incredibly effective solution for solving two pressing issues: curbing disposable bag consumption by encouraging environmentally-responsible shopping practices, and cleaning up the local environment by directing tax revenue towards the project(s).

A hands-on lesson and policy learned that was worth my 5-cents at the time. Though, you can be assured this budget-minded city dweller will be bringing along a tote bag or hand-carrying any Nation's Capital purchases in the future.

Lovely Letterpress

2010-03-24T00:26:00.039-04:00

My friend and I recently stumbled upon this adorable little stationary shop in Manhattan's West Village: Greenwich Letterpress. SO CUTE! To paint a picture, this sweet store is located in the heart of the quintessential, romantic New York City neighborhood. Imagine narrow tree-lined streets, old brick pre-war buildings with shutters, terraces, secret backyard gardens, and wrought iron fences. So, so lovely. Alas, it also happens to be one of, if not the most expensive neighborhoods to live in rent-wise throughout all of the five-boroughs *sigh* but hey, a girl can dream.

Anyway, we venture into Greenwich Letterpress to do a little pre-dinner, spur-of-the-moment perusing, and what a fun surprise! A word about the fledgling graphic designer in me: I could spend hours oogling over stationary, stamps, greeting cards, paper, knick-knacks, and the creative like. All the inspiration and design possibilities that lie within such retail shops are simply enthralling! (I think my heart rate actually increases when I step foot inside a paper store). Reason being, in this technological age where we have at our disposal ever-increasing means by which to communicate instantaneously with one another, receiving a hand-written note in the mail on a real piece of beautiful stationary from a close friend or loved one is becoming a lost art. Very sad. Which is part of the reason I love pushing my creative limits designing and then mailing out notes and letters; they're often unexpected, yet widely appreciated upon receipt!

I adore Kate's Paperie, Paper Source, and Papyrus, don't get me wrong - but, there's something so home-grown feeling about shopping in an independently-owned, small business card shop (operated by two very creative sisters - Amy and Beth). Props to them for standing their ground amidst an ever-expanding competitive corporate market. With their expertise, they're keeping the Art of the Printed Word (and thought) alive, reviving a disappearing method of communication - cheers to you, ladies!

Greenwich Letterpress is unique in the fact they specialize in custom-printing solely utilizing the letterpress technique. While they offer a variety of other brands' greeting cards, stamps, paper, and post cards for sale, this artisan, very chic-looking letterpress style is textured and simply beautiful in a antique-preppy-bohemian sort of way. It is relief printing of text and image, which results in giving greater definition to both the type and artwork. This printing exhibits a sort of retro look and has a very high-quality look and feel to it.

Furthermore, this little company takes extra effort to be kind to the environment. As stated on their website, all of their paper is either made from 100% post consumer cotton or 100% recylced, and all inks are soy-based. Their work is produced using 100$ wind energy (which means no carbon footprint), and they are a featured member of Greenopia, as well as some of the founding members of Greenprint. What's not to love about cards and a company that's devoted to all that?

Below are some examples of their pre-designed greeting cards for sale. Check out their website, blog, and on-line shop for more creative offerings! I hope their cards will provide you with a little design inspiration of your very own. As for myself, I predict a weekend excursion to Greenwich Letterpress again in the near future, and new-found motivation to get back on the card-designing and letter-writing bandwagon.

Greenwich Letterpress
39 Christopher Street (b/w 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY 10014
212-989-7464

Tuesday-Friday 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Noon-6:00 p.m.

En la Moda

2010-03-19T01:28:00.005-04:00

Fashion Week came to a close a couple weeks ago here in New York, and amidst all the hustle and bustle, I happened upon a fantastic blog called Advanced Style. I've been checking in on it quite frequently, and apart from the hilarious culinary-disaster blog called Cake Wrecks, Advanced Style makes me smile inside every time I scroll through author Ari Seth Cohen's posts. Maybe...just maybe because his blog reminds me a little bit about my own fashionista Grandmother, (who has a closet specifically designated for her handbag collection, btw). Here she is, always looking so glam!

Similarly to The Satorialist, (which is another fun blog to check out), Advanced Style is unique and genius in the fact it focuses solely on the fashion sense of the ever-so-slightly older set of Manhattanites. No, you won't see any sky-high gladiator heels, mini-skirts, or distressed jeans featured in these postings. Rather, this blog brilliantly - in a simplistic and respectful manner - showcases the classically stylish (if not sometimes eccentric) outfits of older generations, struttin' their stuff.

These individuals' threads and treads may not grace the pages of Lucky Magazine, InStyle, or WWD, but it goes to show that true fashion isn't always about the next season's cuts and color trends. Rather, it's about confidence and self-expression.

The men and women photographed in Advanced Style radiate confidence. After all, their personal style has been chiseled to perfection after years of donning one outfit after the next, (and perhaps throwing a few vintage pieces in there for good measure). Their clothing embodies the idea that fashion doesn't always have to be about a trend or fad-of-the-moment, but rather clothing that one feels most comfortable and themselves in. Most importantly, their outfits reflect that creativity and living life to the fullest do not diminish with age. In fact, a little wardrobe "zest" here and there - no matter the designer, color, or era - is an inspiring way of dressing indeed, and a wonderful means by which to express LOTS of shining individuality.

A Laundry Lifesaver

2010-03-13T15:35:00.008-05:00

All morning and afternoon it's been absolutely pouring outside, so I had NO excuse to put off doing several loads of laundry today. A word about me and laundry: I completely despise the thought of doing it. Once I'm going through the motions, it really isn't that bad, but If I had a washer and dryer in my apartment, oh, what a luxury that would be! The fact I have to lug it up and down the stairs and PAY $2.50 per load just isn't fair. Though, I really shouldn't be complaining because at least my building has its own laundry room. My old walk-up apartment did not, so I had to haul it down 5 flights of stairs, 2 blocks up the street (through the rain, sleet and snow), then babysit it while biding my time in the laundromat for half a day, lingering by machines for the chance to grab one as soon as someone was finished, and guard my clothes when they were in the dryer so no one would steal them (a fairly common occurrence; one of my co-workers lost half her fall wardrobe).

So, in the midst of my 3rd load today, I have a RAVE for a new fantastic product by Tide that makes the process of washing delicate items SO much easier. You see, I've discovered the hard way that building washing machines (and especially the ones in laundromats) are incredibly harsh and relentless on clothes. They're usually older, and wrangle them around so much, I always spend a couple minutes after the cycle is over untangling pant legs tied up with shirt sleeves, and digging socks out of pant legs.

For lingerie and delicate tops whose labels read, "Hand Wash," yeaa....that's not going to happen when I have a gazillion things to get done. So, when I was in Bed Bath and Beyond the other day, I picked up the Tide High Performance Bra Bag. Victory! This little cylindrical micro-mesh product is simply genius.

Here's the way it works: The padded mesh protects the shape of bras and underwires and prevents delicate items from twisting, snagging, stretching, or tangling during the wash cycle. The mesh is ultra-fine, which means the hooks won't pierce through, but the material will allow water and detergent to penetrate for proper cleaning. Additionally, all seams in the Bra Bag are covered with smooth nylon material to further prevent delicates from ripping or snagging. The bra bag also features two zippered compartments with a mesh barrier between them, so you can easily wash two bras at a time (or a combination of delicates) along with your jeans with confidence; they will re-emerge from the depths of the washing machine unscathed!

But of course, always be sure to hang your delicates to dry. And if you have something extra fancy and/or delicate to clean - certainly take the time to wash it by hand and according to care-label instructions.

Available for $3.99 at Tide.com or the Container Store. I purchased mine at Bed Bath and Beyond, but I don't see them available via their online shop.

The Best Thing I Ever Ate

2010-03-11T22:53:00.012-05:00

I rarely watch any TV on my 13" monitor from the late 1990's (I call it the baby dino), but there's an excellent new program on the Food Network entitled, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate!" According to Food Network's on-line episode guide, the show highlights, "...the country's most amazing meals, eats, and treats as told by the pros who spend their lives obsessing over food...featuring some of your favorite Food Network stars, offering a taste of the things you must try before you die."

It got me thinking. If I were to write a list of the absolute BEST things I've ever eaten in my life (which, I haven't done), what would it look like? What and where would my choices be? I've certainly eaten many a memorable meal, but I've only kept track of these few culinary standouts in the back of my mind. Which is a shame really, because the whereabouts of excellent cuisine should be shared, and the chefs/restaurants who prepared it should be recognized for making it so darn tasty.

So, how exactly does one categorize the best food one has ever eaten? I suppose it can either be a single specific piece of nosh (ie: the best burger or cupcake or egg salad), type of food (ie: Indian, American, Japanese), or a favorite meal, which would include an overall everything-was-tasty-on-my-plate combination. I'm also a big believer in the influence of ambiance. One can certainly consume a delicious 5-course meal, but if the environment doesn't vibe well, it can detract from the overall enjoyment of the food in front of you.

To keep matters simple, I'm going to be as specific as possible. When it comes to the best things I've ever eaten, it's a single piece of food, little treat, or dish that floats into my mind surrounded by detailed memories of its exquisite taste, company, and atmosphere of where it was enjoyed. While many of my favorite foods have not been consumed in restaurants, I will only be sharing those that were - so you can hopefully come across them someday in your travels and let me know your thoughts about them!

The Best _____ I Ever Ate:

Pizza:

Luzzo's

211 1st Avenue

New York, NY 10003

I stumbled upon this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant with E about year ago in NYC's East Village. I had walked by it a dozen times because it was near my old apartment, noted it was Italian, and we trekked in there one night for pizza. It's definitely a good sign when you walk in the front door of a restaurant and there are photographs of Martha Stewart posing with the Chefs and NYTimes and WSJ reviews framed all over the wall. The secret to Luzzo's delicious pizza is how it's baked: in authentic coal and wood-burning ovens. This makes the crust thin, but not too thin, and crispy in all the right places. The pizza also picks up a slighty smokey/rustic flavor which really makes it out-of-this-world. I HIGHLY recommend the Arugola Pizza, featuring fresh crushed tomato sauce, fresh slices of mozzarrella, prosciutto, shaved parmesan, arugola, and basil leaves. Delicious. The best anywhere, but their takeout can't beat eating it in the restaurant.

Slice of Chocolate Cake:

Cucina Toscana

307 West Pierpont Avenue

Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Hands down, the best dessert I've ever had the pleasure of consuming in my entire life. Yep, out of all of them (and trust me - there are A LOT!). Perfect in it's simplicity, this slice of chocolate cake is unrivaled heaven on a plate. I literally remember feeling myself melt into each bite. The cake itself is chocolate, impeccably infused with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon vanilla. A silky chocolate mouse is layered between the four cake layers, and the final outer frosting is a creamy, shiny chocolate ganache. In fact, on my way out the door after a fantastic dining experience, I gave the owner (who was greeting guests) a hug. I thanked him and his team for featuring such a culinary masterpiece and, in essence, making my life complete in terms of eating the best piece of chocolate cake imaginable. It has yet to be surpassed.

California Sushi Roll

Ruby Foo's

Times Square

1626 Broadway at 49th Street

New York, NY 10019

Sushi has recently grown on me over the past couple of years, and while I typically stick to the vegetarian rolls, this one in particular featured fresh King Crab leg meat and (of course) avocado. Though Ruby Foo's is located in the heart of Manhattan in Times Square and consequently, is insanely touristy, they can really roll out (no pun intended) some exquisite food. This roll wasn't fishy at all, (like some California rolls can unfortunately be), and don't even think about any of their sushi featuring imitation-type meat. They are sushi rolls rolled to perfection and they're mighty tasty at that!

Indian Food:

Rasika

633 D Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

E introduced me to this restaurant which positively blew me away the first - and second - times we dined there. The interior is very modern; sophisticated, yet decorated with a bohemian sense of style. I especially love the tiled floor and chandeliers. The food is exquisitely seasoned - we're talking about a restaurant whose Chef was nominated "Best Chef - Mid Atlantic" in 2009 by the James Beard Foundation Awards. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but you must MUST try the Palak Chaat (crispy fried spinach drizzled with sweet yogurt, tamarind, and date chutney) as an appetizer. The Chicken Biryani is also a favorite dish of mine; it has a kick of heat, but comes served in its own little copper pot, with homemade naan baked over the top like a pot-pie. The entire dining experience is flawless from start to finish, including the service. And the menu? It features a wide enough variety that there are seemingly always new things to try.

Gelato Ice Cream Cone - Flavor: Dulce de Leche

Ciao Bella Cafe

One Ferry Building

San Francisco, CA 94104

It was a hot Spring day in San Francisco and I was doing some sight-seeing which included a walk in and around the famous Ferry Building and sea lion photo-opp. I then spontaneously decided it was time for some gelato! Mind you, this was before my no-dairy days, but OH WOW, this flavor really hit the spot. Ciao Bella uses all natural ingredients in their gelato and sorbet, and they feature an incredible assortment of concoctions to choose from. Though they now nationally distribute pints to grocery stores, ordering it al-fresco at a "scoop" shop makes it taste soooo much better. Do seek one out for sweet, creamy, refreshing indulgence at its best.

Crossaint (chocolate, plain, and almond)

Bouchon Bakery Yountville

6528 Washington Street

Yountville, CA 94599

A few days after visiting downtown San Francisco, it was time to hit up Napa Valley! After a long while driving, my fellow travelers and I came across the tiny town of Yountville. It was very cute, very clean, and very walkable. We were hungry too (no surprise there), so we stopped by this bakery for a snack. Come to find out, after researching what Bouchon was and why they had just produced the best croissants I had ever eaten in my entire life, that they are renowned for their treats, and have two other bakeries established in New York City's Columbus Circle and in Vegas. The flagship though, which is in Yountville, really gives you the authentic experience. It was originally opened to provide the pastries and breads for their adjacent bistro. Inspired by the boulangeries of Paris, Bouchon does a fantastic job of bringing a little bit of the "cafe life" to the places that surround them.

Mug of Hot Chocolate

Troll Hallen Restaurant Lounge - Stein Eriksen Lodge

7700 Freeway Park Drive

Park City, UT 84060

It could have been the fact I was skiing all day in knee-deep powder at Deer Valley and desperately needed a break to defrost. My thighs were burning. I was tired and cold. My Father and I walked into this gorgeous lodge, pried off our ski boots, donned some slippers provided by the lodge (nice touch there), and snuggled into our seats for a steaming mug of hot chocolate...piping hot, made with real, melted, gourmet sipping chocolate and fresh whipped cream. It was so good I promptly had two in a row. Nothing better before tackeling another afternoon of epic pow.

Calamari Salad

Asia de Cuba

237 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10016

Like I mentioned earlier, I rarely, RARELY order fish, shellfish, or squid for that matter when dining out, but this salad was an exception. Dining here for NYC's restaurant week (but a constant item on their menu), this salad features crispy calamari with chayote, hearts of palm, banana, cashews, chicory and radicchio, tossed with a light sesame orange dressing. At $25.00 it's pricey, but this is a "Cheesecake Factory sized portion", plenty for 3 people to share. And wow. Go for it.

...there are so many more delicious things I'm leaving out, but I fail to recall the restaurants from which they were ordered and eaten; especially the international meals. I'll need to dig a little deeper into the depths of my mind and do some research! This being said, be sure to check back, as I will be adding new "best things" to this post as I remember the old and come across the new. Totally a blogging faux pas, but I'd rather share the goodness in an easy-to-access, single-post manner. Yum, yum!

Half-Marathon: T-13 Weeks!

2010-03-05T21:53:00.020-05:00

In a burst of inspiration at the end of 2009, I officially registered for what will soon be my third half marathon: The 19th Annual Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Vermont. I had heard about this race before; not only is the course rumored to be breathtakingly scenic, (it runs through winding backroads and over covered bridges), but it's also a supposedly fast and flat route. Excellent. Additionally, thoughts of making this destination-race into a little weekend getaway, complete with visiting family (and perhaps a post-run celebratory dinner at Hemmingways) flashed through my mind. Perfect! Click, and done.

This all seemed like a fantastic idea a few months ago. I suppose my thinking at the time was, "I've run two half marathons before, how hard can another one be?"

I'm old-school in the sense I put technology aside when it comes to organizing my life. I schedule everything into a flimsy spiral-bound monthly planner from Staples (hey, whatever works!). Today I was updating it, filling in some upcoming travel dates, when I flipped three months ahead, and oh-my, there was June. At that moment, I realized in terror (cue in Psycho theme song) that my half marathon training MUST commence ASAP with no exceptions.

Waaah.

So, it's that time to lace up my running shoes and start the training process (which at this point, basically means from scratch after a long winter hiatus). I'm going to think back to the time I trained for and ran my first half marathon in October '08. The best advice I ever received about running a race (albeit simple) was, "No one can run it for you." Taking this to heart, I diligently stuck to a training schedule and, to put it bluntly, worked my butt off. Success! My first half marathon equalled pure elation crossing that finish line. I even had two donuts waiting for me as a treat (and not an ounce of guilt after eating every last morsel of both). Let me tell you: that was a great feeling too.

On the other hand, the second half marathon I completed in April '09 was - shall we say - an...uncomfortable experience. Though I finished with a decent time, I had slacked on the training bit and paid for it by limping around for the next several days. Ouch. I definitely learned the hard way that consistency in training and sticking with a plan is the only way to go about the running-of-a-half-marathon-endeavor. After all, they don't call it "training" for nothing.

From past experience, my two most challenging aspects of training for the big 13.1 and consequential recommendations are:

1. Motivating myself to actually get dressed and go for a run. You're probably thinking, well, that's kind of a problem. Indeed, but hear me out. You see, once I'm dressed, outside and running, no sweat. I enjoy the physical exertion, time to de-stress, and cherish the moments to think about everything and nothing at the same time. But oh, rolling out of bed at the crack of dawn to squeeze in a 3-mile loop is tough. So, to combat my inner demons, I try to mentally remind myself how good and accomplished I'll feel after my run is over. I've also found a route I particularly enjoy running in Central Park. Discover a loop or route you love to run, and that will certainly help the motivation bit!

2. Sticking to a training program. I'm a big advocate of making "To-Do" lists to keep myself on track, so I do precisely this with the Runner's World Smart Coach tool. This is a brilliant, BRILLIANT method of creating a personalized training schedule, (it's also free, which makes it that much more effective to use). The online form asks you to enter some basic information about your running and goals, then calculates a personalized training plan within seconds.

You can then print this schedule out. While it's up to you to fully motivate yourself to do the actual running part, I find that this chart keeps me on track more so than any other plan I've tried creating myself. I also recommend using a big, fat red pen to "X" off your training progress day-by-day. It's amazingly satisfying to see the entire training schedule crossed off by race day and helps keep you motivated along the way. Utilizing a training schedule like this from Runner's World also provides you with guidance and safe training techniques, so you remain healthy and on-track the entire time.

My half-marathon training officially begins this upcoming Monday. I'll be sure to keep you updated throughout the entire 13-week process and race, with all my Printed Thoughts thrown in between. In the interim: June 6th - you're on!

Mini-Prep Weekend Purchase

2010-02-28T22:22:00.021-05:00

Until this past Saturday afternoon, I had never before purchased an electronic kitchen device for myself. Toaster, coffee machine, hand-mixer, nope. All have been {very much appreciated} hand-me-downs for one apartment to the next. Though I've hunted for small game (ie: pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, flatware) in numerous T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods stores, there's something undeniably exhilerating about being the proud new owner of my very own food processor! A big thanks to my good friend Sabrina who generously gifted me a Williams and Sonoma gift card last May for my birthday. Indeed, it may have taken me several months to actually hone in on a purchase, (there were just too many fun things to chose from!), but I'm confident this selection will help further my cooking aspirations. Additionally, I've never owned anything comparable to it.

This little Cuisinart Elite Die-Cast Mini Prep, 4-Cup machine isn't only one of the cutest things I've ever seen in comparison to it's giant relatives, but I've already found it to be incredibly user-friendly and easy to wrangle around a kitchen countertop. It also fits my lifestyle. Sure, a 16-Cup beauty would be nice to have around for making dough and vats of gazpacho someday, but in the meantime neither do I have the counter space nor the need for all of those attachments and uses. I predict this mini processor, however, will have a long and busy life whipping up little batches of sauce, soups, pestos, dressings, slaws, egg salads, and tapenades.

So far, it's been impressively simple to clean, operate, and store. Emboldened to branch out with a new "from-scratch" creation this weekend, I attempted a basil pesto. Though it was, unfortunately, 3 cloves too heavy on the garlic this time around (as I discovered after brushing my teeth and rinsing 4 times with mouthwash in vain), I now at least have the tool to make classic pesto a steadfast recipe in my culinary repertoire. p.s. If you have a favorite pesto recipe, please, please, please send it my way!

The Cuisinart Elite Die-Cast Mini Prep, 4-Cup can be found at Williams and Sonoma - near you, or online - for $59.95.

Lip Butter by Korres

2010-02-26T00:07:00.010-05:00

By Jove, I've found it!

Nope, it's not a gloss. Nor is it a lip balm. Rather, it goes by the name of "Lip Butter" and pictured above is the lovely, oh-so-flattering color Jasmine.

Korres, originally established in Greece in 1996, is my "of-the-moment" totally lovable cosmetics company. For starters, their steadfast philosophy is (and I quote): "A collection of advanced natural formulations using a targeted ingredient approach to correct the signs of aging and address variety of skin concerns." This environmentally-conscious cosmetics brand becomes even more noteworthy due to the fact none of their products are tested on animals. (Though this information is not published on their website, I contacted their Customer Service department to confirm). The product packaging is either recycled or recyclable AND they avoid using non-biodagradable ingredients in their formulations. Hooray for active botanicals!

At one time only available to our friends across the pond, Korres products are now distributed internationally throughout 14 countries. Their one U.S. flagship store is conveniently located in Manhattan's trendy SoHo area (field-trip anyone?), but don't you worry. A wide variety of Korres products are also available in Sephora shops worldwide. Indeed, this is where I first stumbled upon this fantastic brand.

So. What exactly is said Lip Butter and why on earth is a little 0.21-Oz. tub of it worthy of a blog post?

In utter desperation to combat winter's unrelenting weather and consequential effects of chapped lips, it's an ongoing endeavor of mine to seek out the best remedy. Seriously. I must have about eight varieties of lip glosses, lip balms, Chapsticks, Aquaphors, you-name-its, scattered about my apartment and hidden in the crevices of my "junk drawer" at work, so one is never too far out of reach. When I stumbled upon Lip Butter by this company, I deemed it experimental investigation to purchase one...my retail-therapy moment fueled by positive consumer ratings on Sephora's website.

All this being said, Korres' Lip Butter concoction is nothing short of amazing. It melts into your lips providing them with ample hydration, simultaneously leaving a long-lasting sheen. I find this balm/butter gives a little bit of plump to your pucker (without any stinging effect), and NO stickiness at all. Lovin' that! Butters come in a spectrum of colors, but for me, Jasmine is the perfect hint of natural, nude-ish pink. The shade I've been looking for all along. The price tag of $10.00 is a bit steep, but hey - for a butter/balm that actually works, I'll be stocking up on more as soon as this little tub runs dry.

Greenery at the Greenmarket

2010-02-19T20:15:00.015-05:00

For the past two days here in the City That Never Sleeps, the weather has been surprisingly - dare I say - balmy? True, it's uncomfortably cold enough that I'm still hibernating in my shapeless Puffy Coat, but the unmistakable mossy smell of Spring has been lingering in the air now for almost a full 48 hours!

On a mission to pick up a few staples at Whole Foods today, I was thrilled to see the famous Union Square Greenmarket as vibrant as ever. Even better - there were bulbs and flowers for sale! Green, living, COLORFUL things - oh my goodness they DO exist!

Manhattan's Union Square Greenmarket is the biggest and most popular farmer's market in the city. Sure enough, it's also bustling year-round. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and hearty farmers set up shop despite any inclement weather conditions: rain, snow, sleet, sweltering heat - they muster through it all! While vendors do change from time to time, there are typically various types of plants and greenery for sale throughout the Winter months. However, the flower vendors usually stay at bay until the Spring. Which is why when I walked by a cluster of pots all planted with brave little Petunias, Hyacinths, Violets, and Amaryllis', it just made me so downright happy.

I'm certain Winter still has a few more curve balls to throw at us, but seeing and smelling the first inklings of Spring today was a good personal reminder to really soak in the changing of the seasons. The transformation of Winter into Spring in the Northeast is especially a welcome one, however it's a perfect time to reflect upon the pleasant memories, feelings, events, and weather(!) associated with all four.

A Little Sunshine!

2010-02-17T22:02:00.008-05:00

With all the Winter ickiness we poor, Vitamin-D deficient North-easterners have been faced with this month, a little sunshine can go a long way. This being said, merci beaucoup, Une Femme Curieuse for sending a little my way in the form of a lovely Sunshine Blog Award! This is The Printed Thought's first blog recognition of the sort, so I'm quite humbled. And keeping up with Sunshine etiquette, I'll be passing it along - rather, sharing the rays - to a few of my bloggy favs in the coming days...so, stay tuned!

Vegan Cupcakes: Touchdown!

2010-02-08T22:53:00.009-05:00

So, I'm going to be honest here. I'm not exactlyyy your avid football fan. BUT - I love Superbowl Sunday because Game Time is THE perfect excuse for a little pot-luck, friend-gathering fiesta...and what's not to love about that?

Killer nachos? Check. Pigs-in-a-blanket? Check. Seven-layer dip, veggies and hummus, pretzels, chips, wings, bruschetta...yum! My friends and I all contributed a little this-and-that for an über-fun Superbowl party yesterday evening, hosted by non-other than my lovely friend Ashley. Me? I volunteered to bring along some sweet chocolatey treats. Which means bright and early on Sunday morning, I was wide awake in the kitchen, apron donned, mug of coffee by my side, whipping up some tasty from-scratch Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes. The best part? "Vegan," by default, automatically means dairy-free!

I've always thought of cupcakes as being A.) Really cute, and B.) Special-occasion kind of desserts, (move over cookies!). You just don't encounter them every day. Unless you live above Billy's Bakery, but that's another story. So, when you do get your hands on a yummy little cupcake, it truly becomes an "oh-la-la" moment of taste bud bliss.

After Googling the internet for THE perfect Vegan Chocolate Cupcake recipe, I finally found one starred with rave reviews. A winner! This one accomplishes what the quintessential Vegan treat should always strive to do: not taste Vegan. Indeed, if I hadn't made these myself, I would have bet that Paula Dean loaded them up with butter, milk, and heavy cream herself. Quite the contrary. Try this recipe and they'll surely be a game-time winner...even if you are really paying more attention to the commercials.

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

Adapted from “Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World,” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero.

Ingredients:

1 cup soy milk

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup canola oil

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

White Frosting Vanilla Glaze:

1/2 package of confectioner's sugar

1/4 cup vegan margarine (softened)

3 tablespoons soy milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
Whisk together the soy milk and vinegar in a large bowl and set aside for a few minutes. It may curdle a little bit; this is OK!
Add the sugar, oil, and vanilla extract to the soy milk mixture and beat until foamy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, pausing a couple times to stir until all the large lumps are gone. A few small lumps are OK.
Pour the mixture into the cupcake liners until they are about 2/3 of the way full. Bake 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Sift confectioner's sugar into a large bowl and add in the soy milk, margarine, and vanilla. Beat until creamy, adding either more sugar or soy milk until desired consistency is reached. Spread on cooled cupcakes and garnish with shredded coconut or topping of choice.

Expiration Rule-of-Thumb

2010-01-31T20:07:00.015-05:00

Moldy bread. Rotten lettuce. Sour milk. Stale cereal. Gross, right? Food, as we all know, has varying expiration dates. It's fairly easy to recognize when a snack in the fridge or pantry has gone rotten because we can physically see the mold, smell the foul odor, or taste when something has gone rancid. What's hard to remember, though, (and even harder to be disciplined about, but more on that later), is that cosmetics all have their relative expiration dates too. Mascara. Foundation. Lip Gloss. Blush. Eyeliner. Eyeshadow. Concealer. Under-eye-brightening shimmer. You name it, it sadly doesn't last forever. In fact, the cruel truth is that all of those absolutely brilliant beauty products displayed in Sephora and department stores are contaminated the moment they're opened and exposed to air.

Given the precious dollars spent on makeup, (egad, how effective marketing can lure us in), it's a downright painful process to weed out old and expired products from a cosmetics bag. Trust me, I know. Just thinking about tossing a lip gloss that hasn't been squeezed to the very last drop makes me want to cringe. Consequently, I'm guilty-as-charged because my makeup bag is busting at the seams and has, in due time, become slightly out-of-control. It's vital, though, to realize the importance of keeping bacteria at bay and off the skin. Breakouts? Irritations? Eye infections? Nooooo thank you. Time to purge. Out with the old. Now, where's that trashcan and recycling bin?

So, ladies, I invite you to join me in a little mid-winter cleaning! According to an article published by www.ivillage.co.uk, the shelf lives of some typical beauty products are as follows:

Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
Concealer: 12-18 months
Powder: 2 years
Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
Cream Blush: 12-18 months
Powder Eye Shadow: 2 years
Cream Eye Shadow: 12-18 months
Eyeliner: 2 years
Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
Mascara: 3 months
Lipstick: 2 years
Lip liner: 2 years
Lip gloss: 18-24 months

While U.S. labeling restrictions do not require an expiration date on most cosmetics, some cosmetic companies conveniently do include a Period-After-Opening (PAO) symbol on the back of their packaging. The PAO identifies the useful lifetime of a cosmetics product after the packaging has been opened for the first time. The time period is most often written as a number followed by the letter "M," as in 12M, which indicates the number of recommended months. However, please take note that the lifespan of a product is also related to the environment in which it is stored and used in. Products that have been improperly stored may deteriorate substantially before the expiration date.

Ideally, makeup should be kept in a dry, dark, cool place, (though convenient, a steamy bathroom can encourage bacterial growth). Also, avoid using your fingertips to apply product directly from the container. Brushes, which should be washed about once a month in mild soap, are the preferred and cleanest method. Refrain from sharing makeup - especially eye makeup, and as a general rule-of-thumb, if the product changes at all in color, texture, consistency, or odor, it's time to toss it. Just like you would that expired yogurt, forgotten in the back of the fridge.

Ergonomic Importance

2010-01-28T23:00:00.011-05:00

Humans, (as far as this human is concerned), were not designed to sit at a desk all day, squinting from the glare of overhead fluorescent lighting, hunched over a tiny laptop, staring numbingly into a computer screen. No, not at all. Our bodies are instinctual machines with the primitive desire to be in constant motion; exercising, stretching, harvesting food, socializing, moving. We like to migrate. Travel. Explore. Yearnings which, more often than not, are suppressed by the confines of the work environment. Yet, it seems as if over the eons, we have adapted to our ever-changing surroundings and slowly, yet surely, have evolved into the Office Hominoid.

Indeed, the neck rolls, the adjusting of the squishy chair, the back cracking, the overhead stretch, the frequent walks to the water cooler, yes - these techniques all help "work out the kinks." But they do not solve the core issue of discomfort as a result of sitting at a desk for hours on end: poor posture.

For almost two years - TWO naïve years - I sat hunched over a work laptop, bewildered why my neck and back called out to me almost every night with a dull ache. Maybe I'd go for a run and the strain would subside, but it always seemed to reappear at the end of each Monday's work day. Until finally, I had a "Eureka!" moment, did a little research, and realized that I drastically needed to reevaluate my sitting posture.

In a nutshell, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the official proper-posture check-list reads as follows:

Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest may be used if the desk height is not adjustable.
Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.

A holiday wish-list, (followed by one very grateful visit from a sympathetic Santa Claus), resulted in a Printed Thought product rave: the laptop stand! It's an affordable and effective solution for combating neck and back strain. My innovative new laptop stand set-up in the office was such a success, this is the one Santa brought me for personal in-apartment use. What a guy (p.s. thank you, Mom and Dad!).

Here you have it: The Printed Thought Blogging Station! The desk in my room has officially metamorphosed into a gorgeous and ergonomically-correct sanctuary of computer creativity. My muscle aches have virtually disappeared. All it took was proper posture. True, I still need to remind myself at times to sit correctly in my chair, but the screen viewing angle, seat position, and keyboard set-up make a world of difference. The mStand by Rain Design, Inc. cradles a MacBook Pro flawlessly, while almost becoming an extension of the computer's silhouette in itself. An external keyboard and wireless mouse complete the healthy and worth-while transformation.

Bagged Lunch: Hummus Sandwich

2010-01-25T22:42:00.012-05:00

In light of my new year's resolution of toting more homemade lunches to work, I unveil to you my newest creation: the Vegetarian Hummus Sandwich! It's simple, satisfying, dairy-free, and is certainly an excellent way to sneak more of those veggies into your diet.

While I'm becoming more adventurous with different brands and flavors of hummus, in the meantime I'm very satisfied with the exquisite flavor and super creamy texture of Cedar's Original Hommus Tahini. Hmmm. Is it "Hummus" or is it "Hommus"?

In any case, here's the step-by-step process of the building-of-a-hummus sandwich. I whipped up this little tasty lunchtime delight before work this morning in only 5 minutes. Not only did it stand up well to the morning commute, but it was still irresistibly appetizing by noon on the same day. Try it for yourself!

Obtain two pieces of sliced whole-wheat bread.

Spread a healthy amount of hummus on one side (I like to wipe the excess hummus left on the knife onto the other piece).

Thinly slice up some cucumbers and layer them on the hummus.

This part is up to your interpretation, but I love the combination of red onions and thinly sliced carrots.

Tie the entire sandwich together by piling it high with some fresh sprouts. These little guys are packed with vitamins and minerals.

Finally, finish off your hummus sandwich by cutting it diagonally and wrapping in up tinfoil to hold all the ingredients together.

Bon Voyage

2010-01-17T22:32:00.027-05:00

January is an exceptionally busy business travel month for me - hence the recent lack of Printed Thoughts. While my company shall remain unnamed for anonymity sake, I will say that thus far in the new year, I have been in Florida for one week, and now I'm in Utah for another...well, with a couple personal ski days thrown into the mix to round everything out.

Don't get me wrong - I very much enjoy traveling to a destination, but there's no question that the traveling part in itself is just plain exhausting.

How does one make the hauling of the luggage, the cramped economy cabin, the long lines through security, and the flight itself more bearable? Via trial and error, I've singled out several absolutely essential carry-on items that make a flight of any duration infinitely more enjoyable. Sure, a book is nice to have, a laptop is too, a newspaper perhaps, an orange and a homemade sandwich, but the following select items are my TOP picks. Here they are, fresh out of my carry-on bag:

Pashmina Scarf/Shawl - Stylish AND practical! With airline blankets seemingly becoming more scarce, this helps keep you warm on a chilly plane.

Large Bottle of Water - Unfortunately, bottles must be purchased once past security, but in-flight hydration is key. I also find it reassuring to have water at my disposal in the event I sleep through beverage service.

iPod/Headphones - "Wailing Baby in the Seat in Front of You" scenario? Hellooo, peace and quiet.

Inflatable Neck Pillow - Ridiculous looking? Absolutely. But, I don't care because head-bobbing and neck-cramping can ruin what would have otherwise been a restful nap. I tote this along on longer flights where I'll be attempting to sleep a decent amount. This one is nice because it folds up into a small little bag. No lugging around an over-stuffed u-shaped donut, thank you very much. A little neck support can go a long way.

Lip Balm - Agh! Never travel without one!

Small Moisturizing Lotion (3 oz. or smaller) - Essential in-flight for both hands and face. That re-circulated cabin air is dry stuff.

Translucent Powder Compact with mirror - This one by Lorac is fantastic because it's so portable. A little sweep here and there, and viola! Unwanted oil and shine is concealed, leaving the skin natural-looking and matte.

Now, speaking of travel, I came across this amusing, yet slightly disconcerting sign, positioned at the beginning of the security line at LaGuardia airport. I suppose it was fitting for all those seasonal holiday travelers, but what has this world come to when snow globes of all things are considered prohibited items in carry-on bags? Regardless, I still have no complaints about extra security measures. Better to travel safe...and with a few strategic carry-on items, at least with a little more comfort and sanity.

What are your carry-on essentials?

Oh, Christmas Tree

2010-01-13T22:31:00.014-05:00

It's a little depressing after the holiday season to walk past "evergreen carnage" piled up on the sidewalk.

You see, Christmas tree vendors pop up all over New York City immediately following Thanksgiving, so the public's purchase of trees is a gradual process that goes by fairly unnoticed. But then factor in approximately 1.7 million people living in Manhattan alone, and just imagine how many trees could have accumulated in all those apartments! January 1st is the day they all start coming out of the woodwork...or more like down the elevators and flights of stairs...only to be piled up with yesterday's trash.

It's a very sad sight to see a dried-up tree, stripped of all its holiday cheer. Why so soon? Only a couple weeks earlier, these magical trees were the center of attention; decked out in fancy lights, showcased in every family photo, their sweet organic aroma filling an entire apartment.

It made me wonder. What happens to all these trees anyway? What becomes their final resting place?

Well I am very happy to report that New York City's Department of Sanitation gets an A+, Gold Star in my book for its evergreen recycling efforts. According to their website, "Clean, non-bagged Christmas trees that are left at the curb between Monday, January 4th and Friday, January 15th will be collected, chipped, and made into compost. The compost will be processed and subsequently spread upon parks, ball fields, and community gardens throughout the city."

Two days left!

The site also reminds residents that in order for their tree to be properly mulched, all tree stands, tinsel, lights, and ornaments MUST be removed.

So, jump on the recycling bandwagon fellow tree-huggers. In January 2009, the Department collected 122,235 discarded Christmas trees. Check out NYC's Department of Sanitation's Website or the one in your area, to do your part in mulchin' that tree. Just please don't let it be taken away with the trash.

Return of the Thoughts!

2010-01-04T21:54:00.012-05:00

Where did vacation go? I just can't comprehend how 12 days of relaxation and cookies and bubbly and hot chocolate and snow and adventures melted away with '09. Waaah. I diligently toted my MacBook along with me in my travels throughout the Northeast, but failed to actually remove it from its computer case, let alone take it out of my bag. Whoops. At least I meant well. Though I firmly believe that vacation is all about going off-the-grid for a little bit and disconnecting oneself, if ever so slightly, from technology.

HAPPY NEW YEAR by the way!

I have SO much to fill you in on. Like how I saw AVATAR (awesome - I want to be a Na'vi), cooked/ate lots of deliciousness, went skiing in -1 degree base temps (not awesome), celebrated New Year's Eve in Boston, spent quality time with family and friends, and oh-so-many more exciting adventures in CT, VT, NH, and MA. First, though, I shall vent via blogging and complain about my not-so-glamourous first two days back in the Big Apple because it's only inevitable that a relaxing vacay must give way to some frustrating back-to-reality moments. 1.) I tossed and turned all night last night because of the street lights glaring in through my window. 2.) Was rudely shoved not once, but twice on the subway this morning while stepping aside (like a good citizen) to let other passengers off. 3.) Stepped in dog poop. 4.) Could NOT obtain an open cardio machine at my gym despite my sketchy lingering near the ellipticals. 5.) Staples was sold out of the only essential computer item I specifically trekked in to find and 6.) Purchased an over-priced box of Museli from a Natural Foods market that I ate, then realized - after eating a bowl that tasted slightly off - was infested with squiggling green worms. *Sigh* I know, not the end of the world. But tomorrow is a new day and 2010 an exciting new year!

I shall now direct your attention to the darned most adorable product design there ever was for a Snuggie (as if saying the word "Snuggie" wasn't cute enough). I am convinced Snuggies will take over the world. I came across this in the checkout line at a Walmart in New Hampshire. Trust me - it was cold enough up there that miniature Dauschhunds and Bichon Frise's really do need their own fleece blankets with leg holes and cowl necks. Not that I own a little dog. But if I did for some reason unbeknownst to me, he or she would certainly be wearing one in blue.

"Brown Bag" Resolution

2009-12-15T22:53:00.018-05:00

I decided yesterday, after purchasing yet another over-priced 1/2 sandwich baguette from my favorite little lunch spot, Pret a Manger, that one of my {many} new year's resolutions moving into 2010 will read as follows:

"Brown-bag healthy lunch to work at least 4 times per week."

My hopes are that this spirited endeavor, (soon to to be logged into my Filofax for safekeeping), will a.) Save me some pennies b.) Hone my Top Chef gourmet sandwich-building culinary skills and c.) Result in lunches I will still find appetizing by noon on the same day.

So let's get the ball rolling! Last night's prep and this early morning's whirlwind sandwich assembly involved a panini. I recently discovered panini bread at Whole Foods (they sell 4 loafs per bag) and it's just absolutely delicious. Let it be known, I'm no panini master. I also don't own a panini press. But, with a little bit of creativity, I devised a tasty little sandwich for lunch today that was super easy, quick, and deeeelish reheated in the communal office microwave. Coworker envy may have ensued. Just maybe.

Step 1. Cut up yellow squash, zucchini, red onion, and roasted red peppers.

Step 2. Saute veggies in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. (I'm embarrassed my skillet looks absolutely filthy in this picture. I promise it's clean...I just haven't taken the scrubber to it in a good, long while).

Step 3. Add in some Balsamic Vinegar and coat the veggies.

Step 4. Admire panini bread.

Step 5. Slice open panini bread, avoiding any bodily injury.

Step 6. Generously spread goat cheese on one side of the panini bread.

Step 7. Top goat cheese with some balsamic-sauteed veggies.

Step 8. Heat up grill pan, (mine is cast-iron and weighs about 20 lbs), and place panini on grill.

Step 9. Take a heavy pan, (here I use my cast iron skillet), and place on top of panini to press.

Step 10. No, it's not a grilled piece of chicken. It's a scrumptious panini! Wrap in tinfoil, stuff in bag, put in fridge at work, and heat up later in the day for a tasty, tasty homemade lunch.

Fast. Good. Cheap.

2009-12-14T22:38:00.011-05:00

My Father has a framed print displayed on the wall of his office that reads:

Fast.

Good.

Cheap.

Pick Two.

The idea is, if you choose two words - let's take for example, "Fast" and "Good" - that leftover third word describes what those first two words put together will not be. Something that is "Fast" and "Good" probably won't be Cheap. Something "Cheap" and "Fast" probably won't be Good. More often than not, especially concerning food, travel, transportation, and shipping costs, this always seems to be the case.

Which is why when the stars align and you come across something Fast, Good, and Cheap, well - that's mighty worthy of a late-night blog post.

Introducing The Bolt Bus. I recently climbed aboard this past weekend on the route between NYC and D.C. We left Manhattan on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. sharp, and arrived in Washington D.C. promptly at 10:00 p.m. There was no traffic on the return trip Sunday evening and I was magically door-to-door in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Elation! That may seem like a long time on the road, but the Bolt Bus has a power outlet available in each seat, functioning (and surprisingly decent) free onboard wireless, and of course - a bathroom. All that combined with a nap (and not driving), makes the time fly by. The bus was also very clean, the seats comfortable, (except next time I may tote along a neck pillow), and the service prompt and orderly. The drivers, most importantly, drove safely and were courteous and helpful to passengers.

The farther in advance you purchase your tickets, the cheaper they are. The website is clear and concise, and I had no issues with billing or obtaining my boarding pass. While I haven't yet encountered the seemingly elusive "$1.00 fare" they advertise, $38.00 round-trip still can't be beat. Less than a tank of gas one-way.

The Bolt Bolt travels between major cities on the East Coast. Be sure to check it out if you're looking for an easy, affordable, safe, and reliable means of transportation.

One satisfied, soon-to-be-returning traveler, signing off.

Please Proceed to Register

2009-12-04T22:42:00.009-05:00

In Manhattan, you learn to reluctantly accept the fact that there will probably be a gargantuan line wherever and whenever you walk into a popular store to buy something specific. This coincidentally occurs precisely when you finally have the free time to go out and make said purchase. Which is when - surprise! - everyone else in the city has their free time too.

Every so often though, as you stand there in line waiting impatiently, you begin to absorb and understand the "fellow shoppers' bond." You see, there's no hurried New Yorker that particularly enjoys biding their time in line. BUT if the price is right, well, then everyone knows that everyone else realizes those extra ten minutes of wait-time are deemed a worthy and economical sacrifice.

Let's take a case in point: Trader Joe's Wine Shop in Union Square...(Friday night, post-work nonetheless).

This photo, via iPhone stealth-mode, depicts my exact position in the Wine Shop check-out line at time: 11 minutes, 42 seconds. Within sight of the registers people! This is a big deal considering my journey in the queue started only steps away from the main entrance. I kid you not: Trader Joe's employees were also stationed outside on the street regulating another line down the sidewalk. This one was just to set foot inside. Several minutes later, after touring the wine regions of Italy, France, Spain, and Napa, I had also taken a roundtrip scenic tour of the store's inner circumference and read through all labels on the Charles Shaw/Two Buck Chuck varietals.

Is this really worth the wait, you ask?

In a city where an 8.9 oz. box of Cheerios will cost you no less than $5.00, cheap GOOD wine is hard to come by. And since I thought blood-orange mimosas this weekend would be fantastic, I sprung at the chance while I was in the area to purchase two bottles of decent bubbly for $20.00.

I'll raise my glass to that. And, well, stand in line too.

Home on the Free-Range

2009-12-01T22:04:00.015-05:00

After a relaxing Thanksgiving hiatus that turned into a lovely tour of the Northeast, (namely Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut), it's back to NYC and my cozy little apartment. I say cozy because my room only measures a mere 10' x 12' and the building's thermostat is currently set on "inferno."

Some R & R over the past few days was certainly a refresher for the mind, body (well, maybe too much pie on that front), and soul. Now, I'm all geared up to tackle the remainder of 2009 with fervor and embrace this joyous holiday season with open arms.

Which leads me into the completely unrelated topic of free-range chickens.

My Mother is a born-and-raised Vermonter. (Thanks to her; a love for Grade A, Dark Amber Maple Syrup). This Thanksgiving, per the norm tradition on major holidays, we traveled up North to visit family. As we pulled into the road that leads up to my Grandparents' house, we were thrilled to be greeted by the neighbor's newly acquired free-range/cage-free flock of 35 chickens and 2 roosters.

I've seen many a chicken, and well, tasted them too. But never before in my life have I seen chickens so healthy and happy. They were going about their own chicken business as chickens are meant to do: scuttling about in the woods, scratching the ground for insects to eat, running across the grass, flapping their wings, and in the evening - diligently returning to their clean, well-built and roomy shed together to roost. (A chicken, like any bird, naturally likes to perch while it sleeps). Every single fowl had unhindered access to fresh food to eat, clean water to drink, rocks to climb on, and plenty of room to stretch their legs. No hormones. No antibiotics. Just plain happy Green Mountain chickens.

We harvested twenty-four of their freshly-laid eggs and whipped up some omelets two days later for breakfast after refrigerating them overnight. They tasted absolutely delicious. Hearty, bright yellow yolks, and perfectly natural and nutritious the way nature intended.

Even if quality eggs and meat backwardly cost me slightly more in this industrialized food society of ours, and I ultimately end up eating less of them in my diet, I have vowed to try my very best never to eat a NON free-range/cage-free chicken or egg ever again. Because if the living conditions of the animal whose product I buy are anything but what I had the pleasure of experiencing, it's not worth the creature's suffering or inhumane treatment. A chicken with a life well-lived, with clean air to breathe and grassy patches to roam, is simply the more responsible and ethical choice on my plate.

Frozen Turkey? Have No Fear!

2009-11-22T20:25:00.025-05:00

The perfect golden turkey. A Martha Stewart-esque color-coordinated table setting with cutesy handmade place cards. A variety of several delicious side dishes, fresh rolls and desserts, all cooked to perfection and ready at precisely the same moment. Everything conjured up from scratch and organic wherever possible...

These were the high standards my sister and I set for ourselves last year in preparation for our family's Thanksgiving feast. Due to circumstances, we happily volunteered to cook and pull together the ENTIRE meal for our family from stuffing to pumpkin pie. We were both excited to tackle the task with gusto! However, my sister is a vegetarian, so it was me flying solo on Turkey duty. (Mind you - I had never once roasted an entire bird, let alone a 12-pound turkey in my life).

All was going smoothly, until I went to grab the turkey out of the fridge at 10:00 a.m. That's when I stared down in utter disbelief and had a minor Thanksgiving meltdown. It was a frozen block of turkey-ice.

So, with this cooking-centric holiday only a few days away, I'm here to share with you what your average cookbook will not: how to actually pull off a successful Thanksgiving turkey dinner, beginning with the first ingredient: one very frozen turkey.

Chronological steps to take, upon realizing your turkey is frozen solid on Thanksgiving morning:

Panic. This will probably occur naturally.
Place phone call to culinary-talented boyfriend (or friend or family member) hyperventilating, eyes welling up in tears. "Please help me, what do I do?!"
Deep breaths. "You will not ruin Thanksgiving dinner," they say. Take this person's reassuring and sound advice, and begin defrosting the turkey in a clean kitchen sink under running lukewarm tap water.
Be patient. For the next 1 ½ hours, (I suggest wearing an apron and popping in a good CD), slowly massage the turkey to defrost. Make sure water pours into the cavity and that it stays lukewarm. Hot water will start cooking the turkey, which is bad.
Slowly work open the cavity.
Have vegetarian sibling, who is in charge of cooking side dishes, take photograph of you in utter horror. Brace yourself. You’re about to remove the neck and giblets from inside the turkey cavity.
Scream and shriek together when you remove the turkey neck from the cavity. Do a “that was so icky” dance around the kitchen.
Follow Ina Garten’s recipe for the perfect roasted turkey (below). She's a miracle worker in the kitchen and I find that her recipes are always straight-forward and give you amazingly precise results.

Perfect Roast Turkey

Courtesy of Ina Garten's cookbook, Barefoot Contessa, Parties!

Ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 fresh turkey (10-12 pounds)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 large bunch fresh thyme

1 whole lemon, halved

1 Spanish onion, quartered

1 head garlic, halved crosswise

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the zest and juice of the lemon and 1 teaspoon of thyme leaves to the butter mixture. Set aside.
Take the giblets out of the turkey and wash the turkey inside and out. Remove any leftover fat and leftover pinfeathers and pat the outside dry.
Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, halved lemon, quartered onion, and the garlic.
Brush the outside of the turkey with the butter mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey.
Roast the turkey about 2 ½ hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh. Remove the turkey to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil; let rest for 20 minutes.
Slice that turkey and serve!

In the meantime, while the turkey is roasting and you are preparing succulent side dishes, set the table. Click here for the official Martha Stewart "How to Set a Formal Dinner Table" guide. Light candles for added ambiance. This is what our final dining room table 'scape looked like last year.

Have faith! I PROMISE that you do, in fact, have the culinary ability to cook a delicious Thanksgiving turkey, (though I highly recommend NOT starting with a frozen bird). Turn to the defrosting steps above only as your emergency contingency plan. You can also be reassured that the Barefoot Contessa's "Perfect Roast Turkey" recipe is quite tasty (frozen turkey or not) - we received rave reviews all around even before the pumpkin pie.

Best wishes for a happy holiday, and good luck with your culinary adventures!

Vampire-Chic

2009-11-19T08:42:00.023-05:00

The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the highly anticipated flick based off of author Stephenie Meyer's second book in the Twilight series, debuts tomorrow in theaters nation-wide.

It's an understatement to say there has been excitement revolving around the release of this film..."Twilight mass-hysteria" would be a more-fitting phrase. Click here to see the reaction of "Twi-fans" to heartthrob, Robert Pattinson's (Edward Cullen's), appearance on NBC's Today Show. I’ll be the first to admit. He’s pretty dreamy for a blood-sucking vampire…

What the Twilight cast is to Hollywood, though, Twilight Beauty will be to the world of cosmetics. Recently launched to coincide with the second movie installment, this brilliant new line of beauty products is unveiled to us mere mortals by Cristina Bartolucci, (celebrity makeup artist and creator of the DuWop makeup brand). The cast supposedly wore this makeup in New Moon, which means we too now have the ability to transform our lips into that perfect shade of vampire crimson red.

Twilight Beauty is comprised of two luscious collections: "Luna Twilight" and "Volturi Twilight." Luna Twilight features products for eyes, lips, face, and body, whereas Volturi Twilight for eyes, lips, and body. In line with the DuWop brand’s use of high-quality ingredients including plant extracts, antioxidants, as well as a strict no-animal testing policy, Twilight Beauty features a yummy cocktail of mascaras, lip glosses, body shimmers, eye shadows, blushes, and lip stains.

Luna Twilight Collection

Volturi Twilight Collection

In my opinion, the Luna Twilight collection is housed in much more sophisticated packaging, albeit the price points are slightly higher. But both lines, nonetheless, capture our Twilight lust with tantalizing names such as “Just Bitten Staining Balm,” “Femme Fatale Lip Gloss,” “Twilight Venom” (does Lip Venom by DuWop sound familiar?), “Mortal Glow Blushing Crème,” and color palettes in shades called “Bella” “Victoria” “Rosale” and “Alice.” So fitting for a mysterious night out on the town…and a simply genius concept marketed to the perfect target fan base.

No Leonoids in New York

2009-11-17T21:59:00.018-05:00

Years ago, when I must have been in middle school, we took a family white-water rafting/summer camping trip on the Colorado River. One night, as all of us (two guides, and another family) sat around a campfire on the side of the riverbank, I remember staring up in amazement at the Milky Way Galaxy overhead and its clusters of sparkly star-clouds. Miles away from civilization, that night sky in particular looked strangely foreign to me and unlike any I had ever seen before on the East Coast. It was alien-like. Raw. Three-dimensional. Then suddenly, in a single fleeting moment that was over just as quickly as it began, we witnessed the most breathtaking astronomical occurrence of our lives:

It was a shooting star. Blazing across the heavens in a spectacle of white, red, fiery orange, purples and pinks, it arced over our heads momentarily, then disappeared into the horizon. It was such an intense spectacle, to this day I can still hear the "swoosh" of its mass and particles burning up in the Earth's atmosphere.

Fast forward to the pre-dawn hours of this morning, November 17, 2009 and North America's "showy peak" viewing of the Leonoid Meteor Shower. Well, you guessed it. There was nothing for this high-rise living New Yorker to see. The sky is always empty and black, the streets glaring and bright in this city. One finds neither silence nor complete darkness, and it saddens me that a starry night sky in major cities around the world has simply disappeared.

A National Geographic article titled, "Our Vanishing Night," describes light pollution in the following context:

"In most cities the sky looks as though it has been emptied of stars, leaving behind a vacant haze that mirrors our fear of the dark and resembles the urban glow of dystopian science fiction. We've grown so used to this pervasive orange haze that the original glory of an unlit night—dark enough for the planet Venus to throw shadows on Earth—is wholly beyond our experience, beyond memory almost. And yet above the city's pale ceiling lies the rest of the universe, utterly undiminished by the light we waste—a bright shoal of stars and planets and galaxies, shining in seemingly infinite darkness."

Map of Earth at Night

While there are certainly trade-offs of living in a bustling metropolis versus a rural area, it's humbling to stargaze when you can actually see the stars in all their glory. It is only when doing this, that one can truly FEEL the overwhelming presence of our vast galaxy. I like to imagine what Earth's night sky must have looked like as viewed from ancient cities thousands of years ago. How beautiful, powerful, and inexplicable it must have been. It was, after all, a mystical realm of curiosity and wonder. In some areas of the planet untouched by man's light pollution, the night sky can still be viewed the same way it has been for millions of years.

Science and technology have allowed us to gaze deeper and deeper into the Universe. Time will only tell what the next big galactic discovery will be. But with your naked eye, take the time to venture away from the din of street lights and glaring LED-lit advertisements. It can be an awe-inspring experience that might just turn into one of the most memorable moments of your life.

Stylish Book Worm

2009-11-15T21:23:00.010-05:00

I know, I know. "Don't judge a book by its cover."

BUT...

I think Pottery Barn, Martha Stewart, Real Simple, West Elm, AND Anthropologie would all agree that these eight Penguin Group classics, newly released in vintage-inspired cloth hardcovers, are certainly beautiful design elements for any bookshelf or side table. They'd also be lovely stacked on the floor in one of their, "Ha! Good luck trying to make your living room look as chic as ours," holiday catalog.

Aside from the pretty covers though, the pages bound within are indeed literary masterpieces: The Picture of Dorian Gray, Cranford, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre, and Great Expectations. True, it would take a mustering of determination to read through them all, but at least the task becomes a little less daunting when one can look stylish and oh-so-of-the-era in the process.

Available online via Penguin Classics ($20.00 each)...or perhaps for slightly less in the realm of Amazon.com.

"Maelstrom" on the Met

2009-11-14T22:07:00.020-05:00

American artist Roxy Paine's special exhibition will soon close on November 29th. But before it does, it's definitely worth an hour or two to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden. Surrounded by the stunning panorama of Central Park, Paine's spectacular stainless steel sculpture, Maelstrom, measures an impressive 130-feet-long by 45-feet-wide. It dwarfs the roof deck's square footage and wildly intertwines above the roof itself.

The fun part about this sculpture is that you can walk through it. It's like exploring a labyrinth of giant tree roots, alive and organic, yet simultaneously harnessed and contained by their rigid, industrial welding. According to the artist's interpretation, "...the installation explores the interplay between the natural world and the built environment amid nature's inherently chaotic processes."

No matter what your individual interpretation of Maelstrom is, I highly recommend checking it out...and if the sculpture and setting aren't quite enough to draw you there, the Met's Roof Deck also has a quaint little bar/bistro that serves espresso, sandwiches, wine, beer, and martinis!

Doughnuts and Donuts

2009-11-12T07:29:00.019-05:00

Welcome, to the Doughnut Plant.

379 Grand Street (near Essex Street)

New York, NY 10002

212-505-3700

Bakery Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Established in 2000 and located in Manhattan's Lower East Side, owner/mastermind/head chef Mark Israel built a gourmet donut institution from the ground-up. This tiny bakery, only 200 square feet, doesn't look very impressive from the outside. In fact, when I first trekked downtown to check it out, I walked right past the storefront. But, if you do make it through the doors, (and IT IS well-worth the cross-town expedition), be prepared for an exceptional culinary experience.

What makes these donuts so exceptional? High quality ingredients and fresh preparation. Here's a snippet from a 2008 Edible Manhattan article titled "Pedestrian Pastry Goes Gastro," which perfectly illustrates this point:

"...Israel fine-tuned his cake doughnut recipe for five years, and has all the flour milled to exacting specifications, simmers his own preserves for the jelly-filleds, and roasts and grinds peanuts for the PB&Js. He changes the fry oil daily, and twice a week hits the Greenmarket for glaze ingredients like strawberries, white peaches and apricots. The coconut custard-filled number is born of fresh coconuts; even the ho-hum-sounding flavors showcase Valrhona chocolate and real vanilla bean. All this trouble for doughnuts? "If you saw what the ingredients cost," confides the master, "you'd know we're charging way too little."

Tres Leches Cake Doughnut (left), Blackout chocolate Cake Doughnut (right).

Yes, these donuts will run you a little more dough than your average Dunkin's or Krispy Kreme (approximately $2.75 each), BUT, ces pâtisseries are savory treats that live up to every penny spent, every calorie consumed, and every sweet bite of heavenly indulgence. Quality over quantity is the name of the game.

There are two main donut varieties: yeast donuts (large and fluffy) and cake donuts (small and dense). Other donut-offspring at the Doughnut Plant include square-shaped jelly donuts, churros, cinnamon buns (these are simply delicious made with plump, juicy raisins), and sticky buns. Flavors are seasonal, but often include Tres Leches, Blackout, Vanilla Bean glazed, Pumpkin, Crème Brulée (this one is even torched on top), Roasted Chestnut, Pistachio, Cranberry, and Valrhona Chocolate.

Yeast Valrhona Chocolate Doughnut

I have a weakness for the little cake donuts - they're about the size of your palm which may sound small, but oh, do they pack a powerful punch. Try the flavors Tres Leches and Blackout...then say hello to a life of spontaneous Doughnut Plant donut cravings.

Good news too! The Doughnut Plant distributes a selection of goodies to local Dean & Deluca, Oren's Daily Roast, Agata & Valentina, Citarella, Zabars, and Joe's Art of Coffee locations within Manhattan.

Google Doodle

2009-11-09T21:39:00.036-05:00

If you're an avid Googler, you've most certainly cracked a smile over the past week typing into a search field gazed upon by a slew of Sesame Street characters. Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, and The Count have recently been THE shining stars in the past six "Google Doodles." And it's anybody's guess which muppet may show up tomorrow, if any. There are several more Sesame Street characters that hold potential doodle-worthy clout...Snuffleupagus perhaps? I can visualize his eyes forming the two "O's" in "Google".

First aired in 1969, Sesame Street is celebrating it's 40th anniversary of muppets, A, B, C's and 1, 2, 3's this year. And I'll admit: Google’s tribute has brought a fun burst of excitement to my morning of launching into my web browser's Home Page. Plus, don't we all enjoy (even just a little bit) clicking on the Google logo and being whisked away to links about the featured doodle? If you've missed the Sesame Street Doodles, here they are, (screenshots courtesy of the Huffington Post).

While I thoroughly enjoy a colorful burst of Google creativity in the morning, I must reluctantly say, however, that six consecutive days of Sesame Street muppets kind of gets uninspiring. Cute, but let’s see something new. How about a Googled rendition of the fall of the Berlin Wall? Albeit, this momentous occasion would have fared better today on the official anniversary, but it's still my hope tomorrow morning to tune into a brilliantly Googled event of historical significance rather than more fuzzy puppets of my childhood, (as adorable and innocent as they may be).

Here, Please?

2009-11-05T21:34:00.016-05:00

Well, it's that time of year. Germs have finally worn down my immune system and I'm feeling a bit under-the-weather. Crave sleep, but ah, am currently having a delirious insomniac moment. So, a post it shall be to tire me out (no offense, but it helps). Here's what I've been wishing for within the past 3 hours:

A vat of homemade chicken soup and oyster crackers.

A relaxing pedicure with red nail polish.

Taxi drivers outside my window to stop honking at each because the only thing it accomplishes is keeping me awake.

A hot bath with lavender aromatherapy and lots and lots of bubbles.

Lying on this tropical beach about to go snorkeling with Flipper (and not feeling ill).

OR, snuggling in a flannel blanket in front of this fireplace, cup of hot cocoa in hand and snowstorm outside.

So, there you have it. I have no idea where either one of these serene settings is located, considering I obtained these idealistic photos via Googling key words "tropical beach" and "cozy cabin." But, if you happen to find one of these lovely places, please let me know. And take me with you?

Reflections on La Vida

2009-11-03T22:50:00.013-05:00

This article, featured in the Times' "Happy Days" blog and written by Todd May, author and professor of philosophy at Clemson University, is a powerful piece. Stunningly beautiful writing that helps put life into perspective. I'm posting the entire article below just in case this link fizzles out:

http://happydays.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/happy-ending/?em

So, if you are having a stressful day today, just take it all in stride. This article emphasizes what REALLY matters: living each day of life to the fullest, and not taking a single one for granted. It's something we can so easily forget in this past-paced world.
____________________________

November 2, 2009, 8:25 PM
HAPPY ENDING
By TODD MAY

In the spring of 2004 I took a flight from my home near Greenville, S.C., to New York to visit my dying step-grandmother. We had been close, and it would be one of the last times I would get to see her. As the flight was about to land, it abruptly ascended and headed toward the Empire State Building. The passengers on the plane became quiet; the aura of 9/11 was hanging in the air.

We flew over the Empire State Building (but too close to the antenna for my comfort) and circled back to La Guardia. As it turned out, a small commuter plane had decided to land without taking account of our aircraft, so the pilot had had to make a quick move. But in those moments when it seemed I was aboard another human missile, I revisited my life. I realized, almost to my surprise, that I would not have traded it in for another life. There had been disappointments, to be sure, but my life appeared to me to have been a meaningful one, a life I did not regret. This is not to say that I was not nearly paralyzed with fear. I was. At the same time, strangely, my life appeared to me as worth having lived. There are two lessons here. The first, and most obvious one, is that death is terrifying. Here in the United States, we have the technology to defer death, so we often pretend it will never really happen to us. There is always another procedure, always a cure in sight if not in hand. But in our sober moments we recognize that we will indeed die, and that we have precious little control over when it will happen.

The harm of death goes to the heart of who we are as human beings. We are, in essence, forward-looking creatures. We create our lives prospectively. We build relationships, careers, and projects that are not solely of the moment but that have a future in our vision of them. One of the reasons Eastern philosophies have developed techniques to train us to be in the moment is that that is not our natural state. We are pulled toward the future, and see the meaning of what we do now in its light.

Death extinguishes that light. And because we know that we will die, and yet we don’t know when, the darkness that is ultimately ahead of each of us is with us at every moment. There is, we might say, a tunnel at the end of this light. And since we are creatures of the future, the darkness of death offends us in our very being. We may come to terms with it when we grow old, but unless our lives have become a burden to us coming to terms is the best we can hope for.

The second, less obvious lesson of this moment of facing death is that in order for our lives to have a shape, in order that they not become formless, we need to die. This will strike some as counterintuitive, even a little ridiculous. But in order to recognize its truth, we should reflect a bit on what immortality might mean.

Immortality lasts a long time. It is not for nothing that in his story “The Immortal” Jorge Luis Borges pictures the immortal characters as unconcerned with their lives or their surroundings. Once you’ve followed your passion — playing the saxophone, loving men or women, traveling, writing poetry — for, say, 10,000 years, it will likely begin to lose its grip. There may be more to say or to do than anyone can ever accomplish. But each of us develops particular interests, engages in particular pursuits. When we have been at them long enough, we are likely to find ourselves just filling time. In the case of immortality, an inexhaustible period of time.

And when there is always time for everything, there is no urgency for anything. It may well be that life is not long enough. But it is equally true that a life without limits would lose the beauty of its moments. It would become boring, but more deeply it would become shapeless. Just one damn thing after another.

This is the paradox death imposes upon us: it grants us the possibility of a meaningful life even as it takes it away. It gives us the promise of each moment, even as it threatens to steal that moment, or at least reminds us that some time our moments will be gone. It allows each moment to insist upon itself, because there are only a limited number of them. And none of us knows how many.

I prefer to think that the paradox of death is the source not of despair but instead of the limited hope that is allotted to us as human beings. We cannot live forever, to be sure, but neither would we want to. We ought not to mind the fact that we will die, although we really would rather that it not be today. Probably not tomorrow either. But it is precisely because we cannot control when we will die, and know only that we will, that we can look upon our lives with the seriousness they merit. Death takes away from us no more than it has conferred: lives whose significance lies in the fact they are not always with us.

Our happiness lies in being able to inhabit that fact.

Eat Your Veggies

2009-11-03T22:01:00.014-05:00

In lieu of this past Sunday's New York City Marathon, I am filled with new-found inspiration to run the 26.2 myself next November. Also, with the holidays just around the corner, I'm entirely committed to making a concerned effort to munch on more vegetables and leafy greens...like these!

Ok, so it also has to do with currently reading Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food and wanting to grow a quaint vegetable garden just like the Obama family. (Sadly, apartment living does not allow this).

Shopping "veggies for one" is a tricky process, though. I tend to overestimate how much celery I can actually eat in a given week, and always seem to end up with some of it squished and forgotten in the back of the fridge. Or worse - lettuce. I can't tell you how many heads of lettuce have gone rotten before I've even had the chance to stuff some leaves in a pita.

I've adapted a new method though! It's not anything revolutionary, but I think it's going to make my life a little easier. Upon returning from the farmer's market or grocery store, I wash, peel, cut and STORE my veggies right away so they are, from that moment on, at the ready for snacking and cooking. Basically, the less effort it takes to eat some carrots and hummus for a snack after work, the more inclined I'll be to opt for that combination over say...my favorite vegan chocolate chips.

Tonight, I thoroughly washed a head of red-leaf lettuce, spun it in the colander, and stored it in the crisping drawer of the fridge. No more scrambling around in the morning for lunch material. Having healthy veggies and fruits readily available in the kitchen is one of my many life-long goals (simple as it may sound). After all, as Michael Pollan writes, "Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

Rain and Wellies!

2009-10-29T07:18:00.009-04:00

Rain, rain, rain. Thanks to you, rain boots, my pants are saved from the depths of flooded subway entrances and 6-inch puddles. Rushing water on the street is no match to your impenetrable rubber soles as I plow across the crosswalk with confidence.

But Winter, well that's another story. No matter how beautiful the snow looks as it's falling to the ground in New York, it inevitably ends up as dirty, sloppy slush. Puddles of sloppy slush. Which is why this season, I'm calling in the troops. On my wish-list: Hunter Wellies. Not only are they incredibly durable, stylish, and colorful (who says the rain can't be fun?), but one ALSO has the option of purchasing a cozy fleece Wellie Sock lining for cold weather! For the time being, my $15.00 boots from Target do their job, but come freezing rain this Winter...I'll be opting for a little extra reinforcement, better fit, and warmth. Hunter boots are available on-line from Zappos for $114.95.

Food, Inc.

2009-10-27T21:00:00.009-04:00

"Food, Inc. exposes America's industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers' rights....our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health..." The global food crisis. Cloning. Nutritional labels. Genetic engineering. Pesticides. Foodborne illness. Obesity. Farm worker protection. Organic and local foods. My, oh my. Delicious topics. What's not to love?

Which is why...I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE THIS DOCUMENTARY! I have my bag of organic corn kernels on the stand-by for stovetop popping and shhh, smuggling into the theater. Since a large segment of this film is supposedly devoted to exposing the evils of corn in our food chain, I think it would be an oxymoron if I were to order up a bucket of movie buttered popcorn.

I find the issue of what we eat, (or don't eat), incredibly fascinating. Just get me started, and I could talk on and on...and on. Needless to say, I'm a frequent farmer's market shopper in Union Square, and Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food (this one I'm currently reading) are both well-worn paperbacks warmly snuggled into my bookshelf. Since I give high praise to these two masterpieces, (and can't get enough of local market goodies this time of year), I'm quite certain I'll be enamored with this film. It promises, "You'll never look at dinner the same way again." I just hope it doesn't scare me off from eating a hamburger ever again...

Something Shiny

2009-10-26T23:47:00.013-04:00

I've never been a girl to wear many necklaces, and I really don't know why. I completely love the way they look! I think necklaces can evoke a sense of individuality, creativity, and can really stand for something quite special. Plus, who doesn't love adding a little shine to an outfit? True, with long hair, I've encountered many a tangle after a long run. But in any case, I'm going to make more of a necklace-wearing effort here because I was recently introduced to Satya Jewelry after my sister gave me a necklace as a gift. So, I actually need to to give HER credit for discovering this company and getting me hooked: thank you little sister!

Using earthy, natural materials, gemstones, gold and silver, Satya Jewelry is not only created with global consciousness, but is yoga-inspired. Every piece blends spiritual symbols and sacred meanings. But whether you seek comfort in the meaning a piece represents or not, one thing is for certain: they're just so pretty!

The necklace above is a new design whose pendants symbolize the following: "Two lotus flowers hang side by side symbolizing the beauty and support in all relationships. This exotic blossom rises from the mud every day to face the sun with a clean and lovely cluster of fresh petals, and has been adopted by Asian cultures as a symbol of regeneration and personal growth...a day-to-day totem to remind you of the potential within."

Shallot Risotto

2009-10-25T21:32:00.008-04:00

Oh, how I do enjoy a well-prepared risotto. Arborio rice has a naturally creamy texture, and it can be crafted into a very healthful and well-rounded meal. Risotto leftovers also reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day! This week, my culinary goal is to tackle this new risotto recipe. It's adapted from a fabulous cookbook calledFarm Food by Chef Daniel Orr, which I purchased after dining in his delectable restaurant Farm Bloomington, in Bloomington, IN.

In anticipation, I've typed up the recipe below and will post a photo of the completed dish later this week, (let's keep our fingers crossed!). This recipe is dairy-free. Note: while I can tolerate goat cheese, (it's a different protein than dairy), be sure to omit it if you can not.

Happy feasting!

Caramelized Shallot Risotto with Toasted Walnuts, Goat Cheese, and Pears.

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked arborio rice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

salt and pepper to taste

2 caramelized shallots, roughly chopped

1 pinch lemon zest

2 tablespoons toasted walnuts

Garnishes: sautéed pears, black pepper, goat cheese

Method:

Sauté onions in olive oil until they are translucent, but not colored, over medium heat.
Add the arborio rice and toast; stir with a wooden spoon, so all the rice gets toasted.
Stir in 1 cup of broth. Continue cooking and stirring until all the liquid is absorbed.
Gradually stir in remaining broth 1 cup at a time, cooking and stirring until liquid is absorbed before adding the next cup.
Fold in the sautéed shallots, zest, and walnuts and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon into a bowl and garnish with some sautéed pears, black pepper, and large crumbles of goat cheese.

...and voilà! The finished risotto as per this past Saturday night. It was really quite yummy: walnuts, goat cheese, and pears are a perfect match made in heaven. Plus...plenty of leftovers for lunch the following day.

Weekend in Washington D.C.

2009-10-25T19:39:00.015-04:00

What fun! Here are several photographs I took this past weekend in Washington D.C. Below: my brief photo montage of the Nation's Capital.

I might have seen the movie Independence Day too many times, but doesn't this sky appear slightly alien-esque to you?

I love the stark contrast of this statue against the cloudy pre-sunset sky backdrop.

Dairy-Free Indulgence

2009-10-19T23:01:00.016-04:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, soon will come the onslaught of homemade chocolate fudge, hot chocolate with whipped cream, apple pie, mashed potatoes, and the cookies, oh, the cookies. For an individual allergic to dairy such as myself, it takes a great deal of willpower to resist the temptation to try "just a little bite because it's vacation, after all." Well. I've had the pleasure of learning my lesson several times over the hard way, so I'm fairly strict now about maintaining a dairy-free diet. And what a difference it makes! (duh).

I'll admit it's not easy eating entirely dairy-free. Temptations abound. And sometimes, it's just downright cruel when I catch a mouth-watering whiff of my roommates' pizza slices on any given night. So, to all my fellow eaters out there who follow a dairy-free diet, a significant portion of The Printed Thought blog will be devoted to some tasty specialized recipes.

With my arsenal of Allergy Self-Help cookbooks by my side, I've actually rather enjoyed the challenge of taste-testing and substituting ingredients to create 100% dairy-free meals and desserts without sacrificing taste. My ultimate life-saver: coconut. Instead of soy, soy, and more soy, coconut milk is not only a fantastic substitute for cream, but it is also available in yogurt, milk, and ICE CREAM form! Likewise, coconut oil (deodorized or not) is an excellent substitute for butter in baked goods. And the best part? Coconut, though high in saturated fat (but the good fat like in nuts and avocados), helps make your skin and hair luminous. Please don't be scared by the nutrition label. This plant fat is metabolized by the body at an astounding rate.

Speaking of coconut, the company Turtle Mountain is an absolute gem. Since 1987, they have specialized in the creation and production of all-natural and organic dairy-free products. I'll highlight all of their Coconut Milk offerings in a following post, but in the meantime, run to your local health food store and grab a pint of their Coconut Milk Ice Cream. It is by far THE BEST ice cream substitute on the market. In fact, I would argue MUCH more tastier and healthier than real dairy ice cream. It would fool even the most die hard ice cream connoisseur. Try the flavor Cookie Dough and you will not be disappointed.

Pasta Pasta!

2009-10-19T12:26:00.015-04:00

This past weekend, in a whirlwind of cooking ambition, my boyfriend {EK} and I decided to take on an authentic pasta dinner entirely from scratch. There we are! Prepping semolina dough for the pasta machine. Following a recipe for egg noodles, we opted for the elegant linguine shape. Since we happened to be short one pasta drying rack, we improvised with a laundry drying rack instead...and it worked surprisingly well!

Our first attempt at making linguine pasta was incredibly time consuming (as in 3 hours of being hungry for dinner time consuming). BUT nonetheless, it was (and always is) incredibly rewarding to coax simple ingredients together into something genuinly homemade and more complex. It gives one humble appreciation for the hard work, knowledge, and skill that goes into gourmet food preparation...not to mention, it's an enjoyable learning experience that rewards you with something delicious at the end.

When all had been mixed, rolled, chilled, cut, dried, boiled, sauteed, and garnished, every bite of that painstakingly crafted pasta (and sauce), bursted not only with incredible flavor, but the effort and pride of having succeeded in cooking a from-scratch Italian meal.

Several tips to make pasta:

Roll pasta dough into flat circle before chilling so it's easier to roll out before cutting for machine.
Flour dough and run a few "test strips" through the machine to remove any oil residue.
Flour dough before cranking through machine. Flour generously afterwards so pieces don't stick together.
Ideally, let pasta dry for at least an hour before boiling.
Keep an eye on the boiling pasta. Fresh pasta will cook within a few minutes.

Bon appétit!

Key Travel Accessory

2009-10-12T23:26:00.020-04:00

My tried and true Longchamp Le Pliage handbag is my number one travel item...not to mention my everyday handbag. Reasons I absolutely adore it:

Folds up into a neat little square.
Zipper top.
Incredibly easy to pack. Barely takes up any space in suitcase.
Weighs virtually nothing by itself (no heavy hardware).
Classic, stylish, compliments almost any outfit.
Perfect size for wallet, camera, water bottle, phone, keys, light sweater, etc.
Made of durable materials and very easy to clean.

CON: can sometimes turn into "the bottomless pit," (only one small internal pocket), but really only a minor inconvenience; the PROS make this handbag a great investment!

I currently own the color "Taupe" pictured above, and also have my eye on the lovely colors "Graphite" or "Chocolate" to add to my collection someday.

Available for $125 at Longchamp online, and fine department and luggage stores.

Cell Phones in the Stratosphere

2009-10-12T20:55:00.002-04:00

On recent flights between NYC and Chicago, I soaked up the few fleeting hours of being out-of-touch with the world below. No internet. No cell phone. No Twitter or Facebook. I caught up on work, did some reading, attempted a couple crossword puzzles, slept, and thoroughly enjoyed the gentle hum of the engines and soft conversations among fellow passengers.

Flying this past weekend made me reflect on a recent article I came across in the Times two weeks ago; the possibility of in-flight cell-phone usage. Already, some foreign carriers have permitted passengers to use cellular and other personal devices to make and receive calls at 37,000 feet, (so far, there have been surprisingly few complaints). However, it doesn't seem as if domestic flights will hop on the bandwagon anytime soon. On-board domestic flight surveys regularly show that the majority of passengers would be opposed to in-flight cell phone calls. Likewise, legislation is currently pending in Congress that would ban voice communication using wireless devices on commercial flights. Domestic carriers ARE, however, rapidly installing on-board WiFi (usage available for a nominal fee).

As someone who witnesses poor cell phone etiquette on a daily basis, I'd rather not spend 5 hours flying cross-country being forced to listen to Joe Schmo in the seat behind me, joining in on his office's hour-long conference call. I'm an optimistic individual and believe in the genuine empathy of the human race, but a plane provides one with very limited personal space...and with that, limited ways of shielding oneself from unwanted disturbances. Sometimes, it's hard enough as is.

I do believe the majority of passengers would take the extra effort to be quiet and respectful. However, phones will undoubtedly ring out because they weren't initially turned to "silent," and that select few, whether due to poor hearing, aggression, or lack of manners, will conduct their personal conversations without consideration of the person helplessly trapped next to them. That's enough to make this frequent flyer perfectly content with being off-the-grid for a while when in the Stratosphere.

That's a Wrap

2009-10-06T21:55:00.007-04:00

One of the greatest conveniences about living in New York is the surplus of street corner vendors (and their bargain prices). On the 7 minute walk between my apartment and closest subway stop, I routinely pass several fruit stands, a handful of pastry and coffee carts, one "designer" handbag display, and a man selling the ideal outfit-coordinating essential: the Pashmina scarf.

Authentic Pashmina scarves can be fairly expensive. They are coveted for their soft feel and warmth, a result of their fine wool fibers of pashmina goat hair woven together with silk. The threads in a NYC Pashmina street shawl may be a mystery, but what's not to love? They're clean, colorful, warm, and yours for only $5.00 a piece. They're also offered in a variety of patterns, but you may have to shell out $10-15 for a more intricate design.

Best location in Manhattan to purchase a bargain Pashmina of your very own? Outside the New York Public Library on the corner of 40th Street and 5th Avenue. There is usually a vendor stationed there in the Fall who offers the largest color and pattern selection of Pashminas I've ever encountered.

Tip: Pashmina vendors usually have all available scarves hanging on display. It's much more polite to refer to these when making your selection, rather than pawing through his or her carefully organized and color-coordinated pile.

Happy hunting!