When I Grow Up I'm Going to...

Hey that's already in my cabinet

2012-01-12T14:16:00.002-05:00

I love when I stumble upon a recipe and I can say "Hey that's already in my cabinet".
To be fair, there are a lot of random spices in my cabinet.
A) I like to eat.
B) I like to cook.
C) I like to try new foods/recipes/ingredients.
So I have a jar of star anise that I have no clue when I'll completely consume, but they're there when I need them.

Here's a recipe I ran across the other day and had all the ingredients already. Well mostly. I substituted ground cardamom for cardamom pods, fenugreek for ground fennel, and pork loin for pork shoulder. I didn't scrape the spices off and I crockpotted it instead. It was still delicious. And I finally got to use the star anise, that I forgot what I bought for in the first place.

Slow-Cooked Pork with Spanish Paprika and Sweet Spices Recipe

Serves 6

The meat has a smooth texture and distinct taste, and the slow cooking process allows the spice mixture to add intense flavor. Serve with sautéed garlicky greens, stewed white beans, or simple mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

2 bay leaves
8 cardamom pods
2 star anise
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted
1 1/2 teaspoons ground fennel
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon pimentón (smoked Spanish paprika)
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
5 cloves garlic, minced into a paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon coarse salt
1 fresh 3-pound pork shoulder, preferably with the skin on

Directions

1. In a coffee grinder, process the bay leaves, cardamom, and star anise until finely ground (you may have to grind in batches) and place in a small bowl. Grind the coriander and cumin until finely ground and add to the bowl; add the ground fennel to the bowl of spices as well. Mix in the olive oil, pimentón, pepper, garlic, brown sugar, and salt, mixing well to create a paste.

2. If the pork has a skin on, score the skin with a sharp knife in 1/2-inch intervals. Rub the paste evenly on the meat. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least four hours and preferably overnight.

3. Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Scrape off the extra spice rub, then put the pork on a rack in a large roasting pan, skin side up, and roast for 30 minutes. Cover the pan with foil, then turn the oven down to 300 degrees and cook for three hours. Add a bit of water in the bottom of the roasting pan, if there is no liquid, to keep the pork from drying out. Check after three hours; the pork should be fork-tender and very moist when done. If not, continue to cook until fork-tender.

4. If your pork has skin, slide the pan under the broiler for three to five minutes until the skin is crispy. If your pork doesn't have skin, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing or pulling apart.

Under Construction

2012-01-12T14:07:00.002-05:00

I've severely neglected this blog for a variety of reasons:
Not enough time
Time better used doing things like cooking, cleaning house, & interact with my small child.
Small child thinks the computer is for her to play "color shapes".
Thinking I have no readers (which I probably don't, but that's a moot point)
No general outline/purpose for the blog.

So I'm requesting, no I'm enacting a Do Over.
I'm re-doing it.
The way I want.
In the time I want.
For the purpose I want.

Initially I wanted to keep a bookmark/scrapbook of things I found interesting.
And that's what I'm going to do.

Timeline: Mon, Wed, Fri (yes I know it's Thursday, don't judge)
Outline: Food, Travel, Design (all with a heavy sprinkling of the Bible, c'mon now, how could you expect anything less). And random other topics, keeping it light on the politics (way too much of that in the media right now).

Do Over starting now...

Constantly Curious

2011-06-28T10:57:00.005-04:00

If you know me, then you know that I'm constantly curious. It goes beyond liking to ask question; I like to learn, to dig deeper, to cull out the answer for things most other people would walk by and accept as the "obvious". On our drive home from our vacation we went from Myrtle Beach, SC to Nashville, TN, then homeward to Davenport, IA.

Spending all except the last 2 years on the East Coast, I was familiar with the states on the Eastern seaboard and westward to the Mississippi River. But I drew a blank west of the Mississippi River until California.

So in an attempt to learn my new geography, I studied the map. I noticed that the 37th parallel (approximately) is a border for VA, NC, KY, TN, MO, AR, KS, OK, CO, NM, UT, & AZ. So I asked "Why"? Why is there a very straight line drawn across our country to separate the states of the same union? Borders typically are natural geographic difficulties, such as rivers and mountain ranges.

Every once in a while you get the answer to your question in a direct manner. Two days later, I was roaming through the library and stumbled across "How the States Got Their Shapes" by Mark Stein. Fortunately someone else had a similar question and did the research to answer it.

Apparently it was a "marketable" question, so the History Channel made a show about it. I'd suggest reading the book, so if you are more curious about particular pieces of information, you can source the info. Or you can just watch the show. But at least take the test before and after, so you can chart your learning. Most importantly, stay "constantly curious". You may get a book deal or your own show, but you'll definitely get the satisfaction of learning.

Love Overpowers Fear; 1 John 4:18

2011-04-05T15:04:00.004-04:00

As I made my way through the Sunday paper on Tuesday, I ran across an interview with Bethany Hamilton, who was 13 years old when she was attacked by a tiger shark while surfing and lost her left arm. But she returned to competitive surfing three months later. In 2005, she won her first national title in the 18-and-under division of the National Scholastic Surfing Association championships. Hamilton, now 21, lives in Kauai and surfs professionally.

Here's a (admittedly biased) snippet of the interview.

Q. What gave you the strength to continue surfing?

A. I believe in Jesus Christ and I believe he gave me the passion and determination to continue surfing. You fall off the horse and you get back on. I had to go for it.

Q. Who has been the greatest influence on your life?

A. There’s been a lot of people, but I would have to say my parents. They have encouraged me in my relationship with Jesus Christ and in my passion for surfing. Aside from them, I have a youth leader named Sarah Hill, who is played in the movie by Carrie Underwood. Sarah has been a friend since I was 8 or 9 years old. We all need that extra friend outside of our immediate family to talk about that extra stuff you wouldn’t normally talk to your parents about.

The movie, "Soul Surfer” which is based on Bethany's memoir, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, opens nationwide this Friday, April 8th, 2011.

When I grow up I'm going to.....be passionate and determined.

The New "Old" Guard

2011-03-25T10:24:00.002-04:00

Last night as I was gave my daughter a bath, I streamed Amel Larrieux via Pandora and thought to myself, "Where is the talent in today's musical world?"

I'm not yet old enough to say "All the kids nowadays listen to is pure garbage", but I'm getting close to it.

This morning, when I heared an intriguing tune as the backgroud to a news show, I decided to use Shazam on my EVO (see I'm not completely technologically incompetent) which immediately took me to Pandora and played this sweetness.

Talent she's got, Looks too. But an incredible work ethic is what propels this young lady. Starting with hauling that big bass wherever she and it needs to be. You can easily hear why she beat Justin Beiber at the Grammys for Best New Artist of the Year. When I grow up, I'm going to... be like her, tenacious.

Racism - no more?

2010-05-19T13:59:00.002-04:00

I just finished watching "The Journey of Man". This video sums it up.

Dr.Spencer Wells's closing comment on "The Journey of Man":

"You and I, in fact everyone all over the world, we're literally African under the skin; brothers and sisters separated by a mere two thousand generations. Old-fashioned concepts of race are not only socially divisive, but scientifically wrong."

Want to participate in the Genographic Project?

Summer Movies

2010-05-18T12:24:00.002-04:00

Some movies I'm going to make an attempt to see this summer. (in order of release date) Check out what else is coming out this summer.

May 7, 2010
Babies - Kate might sit thru this one. She likes watching people's faces, especially babies faces. You should see how she related to the baby on the box of diapers, whenever she sees him.

Iron Man - cause superheros ROCK!!!

May 14, 2010
Princess Kailulani - because I like history flicks.

May 27, 2010
Sex & the City 2 - This is the life.

June 4, 2010
Splice - reminiscent of Aliens and I want to test my theory of movies not being that scary an hour into it. I just can't pump adrenaline that long.

June 18, 2010
Toy Story 3 - because I LOVE BUZZ LIGHTYEAR!!!

Gardening Books/DVD

2010-05-12T14:21:00.003-04:00

I love books. But I'm out of book money and shelf space, so I've fallen in love with the local library. This is what I'll be searching for on my next visit.

-The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table:
Recipes, Portraits, and History of the World’s Most Beautiful Fruit
By Amy Goldman

-Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening

-Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn

-The Rainbow People of God By Desmond TuTu

-Money in My Pocket: Anthology 1970-1995 By Dennis Brown

Courtesy of Pedro Almodovar

2010-04-20T19:25:00.007-04:00

I finally go the chance to watch "Broken Embraces" this weekend. This shot is why I love Pedro. He and other good film makers take seeming mundane things (like a background landscape) and pull you in, leaving you wanting more, and wanting to be THERE!!!

There is the Vineyards in La Geria on Lanzarote in the Canary Islands of Spain off the coast of Morocco. And I can get a connecting flight from Chicago!

Disagreeing Disagreeably

2010-03-22T09:01:00.005-04:00

So I try to avoid all this political mumbo jumbo, because like most Americans (whether they'd like to admit it or not) I'm not very well versed in politics. I know the bits and pieces of American history that have been exposed to me but that does not make the whole story, nor am I going to act like it does.

Everyone is yelling about healthcare reform. In particular, yelling on the floor of Congress. Case & Point #1: a GOP member then shouted at Stupak: "Baby killer!" Seriously, we've elected "these people" who act like this. If they yelled liar, then I could understand. He said he wasn't going to support the bill, then changed his mind. But is he really a baby killer? And if he was, does this behavior encourage him to agree with you or is he more inclined to resist the *unidentified accuser*.

I'm severely disappointed that this sort of behavoir occurs on the floor of Congress. I thought we elected these officials so that they can handle these matters in a professional manner on our behalf. We've assumed that they are better educated on these issues and have a working knowledge on how to sway others to work with them. I know someone knows the identity of the shouter and the fact that they're covering for this person says to me that this behavoir is acceptable in Congress.

This does NOT make me proud to be an American!

Eating not Reading

2010-02-25T10:54:00.002-05:00

So remember when I decided to read about food. Because I like food. Well that turned out to be a bad idea. Fortunately I figured that out only 2 lbs. into that endeavor. Everytime I went to read about Chocolate, I craved a chocolate bar. Even giving in to Hershey's chocolate, which either they've gotten better at making chocolate or my taste buds have gotten less discriminating. So there goes my food reading for a while. But that's okay because I need to get caught up on the baby books.

Modernism can't buy Love

2010-02-08T12:23:00.001-05:00

Designer Friends,
If you haven't tuned in yet, please enjoy Unhappy Hipsters!

2010 Christmas Cards

2010-02-08T12:12:00.003-05:00

This would be an awesome christmas card.
No need to mention me in the credits, Mr.Obama.

Custom Haute Couture for your Feet

2010-02-07T09:32:00.003-05:00

Llorraine Neithardt teaches a shoemaking workshop, titled “The Art of the Shoe: Bewitched, Bespoked and Bewildered.” Starting at $1,620 one can learn the intricate craft of hand-making footwear, unleashing, as Ms. Neithardt put it, “the shoe within.”

Kristina Saljanin, a recent student, hoped to recreate a much-loved pair of pumps she used to own - a vertiginous design involving a chain, gilded heels and animal prints. In so doing, she also hoped to reconnect to her younger, less-inhibited self, the one who stayed out dancing till dawn in five-inch heels.

Read the full article:
A Veritable Vision in Five-Inch Heels
By PENELOPE GREEN
Published: February 3, 2010

Cut the Cord

2010-02-05T08:34:00.003-05:00

One night this week I had the joy of putting Kate to bed. Frederick usually has that nightly routine since he doesn't get to spend much time with her. But this particular evening it was my turn. Every night we bathe her @ 6:00 PM; sometimes foregoing dinner ourselves. All in the hopes that she will fall asleep closer to 7:00 PM rather than 9:00 PM. So as I rocked her in the rocking chair, she played with whatever she could get her hands on. My shirt, my chain, my arms. Kicking the spindles on the rocking chair. This may just be her wind down process but I think it's her attempt at avoiding sleep.

So rather than cradle hold, I held her chest to chest. After a little while she let out a big sigh. As her warm breath drifted across my neck, I knew she finally going to sleep. That little big sign warmed my skin and melted my heart. I then understood why my mother still calls me names like precious. It's hard to cut the cord when this little loving person depends totally on you and entrusts you with everything. I know I will encourage her to fly out of the nest when it's appropriate. Cut the cord , I will. But sever these heart strings, never.

It Takes A Village

2010-01-30T16:58:00.003-05:00

They say "It takes a village to raise a child." and they were not lying. I've learned that if you feed Kate 6 oz. /feeding rather than 4 oz.; she will feed less frequently and wake less frequently at night. I learned this when she was almost four months old, which means I'd been functioning on no more than 3 consecutive hours of sleep since the day she was born (except for the 2 weeks with my in-laws, who stole her away from me so that I could sleep). I also learned from a friend that I could set her sleeping schedule according to feedings. These are things that are not "instinctive" and none of the baby books I have address them. So I kept asking while on the brink of crying out of frustration "Where is my d*mn village?"

The immediate answer was that I had moved from my village of the Raleigh seven months prior. However, I had left the village of the East Coast that I was raised in. From Boston to Miami, I have friends and family that would have been more than happy to help raise Kate. Even some folks in Cali. Nevertheless, they were hundreds miles and a few time zones away. So I did what I do know how to do: prayed. I prayed that God would show me how to be a good and godly mother as well as show me examples of that in my new community.

And God, being as AWESOME as He is, answered. First the women's bible study I've been attending on Tuesday mornings addresses this in the study of Titus 2:1, 3-5.

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. ... Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior*, not slanderers or slaves to much wine*. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled*, pure*, working at home*, kind*, and submissive* to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

*Those of you who know me, feel free to chuckle among yourselves.*

We're also grouped with other women who are in similar stations in life. I've also bit the pride bullet and am making plans to hang out with stay-at-home parents and their kids. I've signed up for Circle of Moms on Facebook. In addition, I can always call my mother, stepmother, mother-in-law, or sisters-in-law at anytime. So I have made my own virtual village and I know they will be there for Kate and me. And that feels really good!

PS. Stumbling across "The Diary of Elisabeth Koren; 1853-1855" also helped put life in perspective. Elisabeth leaves Norway at the tender age of 21 as a new bride to Reverend Ulrik Vilhelm Koren, who was called to service in the Iowa settlements. She pens descriptions of life in this new wilderness as she crosses the Atlantic, the United States frontiers, and the emotional odyssey of being in a foreign land with a new husband and a baby on the way without a home to call her own. (All in a time when there was no Wal-Mart or Target to run to at midnight.)

So I thank God for all the Elisabeth Korens that have gone before me to make my path a little bit easier and for sharing their stories to make my heart a little bit lighter.

Forever Young

2010-01-30T14:49:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I glanced up at Kate's closet to figure out what outfit to put on her for the day. I realized that I need to rotate out her 0-3 month clothes, and rotate in her 6-9 month clothes. I've been meaning to, but everytime I build up the motivation to do it, my heart stops me. I look at all her cute little 0-3 month outfits and realize that she'll never be able to wear them again. My baby's growing up. (sniff, sniff)

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those mothers who smother and never want her kids to grow up. On the contrary, I whole-heartedly believe that I'm raising responsible, productive, contributing members of society who will be mature enough to handle whatever situations arise with calmness and confidence. Nobody wants to work for or with a big baby and no one wants a big baby on their team or project. And I, most certainly, am not dipping into my savings to bail out someone who wants to act like a big baby.

But nonetheless, the first time I saw that little person in her crib in this very big world; I got a bit emotional. Knowing one day not only would we dismantle the crib to convert it to a toddler bed. But we'd convert it to a day bed, and eventually a double bed. That would be abandoned for a twin beds that stacks and comes with a $30,000+/semester fee. I know I'm getting ahead of myself. But 5 months ago feels like yesterday. If time really goes so quickly, then I will savor "this" moment a little while longer. And I will put off packing up her baby clothes just one more day.

Unemployed Architect: Will Work for Fee

2010-01-21T14:42:00.006-05:00

In today's NYTimes (Published: January 20, 2010) there's a wonderful article.
Architect, or Whatever: Out-of-Work Architects Turn to Other Skills by Kristina Shevory

Architecture 5¢: For a nickel, John Morefield would answer any architectural question.

When Natasha Case lost her job, she and her friend Freya Estreller, started a business selling homemade ice cream sandwiches, Coolhaus, in Los Angeles. Named for architects like Frank Gehry (the strawberry ice cream and sugar cookie Frank Behry) and Mies van der Rohe (the vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate chip cookie Mies Vanilla Rohe), they were an immediate hit.

Richard Chuk has been looking for any job he can find to support his wife and children. After months searching, he spent most of his time taking care of his children, studying for his architectural licensing exam and renovating his basement. This month, he began commercial truck driving school.

“It’s lost wages and lost experiences. But you have to keep positive and move forward. I look at this as an education. It opens up more doors and you never know when it’ll help you.”Mr. Chuk said.

Let Them Eat Cake

2010-01-20T13:14:00.005-05:00

One of these days, when I'm able to cook/back for more than 30 minutes, I'll take on the challenge of the Chocolate Little Layer Cake. Then I'll conquer the Lemon Cheese Layer Cake and the Caramel Cake. Then I will take ove the world. Ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaa!

Adapted from Martha Meadows (pictured above)
Published: December 15, 2009

Time: 2 1/2 hours

FOR THE CAKE:
2 sticks butter, more to grease pans
2 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup shortening
5 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
5 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups milk

FOR THE ICING:
5 cups of sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 stick butter, cut into pieces
1 15-ounce can evaporated milk
1/2 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla.

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease three 9-inch cake pans and line with rounds of parchment or waxed paper.

2. In a mixer, cream together butter, sugar and shortening until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time and continue to mix on medium until eggs are well incorporated. Stir in vanilla.

3. Sift flour, then add salt, baking soda and baking powder. Sift a second time. With mixer on low, alternately add flour mixture and milk in about 4 additions, then increase speed to medium. Beat until smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl.

4. Spread 3/4 cup batter in each pan. Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or until cake springs lightly when pressed with a finger. Flip cake out of pan onto paper towels or cake rack while still very warm. Repeat with second set of layers.

5. When first layers go into oven, start to make icing. Put sugar and cocoa in a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan and mix well. Turn heat to medium-high and add butter and milks, bringing to a boil. Boil for about 4 minutes, stirring continually, careful to watch that it does not boil over. Lower heat to simmer, add vanilla and stir occasionally for another 7 to 10 minutes. If using a candy thermometer, cook to the point just before soft ball stage or about 230 degrees.

6. Begin icing first layers, still warm, when second batch is in the oven. Flip layers over so that top side faces up. Use about 4 tablespoons of icing per layer. Icing will be thin but will firm up as it cools. Stack layers, then continue icing and stacking as layers are baked.

7. When all layers are iced and stacked, glaze top and sides of cake. Contours of layers will be visible through icing. If icing hardens too much while frosting cake, set back on low heat and stir until it is spreadable.

Yield: One 12-layer cake.

PS. Here's a real throwback! Some Secrets About Cake Baking That Every Good Housewife Should Know from 1910

Put this in Your Punch Bowl

2010-01-20T09:40:00.003-05:00

GOLD-LEAF PUNCH
(From Damon Boelte, Prime Meats)
Makes 12 drinks.

16 ounces Laird’s Applejack
8 ounces maple syrup
6 ounces lemon juice
20 ounces apple cider
3 dashes Fee Brothers bitters
1 750-milliliter bottle of Champagne or other dry sparkling white wine
1/2 apple, quartered and sliced thinly on a mandoline.

Mix ingredients together in a punch bowl. Serve over crushed ice.

Pursuing Art

2010-01-19T19:58:00.003-05:00

Sometimes you come across a piece that isn't necessarily for sale, but you feel you must add it to your collection. That's how I feel about this photo. Now I have to figure out who I must pursue to get it. And what it's going to co$t me?

On Back Bay Beach, Tobago.
Photograph by Camilla Akrans (in homage to Art Kane).
Model: Arlenis Sosa.
The New York Times Style Magazine: Travel Winter 2009
Published: November 22, 2009

Recommeded Reading

2010-01-18T17:25:00.004-05:00

I've decided that I should rekindle my love of reading. Reading books in particular. Sure I read magazines and newspapers, but books require a commitment. If you've ever been trapped by a boring, dry read you become a little gun shy. So I'm only reading things that come highly recommended. Like "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller" recommended by my high school pal, Chuck.

In the meanwhile, I still need to find books to read. So I figured I'd read about stuff I like. I like food. (Kyle, you feel me?) Let's read about food. So I decided to read "Not Becoming My Mother: And Other Things She Taught Me Along the Way" by Ruth Reichl, my favorite food editor of the now defunct Gourmet Magazine. It's a good book about looking at parents as people instead of just as parents but not enough food info. It left me hungry for more. Sorry Ruth but I'll just watch you on Diary of a Foodie and Adventures with Ruth for now.

I've just started "Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark & Light" by Mart Rosenblum. It starts with this quote: Nine out of every ten persons say they love chocolate. The tenth lies. -Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
It seems promising. I'll let you know how it goes. But in the meanwhile, it's making me hungry for chocolate. And not just the high-faluting stuff (Vosges) but the plain jane (Cadbury) bars will do. It also has me questioning whether I can really make chocolate on my own. You might get homemade chocolate bars from me next Christmas.

In Today's News

2010-01-05T15:11:00.002-05:00

Curtis Allina, The Pez Head Guy Dies

How often do you pray when flying the friendly skies? You might want to make it one of your New Year's resolutions. Especially after reading "When the Pilot Pulls Out the Flashlight"

Recession, what Recession?
Burdened by debt and a devastating real estate crash, Dubai is doing what it does best: doubling down.

"Break"fast

2010-01-05T14:42:00.007-05:00

So as I was wrapping up the end of my last post I heard "pop, pop". It took about two seconds for me to realize that I had put 3 eggs on the stove to boil before I started typing. "Oh shit, they're about to explode!"

I ran to the kitchen, grabbed the pot as carefully as I could, struggled to open the sliding glass door to the snow-covered porch, and placed this extremely hot 1.5 qt saucepan in the snow; hoping that the scorched eggs inside would NOT explode the cover open and into my face. Frantically I shoveled snow onto and into the pot to cool it down. With a frozen hand, I retreated back into the kitchen.

I realized I lost any hope of protein with breakfast and accepted defeat yet again with another bowl of oatmeal with soy milk. Except I then realized that I had only about 1/3 cup of soy milk left and would have to supplement with cow's milk. "Great, Kate's gonna be up with gas and pooping all night again." So I proceeded to make my oatmeal: 1 cup old fashioned oats, pinch of ground nutmeg, a heavy sprinkle of cinnamon, 2 tbsp of brown sugar, 1+ cup of milk, a handful of raisin; microwave on high for 6 minutes.

Right as I sit down to eat my oatmeal, I hear Kate over the monitor. (She never lets me eat alone.)

Kate, happier then a pig in...

Just another beautiful day in the neighborhood!

PS. In our time of mother/daughter bonding, we got to watch Episode 8:The Tamarind School, Laos of "Adventures with Ruth". Mental note: Must buy lemongrass plant this spring.

Just Not Ready Yet

2010-01-05T10:53:00.015-05:00

So shoot me for averaging one post every two months. Being a stay-at-home mom and trying to be selfish with my time is consuming all the time I have. Talk to me when you've walked a mile in my shoes. Anyhow, we are gathered here today to heed the warning of those that have tread the path before us.

Jan 4, 2009 approx 6:00 pm. Fred gets home after stopping at the grocery store for diapers and a few other staples. I would have gone myself but it was a high of 12 degrees. He brings home rice cereal for the baby.

Here's the logic: Kate is 4 months old today. Babies start solids between 4-6 months. Kate chews regurgitated curdled milk from spit-up. Kate sleeps in 3+ hour chunks at night, which makes her parents get up frequently over the course of her 12 hours of solid sleep.

Hypothesis: If we feed Kate rice cereal, she will sleep longer and so will we. She's obviously ready for solids per the chewing action.

Experiment: After a much needed bath (gastrointestinal issues) we give Kate 1 tsp. of rice cereal in 2 oz. of breast milk, which she gulps down and immediately falls asleep @ 7:00 pm.

Observation: Parents do touchdown dance once baby is asleep, eat dinner, clean up, check email, try to get to bed quickly before baby's first waking.

8:30 PM - Kate is awake, feed her more breast milk thinking she'll go back to sleep shortly afterward. (This was only fuel for the fire) Kate is awake & wants to play!
Kate plays, coos, talks, kicks, etc until 10:30 pm.

1:00 AM - Kate drinks approx 3 oz of breast milk; back asleep.

4:00 AM - Kate drinks approx 2 oz of breast milk; back asleep.
4:10 AM - Kate making noise; pick her, up she falls asleep on my shoulder instantaneously.
4:15 AM - Kate is awake again, Fred rocks her while I'm pumping.

5:15ish AM- Kate awake & gassy, doesn't want milk, lay in guest bed while Kate kicks me (this is her idea of fun interaction)
5:30 AM - Fred takes Kate downstairs to watch him eat breakfast & so I can get some sleep.
5:45 AM - Kate back upstairs with me, breastfeed until we both fall asleep

7:30 AM - Put Kate back in her crib, go back to bed. (In my head: Thank God, now I can get some sleep)

8:23 AM - Kate awake; put her on Fred's side of the bed so she can play, look at the ceiling fan, stare at her hands, while I attempt to rest.

8:30 AM - Kate grunting, passing gas, pooping. Take Kate to changing table, realize poop has leaked out of diaper legs, now being soaked up by footed pajamas.

8:50 AM - Give Kate another bath because her poop is all over her, her clothes, & her changing table.
Lotion & dress Kate. Feed Kate 4 oz of breast milk, all while she's upset but can't figure out what she's upset about. Finally I figure out she's tired and rock her to sleep.

9:17 AM - Kate asleep in crib.

Conclusion: I don't believe Kate is ready for cereal as evidenced by the gastrointestinal issues that plagued her & us all night long as well as the huge poop that exhausted her and me. I guess we just have to go back to solely breast milk and waking up every 3+ hours. It couldn't be any worse than the alternative that we witnessed last night.

PS You're probably thinking that I should go take a nap now, but I'm officially awake now. Cup of coffee you say? No thanks, Kate doesn't need any caffeine in her breast milk. Oatmeal with soy milk it is. Cheers!

Friday was a Good Day!

2009-10-04T10:37:00.003-04:00

So this motherhood thing has presented me with a small identity crisis. Although pregnancy gives you 40 weeks to transition; that's an identity-morphing experience within itself. Prime example, one day you have a waist and feet, then another day you look/feel like a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Day balloon. But nothing prepares you for the head-on-collision of the first few weeks of motherhood. We can go into that after I've finished with my therapist, Dr. Jack Daniels.

My self-perception included things like being a professional, wearing cute but high heels, a thick hipped fashionista whose toes were always done if she was gonna have them out. Enter pregnancy. The thick hips were subdued by the thickening waist. The high heels were never practical but even less so due to the shift in the center of gravity and then completely obliterated by the half-size increase of the foot itself. (Do you know how hard it is to find a 10 1/2 shoe?) And the professional thing wilted with being laid off in Feb., then withered as my waist grew larger than my networking circle in my new home state of Iowa. It's all bit much to handle.

Then came Friday! 4 weeks postpartum, I noticed things like I'm dipping below my pre-pregnany weight(screw Jenny Craig, breastfeeding is the best diet). So I decided to try on my pre-pregnancy jeans. Hallelujah, they fit in all the right places. Hhhmm, that's part of what got me pregnant to begin with. Let's try the shoes. They're a lil snug, but then again they always were. Never stopped me before. Lastly,I was able to slide on the wedding & engagement ring. WooHoo, I'm rocking my rocks.

NikJames is back!!!

Healthcare Reform Bill

2009-08-28T11:49:00.003-04:00

So everyone and their momma has been raising a big stink about the Healthcare Reform Bill. "It's gonna raise the deficit by $3 billion, it's gonna ration out health care to old people, it's going to allow doctors to kill old people, it's gonna cost me more, etc." I'm sure you heard it all. But have you read it? Remember reading? It's what you learned to do before writing and arithmetic. When did the media become our only source of information?

Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see.

She's back....

2009-08-28T11:09:00.002-04:00

Okay so it's been forever since I've posted but we had some stuff going on in our world. So let's get you caught up.

11/4/08 Barack Obama wins US Presidential Election becoming the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office.(Though the latter point has since been called into question, but that's whole different discussion.)

11/22/08 Fred & I fly out to Davenport, IA to scope out our prospective new home. Fred interviews on Monday, 11/24/08.

12/25/08 Enjoy Christmas with the James family in GA.

Somewhere in here, we find out Fred got the job in Iowa.

12/30/08 Take Fred to Angus Barn for his birthday.

12/31/08 Find out we're pregnant. New Year's Eve becomes a non-alcoholic celebration.

Try to be quiet about pregnancy until

2/14/09 Happy Valentine's Day. We're pregnant! (announced to family)

4/24/09 Leave our first home to start new life in Iowa.

4/30/09 Close on new home in Iowa.

6/27/09 - 7/6/09 Vacation. Baby shower in Raleigh, Hang out on Pawley's Island, Hang out in St. Stephen's SC with the in-laws, Hang out in GA with sisters-in-law and Baby Shower. Fly home with swollen feet.

8/28/09 Enter first post on blog in over 9 months.

9/4/09 4 year anniversary (fruit)!

9/6/09 Baby James' due date (no we don't know the sex)

9/12/09 When Baby James' will probably come, cause they told me to expect to be late.
Coincidentally, in-laws fly to Iowa this day.

9/13/09 Grandparent's Day. Did you notice my in-laws show up just before Grandparent's Day? I already told them their gift this year is the baby.

Now, what did you do with your summer vacation?

The Starbucks Vote

2008-11-03T06:18:00.000-05:00

Rock the Vote!

2008-10-21T18:49:00.002-04:00

I'm not endorsing any particular candidate (unless you want to write-in my husband, Fred) but I highly encourage everyone to vote. Not only is it your civic duty, they'll give you free ice cream for doing so. So Rock the Vote, then go get a Rocky Road. You'll feel better for doing both.

So much stuff, so little time

2008-09-11T22:42:00.011-04:00

So I'm sort of still jet-lagged. At least informationally. Receiving & Distributing. I haven't actually had time to read a whole day's paper (retarded, but important to me.) But here's what I've been glancing at.

Politician digs himself into a deepere hole

Americans defile French sensibilities

The ungodly co$t of Modern Cinderella's (blue-like-glass) slipper = $945

Honey, I don't want to share with the kids. It's my Valetine's Day present, (ref. to Val-Day wish list)

One more for the neglected wish list = FIRE!

NYC's Fashion Week, Online, in your pocketbook

Aloha Ohana

2008-09-10T08:00:00.007-04:00

Below is a 3 part photo slideshow synopsis of our anniversary vacation on the island of O'ahu. All 800+ photos can bee seen at my Flickr photo site.
Oh, make sure you watch Fred shake, shake it, shake, shake it, shake it like a polaroid picture.

I know what Fred did this Summer...and I'm tellin'

2008-09-07T17:45:00.004-04:00

Fred shaking his groove thang Tahitian-style. You go Fred!

Smile, Jamaica, Smile

2008-08-18T10:09:00.002-04:00

Jamaican Supremacy Continues

Light Weekend Reading

2008-08-15T13:29:00.006-04:00

If you didn't know, I'm in love with the NYTimes. I just got an email fulfilling all my fashonista dreams.

It is the stunning Fall 2008 Women’s Fashion issue of T, The New York Times Style Magazine — appearing in The Times this Sunday, August 17.

Exploring the must-have accessory, the must-shop boutique, the looks that dazzle, the ideas that provoke, entertain, enlighten and surprise.

In the meanwhile, I can be satiated w/ the Russian gymnasts. And I'm not talking about the Olympics.

Mansion For Sale, Cheap

2008-08-05T07:35:00.003-04:00

$28 MILLION, UNFINISHED This 35,000-square-foot estate built on spec and still unsold is listed as having two elevators, an indoor pool and a wine cellar.

Hint: It’s Warm and Has a Secret

2008-08-03T15:41:00.014-04:00

Her invention is considered by many to be a miracle. The woman: Ruth Graves Wakefield. Her contribution to the world: the chocolate chip cookie.

Want the perfect chocolate chip cookie? Follow these simple rules of thumb and the recipe.

Rule #1: Read through the recipe first.
Rule #2: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature.
Rule #3: Use the best-quality ingredients you can find.
Rule #4: 60% Cacoa - only use chocolate with at least 60 percent cacao content.
Rule #5: Chip:Dough Ratio - ratio of chocolate to dough of no less than 40 to 60.
Rule #6: Don’t overmix.
Rule #7: Add Salt - You can’t underestimate the importance of salt in sweet baked goods. Salt, in the dough and sprinkled on top, adds dimension that can lift even a plebian cookie.
Rule #8: Resting Rule - Let the dough rest at least 24 hours. 36 hours is best.
Rule #9: The Warm Rule - “Even a bad cookie straight from the oven has its appeal.”

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from Jacques Torres

Time: 45 minutes (for 1 6-cookie batch), plus at least 24 hours’ chilling

2 cups minus 2 tablespoons
(8 1/2 ounces) cake flour
1 2/3 cups (8 1/2 ounces) bread flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content
Sea salt.

1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.

2. Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.

3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.

4. Scoop 6 3 1/2-ounce mounds of dough (the size of generous golf balls) onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big napkin.

Yield: 1 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies.

Is It Chilled Yet?

2008-08-03T14:36:00.002-04:00

Bon Appetit! Super-easy super quick. Almost no need to watch the cute 1930ish movie. Click photo above if you wish to indulge.

Ultrafast Avocado Soup
Time: 10 minutes, plus chilling

About 2 cups chopped ripe avocado flesh (3 or 4 small avocados)

3 cups milk, preferably whole

Salt and cayenne pepper to taste

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, or to taste

A handful or more of small cooked shrimp

Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley leaves.

1. Put chopped avocado in a blender. Add half the milk, a large pinch of salt and a small pinch of cayenne; process to a purée. Add remaining milk and purée, then chill for up to 6 hours if you have time (press a piece of plastic wrap to surface of soup so it does not discolor).

2. Add lime juice, taste, then adjust seasoning, if necessary. Garnish with shrimp and parsley or cilantro, and serve.

Yield: 4 servings.

Quote of the Day

2008-07-31T10:31:00.000-04:00

When we are no longer able to change a situation — we are challenged to change ourselves. — Victor E. Frankl

Cool as a Cucumber

2008-07-31T09:46:00.004-04:00

Cucumbers are cool and refreshing in a salad or spirit, like Hendrick’s Gin from Scotland. Now there is Square One Organic Cucumber Flavored Vodka, subtle and delicate, 80 proof and superb right from the freezer, or on the rocks with a cucumber spear or slice as garnish. Square One is organic, as is another new cucumber vodka, Crop, which is only 70 proof but seems slightly sweeter.

Quote of the Day

2008-07-30T12:04:00.002-04:00

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.
— Franklin P. Jones

2008-07-30T07:02:00.009-04:00

There are many reasons to love NY. But I love it because I see it as the greatest clarrsoom ever given to mankind. My impression was probably formed when I was a child. We lived in the Bronx and my mom would take me into the City every weekend. We'd go to the Met or the Natural History Museum, take a break at the playground in central park, then buy an armful of books from Barnes & Noble for the train ride back home. Since then NYC keeps displaying exhibits that spark my curiousity and make me travel back, even though I'm now a plane ride away.

The items/exhibits that are drawing me back are as follows (in order of earliest closing dates):
Playing the Building: An Installation by David Byrne
10 South Street, New York, NY
31 May – 24 August 2008
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Noon – 6PM (Free)

MOMA: Young Architects Program 2008
July 20–October 20, 2008

Home Delivery: Fabricating the Modern Dwelling
July 20–October 20, 2008

What to do with a Plethora of Peaches?

2008-06-19T11:55:00.005-04:00

Make Peach Brandy, which is what I'm currently in the process of doing. It'll take about 6 weeks to ferment then another 3 months to age. On the lighter side, you'll never fit all the ingredients in the gallon jar. So I advise you reserve some of the vodka or gin for more immediate uses. Like staying cool this summer. Another note: Use cling peaches, as opposed to freestone. (As if I knew the difference earlier than 15 minutes ago.) Save the freestones for the sangria you'll be making with the extra vodka that I mentioned.

Nik's 30th Birthday Beach Bashment

2008-06-19T07:50:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

How's the View?

2008-05-09T07:42:00.005-04:00

Architects that live in Glass Houses shouldn't throw stones. Or anything else.

How Much Is That Doggy on the Rooftop?

2008-04-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Day

2008-04-04T06:34:00.001-04:00

I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.

Martha Washington

Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

Langston Hughes

Shop @ Wal-Mart = Save $$$

2008-04-01T09:09:00.003-04:00

I don't go because I can save money; it's about saving time. Last week I needed a computer hard drive, peat moss, eggs, and orange juice. I got all of these items at Super Wal-Mart. Not because I like them or because they're cheaper, but because (in this isolated case) they were convenient.

One commercial features a family embarking on a long overdue vacation. Another depicts a father and son preparing to buy a used car. In both, Wal-Mart shopping bags are visible in their cars.

Wal-Mart, the ads claim, saves the average family $2,500 a year. The implication seems clear: shop at Wal-Mart, save money, and you can afford to splurge.

But it turns out you save $2,500 even if you never step foot inside a Wal-Mart.

An outside firm, paid by Wal-Mart, found that the company’s emphasis on low prices led to a 3 percent decline in overall consumer prices. That translated into $287 billion in savings in 2006, or $2,500 a household, whether a family shops at Wal-Mart or a competitor, according to the study.

Have A Happy & Holy Easter

2008-03-21T11:42:00.000-04:00

The Easter Parade Comes to Town

2008-03-20T13:04:00.003-04:00

2 Days to Spring

2008-03-19T10:16:00.006-04:00

Chaenomeles speciosa = Flowering Quince

Peach Blossom

Samantha Alexandra

2008-03-14T14:26:00.002-04:00

We went to Maryland to visit my cousin Sam last weekend. I'm so smitten by her, I want to purchase a camcorder to record her every move. We're going back to see here at the beginning of April, so expect more pics of Sam.

Sitting Pretty

2008-03-13T11:26:00.003-04:00

Great Gatsby, I'm in love with this "othello" chair. The movie (click image above)ain't bad either.

Can/Should Students Be Paid to Excel?

2008-03-07T07:28:00.003-05:00

The fourth graders squirmed in their seats, waiting for their prizes. In a few minutes, they would learn how much money they had earned for their scores on recent reading and math exams. Some would receive nearly $50 for acing the standardized tests, a small fortune for many at this school, P.S. 188 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

The children were unaware that their teacher, Ruth Lopez, also stood to gain financially from their achievement. If students show marked improvement on state tests during the school year, each teacher at Public School 188 could receive a bonus of as much as $3,000.

The Future of Dubai

2008-03-03T09:54:00.002-05:00

Spring Time is Here

2008-02-20T07:36:00.003-05:00

Forget what Punxsutawney Phil or Sir Walter Raleigh said, I'm calling it "Spring".

Spread the Love!

2008-02-10T16:46:00.001-05:00

Make a free ecard - it's easy!

The Sexiest Wish List

2008-02-10T09:09:00.002-05:00

So one of the benefits of having a Vicky's card is that they send you marketing materials w/ coupons. For Valentines Day, they send out a mini-brochure entitled "What is Sexy™”, with a wish list form for you to fill out for your Valentine.

So I flip thru again to see if there is anything in particular that I want for Valentine’s Day. Well I found it! But of course it’s not a Victoria’s Secret product. It’s the shoes. The black ankle strapped heels with the rhinestone buckle and the satin rose. At the end of the day (or night) it’s the only thing you’ll consistently feel sexy in. At the end of the day (or night), it’s probably the only thing you’ll be left wearing.

“No it's the shoes (the shoes?) It's gotta be the shoes!”- ‘Chief Rocka’ – Lords of the Underground

We're all the same...

2008-02-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

...in very different ways.

Pamela Andersen has more prosthetic in her body than I do. No one is calling this woman disabled.

I'd like to congratulate Kenneth Cole, as a corporation, for highlighting diversity. (Click picture above for Aimee Mullin's story.) And for continuing to make gorgeous shoes to continue the journey down life's road, no matter what your path may entail.

Potential Spouse Application

2008-02-08T07:11:00.000-05:00

Depending on the seriousness of the relationship, a background check (criminal, civil, sexual offense, medical exams, etc) may be advisable.

Please note that I do expect and answer for all the questions.
Some are weighted more heavily than others. Please use your time
wisely in assessing and answering the questions below.

Preliminary Questions
1. What are the three most important things I should know about you?
2. What hobbies do you have? What do you like to do for fun?
3. Have you ever been married? Do you have children?
4. How do you think you are viewed by others?
5. What are you the most proud of in your life? What do you cherish the
most in life?
6. How long was your last relationship? When did it end? Why did it
end?
7. Where do you see yourself two years from now? Where do you see
yourself in five years?
8. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
9. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
10. What was the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?
11. Have you ever had a life-changing experience?
12. What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about your
gender by the opposite sex?
13. Do you believe there is such a thing as a "soul mate"?
14. Tell me what you feel is the most important value in a
relationship (e.g., honesty, money, fidelity, openness, sense of
humor, intelligence, integrity, common denominators)?
15. How do you view yourself?
16. What was the most embarrassing moment in your life?
17. If you had three wishes, what would they be?
18. If you had to write your epitaph, what would it be?
19. What's your claim to fame?
20. What is your most prized material possession?
21. What was the single greatest day of your life?
22. What is a significant memory from childhood?
23. What single political or social issue is most important to you?
24. Do you have close friends of the opposite sex?
25. What you do wish your parents would have told you?
26. What book are you reading now?
27. What was the most recent movie you saw?
28. What's your favorite movie of all time?
29. What did you get away with that you’ve still never told anyone about?
30. Do you have a favorite website(s)?
31. What birthday do you best remember and why?
32. Who is your favorite musician?
33. What person(s) has most influenced you in your life…and why?
34. Who is your hero (anyone from history or your life) and why?
35. Who is the most interesting person you have ever met? Why?
36. What one thing would you want me to appreciate about you?

Weighted Questions
1. Why do you want an exclusive relationship?
2. What do you believe the benefits of having an exclusive
relationship is?
3. What qualities and skills do you like to see in a potential
girl/boyfriend?
4. What do you feel gives you a competitive edge as a potential
girl/boyfriend?
5. What is your marketing strategy for keeping that competitive edge?
6. What motivates you to put forth your best effort in a relationship?
7. How well do you function in relationships while under pressure?
8. Have you considered the detriments of having an exclusive
relationship?
9. Why do you want me, (YOUR NAME HERE), as your girl/boyfriend/in
an exclusive relationship with you?
10. What are your expectations of an exclusive romantically
intimate relationship with me (physically, emotionally, spiritually,
professionally, intellectually, etc)?
11. What would be my primary responsibilities as your girl/boyfriend?
How will I be evaluated, how frequently, and by whom?
12. What would you expect of me in the first three months? first
year?
13. What are your goals within an exclusive romantically intimate
relationship with me (physically, emotionally, spiritually,
professionally, intellectually, etc)?
14. Where do you see yourself relationally to me in two years?
Five years?
15. Why should I consider you for the position of my girl/boyfriend?

Yes We Can

2008-02-07T23:01:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day Wish List

2008-02-07T07:22:00.000-05:00

Fred, Here are some Valentine's Day gift ideas.

Richart Chocolates or approval equal

A 32 Gb ITouch

A video interview about us (see example)

A day of shopping at 10022-SHOE (rendering below)

A Kithaus

My own private island to place my Kithaus

A Spring Fashion Week?

2008-02-07T06:51:00.000-05:00

Did you know that there was a fashion week held during the spring? Well this is news to me. I always thought it was during September, but alas I can get my haute couture fill twice a year. They (the media) say you haven't heard anything about it because of the economic down turn. I think the media's been too busy chasing down pollsters, pundits, and presidential candidates. But now that Super Tuesday has passed, back to the important things in life.

Check out the downtown demimonde turning out for a party for Chloe Sevigny's new clothing line. Fashion insiders reveal how to survive New York Fashion Week -- if you can get in.

Unresolved Political Issues?

2008-02-07T05:42:00.000-05:00

So now Super-Tuesday is over! We've learned that more people like John McCain than Mitt Romney. And Hillary & Barack are still neck and neck. The May 6th primaries in NC, might make a difference after all. But I still have some questions.

What's a delegate and how do you become one?
What's a super-delegate and how do you become one of those?
Exactly how does the electoral college work?
What does the electoral college do in the off-season and are we paying them for it?

I know that I should know these answers, and I did at one point and time. Probably because I had to pass Local History & Goverment to graduate high school. Then I had to take the citizenship exam (which BTW the native-borns were of no study help). It helps to talk politics with kids. I had a brief conversation w/ my 8 year old sister about why we don't choose presidents based on their gender. I ended up explaining government programs for the good of the people and the funding of said institutions (like HeadStart) on an elemetary level. She got it!

Next week on Nik's Politiking: Citizenship: Right or Priviledge? Who decides?

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-07T05:36:00.000-05:00

Tis the Year of the Rat!

Merry Valentine's Day

2008-02-06T06:46:00.001-05:00

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for....

2008-02-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

Apparently Cantabrigians raised a big stink when the IRS shut down Toscanini's.

Even though, Corby Kummer, a senior editor at The Atlantic Monthly and an ardent fan who once wrote a long essay about his favorite flavor, burnt caramel. And a Harvard professor from India helped concoct a flavor called kulfi, with cardamom and pistachios, based on a South Asian dessert. Sam Mehr, a college student who works there, has helped invent flavors like summer blue lemon (blueberry ice cream with lemon zest) and plum and red wine sorbet.

Be not downcast,as much as we adore Toscanini's; there are other places that serve ice cream in this fair city.
Christina's Ice Cream
1255 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
phone: (617) 492-7021

And even across the river, ice cream abounds at
P&R Ice Cream
1284 Blue Hill Ave
Boston, MA 02126

Nothing beats a beef patty followed by a scoop of Grape Nut ice cream.

Super Fat Tuesday

2008-02-04T07:06:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Super Fat Tuesday. Vote, drink, and be merry!
Click to stay updated with the national campaigning.
BTW, do you know who these people are:
Mike Gravel, Ron Paul, Alan Keyes

Custom Rubik's Cube

2008-02-01T06:42:00.000-05:00

You can make your own Magnetic Acrylic Rubik's Cube.

One Big Happy Family

2008-01-30T19:20:00.000-05:00

Debutante Ball/Cotillion/Coming Out Party

2008-01-30T18:28:00.000-05:00

I've heard of them in passing, but when I saw pictures in the local newspaper, I just knew I had to have one. See, I've been planning the kind of masquerade surprise birthday ball that I want my husband, Frederick, to throw me for my 30th birthday. Then we talked about toning it down and doing a family thing at the beach. But schedules misaligned, and I'm right back on my pomp and circumstance birthday she-bang. I may just save the Cotillion for my 40th birthday. And do something really wild and crazy for my 30th, while I'm still young.

Hindi High School Musical

2008-01-29T05:48:00.000-05:00

How do you sing “bop to the top” in Hindi? The media conglomerate, Disney, is trying to expand the global reach of “High School Musical” to squeeze even more money from the franchise.

Now I love a good Bollywood movie, just as much as anyone else. I'm even glad to see that Blockbuster has started to carry them in the Foreign Film section. But the ever-reaching black gloved hands of Disney have stretched too far for my liking. Nothing like the globalization and homogenization of distinct cultures. That and "Aaja Nachle" from Monsoon Wedding is a better artistically.

Back to the Future

2008-01-23T20:20:00.000-05:00

Remember when Home Economics was mandatory fro everyone. Well it is again. At least for these chubby little poppets, it is.

Affordable Car?

2008-01-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

What does it take to build the world’s cheapest car?
For Tata Motors of India, which will introduce its ultra-cheap car on Thursday, the better question was, what could it take out?

The upside is a car expected to retail for as little as the equivalent of $2,500.
The downside is a car that would most likely fail emission and safety standards on any Western road, and, perhaps, in India in a few years, when the country imposes tougher environmental standards.

Open Art Gallery

2008-01-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

NYC has outdone itself again. In hopes of emulating the success of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's project, "The Gates," which drew around 1.5 million visitors to the city in February 2005 to view about 7,500 saffron panels draped through Central Park. They've privately funded NYC Waterfalls, the brainchild of Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, which will be in place from mid-July to mid-October.

Mona Really Was a Lisa

2008-01-19T12:37:00.001-05:00

The University of Heidelberg in Germany says it has identified the woman in Leonardo’s “Mona Lisa” (detail below), The Associated Press reported. She is Lisa del Giocondo, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, a Florentine businessman. In a statement on Monday(1/14/08), the college said its library expert, Armin Schlechter, found the answer in a copy of the works of Cicero, where, in 1503, Agostino Vespucci, a Florentine official and friend of Leonardo’s, wrote in the margins that the artist was working on a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo. Surprise? For centuries the Mona Lisa has been known in Italian as La Gioconda. Though anecdotal evidence pointed to Giocondo as early as 1550, vague references in 1517, 1525 and 1540 pointed to others.

But still, what's she smiling so wryly about?

Good Idea/Bad Idea? BAD IDEA!

2008-01-08T07:39:00.001-05:00

India: Unemployed to Sterilize Monkeys
Himachal Pradesh in the north said it would use unemployed youths to capture and sterilize monkeys that have been raiding farms and attacking people. The idea, which would involve “laser sterilization,” drew quick condemnation from conservationists. “It will do nothing to contain the problem and probably make it worse,” said one, Sujoy Chaudhuri. “Can you imagine what having badly sterilized monkeys running around will do to the levels of aggression?”

Two Perspectives

2008-01-08T07:32:00.000-05:00

When a state panel recommended last April that Tennessee abandon the three chemicals used in executions across the nation in favor of the single drug usually used in animal euthanasia, the state’s corrections commissioner said no. Though the move would have simplified executions and eliminated the possibility of excruciating pain, the commissioner, George Little, said Tennessee should not be “out at the forefront” of a decision with “political ramifications,” according to recently disclosed evidence in a death row inmate’s lawsuit.

Meanwhile, China plans to expand the use of lethal injection to replace the current method of execution, a shot to the back of the head, the newspaper China Daily quoted Jiang Xingchang, vice president of the Supreme People’s Court, as saying. Half of the 404 intermediate people’s courts, which carry out most executions, now use lethal injection, he said. “It is considered more humane” and “will eventually” be expanded to all such courts, he said without providing a timetable.

Weird World of Sports

2007-12-30T08:27:00.000-05:00

On a safari in Nepal, Phil Noble discovered the sport of elephant polo. “There were seven elephant polo teams there from all over the world, and an umpire riding a massive bull elephant who rode around ensuring fair play,” said Noble, 32, who joined Reuters in 2006. “There were two other guys running around the field removing any elephant dung dropped on either goal line which could have prevented a goal from being scored.”

After-Christmas Sale

2007-12-27T19:31:00.000-05:00

Vista Art and Design, a Web site introduced this month by Victor Alfaro, the New York fashion designer, offers an online inventory of 20th and 21st century collectible furniture for sale. This 1966 Max Ingrand desk by Sebastian + Barquet, from the Peugeot showroom is only $450,000 (available online). With 25%-75% off, that's almost affordable.

eat, DRINK, and be merry

2007-12-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

Funny how drinking and merriment, go hand in hand this time of year.
I'm not encouraging anyone to drink or over-indulge. But if you are going to enjoy a holiday ale, make it the best. After all you only get to do so once a year.

1958: Eggnog
This recipe appeared in The Times in an article by Craig Claiborne.

12 eggs, separated(It’s important to get good farm-fresh eggs, with really orange yolks and really thick cream; these are the main constituents of the drink.)1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup bourbon
1 cup Cognac
½ teaspoon salt
3 pints heavy cream
Grated nutmeg
1 to 2 cups milk (optional)

1. In an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until thick.
2. Slowly add the bourbon and Cognac while beating at slow speed. Chill for several hours.
3. Add the salt to the egg whites. Beat until almost stiff.
4. Whip the cream until stiff.
5. Fold the whipped cream into the yolk mixture, then fold in the beaten egg whites. Chill 1 hour.
6. When ready to serve, sprinkle the top with freshly grated nutmeg. Serve in punch cups with a spoon.
7. If desired, add 1 to 2 cups of milk to the yolk mixture for a thinner eggnog.

Makes about 40 punch-cup servings. Halve the recipe for a smaller gathering.

Art Imitating Life or Is It?

2007-12-21T09:46:00.000-05:00

As told by DAVID POGUE of the NYTimes on Dec. 20, 2007

One morning, Mr. FedEx dropped off a mysterious package that looked for all the world as if it contained a painting.

It did: a stunning interpretive painting of my two children hugging, by the seashore at sunset. Oil on canvas, stretched across a 16-x-20-inch frame.

It was awesome — and sneaky. It had been sent by PhotoFiddle.com, a company that turns your digital photos into actual paint-on-canvas originals, in any of dozens of art styles (modern, abstract, Warhol, sketch and so on). They’d found the photo on my own Web site, run it through their computerized painting machines, and sent it, unsolicited, in hopes of piquing my interest.

My editor said I was welcome to write about it — but I couldn’t keep it unless I paid for it. Which I did ($140).

There are other companies that turn photos into canvas paintings, by the way; Google can find them for you, and they make incredible gifts. But not many of them offer a choice of painter styles the way PhotoFiddle does.

Eletronic Yule Log to Go

2007-12-21T09:23:00.000-05:00

Want a flaming flickering yule log you can put in your pocket?
Well Merry Christmas to you!

Physics Illustrated

2007-12-21T07:06:00.000-05:00

Science has never been SEXIER!!!

Professor Walter H. G. Lewin’s videotaped physics lectures, free online on the OpenCourseWare (the global classroom the institute created to spread knowledge through cyberspace) of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have won him devotees across the country and beyond who stuff his e-mail in-box with praise.

Please Don't Kill Santa

2007-12-21T06:45:00.000-05:00

Suspected drug traffickers shot at a helicopter carrying a Santa Claus to a Rio de Janeiro slum to distribute toys. No one was hurt, although two shots hit the copter. It returned to its base, and the Santa took a car to complete his mission. According to the police, the gunmen apparently mistook the helicopter and its passenger as a police operation.

Random Acts of Animal Violence

2007-10-28T15:07:00.000-04:00

Three flamingos have been found decapitated in their pen at Frankfurt Zoo, the police said. A fourth flamingo was strangled. “We cannot explain why someone would want to murder flamingos," a zoo spokeswoman said.

Finding World Peace

2007-09-26T17:27:00.000-04:00

If all the diplomats and heads of state would start off their peace talks with some cornbread cake and maple ice cream; maybe we wouldn't have all these problems?

With Style and Grace

2007-08-16T07:48:00.000-04:00

Most of us are not as monetarily wealthy as anyone of the Astor family. But we're all richly blessed. Let's spread it around.

Roberta Brooke Astor, who by night reigned over New York society with a decided disdain for pretension and by day devoted her time and considerable resources to New York’s unfortunate, died on the afternoon of August 13, 2007 at her weekend estate, Holly Hill, in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. She was 105.

With a wink and a sly smile, she liked to quote Dolly Levi in Thornton Wilder’s play “The Matchmaker,” saying, “Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around.” It was Mrs. Astor who decided that because most of the Astor fortune had been made in New York real estate, it should be spent in New York, for New Yorkers. Grants supported the city’s museums and libraries, its boys’ and girls’ clubs, homes for the elderly and other institutions and programs.

When the Astor Foundation closed its doors in December 1997, Mrs. Astor had overseen the disbursement of almost $195 million, almost all within New York City. If she regretted anything, she said, it was that she had not visited friends in Europe often enough and that she had not been able to read, and write, all the books she would have wished.

New Toys

2007-08-16T07:32:00.000-04:00

"A Living Art Piece"

If you like tropical fish but not the bulky aquariums that go with them, consider the AquaVista 500 ($299.99), below, which hangs on the wall like a picture. The 4.3-inch-thick, 26-inch-square aquarium is made of shatterproof acrylic and injection-molded plastic, and the pump and filtration system are concealed inside. All you see are the fish in their environment, against a background chosen from eight options, including midnight black and deep blue. The aquarium comes with a black or silver frame; a wood frame is available for an additional $60.

Designer Wine anyone?

2007-08-14T18:20:00.000-04:00

Frank Gehry, flanked by an associate, Edwin Chan, at left, and Kathryn and Craig Hall, shows a model of the Hall Winery he is designing.

Apparently wineries need to be "designer chic" too. Oh no, not just the wines, but the buildings they are housed in. I don't object because I like wine and I like architecture. I just think sometimes the architecture shouldn't outdo the tasting experience. But not all would agree with me. Thus Frank Gehry's latest commission to do the Hall Winery. Am I hating? Maybe a little bit. But just a little bit.

But I'll give Frank his props, he's made a name for himself and his profession.
Look at what he did at the Marqués De Riscal. Have you seen a sexier winery? And do they have as a virtual winery experience.?

Providing Shelter

2007-08-13T13:19:00.000-04:00

Architecture for Humanity is helping communities rebuild across the Gulf Coast. Since the storm we have supported a wide range of projects from supporting historic preservation to funding community design centers to pairing clients with architects willing to offer their services on a pro bono basis.

Architects: We're Here For You, Because You Need Us

2007-08-12T18:04:00.000-04:00

So here I go giving my (under/over)esteemed profession a shameless plug. But I wouldn't even bother if it weren't necessary. Everyone thinks, oh, you're an architect, so you must be designing these multi-million skyscrapers for these multi-national companies, thus you are mega-rich. Not so my friend. The majority of us, just like the rest of the population, never break into that realm of Oprah, Bill Gates, or the Sultan of Brunei. I've yet to meet anyone in it for the money.

Fact of the matter is you need shelter. We like shelter. We like designing shelter, building shelter, manipulating shelter, and those of us that are really honest about it, love demolishing shelter. The best part of construction is destruction. Go outside and swing a sledgehammer around and tell me you don't fell better when you're done. After all the damage is done, whether by you, a hurricane, a tsunami, big government; basic needs are still the same. Food, clothing, and SHELTER.

So whenever you're ready to come on in from the cold, hot, rain, or whatever the elements have to offer. Give us a call....we'll be here....waiting.

The Many Faces of Joy

2007-08-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

Regardless of your stance on the War in Iraq, to see joyful children is worth all the fight in the world.

Why Should We Have Sex?

2007-08-01T07:32:00.000-04:00

Have you ever thought about it? Not, why we (you & I). I can give you one reason why we shouldn't; my husband! But why we (human beings) do the do. Probably never thought about it beyond pleasure and procreation. According to a new sexual psychology study, there are 237 reasons why. Bet you never thought men have sex to get ahead more often than women. There are a slew of dumb reasons, which make you pray these people aren't procreating as well. You can nominate your own reasons at TierneyLab. You can also submit nominations for a brand new taxonomy: reasons for just saying “No way!”

It's the Little Things

2007-07-28T08:15:00.000-04:00

The red Swivel sofa sleeper is 72 by 32 by 30 inches high when closed (and 72 by 77 inches when open). The seats can open separately into twin beds, or they can be opened together to make a double bed; $639 from Tiny Living.

The Case dining table, 30 inches square and 29 inches tall, is made of birch; $259 from Tiny Living. Now if they'd only produce the Geroge Jetson flying-then-folds-into-a-briefcase car. That whole traffic congestion/no-where-to-park issue would be all over.

The Gramercy tallboy is 23 3/4 inches wide, 20 inches deep and 54 1/2inches high, in birch veneer; $1,400 from Vastu.

Gin & Tonic Bus Stop

2007-07-28T07:50:00.000-04:00

Len Brackett, a designer and builder, recently began producing what he calls his “gin and- tonic bus stop” — a 6-by-10-foot pagoda, he said, so he could “sit, look at the garden, and have a gin and tonic.” The structure, above, also known as the Summer House, is made of three types of wood — sugar pine, incense cedar and Port Orford cedar — and has the same complex joinery elaborate Japanese-style homes.

It costs $19,000, plus shipping (it comes in two crates). “It’s a pure architectural form — there are no utilities, no planning expenses and no permitting, which is how I am able to make it so cheaply.” The kit comes with detailed instructions and almost everything required for assembly, and if you’re comfortable working with concrete and epoxy, you should have no problem putting the house together yourself in two or three days. Otherwise, you might want to hire a carpenter.

Quote of the Day

2007-07-25T09:07:00.000-04:00

Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving. - Dale Carnegie

Cool New Designers' Toys

2007-07-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

We plan on ripping out the carpet on the first level and replacing with either ceramic tile or hardwood flooring. When we do so, we'll need throw rugs. I thing these will work well.

Tickle My Feet: Cartoons to Wiggle the Toes In
Dan Golden, a New York cartoonist, has teamed up with Ford Lininger, an interior designer, to produce six hand-tufted designs in New Zealand wool, including “So Long, Suckahs!” far right, and “Keep Dogs Off Grass.” The rugs come in four sizes, from 4 by 6 feet to 9 by 12, and start at $3,000. Available from Qui.

No real reason, I just gotta have it. A thing of beauty is a joy forever, and just imagine all the shadow puppets you could create.

A Glow To Tease The Shadows
Leo Scarff, an Irish designer who specializes in atmospheric mood lighting, recently introduced a collection of four lamps at the NoHo showroom of Clodagh, the Manhattan interior designer. Lightweave ($1,550), above, a cylindrical maple-veneer floor lamp, casts a basket-weave of light and shadow on a wall. (Hanging versions are $1,200 and $1,925.) Clodagh’s showroom, which is open to the public, is at 670 Broadway (Bond Street); (212) 780-5300.

Do you have the same problem I do? You can never get those vacation pictures in order. Well there's someone who will do it for you. All for a small fee, of course.

Endless Summers, All on the Wall
Ilevel, an art consulting and installation service, offers an easy solution for those who return from vacation with lots of new photographs. For $240, it will send someone with a trained eye to advise how to create a wall of framed photographs that can expand with each successive vacation. If you like, the consultant will hang them, too. Most projects are done within four hours, said David Kassel, the owner. Each additional hour is $60. Ilevel works mainly in the New York area, but its consultants will travel for an additional fee.

Home Abroad

2007-07-24T09:57:00.001-04:00

I've always wanted to live abroad. I guess when I think about it, I have lived most of my life abroad. But since I have, I don't think of my homeland as home. Reading this article (click picture above) convinced me more that I should definitely live abroad, no matter how old I may be when I get there.

Excerpt from:
At Home Abroad
Settling Down in a City in Motion
By EMILY PRAGER

WHEN you rent a place in Shanghai, the landlord gives you presents. This is a terrific shock for a New Yorker. My agent told me I could ask for special furniture, TVs, gym memberships — the landlady would actually take me shopping.

I was flummoxed by what to ask for. Finally I requested a washing machine and window screens to keep out mosquitoes. Otherwise, I took the place unfurnished, thinking I would buy secondhand furniture and get a look at the town in the process. My rental agent was so upset by my reticence that she insisted that the owner throw in a big TV and pay for the satellite service for a year.

Matheletes are SEXY too!

2007-07-24T06:34:00.000-04:00

I know we like to run after/model ourselves on the LeBron James' of the world, but we're not all physically blessed. Here's another road to fortune, if not fame.

A Head for Numbers
by Laura Vanderkam

Anarghya Vardhana grew up solving math problems with her dad on the way to school. Before tenth grade, she'd breezed through calculus. But her first big breakthrough as a math genius came two years later, when the proof for a new theorem popped into her brain — a set of starting values for the Lucas-Lehmer test for prime numbers.

Vardhana's epiphany did more than get her into Stanford, where the 18-year-old is about to start her third term. It also scored her $10,000 from the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. Jan and Bob Davidson — creators of the educational software Math Blaster and Reading Blaster — give these prizes to teens as a sort of junior MacArthur Fellowship, the so-called genius grants.

Vardhana is using her prize to help pay for school. "Although, if I had it my way," she says, "it would probably go toward my buy-Anarghya-a-motorcycle-or-Ferrari fund!"