It has been a very busy week. I want to make some recommends for those long and busy weeks when you might want a few creature comforts!
Ok I have discovered a nice red wine. Not expensive and not heavy. Columbia-Crest two vines has a Vineyard 10 red. It's smooth and light which makes it good for summer.
I just finished John Green's book "The Fault in our Stars." I hear it's being made into a movie. Super well done. Other book-movie combos worth seeing--"One Day," "Hugo," "Under the Tuscan Sun," and "Holes."
Don't be giving up on the YA books. I know so many adults diving into young adult lit. Check out anything by Gabrielle Zevin's books, the rest of Suzanne Collins books, a cute book about (and yes, with recipes) Pie, anything by David Levithan (and his co-authors), and the Maggie Stiefvater various series.
Totally loving the Cheers bubble bath wash by Philosophy. Totally yummy. http://www.philosophy.com/party-girl/cheers-gel-product
Guys? Find a good old fashioned barber and get a good shave.
Had the most amazing fish, fried flounder with asparagus at Station 22 restaurant on Sullivan's Island, SC. Add the spinach and goat cheese salad or she-crab soup and some wine, and it is heaven!
Seattle Public Library has a book recommendation service, personal recommendations from a librarian. Way cool: http://www.spl.org/using-the-library/get-help/your-next-5-books
Hunger Games lover? Check out this ALA poster: http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=3650
Spotify.com can give you some great recs for music. So far I'm enjoying the mixes other people are making. This week's fav song comes from my friend Ellen and my 4 year old Goddaughter, Kate. Find "Home" by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes.
All these fav things are making for my busy week a good week. Salut!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
On the Flip Side
So I'm not having a great day. Well today is better than yesterday when the issues actually made themselves present, but today is another day of over thinking it and just generally stewing about it. I'd like to think that I'm able to move on but it's ok. Everyone needs a bad day every now and then. So my recommends for today are about things that are "bad" but really good. They aren't going to make the day better but hey, it could always be worse!
Bad movies. There are the movies that are seriously bad as in bad writing, bad acting etc. I'm going to put "Titantic" on that list. I'm sorry. I hate that movie. A lot of whining and just too much hype. Another bad movie? I was not a fan of "Chicago." I thought the acting was forced and it wore me out. Now there are also bad movies in that bad things happen to the characters. I actually sometimes really like those movies. "28 Days" is one. Another one she is in is "Hope Floats." Girl can't get a break. I like them both. Finally, "Moonlight and Valentino." I am sure some critics put this in both bad categories. I happen to like it. Elizabeth Perkins' husband goes for a run and had a deathly accident. Her girl group (neighbor, sister, etc.) all pull out the stops to help her out of the funk. Gwyneth Paltrow, Kathleen Turner and Whoopi Goldberg are in it. There is a girl power scene at the end--sort of a good bye to her husband's memory and her former life. Jon Bon Jovi shows up too. A bad kind of good.
Ok other bad things. Well chocolate is bad for you but I've heard if you eat a piece of really dark chocolate (like 80%+), that's not as bad. Technically, thunderstorms seem to make things here really bad. I happen to like them but they are always blowing down trees and leaving dirt scattered everywhere. Plus they bring out the bugs. Those I really hate. So the storms are bad but the rain is pretty good. However we are getting into summer and the heat is really bad. Heat and humidity--all too much for me. I hate going outside pretty much past April. Also with the heat comes the sun. I'm pretty fair so I need lots of sunscreen. This much sun wears me out.
"Bad"-- Michael Jackson. He wrote the song right? Not my favorite of his songs but since it's called "Bad"--I'm going to include it. Other songs I really don't like. "Wind Beneath my Wings," "My Heart will go on," most country stuff and almost all those Disney Princess songs. What about songs with bad, as in hard, drumming, lyrics or guitar playing? "Blue on Black" by Kenny Wayne Shepard, the cover of "Immigrant Song" done by Trent Reznor and Karen O, the drumming on Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight" and pretty much all the old Clapton.
Lots of books have bad characters. Some people think the "Twilight" books are bad because they are sappy and badly written. There is that whole which character is worse thing going on? Lots of really bad characters. I happen to love "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series but there are some seriously bad characters in those. What defines bad? Reputation? Renegade? All the kids from "The Outsiders." People in their town thought they were bad. What about the classic (and really bad) children's book Der Struwwelpeter. He's a creepy character with long hair and nails. Not a great story for kids.
Not a lot of other things are going to make me feel much better today. Sometimes it's just ok to be grumpy. But these are just a few things that are both bad...and good, so in a way, not so bad.
Bad movies. There are the movies that are seriously bad as in bad writing, bad acting etc. I'm going to put "Titantic" on that list. I'm sorry. I hate that movie. A lot of whining and just too much hype. Another bad movie? I was not a fan of "Chicago." I thought the acting was forced and it wore me out. Now there are also bad movies in that bad things happen to the characters. I actually sometimes really like those movies. "28 Days" is one. Another one she is in is "Hope Floats." Girl can't get a break. I like them both. Finally, "Moonlight and Valentino." I am sure some critics put this in both bad categories. I happen to like it. Elizabeth Perkins' husband goes for a run and had a deathly accident. Her girl group (neighbor, sister, etc.) all pull out the stops to help her out of the funk. Gwyneth Paltrow, Kathleen Turner and Whoopi Goldberg are in it. There is a girl power scene at the end--sort of a good bye to her husband's memory and her former life. Jon Bon Jovi shows up too. A bad kind of good.
Ok other bad things. Well chocolate is bad for you but I've heard if you eat a piece of really dark chocolate (like 80%+), that's not as bad. Technically, thunderstorms seem to make things here really bad. I happen to like them but they are always blowing down trees and leaving dirt scattered everywhere. Plus they bring out the bugs. Those I really hate. So the storms are bad but the rain is pretty good. However we are getting into summer and the heat is really bad. Heat and humidity--all too much for me. I hate going outside pretty much past April. Also with the heat comes the sun. I'm pretty fair so I need lots of sunscreen. This much sun wears me out.
"Bad"-- Michael Jackson. He wrote the song right? Not my favorite of his songs but since it's called "Bad"--I'm going to include it. Other songs I really don't like. "Wind Beneath my Wings," "My Heart will go on," most country stuff and almost all those Disney Princess songs. What about songs with bad, as in hard, drumming, lyrics or guitar playing? "Blue on Black" by Kenny Wayne Shepard, the cover of "Immigrant Song" done by Trent Reznor and Karen O, the drumming on Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight" and pretty much all the old Clapton.
Lots of books have bad characters. Some people think the "Twilight" books are bad because they are sappy and badly written. There is that whole which character is worse thing going on? Lots of really bad characters. I happen to love "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series but there are some seriously bad characters in those. What defines bad? Reputation? Renegade? All the kids from "The Outsiders." People in their town thought they were bad. What about the classic (and really bad) children's book Der Struwwelpeter. He's a creepy character with long hair and nails. Not a great story for kids.
Not a lot of other things are going to make me feel much better today. Sometimes it's just ok to be grumpy. But these are just a few things that are both bad...and good, so in a way, not so bad.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
A few recs from me in the spirit of my youngest sister
I got to spend some time with one of my sisters this weekend. She is awesome...a breath of fresh air, truly unique and free spirited. So I'm going to recommend a few things that I think she'd totally endorse.
I recommend Modcloth.com. It's a great site with a variety of vintage designs. Most of them are reasonable and they have every size from very small or extended sizes. There are some cute things if you like the throwback style.
Dishes that don't match? Want to build a totally cute collection? Try Anthropologie. I have some plates from them and just love them. Most come from various countries around the world and are dishwasher safe *bonus*.
Wines from New Zealand. Kim Crawford are reasonably priced and good. Easy to find. But a stop to World Market while they have their white wine sale might also give you what you need to try a few new ones.
For the truly eclectic...try Etsy. I can't even tell you how many great things I've found on Etsy. I have bought my holiday cards from the last few years but I've also asked many different designers to create something for me, like book plates. Never disappointed. Micro-commerce...supporting small businesses...good thing!
We just did a book club with book and a movie...Read "Abundance" by Sena Jeter Naslund and watch Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette." Awesome soundtrack, compelling story and a great watch and read.
Just a few things...enjoy!
I recommend Modcloth.com. It's a great site with a variety of vintage designs. Most of them are reasonable and they have every size from very small or extended sizes. There are some cute things if you like the throwback style.
Dishes that don't match? Want to build a totally cute collection? Try Anthropologie. I have some plates from them and just love them. Most come from various countries around the world and are dishwasher safe *bonus*.
Wines from New Zealand. Kim Crawford are reasonably priced and good. Easy to find. But a stop to World Market while they have their white wine sale might also give you what you need to try a few new ones.
For the truly eclectic...try Etsy. I can't even tell you how many great things I've found on Etsy. I have bought my holiday cards from the last few years but I've also asked many different designers to create something for me, like book plates. Never disappointed. Micro-commerce...supporting small businesses...good thing!
We just did a book club with book and a movie...Read "Abundance" by Sena Jeter Naslund and watch Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette." Awesome soundtrack, compelling story and a great watch and read.
Just a few things...enjoy!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Mother's Day I Recommends
Flowers: I think it's good to find your go-to local greenery, nursery and garden center. If you are at a loss however, I recommend Proflowers.com. They have never let me down and if you sign up for email then you'll get some coupons email.
Starbucks has a new compilation CD called "Every Mother Counts." Supports a nonprofit started by Christy Turlington. Check it out. http://www.starbucks.com/blog/every-mother-counts.
Just discovered the YA series done by Kathy Reichs ("Bones") called "Virals" set in Charleston. A quick and interesting science lead with a strong female character. Loving it. My mother has just discovered YA books so you might want to share a few favs with your mom.
I saw "Dark Shadows." I didn't know much about the original series but the film had me chuckling. A lot. It's witty and interesting and purposefully cheesy. There are some definite over the top scenes (those last fight scenes are a little much) but you just have to LOVE Johnny Depp. The writing is snappy and Depp's dialogue is great. My mom happens to really like Johnny Depp although I'm thinking that perhaps a double viewing of the original and the remake of "Freaky Friday" might also be fun!
My mom likes sweet wine. There is a Moscato d'Asti that I received as a gift in nice blue bottle. You might want to open one with your mom. Slainte!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Ok here are some of my "I Recommends" for today:
Music: Beach House. I enjoyed the NPR recommendation about their newest release but a friend recommended past albums. I've been listening on Spotify and just love. A great something to play at the office.
TV: Scandal: Loving all the intrigue of politics. Also Harry's Law...the acting is just terrific and also pokes fun at itself. But what I love the most? GRIMM. Terrific. Acting, sets, and of course the connection to the stories. Just amazing.
Places to visit: It's starting to get hot down here. I'm thinking North...like Vermont. A great time to visit the East Coast...Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Gorgeous and so quaint. Great people.
Wine? I just tried a red pinot noir called Snap Dragon. Light and enjoyable. A good red for the impending summer.
Food: Cheese. Farmers Cheese and Marscapone. Try them in some recipes. Yum.
Old Movie: Tortilla Soup. A charmer. Hispanic-Americans and a dysfunctional family. Great. Enjoy the music. Oh and the food!
Ok for the girls: the best waterproof black eye liner is made by Benefit. You can cover over it with colored shadow but it's great.
Online discount store. Onekingslane.com Check it out. Great stuff.
Music: Beach House. I enjoyed the NPR recommendation about their newest release but a friend recommended past albums. I've been listening on Spotify and just love. A great something to play at the office.
TV: Scandal: Loving all the intrigue of politics. Also Harry's Law...the acting is just terrific and also pokes fun at itself. But what I love the most? GRIMM. Terrific. Acting, sets, and of course the connection to the stories. Just amazing.
Places to visit: It's starting to get hot down here. I'm thinking North...like Vermont. A great time to visit the East Coast...Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Gorgeous and so quaint. Great people.
Wine? I just tried a red pinot noir called Snap Dragon. Light and enjoyable. A good red for the impending summer.
Food: Cheese. Farmers Cheese and Marscapone. Try them in some recipes. Yum.
Old Movie: Tortilla Soup. A charmer. Hispanic-Americans and a dysfunctional family. Great. Enjoy the music. Oh and the food!
Ok for the girls: the best waterproof black eye liner is made by Benefit. You can cover over it with colored shadow but it's great.
Online discount store. Onekingslane.com Check it out. Great stuff.
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Back to Basics
I just read through all my blogs of the past. There was something I wrote at the very beginning--"my recommendations." They were bits and pieces of different things from books to music to food. I just came back from a forum/meeting where people from all over the south who do my job (and similar) come together to share to make our profession and our agencies stronger. We did a group of introductions followed by "I recommend." So this reminded me to get back to that here as well.
I recommend NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts. So awesome. Sometimes it is someone I've never heard of and last week is one of my old favorites, the Cowboy Junkies. Good stuff on the music side.
I also recommend The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. She has a blog and now a cookbook but sometimes I just like her photographs of family or livestock out there on that large ranch in Oklahoma. She also makes the best cinnamon rolls. I have not tried them although my friend Julie has and God love her for trying. Not easy but they look SO good!
Substitute for french fries? Eggplant fries. Gervais & Vine does them here in Columbia with almost no breading just a coating which is good for my gluten intolerant stomach. Plus they let me feel like I'm eating one of my favorite foods but I'm eating something better for me. Side note--I used to hate eggplant. It was fleshy and icky until my friend Jo grilled it. Leave it to an Italian to show me the light. Now I love it.
I was looking back through background movies--those I can put on in the background while I'm cleaning. Something I've seen so many times and really enjoy. My sister Allison and I share this and many of our favorites...Under the Tuscan Sun, 27 Dresses, The Wedding Date, How to Make an American Quilt, Because I Said So, Gosford Park, Mr. Mom, Amelie, Love Actually, The Ref, and The Devil Wears Prada. I'm cleaning today so I'm sure one of those will grace my TV.
Finally, I've been traveling quite a bit and I feel like I never finish anything. So pick one thing and do it start to finish. I have a zillion projects that will probably never get done but I also have many other things that I can do--finish a book, put away all my clothes, cook a whole meal, write those thank you notes. That is what I'm working towards. If I can't finish one thing per day then definitely finish one thing per week--particularly for myself. I'm great at doing things for others but my stuff goes on the back burner. So that is my new goal. Seems simple but I'll let you know how I do.
I'm signing off listening to Ceremony by New Order. Love that song. Was in the Marie Antoinette soundtrack recently. Love that whole soundtrack and the film is a mix of color, vision, truth and irreverent. Watch it again. Good stuff.
I recommend NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts. So awesome. Sometimes it is someone I've never heard of and last week is one of my old favorites, the Cowboy Junkies. Good stuff on the music side.
I also recommend The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. She has a blog and now a cookbook but sometimes I just like her photographs of family or livestock out there on that large ranch in Oklahoma. She also makes the best cinnamon rolls. I have not tried them although my friend Julie has and God love her for trying. Not easy but they look SO good!
Substitute for french fries? Eggplant fries. Gervais & Vine does them here in Columbia with almost no breading just a coating which is good for my gluten intolerant stomach. Plus they let me feel like I'm eating one of my favorite foods but I'm eating something better for me. Side note--I used to hate eggplant. It was fleshy and icky until my friend Jo grilled it. Leave it to an Italian to show me the light. Now I love it.
I was looking back through background movies--those I can put on in the background while I'm cleaning. Something I've seen so many times and really enjoy. My sister Allison and I share this and many of our favorites...Under the Tuscan Sun, 27 Dresses, The Wedding Date, How to Make an American Quilt, Because I Said So, Gosford Park, Mr. Mom, Amelie, Love Actually, The Ref, and The Devil Wears Prada. I'm cleaning today so I'm sure one of those will grace my TV.
Finally, I've been traveling quite a bit and I feel like I never finish anything. So pick one thing and do it start to finish. I have a zillion projects that will probably never get done but I also have many other things that I can do--finish a book, put away all my clothes, cook a whole meal, write those thank you notes. That is what I'm working towards. If I can't finish one thing per day then definitely finish one thing per week--particularly for myself. I'm great at doing things for others but my stuff goes on the back burner. So that is my new goal. Seems simple but I'll let you know how I do.
I'm signing off listening to Ceremony by New Order. Love that song. Was in the Marie Antoinette soundtrack recently. Love that whole soundtrack and the film is a mix of color, vision, truth and irreverent. Watch it again. Good stuff.
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