when a small town becomes a really, really big city

I visited Austin, Texas, for the first time ever this past weekend. It doesn't usually rain there, but it poured for the majority of my stay. My husband accompanied me on the first half of the trip - the second half and my initial reason for going was for a conference focused on the donor database I use each and every day for work. Austin is very cool and happens to be growing at a very fast pace. I am glad I was able to see it now, as I think there will be major differences even within the next six months. We spent our time eating our way through the city (the food is delicious, but very heavy), viewing art, having a mini spa day, and seeing some of the historic structures Austin is well-known for. We covered all of the major food bases and ate a Mexican-style brunch, a farm-to-table dinner, and a barbecue brunch. I ate more meat in the last few days than I've eaten in the last two months. Notable dishes include buffalo ceviche (not sure what got into me, but I literally ate raw buffalo meat with charred radish, onion, chilies, key lime, cilantro, and sweet potato chips), brisket, and sausage (andouille, turducken, and boar). Most of the art was modern art, which really tickled my fancy. I wish we were able to catch some live music, but instead we were only able to fit in a pop-music dance party at one of the bars on Rainey Street. I was thrilled with it; I'm not sure my husband felt the same way. Would I rush back there in a heartbeat, no, probably not, but I would visit again and next time I would stop at one of the hat stores we passed and pick out something to adorn my noggin.

plated, blue apron, freshology, platejoy, and purple carrot

Mine looked just like that - I swear!

I have pretty mixed feelings about all of these new companies who deliver meals to your doorstep. Do I think it is a neat idea? Yes. Did I end up cooking and eating things I never before thought I could put together myself? Yes. Is it a complete waste of packaging materials and individual containers? Hell to the yes! Are the cooking times all perfectly accurate and on point? Hell to the no!

I recently had experiences using Plated and Blue Apron. I tested out both companies using a free promotion (normally it costs $59.99 for three meals that feed two people). While I do think that is on the higher side of my normal grocery totals, when I cook dinner for myself I tend to make large pots of soup I eat for four days. The meals I chose to receive from both companies included things like duck, pork, cod, and chicken - all of which I would never put into a soup...well, maybe chicken. My favorite meal was Asian Duck Tacos with Pickled Cucumbers from Plated. I actually cooked duck and it was delicious - like whoa! I was so proud of myself, but must admit I have yet to recreate the meal and have no definite plans to do so in the upcoming weeks. Something I learned when putting together the Blue Apron meals is that I like to use butter as a cooking base, as opposed to olive oil. I do not think vegetables need to be prepared with two tablespoons of oil - it is gross. A little melted butter goes a long way and if the pan begins to look dry, I add a little water.

While I was VERY proud of the final products - they literally look like gourmet meals, complete with spices, colors, and garnishes - I was so disappointed by the amount of waste they produce and how inaccurate the cooking times were. Not only do they come in huge, insulated cardboard boxes; every ingredient is in its own Ziploc bag, or container. It makes throwing things together pretty easy, but you end up with an enormous pile of trash once you're finished. I also have a bone to pick with them about cooking times. Most of the recipes I chose said twenty-five or thirty-five minutes - not the case! One of my meals literally took an hour and a half. While I wouldn't make a habit of ordering these, it is nice to splurge every once in a while and skip having to make a trip to the grocery store. They deliver to most cities at this point, so you should try it for yourself, or just search the websites for recipes and make them with your own grocery shopping at a fraction of the price. Click here to visit the Plated website and here to visit the Blue Apron website.

small towns, scenic routes, smiles, and tennessee

I can't remember how I stumbled upon the Shelter + Roost website, but I am glad I did. I'm also not sure I will ever find myself looking to vacation in Tennessee, but at the very least, these vacation properties are worth a browsing session for decoration inspiration and set-up ideas. Who needs a hotel when you can stay in one of these absolutely beautiful homes? A few of them have a few more decorations than I personally think they need, but overall they are all gorgeous and look so peaceful. I also love that they use a plus sign in their name.  If you ever find yourself in Tennessee, stay in one of these homes and let me know how it was. Click here to visit their website.

whine about it with matt bellassai - his take on fall

I REALLY love fall, as I said a few days ago, but this is FUNNY stuff and you should watch it. It is also my first video post, which is exciting - hopefully it works properly. 

on a star stream, headed for a snow dream

In addition to my hike, I've also been feeling recharged as a result of discovering music...some old, some new. My present most favorite song on earth is Sorcerer by Stevie Nicks. It is so GOOD. The song was released on an album of hers that came out in 2001 called Trouble in Shangri-La. I discovered it after hearing it on a Stevie compilation I received for Christmas last year (from my husband - nailed it) called Crystal Visions. Aside from one or two songs, this collection of Stevie Nicks' songs is top notch. And although I received it for Christmas, it was somewhat lost until recently, but now it is found and I listen to it every day. The particular song "Sorcerer" dates back to her Buckingham-Nicks era (yes please) and was recorded as a demo. It was considered for some Fleetwood Mac projects, 1979 Tusk in particular, but never made it onto anything official until twenty-two years later, which also happens to be my favorite number. This song went particularly well with our voyage to Vermont, as one of my favorite lines is "who found lady from the mountain". Click here to watch the official video.

hello old friend, it's really good to see you once again

So...it's fall, summer is over, and I feel like writing. My life has been busier than ever and I'm not sure I will be able to write each and every day, but I miss it so and want to start this thing up again. Here we go, and boy do I have a lot to say, but for now I am just going to wish you a happy fall and hope you find time to pick apples, eat cider donuts, and carve a pumpkin. I was able to do the first two things in that list this past weekend during a visit to Vermont and loved every minute of it. I wish every weekend could be last weekend and I wish New Jersey could be Vermont. I was lucky enough to get a hike in as well, which is where all of this excitement and life is coming from. I feel like I have been recharged and am ready for the colder months to settle in upon us. I'm back...at least for now. 

happy long weekend and fourth of july

Be safe and careful over the holiday weekend and remember to celebrate America. I plan on doing so in these:

contrasting the distorted view imposed on us by media

Waffle bum.

I recently discovered "Reality Project". Click here to learn more (and make sure you read all the disclaimers). Here's a little blurb about it, directly from the website:

Nowadays, we are surrounded by images of bodies seemingly perfect.
But is that real beauty?
The images that we experience every day impose a standard of beauty that is very far from reality.
You have to be tall, thin, with smooth skin, big breasted or show a perfect six pack.
When these features are not natural, it's "normal" to abuse photoshop to achieve this "ideal".
The intent of "Reality Project", as the name suggests, is to photograph normal people, real and nude, letting their body show their natural beauty, with no tricks or retouch, in all its shapes and sizes.

plenty of sunshine heading my way...

Disney World was a very big part of my childhood and I clearly remember the sheer excitement that rushed over me the night before we left Massachusetts to travel south to Florida. There used to be a commercial on television that captured parents breaking the news to their children that they were in fact "going to Disney World", and the kid's reactions were spot on with what I felt. (A lot of shrieking and yelling and smiling and laughing and happy tears.) I would actually sleep better the night before Christmas vs. the night before leaving for Disney - that's how excited I got. Those were the good old days - when I would lose sleep over happiness and cheer, instead of stress and anxiety. Maybe I should plan a trip to Disney World...

I mention this, because I have something similar happen to me before a trip/vacation in my adult years, though it normally comes with a few moans and groans as a result of needing to research, figure out a schedule, make plans, and pack - I HATE packing. Although not quite as innocent, I am still thrilled it happens at all and continue to be grateful to get the opportunity to visit beautiful places in this country and beyond. Well it happened last night, because I am lucky enough to be going to Maine this weekend (as I mentioned yesterday). Gone are the days when Mickey and Minnie Mouse got me all riled up and instead, enter the time when eating a Maine lobster roll and visiting the official L.L. Bean store keeps me up at night. People say some things never change and while I agree, I think it is okay if sometimes they bend and flex. Here's to taking a photo (or two) with the gigantic L.L. Bean boot! 

clawed marine crustaceans with muscular tails

Even though it was two days ago, I feel like I still have to comment about National Lobster Day because let's be honest, I love lobster more than life itself. While I didn't have the chance to scarf down a one and a half pounder drenched in butter, I did order a shrimp dish that evening, which contained a tomato lobster broth. I am actually headed to Maine this weekend, where I will be able to make up for my poor lobster consumption performance on the best national holiday in America. Bring on the hot lobster rolls...and chowder, and shrimp cocktail, and steamers, and slaw! 

Lobster fun facts:
* Native Americans used lobster to fertilize their crops and bait their fish hooks.
* Lobsters used to be so plentiful they would reportedly wash up ashore in piles up to two feet high.
* Lobsters were routinely fed to prisoners, apprentices, slaves, and children during the colonial era and beyond.
* The first lobster pound was established in Vinalhaven, Maine in 1876.
* American lobsters - or Maine lobsters - can weigh up to forty pounds and grow up to three feet long.
* The largest lobster on record was caught off of Nova Scotia in 1988 and weighed forty four pounds.
* Lobster anatomy - brain in throat, nervous system in abdomen, teeth in stomach, and kidneys in head.
* When crowded in tight quarters, lobsters become cannibalistic - hence the rubber bands on their claws.
* Lobster meat contains fewer calories than an equal portion of skinless chicken breast.
* Lobster meat contains healthy omega-3 fatty acid, potassium, and vitamins E, B-12, and B-6.

you like potato...I like potahto

I am a Polish girl that really loves her potatoes. Normally, my love for potatoes keeps me out of trouble, but this past weekend that was not the case. I woke up a little "tired" after celebrating at a rehearsal dinner with "a number" of glasses of wine. With a full day of wedding festivities in front of us, my sister, husband, and I decided to try out a nearby breakfast cafe. We knew we needed to bulk up on a serious meal and heard great things about an establishment about a mile down the street from where we were staying. The place had a Celtic theme - even the waitstaff had Irish accents - but it was the menu I was most impressed with. They had potato everything! So, we did what any normal person would do and ordered some sweet potato donuts, potato pancakes, and an actual breakfast dish that contained eggs with you guessed it...a side of hash browns. We were so full after the donut course that we were unable to finish to most of our other delights. We didn't want to waste any of the leftovers, so we had it wrapped to go and went on our merry way....and I was so excited about said leftovers that I forgot my wallet on our table. I never lose anything (knock on wood), so I was very disturbed and shocked when I realized my wallet was not in its little home within my bag. Unfortunately, the cafe was also closed by the time I realized it, so I couldn't do anything until the following morning. Next time I eat potatoes out, I am going to take a deep breath and make sure I leave with my wallet. Make sure you know where your wallet is this weekend.

a throwback to the eighties, plastic jewelry style

I was browsing on Pinterest last night when I should have been sleeping (must leave laptop downstairs at night - noted) and came across something from my childhood - the 80's plastic charm necklace - my heart be still. 

I've read a few comments online about people remembering how they used to go to the store and buy charms for their necklaces and for the life of me I can't remember how I acquired my necklace or the charms. I just remember having one and LOVING it. There are a few on sale through Etsy, but one necklace with twelve charms is selling for $35.00. $35.00?!?!? While I normally pride myself on being clean, organized, and a true minimalist, I am kicking myself for getting rid of my awesome 80's plastic charm necklace. I want it back! 

never lose sight of what you cannot see

So, my husband recently got glasses and even though I have vision insurance through my job, glasses are damn expensive. He was lucky enough to find some very fashionable rims that were on the affordable rack, but quickly realized after he went outside on a bright sunny day he needed prescription sunglasses, in addition to his regular glasses. Luckily I work directly across the street from one of the many Warby Parker stores in the world. Although this particular one is located in a fancy-ish neighborhood of Manhattan, their glasses - both reading and sun - are really affordable. That combined with the discount I get from work made them his best option for protecting his eyes against those solar rays. It is a great company, doing great things, who provide an alternative to those expensive designer glasses. He stopped by two weeks ago and they are ready to be picked up tomorrow. Click here to learn more about the company and see how cool their shades are. Shop away!

the first savory yogurt with milk from grass-fed cows

I have yet to try it, but a friend recently posted a photo of some savory Blue Hill Yogurt with a very positive review. I had definitely seen it before - the packaging is beautiful and caught my eye during a trip to Whole Foods - but it was soon after I tried some tomato wine I picked up in western Massachusetts...which was AWFUL. When I saw the yogurt with flavors such as tomato, beet, and butternut squash, I was intrigued, but the horror of the tomato wine resonated enough to make me run in the opposite direction. Well, that was more than a few months ago and after hearing something positive about it, (I think) I am willing to try it. I don't remember it being very cheap, but if it is a delicious breakfast option I am more than willing to splurge, especially because I WANT to eat yogurt for breakfast, I just get sick of it really quickly and it begins to gross me out. I am also interested in adding it to smoothies and trying out some of their recipes. Click here to visit their website.

the jersey shore is "shore" to please

Sandy Hook - our beach!

Hello summer, though I am writing this in pants, a shirt, and a jacket! However, summer IS officially here and like most summers, I have been going a mile a minute. Everyone thinks that in the world of fundraising & development things slow down during the warmer months, but in my experience that is never the case - especially for someone that manages the database. While certain people's donor visits may slow down, my work is in full swing because people actually have the time to pay attention to processes and procedures. But enough about work and more about the beach! 

Summer is also our busy season for guests, weddings, and trips to the beach, which is why I have been missing in action from the ol' blog. Truth be told, things are going to get worse before they get any better because I am busy again this weekend, but I wanted to check-in and reassure people I have not forgotten about this little project. While I prefer writing when I am sitting in front of a computer or laptop, I think I need to get better about writing on my phone. I've downloaded the Blogger app...now I just need to use it. 

Life has been pretty crazy lately too, and that combined with my busy work schedule has not really lent itself to much artistic and creative exploration. My husband and I actually had a conversation last Saturday about Columbia House and those deals where you could pick out twelve CDs for a penny and I was going to write about that, but I didn't feel enough about it to dedicate an entire blog post to it. I also want to share my outlook on traffic and my thoughts about how we can make the world a better place by teaching people the kinds of behaviors that create traffic, but that is not fun. While I do share a few serious and sometimes sad posts, I try my best to make this a light and enjoyable read for folks. So, here is to writing more (after the weekend) and being happy. Enjoy your week & weekend, and think sun!     

getting to see scout master ward, in real life

Eddie Nortie!

My place of business had their largest fundraiser of the year last night at Pier 36 in Manhattan. With a goal of 3.2 million dollars and almost eight hundred attendees, the event went off without a hitch - and this year's spring benefit was a lot more star-studded than last year's! (Cynthia Nixon was last year's emcee and the only famous person I noticed in the room.) This year, Sandra Bernhard emcee'd the event and one of the four honorees was Susan Sarandon. Sitting directly across from Sandra and next to Susan was none other than long-time High Line supporter Edward Norton (who my abbreviating sister likes to call Eddie Nortie). Also in attendance was Andre Leon Tally (fashion) and Bill T. Jones (choreographer). This was the first year we had a paddle raise - technique used to raise money at the event where people raise their hands to donate money, not actual paddles - and I was stationed directly next to Susan Sarandon's table. To my surprise and delight Eddie Nortie raised his hand (!!!), so I not only got to deliver a donation card and pen to him, I also got to stand near him and wait for him to fill it out AND collect it when he was done. Although not life-changing, it was exhilarating to be next to a star that big. He is adorable - his wife is also gorgeous! - and what most people don't realize is he was one of the first supporters of the High Line, well before it was an actual park. Although exhausted from a very late, it is always fun to attend events in New York City - you never know who you will bump into.

I can see clearly now...canadian style clear

I read the greatest article ever this morning about a drink from my childhood - Clearly Canadian. I thought I wrote a post about it at some point, but if I did, I did not label it "product" and I do not have time to rummage through almost seven hundred posts. (I can't believe I have written that many! Like whoa!) Apparently this amazing product, which in my opinion was WAY ahead of its time, is coming back. When I was a wee one and celebrated New Year's with my family, my sister and I would get to drink Clearly Canadian with our meal, which in most cases was beef fondue and an array of sauces my Dad would make. It was like future seltzer, but in the 90's...so I guess it was past seltzer?! Regardless, I am thrilled and hope it really takes off. While I don't love drinking soda, I will drink the s&!t out of Clearly Canadian. Click here to read the article for yourself.

it's not too late to whip it, whip it good

His waistband says
Mr. Whippy.

We are having an array of guests over for Memorial Day Weekend and I am SO excited - I just can't hide it. Our little beach party was planned far enough in advance that I was able to (finally) use my Mr. Whippy cards. I bought eight of these things years ago - like I am talking at least five, probably more - and have been waiting for the perfect time to use them. I sent three off to our friends, which means we still have five more to use at a later date. Score - more beach parties!

I wish my weekday evenings were not as jam-packed with things to do, but we are just going to have to make it work. Thankfully, the weather looks good for Saturday and Sunday and I typed up a draft menu earlier today. I went with our tried and true dishes, but it is only a draft and we could update it with different options, if we choose. Now I just need to figure out which days are for baking and which days are for cleaning. In addition to great food, fine wine, and friends, we also get to see a concert and dance our tushes off. This is going to be a hectic week, but the prize at the end of it is a three-day weekend and the start to summer. Bring it on. 

pizza, pizza, happy meal, pepperoni and cheese

We received an email at 11:10 a.m. this morning from our Director of Human Resources that read "Pizza is coming in for lunch as close to 12:30 as they can get it here. Please come on up to the kitchen and grab a slice" with a subject line of "National Pizza Day". Apparently National Pizza Day is in November, or at least that's what it said when I Googled it. However, today is National Pizza Party Day. I feel a little bad about not joining in the party fun and taking my slice back to my desk, but oh well. I also don't feel great about finishing off a week of pretty healthy eating with pizza, but oh well again. It is not like I had a ton and it was a nice treat. Let's hope the rest of my day continues to be as joyous and delicious. *The photo is from our pizza experience in Naples. I want to go back. It was a remarkable place when we were there in winter, I can only imagine how nice it is in summer.