This weekend I did some hunting at my local Goodwill stores.  I visited one in Central Square of Cambridge, and another in Davis Square, Sommerville. The first I decided to walk the 2 miles to, the other, I told myself it was going to rain and took the subway.

Since I have written about the ‘thrill of thrifting’ before, I thought it fun to post some of my recent finds.  I’m getting ready to move into a new apartment that has more space, better bones, and is only a few blocks away.  The fact of moving, combined with a recent gifted subscription to the magazine Traditional Home has me itching with the redecorating bug. And what better way to redecorate then by sifting through your local Goodwill? I know, rational progression of idea to solution.

My main goal was to find a few glass vases. I only have pottery vessels (not complaining) but there is nothing better to stage with than glass. Plus, with spring in full bloom, I need somewhere to put all these flowers.  The Goodwill in Central Sq has shelves full of assorted glass vessels ranging from 1.99-3.99$.

I also found one other, useful piece of glass. What’s the point of baking if you can’t show it off?

A random, small find was 4 teak, wooden slabs that could be anything from butter dishes to incense holders.  I, however, am going to call it a Dinglehopper.  Just kidding- a candle holder.

A spur of the moment buy was what looks to be a small pseudo, apothecary. It’s only about 2ft tall, but should be perfect for containing and organizing all my craft odds and ends like markers, pens, thread bobbins, etc. The woods a little worn so I might spray paint the whole thing white, baskets and all.  The paint will protect the wicker too.

Last, but not least- is quite the conversation piece. I found this buried on the bottom shelf, the multicolored wood pieces snatching my attention. For a second, I almost didn’t buy it purely because I feared it may be cursed. Then I got a grip on reality and remembered that Mayan curses weren’t real, and that this piece was most likely Polynesian.

And of course with any shopping trip, there is always that one regret.  Either, ‘What was I thinking- why did I buy this?’ or ‘I wish I would have bought it, and now it’s probably gone.’  Or maybe this is a private dialogue that I share with no one.  Anyways, I regret not buying an F&M basket with leather straps and wicker in perfect condition. It was only $4.99, but at the time I did not know what the F&M plastered on the side represented, nor what I’d use a basket for.  Now I realize it would be great for staging books, or quite literally using as a basket- and that F&M is a fabulous store in the UK that builds custom baskets.

So, in the end, I really don’t need any of these things, nor to be spending money- but the money goes to a good cause and people who need it more, and my home redecorating itch is scratched. I must take care not to be a pack rat and must buy in moderation, but I tell you, I really wish I would have bought that basket…

… especially when they dress this well.

I recently fell into a classics phase between movies and books.  My latest indulgence was watching “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953),” one of Marilyn Monroe’s first Hollywood successes. Not only is the movie fantastically witty and humorous, but the fashion on point.  The tailoring is perfection, and you can tell it was all wools and silks for these stars.  In the slideshow below you’ll find interesting necklines, great use of color on pattern, and the perfect balance between draping and tailoring.

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You can also check out a full costume chart with pictures for all Monroe’s movies here. William Travilla was the man behind much of Marilyn’s fashion.

Another point that I really enjoyed about this movie was a dance sequence with the all male US Olympian team.  If there ever was a male version of The Rockettes, that was it.  Men were jumping, running, standing on their heads, shaking their rears, and it was wonderful, if not quite funny.  By and by, it was refreshing to see a herd of men forming the background dance routine and not women. Check out the dance sequence on youtube.

Note: Ever wonder where that song “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” come from? Watch the movie.

‘Talk to me, Harry, Winston, tell me all about it …!’

It all started with the hit single ‘Apologize.’  Then it was Leona Lewis’s ‘Bleeding Love,’  Then it was Beyonce’s ‘Halo’.  Now it’s One Republic’s latest album featuring ‘All the Right Moves‘ and ‘Secrets.’  I’ve come to the likely conclusion that Ryan Tedder, front man of One Republic and song writer of the hits mentioned above, is a musical genius.

He’s the Stephanie Meyer of the music industry- somehow the man just knows what makes an international chart topper from the drama of his violins to a catchy chorus.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that there’s no glory in loving the obvious but I can’t help but be impressed by the talent it takes to consistently produce such hits.  They’re the type of songs that you immediately fall in love with and play too many times, and all seem to follow the same musical plot line but I have no shame in admitting that I enjoy the obvious nature of it.  Much like the Twilight saga, it’s a guilty pleasure with not a lot of depth, but it still takes talent to know what the general public wants.  Tedder also wrote such hits as Leona Lewis’s ‘Happy‘, Jordin Sparks’s ‘Battlefield’ and Kelley Clarkson’s ‘Already Gone‘.

Like my grandmother, I truly love all music and don’t discriminate genres.  From Kenny Chesney to Kid Cudi to JT to Charlotte Church (no lie) to Breaking Benjamin to Damien Rice to Lupe to Simon and Garfunkel to the soundtrack of Pride and Prejudice and Moulin Rouge to lil’wayne and on and on- I love it all. Even if I do have music ADHD, I know what I love and that’s Ryan Tedder.

He’s my Mozart of todays pop music and I’m not ashamed to admit that not only do I appreciate his genius, but that yes, I have read enough of the Twilight saga to know that my comparison stands. Go team Jacob!  Or are we not doing that anymore?

My Mom recently sent me home with a batch of these cookies and like most things that involve chocolate, it was love at first bite.  I’ve had double chocolate cookies before, but never like this- they weren’t cakey, chewy, dry or hard- they were that soft- half baked, brownie meets fudge that makes me melt (and gain 5 lbs).  Here’s the recipe that my mom sent (verbatim- which is why it’s probably more complicated then it needs to be) and a photo that does not do them justice.

-2 sticks butter (1 cup) room temp
-1 1/2 cup white sugar or 1 cup white 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 eggs
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-2 teaspoons molasses( if you are using white sugar only)
-2 1/4 cups flour
-2/3 to 3/4 cup of cocoa powder
-1 teaspoon baking soda (sometimes I use a smidgen less than a teaspoon-don’t know why but I do)
-pinch of salt, use a 1/4 teaspoon if using unsalted butter,( I always use salted butter, purists in the baking field always bake with unsalted butter, than add salt; all sweets are enhanced by adding salt)
-12 oz bag of semi sweet or white chocolate chips

Directions: cream butter with sugar and vanilla until well blended add one egg at a time until incorporated, add mollasses ( if using).  In seperate bowl blend flour, cocoa, chocate morsels, baking soda and salt.  Add dry mixtue to butter mixture and stir until mixed.
I chill batter before baking, cookies bake up better when the cookie batter is cold.  Drop by heaping spoonfuls ( use icecream scoop if you like) onto parchment sheet lined cookie sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for maybe 8 minutes or so ( if you dare, just keep an eye on them) or if your patient 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.  Remember these cookies are chocolate so keep an eye on them, they can burn and still look like they’re supposed to.
YUM!!!!

Did you know that there’s vinegar in red velvet cake?  And did you know that Paula Dean doesn’t always use 2 sticks of butter?  Check out this short video, and note:  she may not have used butter, but there’s more frosting than cake. And by frosting I mean cream cheese, butter, and sugar yum.

My boyfriend is a brilliant man. Take note.

I started dating my current boyfriend about four years ago.  I say ‘about’ four years ago because we never officially marked the date, we are not the sort to mark such things.  However, a few years ago, we did try to figure it out.  We know we started dating in February, and it was definitely after Valentines day.  That’s it. And since school kept us busy and unromantic, we have yet to really celebrate an anniversary of any sort- and let’s face it, single digit anniversaries- I’m sure the veterans of commitment  are laughing in amusement.

All of this brings me to today.  While walking home together, I remembered that our anniversary was coming up soon and proposed we just roll it in with Valentine’s day to make it easy. He, however, countered with ‘why don’t we make it the Saturday after Valentines day.  The chocolate will be 1/2 off and I can use Valentine’s day as a reminder that I have 1 week to get you a gift.’

Really.  He had me at 1/2 off.  I think that means I get double the chocolate.

Please delete all records. Thank you.

I know this is a little too late for a new years resolutions, but regardless, the structure of a national understanding aids my will power in no way. To change, I have to utterly and completely want it. Jan 1st is no different from today.  I’m also hoping the fact that if I put this in print, it will be one more witness to testify my guilt if I break the following vows below.

#1.  I will eat better, and thus lose weight.

#2.  And unrelated- I will rewrite the first half of my thesis/novel and finish it.

Food.  It’s incredible what boredom and freedom of a kitchen will do. Forget the freshmen 15, no one told me there was a graduation 20.  Or maybe it’s just me.  Oh I hope it’s not just me, there’s solace with strength in numbers.  Let me note that, surprisingly, my fault does not lie in the likes of fast food, chips, cookies, red meat or soda.  I hardly eat out, don’t let myself buy ‘real’ chips, find sweets to to be too much above a serving size, red meat sets my stomach in an uproar, and I can’t drink anything besides water or watered-down cranberry juice.  I, however, did myself in 1 piece of bread at a time with 2 slabs of butter. That’s right. Carbs.

I love cooking as much as I love eating. The closest I have come to a state of meditation is when watching the Food Network (Rachel Ray excluded).  Hence, I learned to bake bread and hence hence, that will be the death of me. Along with focaccias, pizzas and cheese breads.

Let me share with you what I will eat on a typical day.

Breakfast:  Jelly and butter on an english muffin

11am snack:  crackers and humus

Lunch:  chicken ceaser salad.  toast.  brownie. maybe some chicken nuggets.

3pm snack:  More hummus or misc. chocolate lying around or cheese or olives.

Dinner:  Turkey burger.  Wild rice and cranberries. chocolate cake.

9pm snack:  cheese or hummus, or toast

I know, it’s not normal to eat 6 times a day, but, somehow, I’m one of those people who have a fast metabolism- however, I clearly out pace it.  If I don’t eat every few hours, I feel faint and which in turn usually triggers a migraine.  At least that’s my excuse.  But when the clothes start to not fit, that’s the real wake up call.  If there’s one thing I love more than food, it’s my clothes.  Or rather, it’s my money that I don’t want to spend on new clothes.  Or rather (since I like shopping) it’s the love of money that bemoans the lost investment in the clothes that no longer fit.  Of course, I can only say this since I live in America where I have never experienced the reality of lack of food.

What’s the point is pointing this all out if I don’t have a solution? Solution:

– To eat smaller portions during meal times, therefore to accommodate snacking.

– To have a bowl of cereal every morning (instead of toast) with lactaid milk (crucial).

– To eat a salad everyday for lunch, even if it has to involve the motivating factor of chicken.

– To stop eating after dinner by asking myself if I’m really hungry, and if I am- then eat something like an apple.

These are little steps, but I do believe that combined with some minor aerobics every night, I’ll be able to go back down to my ‘normal’ weight. As for vow #2, well, I guess I better not get carried away…

Dreaming at night is either like taking a trip to nowhere, or a round-trip ticket to everywhere.

Either way, Mitch Hedberg had it right.

“I hate dreaming because when you want to sleep, you want to sleep. Dreaming is work. Next thing you know, I have to build a go-cart with my ex-landlord.”

(opening quote compiled during a discussion between myself and my boyfriend.)

Speaking of dreaming, I find these recent family portraits I took of my brother’s family quite dreamy- in the good sense of the word.

$2,542.38!!!

How to solve (a part) of the consumer credit crisis.

How many times have you signed in online, or reluctantly opened a credit card bill only to swear that someone must have stolen your credit card?

Well, if my guess is right, then I’m not the only person shocked and appalled over how quickly a credit card bill can accumulate.  No one emphasized this better than ‘Rebecca Bloomwood’ from the novel/movie aptly titled, ‘Confessions of a Shopahalic.’

My solution: Every time you swipe your card, your balance/total amount due for the month should be shown on the credit card machine (or even printed on the receipt for restaurants, etc).  You wouldn’t know your overall debt until after you make the transaction, but it will at least be able to provide a routine reality check.  It may convince you that this is indeed the last pair of shoes you will buy this month, or maybe even push you to later return the item, but either way- it makes your debt more immediate and real.  It would no longer be something you put out of sight and out of mind until the end of the month when things are too late to change or prevent.

Possible pitfalls: I don’t have any insider information on the electrical infrastructure to a credit card machine, but I’m pretty sure that if a machine can decline your card, then it can access the amount currently due. It would be my hope that there would be no need to drastically change the existing infrastructure, therefore easy to implement.

The social repercussions.  If the customer behind you in line catches sight of your credit card balance, they may pass judgment depending on the number.  However- there is not enough information to be embarrassed over.  Observe.

1) If your balance is astronomically high, then the other person may simply assume that you spend a lot because you have a lot.

2) If your balance is next to nothing, then it can be assumed that you just paid off your bill, which simply makes you a responsible (and hopefully average) person.

The only source of possible embarrassment is if your card gets rejected, which would happen regardless of what I am suggesting.  And of course, the above scenario is only if the person behind you can see the screen or your receipt, which would make them nose-y, and therefore not worth your time.

Part of our current economic crisis is the fault of the American consumer spending beyond their means (… and yes, Mr. Bernie Madoff is still a bad bad person).  Or regardless of your means, we may live beyond what we need. I once had a teacher who told our class that his entire life he has paid for everything in cash- car, home and all.  You know exactly how much cash is left in your wallet after you drop $50 on dinner.  Individual credit card spending- your money and debt- needs to be more tangible.

Over the past few months I noticed that many credit cards are trying to implement solutions to over-spending by breaking down cost or tracking how much of your money goes where.  We’ve all seen the ‘credit fairy’ commercials and I’m pretty sure I saw a commercial that emphasized responsible spending and was not backed by any company (so I assume a branch of the government paid for it?).  However, companies may not appreciate the ‘act of enlightenment’ I’m proposing.  Why would they like something that discourages a sale?

Or maybe I’m talking about things I really know nothing about.  Or maybe there is already something comparable to this in place, and I just haven’t come across it yet.  Either way, I think it would help people like me, who can easily get carried away-  despite always making my payments on time and in full.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone through my monthly statement with my own calculator after not believing the total.  Needless to says, the $70s there and the $15s  here certainly add up to a surprise- even the $3 coffees strike hard. I’m not blaming the credit card company, I’m blaming my own poor perception.  At least give me ‘credit’ for admitting my faults and trying to find a way to fix things without fixing myself 😉

My Grandmother’s Stories (cont.)

I would like to thank my older sister for passing this one along. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll just copy and paste our gchat conversation. Ah- story telling in the 21st century….

(Note:  my part of the conversation has been extracted so as not to distract from the story, and some inappropriate words may have been replaced with more friendly ones.  Also, names are replaced with ‘x’)