TGIFF!!

Yeah I lied when I said I didn't have time to post anything today.  That was before I saw this (mind: blown):





Which is what appeared after I purchased this:

which was designed by this lovely lady:

Christine "Queen" Marcelino

All of these things were set into motion, when I came across this Apartment Therapy post this morning on sleeping bags.  And their post failed to mention Alite's expertly (sexpertly?) designed "sexy hotness sleeping bag":

And of course I had to let AT know of their error by omission.  In fact, it appears I ignited a fire in the comments. Success!  So, I'm glad I had this opportunity to spotlight Alite's sexy urban camping products for AT and on this blog.  


Happy camping!

IFFY Musical Selection

OK since I know I've been sleeping on my Friday posts (though the laziness is not limited to Fridays) and since I know I'll be too busy tomorrow to post anything, I am introducing this Is It F'ing Friday Yet?!? Musical Selection.  


In case you hadn't heard, this Blakroc album is good.  Really good.  Though not new, its been in constant rotation on my iPod, and I'm heading up to Philly tomorrow to see The Black Keys (hooray!). While I could only find 2 videos - one to introduce the players involved in this collaboration and another featuring the Mos Def/Jim Jones track, I encourage you to give the entire album a listen (Nicole Wray is amazing and the Raekwon track .... "we was like Mork and Mindy"...yes). Without further ado...Blakroc:



Blakroc Project from Soulstaff on Vimeo.



Blakroc: Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo) Ft. Mos Def and Jim Jones from Jonah Schwartz on Vimeo.

Vintage Food Posters

I came across these really cool World War I - II era posters that encouraged consumers to be more thoughtful in their food choices.  Much of what the posters convey is still timely, considering today's range of problems from obesity to food deserts and hunger.  Check them out here: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/multimedia/photos/95110939.html?c=y&page=1


Here are two I wouldn't mind putting on my walls...

For Uganda

Please send your thoughts and prayers to the people of Uganda and the families of those who were killed and injured in yesterday's bombings in Kampala.  Kampala is a beautiful, vibrant and resilient city that has been enjoying years of peace and development.  Let's all pray that these horrible bombings not be the trigger of further destabilization in the region.  


One confirmed American killed yesterday worked for a great organization, Invisible Children -- the sort of job I would love to have some day, which is an incredibly jarring thought - that one could do this selfless work in a seemingly safe environment and have your life snatched away while you're watching a soccer game.  In his honor, and in honor of the work of Invisible Children, check this out:



MEND Explanation Video from MEND on Vimeo.

TGIFF Musical Selection

How it got to be July already is beyond me. And what is up with this insane heat wave? Anyway, Thank God Its eFfing FRIDAY.  The song I chose for today is one I've been listening to a lot lately - though I've been enjoying the remixed version on Lazerproof (Major Lazer + La Roux).  And I also chose it because I think it provides some new innovative makeup ideas (what do you say, Brandy? wedding makeup?).


La Roux - Bullet Proof from serkan söğüt on Vimeo.


Also, the singer of La Roux, Elly Jackson (who I just looked up - girl was born in 1988!?) reminds me of another red headed UK singer with equally interesting fashion choices: Roisin Murphy.  I especially like her hats. Check it out:



(I hate posting youtube videos because they are always cut - unlike vimeo which show the entire frame. Whats up with that? Am I doin it wrong?)

Lazy July Update & Garden Recipe

So I've neglected this sorry-excuse-for-a-blog in recent weeks, partly because of work (y'know, I've been doing work at work instead of crafting blog posts) and partly because I've been too bummed to share this sad story:

The story of blossom end rot.  I lost ALL my beautiful heirloom tomato crop to this dreadful disease. WTF? Calcium deficiency? Next year I'll put some crushed egg shells in the soil to add more calcium.  

However, my yellow gooseberry tomatoes are doing wonderfully.  I've had a very good harvest so far, and they are still ripening every day.   

The first meal I prepared with them was a simple pasta with a white wine sauce.  I just sautéed some garlic in olive oil, added a splash (or three) of white wine, and threw in these yellow tomatoes (halved) and some basil from the garden.  The tomatoes softened just a bit, then we tossed the mixture with some cooked pasta and seasoned with salt/pepper.

And on Tuesday, we had a very light summery dinner:  Sautéed asparagus in an orange dressing, tomato & fresh mozzarella salad, and some sweet corn on the cob:

Sautéed Asparagus in Orange Dressing:

1 bunch asparagus (keep it fresh in the fridge by standing it up in a little water and covering the top with a bag)

1 orange (the juicier the better)

some grated asiago

salt/pepper

Snap the ends off the asparagus, and chop into 2-in pieces (or whatever works for you).  In sauté pan, cover asparagus with water and simmer (a minute or two) until asparagus is bright green. Drain.

Bring asparagus back to pan.  On low heat, drizzle with olive oil and add juice of orange, sauté for a minute or two.  Season with salt/pepper.  

And I like to add some orange zest (1 tbsp?) for color and more flavor.  To finish it off, sprinkle with asiago and serve.  

Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad:

This is my go-to summer meal, since its so easy and tomatoes are abundant.  Toss tomatoes (I halved the cherry tomatoes - yellow ones from the garden, red ones from the store), fresh mozzarella (chopped to equivalent size), olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil (from the garden) & season with salt/pepper.  So good.

And we sat down with our meal, a Spanish Rose wine, and watched "In The Loop" which is an awesome political satire - highly recommended.

TGIFF coming next.