See

It's ALI-I-I-I-I-I-VE! I'm so excited! My roomie bought me this tree in a box for Thanksgiving and there was nothing for weeks; I was sure I made an unsuitable caretaker but last week I saw signs of life!

After intermittment days of dehydrating my little one and then drowning him with water to make up for it, it has survived despite my carelessness and neglect.

Now I'm so worried since I'll be away for 5 days...will it survive without me? I'll have to make sure my other roommate will give it some tlc if he's around town...

Want

the PERFECT black boot.

I have 3 criterion:

1. Boot has to be wide enough to accommodate my wide calf AND leave room for tucking in jeans.

2. flat (not a riding boot)

3. smooth black leather (okay, a 4th)

4. up to my knee. it can't stop mid-calf and EMPHASIZE my already huge calf.

As I've gotten older, shopping to me is more quality than quantity. Mission-based than leisurely. I'm picky. I have a small wardrobe because of this and I have no problems throwing away items that I don't wear or don't like.

Last night I was ready to THROW DOWN the plastic for a pair of boots, whether it was $50 or $400. Okay, I wasn't really looking at $400 boots but I was so frustrated that I was ready to buy anything but nothing was pleasing to to my eye. sigh...I was so flustered and annoyed. I think one sales girl was a little annoyed (I was nice!) but seriously, is it too much to ask!?

I think at that point she could tell I wanted to walk out with a shopping bag because she suddenly had this boot in my size after she initially said she didn't have it! Oh no you didn't lady! I didn't succumb to the unexpected appearing of the size 6.5 black boot. (Calf wasn't wide enough anyway.) So hmmpf. There.

No good for me because my month long search is still unsuccessful.

I've looked online. Did Soho shops. Rumaged through East Village thrift stores. What's a girl to do? I guess I'm waiting to check out the shops in Florida during the holidays...

I'M A KITTY...HEAR ME ROAR, I MEAN PURRR

Jennifer Aniston is all hot and nekkid on the cover of GQ's January issue. I say 39 is the new 19. So, I know she got some goods to cover up but seriously, the photo shoot director should have positioned her hands and arms differently. It just looks awkward to me.

Listen

(Photos courtesy of Sade, India Arie, Ayo., MySpace page)

YOGA BEATS:

I love how a majority of the time, the music we're listening to at that moment is a reflection of our mood or the influence of external factors including television and friends.

I realize I forget so many artists but a certain event or sound will trigger my memory and remind me how much I enjoy the classic r&b sound which then leads me to classic love songs. (But I'll have to save that for next time.)

There's a certain sound to those classics but right now I'm thinking of Sade, India Arie and Ayo. (correctly spelled with a dot under the 'o'). They have these sensual voices that soothe and relax. With such eclectic backgrounds, each woman has their own story to tell...which we'll discuss next time.

I think this entry was meant to be because on the way to work this morning, a guy set up his keyboard and started singing and playing "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch."

Listen to:

Sade - Lovers Rock

India Arie - Brown Skin

Ayo - These Days

Listen

In May 2008, the Kansas City-based group quietly released their LP titled Keep Color through Chop Shop Records and we are just now hearing about them. The Republic Tigers first release "Buildings and Mountains" is a great song with lots of background vocals and electro-instruments. I like the style of this song but unfortunately I'm not a fan of the other songs playing on their myspace page. But for now, "Buildings and Mountains" is Apple iTunes Free Single of the Week so get it now and enjoy!

On another note, you'll be hearing more about Chop Shop Records as I am a fan. Alexandra Patsavas founded the company whose notable work is found on The O.C., Grey's Anatomy and Gossip Girl.

Listen

Greg Laswell
Update: I was unsure about how the Upstairs at the Square event would unfold but it was unexpectedly entertaining. "The Night of the Gun" author, David Carr, was humorous yet genuine, describing his story/memoir. Greg opened the night by playing "What a Day 2008." Host Kristen Lanpher did a great job interviewing both artists asking poignant questions as well as incorporating humor to keep the hour interesting. Greg played "High and Low" and ended the evening by playing his "happy" song "How the Day Sounds." The event will be available to watch on the website on Friday, Sept 11.

Greg Laswell, an artist based in San Diego, California, is part of the Hotel Cafe Tour 2008 and has been featured on television shows including Grey's Anatomy and The Hills. What really draws me to him is his deep voice, piano accompaniment and subtle use of drums. My favorite song is "Sing, Theresa Says." The song, "What a Day" is more on the melancholy side but I like how the chorus picks up; this song was featured on Grey's Anatomy Season 4, Episode 12 (when Meredith wins the sparkly pager for a contest).

Laswell will be playing at the Union Square Barnes & Noble in New York City on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. He'll also be at The Living Room located in the Lower East Side on Thursday, September 11 at 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit his MySpace page.

Want

Free People dress: Unavailable and sold out now, I love it. The colors, the texture, the silhouette...

Listen

to "Until We Bleed" by Kleerup featuring Lykke Li...

Eat

at Le Cirque. I was counting down the minutes to my 1:00 lunch reservation.

Does Le Cirque live up to it's repuation? Oh yes. Decor- a little bland, no music. Service- good. Food- exceptional. Sightings- socialites and Hoda Kotb.

I would put pictures up but I'm still thinking about my extremely moist chicken. How do they do that?

Listen

revisiting Meiko. Since I am a music junkie, I am on a constant search for new artists and songs. I realize I only listen to about 20% of the music on my ipod (unless it's on shuffle) but I love revisiting artists and falling in love with songs all over again. After finding and continuously playing her music a few months ago, I'm revisiting Meiko's music which showcases honest lyrics and a playful but sultry voice; a slight mix of Chantal Kreviazuk and Jem.

Most of Meiko's music complements an afternoon in a cafe or a rainy day but she can't be overlooked. One of my favorite songs is Hawaii, which is a bit more on the dark side but I love it. It makes me forget reality and transports me into daydream mode. Coincidentally, in an interview with ARTISTdirect, the song was a result of a recurring dream about Hawaii even though she had never been there before. Recently released, Boys With GIrlfriends, is an upbeat, cute story put into song...not all her songs are mellow!

Meiko's new album is scheduled for release on September 9 and she'll also make an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on September 11.

Listen

(Photo courtesy of San Jose Mariachi Festival)

to Lila Downs coming to Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn this Friday, August 9. Her colorful melodies and songs are accompanied by her rich and earthy voice, sung in both English and Spanish. She has been featured on movies, the Academy Awards and recently on a Starbucks compilation CD. Lila's new album arrives September 2 and she'll make a visit to New York City on September 15 at Town Hall.

Ponder

Realization: I live in New York. I have a Newsweek subscription...in my name. It's official.

Last week, after 6 months of living in New York, I finally changed my address at the bank. Are we afraid of change? I like to think I embrace change since I've lived as a nomad since starting college...at least 10 apartments, 6 cities and 4 countries later, I've finally settled in the states. I think I'm just afraid of having to change my information and accounts.

A few months ago, I started to experience anxiety and the travel bug. The reality of my situation and "settling down" really scared me. My job search, apartment hunt, I kept thinking "this is it." In my head I was already devising a plan to get out of New York, even though I hadn't even started my life yet. Afraid of change?

I have a job, I love my roommates, I have a one-year lease on my apartment. Before I arrived, I had this grand idea about living and working in the Big Apple but after traveling and experiencing so many cultures and environments, New York is not as amazing as I had pictured it [in my mind]. Don't get me wrong, I do like it here, but I realize there's so much more to see and experience; New York is just another stop along the way.

I know I'll be here at least for a couple of years but I ain't done yet.

Humor Me

Reality Part I

You know you work and live in a tech-y world when your co-worker defines "arts and crafts" as re-coiling computer wires and building shelves for servers...

What is made of vegetable shortening, smells good and will save your day???







Oh yes.

Whoever thought of nice smelling shortening is genius.

This product is tried and true from yours truly and in my purse...always.
With or without socks, sandals, heels, you name it.

Call it chapstick for your feet.

P.S. I am not receiving any perks for advocating this product.

Listen

I'm obsessed! Lately I've been into Swedish artists and the ever so sultry Spanish music. Maybe I should dedicate this entry to Swedish artists....but I love the Spanish songs too...I think my roommate is sick of me.

Click on their name to link to their myspace or click on the title of the song and hopefully be sent to a video.


Artist Spotlight #1: Bebe
Country: Spain
Age: 30
Style: sultry, soothing, sexy
Stats: 2005 Latin Grammy Winner- Best New Artist

[beautiful b/w photo from Juanlu Vela from Time Out Mag]

Listen to the song. The melody is beautiful but the lyrics tell a different story. Read video comments to gather meaning of the song.

Siempre Me Quedara (I Will Always Have)

how to explain that it tears me into thousands,
the little corners of my bones
that the schemes of my life have fallen
now that everything was perfect,
and what's more than that,
you had me under a spell, they'd comment on my weight.
of this little body of mine, that has become a river.
of this little body of mine, that has become a river.

it's hard to open my eyes, and I do it little by little
because you might still be near.
I hold your memory, like the best secret.
how sweet it was to have you inside.
there is a piece of light in all this darkness to lend me peace..
time calms everything, the storm and the silence
time calms everything, the storm and the silence.
I will always have, the gentle voice of the sea

to breathe again, the rain that will fall over this body
and will wet the flower that grows in me.
and I will laugh again, and every day for an instant I will think of you again,
and the gentle voice of the sea
and breathe again, the rain that will fall over this body
and will wet the flower that grows in me.

and I will laugh again. and every day for an instant I will think of you again.
o breathe again, the rain that will fall over this body and will wet the flower that grows in me
and I will laugh again, and every day for an instant I will think of you again. and the gentle voice of the sea.
and to breathe again, the rain that will fall over this body
and will wet the flower that grows in me.
and I will laugh again, and every day for an instant I will think of you again.

[Thanks to YouTube user annisucha for the translation]

Artist Spotlight #2: Lykke Li
Country: Sweden
Age: 22
Style: playful, youthful
Stats: Featured on Grey's Anatomy music guide

[another great b/w photo courtesy of Bylarm online]

All her songs are cute and catchy. The video link I'm posting is for the song "I'm Good, I'm Gone" which is produced in a live format. It features Robyn (yes the singer) and other good Swedish artists.

Other Notable Artists (that I'm listening to at the moment):

Marta Topferova - "Fior Nocturna"

El Perro del Mar - "Glory to the World"

Si*Se - "The Truth"

Lupe Fiasco - "Hip Hop Saved My Life"

Ladytron - "Ghosts" (single version)


Ohmygosh. It is waaay past my bedtime. Why do I elect to torture myself in the mornings?! Taking one for the blog...hehe. Hope you find my current picks as entertaining as I do. Easy Listening!

Ponder Me

I am back after my April hiatus. Has a month already gone by? Before, I was writing just to keep the blog going but I realized there wasn't any heart in it. I've been wanting to write about this incident I had a few weeks back. I remember this day so clearly like it was yesterday and hold back tears in recollection.

I was on the subway and this homeless man was staring at his reflection on the door's window, combing his hair. I don't know if it was his gentle demeanor, his intent to comb his hair or the fact that he looked like he could be a distant uncle but for some reason I felt for him. I wondered what his life was like before the present. I imagined him as an Alaskan musher. He looked so gentle...I could imagine him playing with his grandkids. He is standing here, with his bags set upon his feet and trying to make himself presentable, whether for himself or for the public. As I was feeling guilty about how good I had it, I took a look around and realized everyone else was staring at him in contempt and disgust. I suddenly had the urge to protect him and wanted to tell everyone to mind their own business. They don't know his circumstances. Who are they to judge?

As I left the subway car, I suddenly felt awful that I didn't offer him any of my food since I had done some grocery shopping. I hopped on the tram, replayed the recent scene in my mind and fought back tears. Why is it that society expects people in other countries (aka non-western countries) to be poor. It is expected, seen, and tolerated when we travel to countries in Asia or Africa. But here, in our country, our home, we disregard and sneer at the less fortunate. How is it that we are one of the most developed countries in the world with such a high homeless rate?

I am constantly reminded of my reverse culture shock from living in Ghana to America and I am appalled at how much we live in excess. Don't get me wrong, I have now gotten used to the "American way of life" but when I am reminded, I am daunted by the amount of water, food and recyclables that are wasted every day and ashamed of my frivolous ways. The amazing women in Ghana would walk miles to fetch water, walked the same path home carrying that bucket on their head and used it for washing or cooking for that day. Then the process would repeat the next day. Although some are doing well in these countries, for most, the theme is hard work for survival.

As Sidney Poitier states in The Measure of a Man "What I'm saying is that by having very little, I had it good...Dirt poor and wearing a gunnysack for pants, I inherited such a legacy, and I pity the kids today who are being raised in such a way that they'll be hard-pressed to enjoy the simple things, to endure the long commitments, and to find true meaning in their lives."

I hope I have learned something from my travels; to utilize my education and opportunities to help others and find meaning in my life. I pray that my ambitions and goals are not all in vain. Most of all, I hope I can find happiness and enjoy the simple things in life.

Decorate

Spring is here...YAY! It's about time...

I've been meaning to take a before and after picture of this idea but since I find myself with little time lately, I'll just have to get some from the world wide web.

I'm really into this reuse and recycle decorating, I mean, good for the environment and better for the wallet. What could be better?

My clean, empty jar (yes, I ate all the strawberry preserves) has been sitting on my desk for weeks now. I've been meaning to buy a small bouquet of fresh flowers to decorate my desk.

I'm becoming a fan of diynetwork which has lots of good tips on home decorating. Martha has an article about putting enamel on old jars; it definitely looks nicer but again, time factor. It would be a good Saturday activity.

According to Flower Society, the most popular spring flower is the classic Dutch tulip but others include the daffodil, iris, lily, cyclamen, and the crocus.
(Thanks to Flower Society and Flowers.org.uk for the pics).

Tell Me

Yesterday was such a good day.

The beautiful weather, sunshine, a little bit of vino at 3:30 in the afternoon at work, it was great. Different co-workers on two separate occasions spotted Lindsay Lohan outside our building. Found out Pharrell was shooting a video next door. (No wonder all those girls were standing outside this whole week, I thought it was a club or restaurant opening). I wanted a peek on the action and considered going on a smoke break as well but since I don't smoke, that plan was doomed from the start.

Come 6:00 I chilled outside the building for a bit and in those few minutes I spotted Lindsay smoking with a friend (quite sure it was Samantha Ronson), Pharrell walked past (I believe we made eye contact) and I watched as he ended up taking a picture with these girls next to me.

I wonder how this video is going to be.  Hm, is Lindsay in it?  I wonder if he's wearing the same green hat in the video?  Since I'm deprived of a television set, let me know when it comes out.  

Indulge Me

Yay. My earring and ring have been found! I'm so happy. Found in my purse and at work, respectively.

Okay, so today has been the second time this has happened to me in the past month and I just wonder. I'm at the market and I see this fairly cute guy there, we make eye contact then look away. Make eye contact later again and is there a little eye flirting going on? I don't know, maybe. See him again and we have to squeeze by each other to get through narrow aisles. I wonder what he's thinking. Does he think I'm cute? Are strands of hair all over my face? I wish I would've put my lip gloss on. Would he even attempt to try to get my number at the grocery store? Probably not. If he would have asked, I would have given him my number.

And, about a month ago at a different grocery store, this guy asked me if I knew where the non-dairy condensed milk was. I proceeded to tell him that it should be here with the rest of the condensed milk (which is wasn't) or possibly checking out the soy section. He was cute and nice. We had a small conversation and it ended there.

There are articles and YouTube videos giving tutorials on how to pick up women at the grocery store. I mean, even Carmen Electra said she likes meeting men at the grocery store. Is this strange? Maybe. But why do I feel like it's better/safer meeting a guy at the grocery store rather than some bar at 1 in the morning. Could be the fact that I find it a bit attractive that some guy is making the effort to go shopping and cook his own meal. Unfortunately, for all I know, he could have been on his way making a dinner and non-dairy dessert for his girlfriend.

Although everyone says not to judge a book by its cover (although I know you do!) can a shopping basket tell all about a person? Are personalities associated with types of food? Would you consider certain types of food to make that person boring? I guess if a guy had 5 bottles of gin in his basket, that would be an indicator that he might not be date material.

Let's hope 3rd time is a charm for me.

Humor Me

Random Tidbits:

- I had this dream the other night that this guy and his 2 dogs were chasing me and a friend (there was some serious running involved because I woke up with heart palpitations!). In the end it was all a joke my boyfriend played on me...who happened to be Michael Vartan; then I woke up. It's a sign.

- LOST EARRING-
*If found, please return to original owner. Email here please.*
Thanks to NYC and it's almost-hurricane level winds last night.

- Another thanks to my awful memory. Today I left on my fave ring in the bathroom at work and who knows if I'll find it again. Maybe Michael Vartan will return it to me, then I'll know for sure it was meant to be.

- Tomorrow (Saturday, March 22) is International Pillow Fight Day. No joke. I'll see you in Union Square! Some cities aren't participating due to inclement weather so check the schedule. Are you supposed to bring your own pillow? I like my hypoallergenic pillow. What if people use "hard" pillows, I don't want a black eye.

- Do you ever look at something online and repeatedly place it in your shopping cart, hoping to buy it for yourself after you've made up reasonable excuses? Well, I just checked my shopping cart the other day and the yellow purse I've been saving since December is out of stock and I'm so upset now! Ugh! It wasn't even that expensive AND on sale...why did I wait? (sigh).
This $795 Gustto bag is gorgeous...but it's not the same.
It wasn't waiting to be bought for 3 months.

- People magazine paid J.Lo (or she likes to be called Jennifer Lopez now) $6 million for the coveted photos of her new twins. I sincerely hope she's donating that money to a charity and not buying more custom-made Dolce & Gabbana fur wraps for Max and Emme. I couldn't find a picture. They're custom-made.

- Okay, I think that's it.

- Have an enlightening and exciting Easter weekend.

Eat

Hope you had a fun, Guinness-drinking St. Patrick's Day yesterday. All that green got me thinking about food, of course. More along the lines of healthy food and what we should be eating. I actually enjoy eating healthy but I think I have a problem with portion control. All the articles say eat a handful of nuts, it's good for you, but somehow one thing leads to another and a handful becomes half a canister. In my head I'm telling myself, "It's healthy..."

Recently I read this article about foods you should be eating everyday. Let's have a lesson.

1. Spinach

2. Yogurt

3. Tomatoes4. Carrots
5. Blueberries

6. Black beans
7. Walnuts
8. Oats
So honestly, how many of these do you have in your refrigerator? I have 5 of the 8 most of the time. If blueberries and tomatoes weren't so friggin expensive, I would have those on hand. I would have to say I don't eat black beans on a regular basis...I don't' like to get gassy.

I love throwing in "add-on's" to my meals. Plain or vanilla yogurt with a handful of my fiber cereal with some raisins and a banana with a sprinkle of cinnamon (which I hear is good for you). Microwave plain oatmeal with raisins (so they're warm and soft), a spoonful of strawberry preserves and flax seed, which adds a nutty flavor along with omega-3.


This nice photo and meal? Done by yours truly. A great meal to eat during the cold winter. My version of this turkey chili happened to be very cost efficient. The receipt came to about $20. I made 2 batches over a 3 week span which fed me about 10 meals. Quite sick of it now but it was tasty at the time. Alter it and add your own ingredients; put it on a bun, add some yellow rice to the side, whatever you feel like. I improvised some ingredients and portions because of availability or price. I added frozen peppers instead of only red or yellow. I didn't have the chili spices so I used a taco seasoning packet.

m's version of turkey chili
1. Brown 1/2 chopped onion with similar portion of red/yellow/green peppers (whatever you can find).
2. Add 1 lb. of lean ground turkey until almost brown. Add taco seasoning packet and spoonful of minced garlic.
3. Add 2 cans of diced tomatoes and 1-2 small cans of tomato sauce. (Depending on if you like it chunky.)
4. Add 2 cans of beans. (Here's your opportunity to use black beans! I used red and white kidney beans, I think the norm is pinto.)
5. I also added a can of corn.
6. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
7. I also threw in some hot sauce, splenda and more random spices like paprika, Italian spices and black pepper.

Yum.

Listen

Lately I've been into this melancholy, dark music. You know, perfect for those rainy days while you're sitting with your cup of coffee in your hand looking out the window? Okay, maybe that's just me. haha. Anyway, after some digging I came across these two artists that I have been listening to non-stop. Coincidentally enough, they're playing together on the Hotel Cafe Tour with a whole bunch of other names and I'm extremely sad that the NY show is sold out.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Meiko

I love her song Hawaii. Seriously, I can't stop listening to it. It's a slow, dark piece with lyrics that makes me forget reality. This song and Reasons To Love You were actually featured on the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack for season 4, the two which happen to be my faves. She has a deep, raspy voice; a mix of Chantal Kreviazuk and Jem. Reasons To Love You is more upbeat and cute. Here's her MySpace page.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: William Fitzsimmons

Don't be fooled by his crazy facial hair. His voice is really...manly. Deep, raspy but complimented with his guitar work. A combination of Joshua Radin and Mac Powell and maybe the guy from Creed? It's good. His music has been featured on a few movies and more recently Grey's Anatomy as well. Passion Play and Shattered are good songs. His MySpace.

If you like that chill indie music, check out the Hotel Cafe Tour artist lineup. They have similar styles but all of them are really great (some of my faves): Kate Havnevik, Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin, Priscilla Ahn, Ingrid Michaelson...Ok, I have to stop. I'm getting depressed typing their names.