Vegetarian Fail

I tried to eat a portabella mushroom "burger" last night for dinner.  Needless to say, I did not succeed.  I think Ron Swanson and I have more in common that either of us would care to admit.

Goodbye Gourmet

I came across these photos (more here) taken of Gourmet Magazine's office space as its former employees packed up their belongings and relegated what was once a bustling space overflowing with creativity,drive, and talent into nothing more than a corporate ghost town.

My former company, Hecht's Department Stores, was sold to Macy's in 2006 and this scene is all too familiar to me.  It is one of the few situations in which everyone in an organization - no matter what their position - is profoundly affected by a singular event in much the same way at the exact same time. Going through such a transition may be devastating or it may be exciting. But it is always a little bit frightening, and something that those affected will always remember.

Unfortunately, many industries are constantly plagued by the uncertainty of corporate buyouts and mass layoffs.  Many of my former coworkers at Hecht's, who relocated after accepting positions at one of Macy's buying offices, were laid off once again after their new employer consolidated its corporate locations.  Since witnessing the fall of many print giants - Domino, Modern Bride, Blender, and Teen magazines (among many others) -  last year, it's easy to see that the magazine and fashion industries have something in common.

Fortunately, you can still get your fashion and design fix... virtually, at least.  Below are two of my favorite online offerings.

Lonny Magazine

If this impeccably designed online shelter mag looks familiar, it's because it was launched by a former Domino Staffer and her photographer friend.  The "Neutral Palette" and "Into The West" spreads featured in the 3rd issue makes me sigh (in a good way) and the entire first issue is perfection.

ELIZA Magazine

Founded in 2007 by Ford model Summer Bellessa, this magazine is everything you'd expect it to be given its parentage.  Don't miss the "Jewel in the Rough", "Dance Fever!", and "Discover Austin, Texas" articles in the winter issue (issue 11).  I'm swooning.  Literally, I'm like up to my elbows in swoon.

[Gourmet Magazine scoop from Courtney at In(side) the Loop]

Avert Your Eyes!

Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate

I think I gained 3 pounds just looking at this photo.

(Sorry. I tried to warn you.)

Go here for the recipe. Afterward, be sure to click here.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Rabbits, Beware.

Now that I'm in school and have approximately negative 72 hours per day to cook, I've been consuming the following:

Salad

Salad

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

Salad

...I'm not sure if you caught that, but I've been eating a lot of salad lately. And I am NOT the kind of person who regularly sits down to meal of lettuce. But, while I was in Tennessee visiting Brain last month, we decided to make a simple Asian salad, comprised of a bed of lettuce topped with mushrooms, peanuts, chow mien, and light Asian vinaigrette. (See? Simple!) It is SO GOOD. (According to Brain, adding rice vinegar sauteed steak only ups its awesome factor.) Another Salad that I'd love to try? Gwyneth's Chicken Salad. I'm down with the whole chicken-salad-on-a-pita thing. (Here's one version that I've made in the past and adored.)

But, one cannot subsist on one fabulous salad recipe and one seemingly fabulous chicken salad recipe alone. Which is why I fully intend to file Mark Bittman's 101 Simple Salads article (the recipes are garnering rave reviews!) in my recipe index.

And they say Nurse Anesthesia students gain 15 pounds by graduation... puh-shaw!

Shaw-co-lot

Brain and I share a love of chocolate - we especially love the rich, dark variety. (That's what she said!) Once, following a nice meal, Brain introduced me to the glorious pairing of dark chocolate with a nice port. I would try to describe the taste to you, but that would be like attempting to describe the second coming of Christ, so... yeah.

I just caught wind of Askinosie Chocolate, hand-made bars of goodness created by an ex-defense attorney and based in Springfield, Illinois. Bean growers in Africa are given a share of the company's profits and Mr Askinosie works with local homeless children to teach them the joys and demands of running a successful and socially conscious business. Which, when you think about it, means that if you don't buy and consume this chocolate you're essentially giving African workers and disadvantaged American youth the middle finger. Is this actually the case? Probably not. Am I grasping for any excuse to eat artisan sweets? You betcha.

This Makes Me Hungry

I could really go for some Pixie Stix topped with pin cushins right about now.

[Featured on Goldteef]

Costco, For The Win!

While at home, my gorgeous mother and I were running errands around town and decided to stop at (my new favorite store ever) Costco for some household goods. Well, as luck would have it, Costco was selling Cuisinart's Blender/Food Processor - yes, the exact model I waved in Brain's face mentioned previously - for the unbeatable price of $59.99! And here I thought Costco only sold party-sized veggie trays and 72oz bottles of Kirkland brand shampoo. Silly me!

First up: I'll be taking the strawberries which have been waiting ever so patiently for me in my freezer since Claire and I picked them from a farm down the road:


These little guys can anticipate being coarsely blended and added to an ice-filled glass of Simply Lemonade with a smidge* of Tito's Vodka and garnished with a slice of lemon.

Spiked Strawberry Lemonade by potmeetkettle on Polyvore.com

If I become addicted to this delicious beverage and find myself, years from now, homeless, jobless, and penniless after multiple failed attempts at the rehab institution du jour, I'll have no one to blame but Costco.

*You can safely assume that my understanding of the term "smidge" differs significantly from that conjured up by those teetotalers over at Merriam-Webster.

Ugh.

I'll be turning the big 2-9 one week before Brain returns from his deployment. This means that the poor guy is stuck coming up with a gift from afar. This task is made infinitely more challenging by the fact that Brain is allergic to the post office as well as the realization that I myself don't even know what I want for my birthday.

I spent some time on the Internet searching for things that pique my interest in an effort to address problem numero dos. In doing so I realized that with grad school (and it's accompanying loans) on the horizon, my interests are leaning towards affordable necessities, as opposed to splurges. So, without further adieu, here are a few gifts I'd be happy to open next month, with a couple of trinkets thrown in for good measure.

J.Crew White Denim Jacket ($98.00)

A summer staple!

Jack Spade Merino Mustache Gloves (SALE $65.00)

I realize that, with a birthday in July, I shouldn't be asking for wool gloves. But just look at these puppies! Heck, I would be excited to open these if I lived along the equator. Besides, you can't beat the price of winter gloves in the summer time.

J.Crew Cashmere Wash ($18.00)

I heart my cashmere. It's about time I act as such.

The Sound Advice Project ($25.00, including S&H)

A love note from My Favorite that I can wear forever and always? Yes, please.

Asics Gel 1140 ($85.00)

A healthy means to deal with the inevitable stress of graduate school.

www.someecards.com (Free!)

A nice, long belly laugh...

Cuisinart Blender/Food Processor ($99.99)

Because, let's face it, I'm like 28 going on 58. That and my Magic Bullet just died... R.I.P. little buddy.

(Random Fun Fact: This is the same gadget Marshall uses to liquify his breakfast in preparation for the New York City Marathon during the second season of How I Met Your Mother. It's like famous or something!!)

Kiehl's Products by potmeetkettle on Polyvore.com

Finally, in the off-chance that I could possibly appear more beautiful than I do at this exact moment*, I'd like to sample the following wares from Kiehls, which the masses have been raving about FOR-E-VER.

Caviar with Stringy Band Ring by Andrea Corson ($320 plus S&H)

I don't eat caviar, but I'd be more than happy to wear some!

Of course, what I most wish for on my birthday is a big bear hug from this guy:

Best. Birthday present. Ever.

But, you know what they say - good things come to those who wait... To which I respond, I hate "they".

*Note: I am currently plopped on the couch in my hospital scrubs, with a green facial mask slathered on my face. In the words of Paris Hilton, "That's hot!"