THE UNIFORM PROJECT

What is it?

The Video Explaination:



(From her website:)

The Idea

Starting May 2009, I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies. Think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade's boudoir.

The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums.

The Story of Uniforms

I was raised and schooled in India where uniforms were a mandate in most public schools. Despite the imposed conformity, kids always found a way to bend the rules and flaunt a little personality. Boys rolled up their sleeves, wore over-sized swatches, and hiked up their pants to show off their high-tops. Girls obsessed over bangles, bindis and bad hairdos. Peaking through the sea of uniforms were the idiosyncrasies of teen style and individual flare. I now want to put the same rules to test again, only this time I'm trading in the catholic school fervor for an eBay addiction and relocating the school walls to this wonderful place called the internet.

The Dress

How do you design a dress that can be worn all year around? The mastermind behind the uniform dress is my friend and designer, Eliza Starbuck. We took inspiration from one of my staple dresses, improving upon the shape and fit to add on some seasonal versatility. The dress is designed so it can be worn both ways, front and back, and also as an open tunic. It’s made from a durable, breathable cotton, good for New York summers and good for layering in cooler seasons. With deep hidden pockets to appease my deep aversion for carrying purses. More photos of the dress and the dressmaking process coming soon to the Uniform Blog.

The Accessories

The hats and plumes, the dickeys and drapes, the shoes and slips, the belts and brooches – much of what you will see are byproducts of my cyber-slacking on eBay and Etsy, backed by visits to the many local vintage boutiques, thrift stores and flea markets of New York. I am also collaborating with other designers and friends to create original pieces. If you are looking to purge some of your old accessories or if you would like to design a piece or concept an ensemble for The Uniform Project, see Donate Accessories.

The project was written up in the New York Times Magazine blog on November 6th too!

You may be asking --- What has she worn so far?
May, June, July, August, September, October, November...
Tragically there was a fatal accident in the building where they were holding the 6 month celebration of this project last weekend and they have suspended photos at this time. From all that I've read about Jerry Fuchs it sounds like he was a wonderful friend, band mate and overall great man and that he will be missed.

They are still taking donations during this time of mourning even though they have stopped posting photos as of November 10th. I am hoping she will start up again after a period of mourning as this is such an interesting project.

Living Large for Less in NYC

Hurry -- Some deals expire soon!!

Three ways to get out there are see more of it for less in NYC.

Carnegie Hall's Prelude Notables Membership

If you're 39 or under as of September 1, 2009 you can join the $20 Notables membership and are able to purchase tickets (I think 2 tickets per performance) to Carnegie Hall Presents shows for... $20 each while they last.

I've been using this membership for 1 month so far and have seen:

Ravi Shanker & Anoushka Shanker

The Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile

Lang

Lang and Friends

New York City Opera's BIG DEAL

From their website:

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL!?

The ultimate cultural experience. Fun, accessible, affordable…a BIG DEAL!

Between 21 – 39 years of age? Save BIG on tickets!
New York City Opera’s BIG DEAL! program offers opera-goers 21 to 39 years old an affordable and easy way to experience world-class opera at a fraction of the price. Big Dealers can buy two orchestra tickets at just $30 each, two weeks before any performance. That’s a savings of up to $115 per ticket!

I've had a Big Deal membership for a few years... although last year they didn't offer it as the Opera was more closed than open. The offerings are fewer than in years past due to financial troubles in this economy. Go out and enjoy Opera in NYC! We don't want to loose it!

Tickets for $25 or Less
Don't want to get a membership and don't have a lot of cash? For every performance during the season, New York City Opera offers tickets for $25 or less both as single tickets and on subscription packages. These $20 and $12 seats are located in our 4th and 5th ring for every performance.

New York Philharmonic

From their website:

For a limited time you can experience the magic of Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic at an extraordinary introductory rate: pick your favorite three concerts* and you'll receive a 33% discount. That's like getting one of your hand-picked concerts free.

BUT HURRY – THIS OFFER ENDS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH AT MIDNIGHT.

After that, the cost of great music goes up.

Go - See - ENJOY!!

We laughed... we cried... we had a nice star sighting to boot (Sam Rockwell is quite handsome in person.)

Which show am I talking about? Brighton Beach Memoirs now back on Broadway in NYC. Myself and 3 friends (including one feller) - we ALL enjoyed the show!

The cast is AMAZING. They are actors and entertainers.

Two women you've seen on small and big screens for years, Laurie Metcalf and Jessica Hecht were wonderful! Truly.

If the young actors in this show are apreview of what we have to look forward to from the next generation -- hip hip HOORAY!

Young Noah Robbins, who plays Eugene (the main character and narrator) stole the show. You hang on his every word.

Although the story is set in 1937... it's as relevant and relatable now as it ever was. A war holds their interest and family, jobs and money are scarce and families have bound together to make sure they all survive.

I'm hoping to see Broadway Bound after it opens November 18th. Same family - 12 years later.

Don't hesitate to buy a ticket and enjoy a great play on Broadway. It will be money well spent!

Birthday Festivities

This year I wasn't racing out to celebrate my birthday. Not for fear of turning another year older, but because I'd been so busy that keeping it quiet would be nice.

That didn't happen -- and it was still nice!

A week before said birthday my BF swooped in to take me on an adventure to New Jersey. (Insert joke here.)

We drove through some back roads, into and out of some small cities and just when I was feeling almost like he was lost, we parked on the street in a suburb of Jersey City. We got out of the car, all dressed up, carrying 3 bottles of wine. He looked confused.

The clues:

*Bring an appetite

*BYOB -- I'd brought a selection of wines since I had no idea the cuisine ahead of me.

We wandered up into the houses in this suburban neighborhood. I followed as he walked into a strangers home. Total confusion cleared up as I realized this house was an intimate reservation only restaurant.

The destination? 15 Fox Place, Jersey City, NJ

The house is set up with tables in all of the rooms, including the bedrooms, creating quite an intimate setting. The homes kitchen is, well, the kitchen! The owners have another "regular" restaurant nearby, but not as intimate and special as this one.

They offer one seating per night (open only a few nights a week) and everyone in the house eats the same meal. To some of you that might sound scary to not have a choice of what to eat, but have no fear, you won't go hungry no matter your likes and dislikes! The meal began at 7:15pm and we grazed through 17 courses until we had enjoyed the final course at nearly 11pm.

If you want to treat yourself or a loved one to a lovely, albeit glutenous, night - GO! Enjoy!!

The following weekend I really had decided to keep it quiet during the birthday...but my amazing group of friends began to call asking for a drink out or dinner (thank you all!) Rather than running all over I decided to take them to my favorite noodle soup dive in Chinatown followed by catching Julie and Julia at the cinema. (I'd already seen it on opening day 2 days prior - so good!) After the cinema we popped into a pub for a drink to bring in the actual birthday at midnight -- and yes, there was cake!!

But wait - there's MORE!

I was told drinks were a MUST ON ones birthday... so after Monday's work day, many of us journeyed to AYZA Wine & Chocolate Bar. Tasty treats, chocolates and libations were enjoyed by all!!! (Did anyone get photos??) Thanks to all for a very memorable and fun Birthday celebration.

Birthday Party Day

This week was a blur of sleeping, working and trying to remember if I should be sleeping or working.

Thursday afternoon I was struck by a car key chain that I saw in the Let's Make Cute Stuff by Aranzi Aronzo! book. From that key chain shape I decided to make up a pillow for my nephew since he was about to get his very on room for the first time. Between Thursday early evening and late night (before and after the wine bar) and Friday evening after work before we drove up to Massachusetts, I was able to finish it up.

The result? A super cute zooming car pillow!!

Zoooooooooooooooom!!

I was happy to have all of the materials in my cupboards awaiting this whirlwind project. Even had the rick rack and piping ready to go.

I found the pillow in his fort on Sunday while helping him look for a misplaced toy, so I guess he likes it. (Hard to compare with new toys at the party... I mean.. it was a GeoTrax fest!)

The party was, as always, contributed to by many creative types. From the "cake" -- a jumbo rice crispies/marshmallow mix in the shape of a dinosaur... to the decorate your own cake car from the Tar Pit!

While some of the big kids were putting together the GeoTrax pieces (old and new), others were building the K'Nex Double Ferris Wheel. How many engineers does it take to put together a toy marked at good for ages 8+?

As the party wound down we busted out the Laser Discs and sung Karaoke until we were dog tired! Fun was had by all! Hmmm...now what to make for my niece for her new room? Her birthday is in a month...

You Take The Good, You Take The Bad...

Sitting here in Chang Ping, China I must announce that the videos are in and the choice was made and sadly I was not chosen this time to join Bobby Flay on Grill It season 2! It would have been fun for sure.

Perhaps they didn't like the video (it was difficult to cut it down so much!), didn't like the recipes (which would be shocking since all of my taste testers have left their plates clean) or I simply didn't fit into the mix this time. There's always next time.

Longer versions of both recipes I'm adding below (includes more info on the recipes themselves that was cut from the submitted version.) Thanks to the great Jimmy Chan for both doing the photography and editing! I will be helping Jimmy on a project of his own between trips to Massachusetts, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Toronto and California...and that's just the travel coming up on the next 2 months!


Grilled Pork Skewers



Grilled Red Snapper with Thai Vegetables


Enjoy!

NOW I'M COOKING & NEED YOUR VOTE

My entry video is posted!
My entry video is posted!!
For what you ask?

I've entered for a chance to head out to LA and do one episode of
Grilling It! with Bobby Flay!!

My video is posted HERE.

Please go take a peek and if you like it, which I'm sure you will, PLEASE RATE IT!

What's on the menu? Two recipes that I created.

Appetizer:
*Pork Skewers with a Mango Dipping Sauce (the skewers are tastily marinaded before grilling)




Entree:
* Grilled Red Snapper with Coconut Thai Veg (all wrapped up in a banana leaf!)

You will have to sit through a 10-15 second commercial from Food TV (sorry), but I'm sure the video will entertain enough to make it worth your while!!!




Go, Click, Rate and even comment if you have the time! I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Please also pass this along to your friends!

If for some reason the link doesn't take you directly to my video, my video is titled Grilled Pork Skewers & Red Snapper with Coconut Thai Veg and is currently listed under Most Recent.

Thanks everyone!!!

(In the photo with me that's Jim, the videographer, during a break trying some pork... It was all gone in a flash!!)

In knitting...

A long overdue look at the WIPs , UFOs and FOs...

The biggest FO? The felted intarsia bag I designed for Debbie Stoller's next Stitch 'n Bitch book (the advanced one.)

The photo sample has been done for a few months (weeee) and I think she's got everything she needs from me to go forward.

It's here that I must admit how much I like using Knit Visualizer on my Mac for charting. Oooh-la la!!!
More on that as the months progress!!

A long overdue congratulations to my friend Shannon Okey for her recent placement as EDITOR of Yarn Forward magazine!! I'm hoping to collaborate with her on some things inthe near future. More on THAT as the months progress too!

On the sticks:
*Wrapping up the two-stranded man's skully (in Frog Tree Alpaca).
*Stained Glass Scarf (in Frog Tree Alpaca) from handknit holidays - double-knitting.
*Mermaid mits
*cotton child's hat for the next Bonadurer coming this month!

And did you see the article in the Observer this week? Yeah for Knitty City & Ravelry for the shout out!

Some things are too fun to leave behind!

I took these photos on my last whirlwind trip a few months back in China but never took the time to post them. Now's as good a time as any eh?

It seems where ever I go in Asia, the women like to show the peace sign, with both hands.
Here I was asked to show it with my ails out since she had just done them. There had been a small battle amongst the gals as to who'd get to do the white ladies nails (there aren't many white ladies who visit that region and even less who go to the local mall to get their nails done) but as always - when in Rome!

I asked her to give me what was the MOST popular thing right now in nail fashion locally.
She did!

Fingers: Sparkle PLENTY!


Toes: Dressed in flowers and sparkle too!

There was even a feller now working there. I liked his tattoo which seemed to cover an unusual looking scar. See how he's on that tiny stool? No fancy seats or massage chairs here! Just a bucket with warm water for a soak and then they get to work!

I have to make prints of the photos with the nail gal for her booth before I go back in 2 weeks. She said it would "up her cred" to have a photo with her Caucasian customer.

Pretty

Sometimes things in the kitchen are just so pretty. (ie: leeks and tomato in the pan cooking at right.)

I made this soup today -- Winter Lentil Soup -- which is perfect. I can't think of a single reason to change the recipe.

Try it! You won't be sorry!!!
Oh -- and it's super healthy to boot!!!

Happy Birthday Jane!

Jane joins us this month in the 30s club!!!
It's nice that we were able to meet the lovely Jane while on the singles weekend away last Memorial Day weekend. My friend and I had booked the 4 day weekend away, single, a few months in advance. By the time we went, we were no longer single but thought we'd go for the heck of it.

Let's just say the sports and activites by day were lovely. It's the lusty 15-year-old boys attitudes that were carried by the 30/40/50 something men that was so lousy.
Thankfully, as said, we were no longer looking to meet men for any sort of relationship (especially notches on belts), but we did met Jane!

Jane threw a lovely party last night at the White Rabbit Lounge down on East Houston. Her friend Orion was tending bar and the staff who were taking care of us - did in deed take care of us. The apps they sent around were tasty too. No complaints. Seems a lovely time was had by all!!

Happy 30th Jane! Many happy returns!!!

Rockin' and Rollin'

Jane's been telling us for the longest time that we need to come hear her friend Orion and his band play (The Orion Experience). Sadly every time she's announced a show, I've been busy. But...not this time! She gave me enough notice that it was planted in my calendar and voila!

Mercury Lounge, Thursday night, 10pm.

SJ & Hiromi were able to join me and we met Jane and her pals there too!

The band: Front man, Orion Simprini on lead & vocals.
Linda Horwatt shown here in the sequined shirt and cape, sings vocals and plays a little keyboard. Not pictured, guitarist Reef, drummer Jon Weber and bassist Chris Lucas.

Catchy tunes like "Obsessed with You" have set You Tube on fire with Fan videos containing coked-up Mr. Potato Heads, teen age girls and stalker fans.
Even Perez Hilton has sung their praises!

Check out their new video:
Obsessed with You.

One aside... I really liked the performance. The band seems to have a great chemistry and their tunes kept my attention through out the set. I've since met Orion twice off stage and he's a lovely fellow. BUT...No more white trousers!!! I think that was the thing I heard most from the women in the audience. Whispers of "They're great, but what's with the white pants on the men?" Yes, the next band also had men sporting (tighter) white jeans...um - still a no no. They just don't look good!!

Orion, call me up before your NBC gig and we'll put together a great outfit for nationwide consumption! (A white suit on TV...no no no! TV adds 10lbs before you add a WHITE SUIT!!!)

Towards the end of the set Yuko was able to stop in too! After the music we headed down the block for a feast of Turkish and Middle Eastern delights.

Snowy Saturday!!!

While SJ spent the day relaxing and recuperating (it's almost been a ful 6 weeks since his surgery), I bopped down to Chelsea to meet with a few friends to view the Postcards From the Edge... Benefit for Visual AIDS Benefit Sale

Over 1,500 original postcard-sized works of art. $75 EACH. Buy 4 cards and get 1 free!
First-come, first served. Unfortunately what they mean by first come, first served is that once the postcard is bought it's removed... so I know next year I need to arrive when it opens!

"Postcards From the Edge is a Visual AIDS benefit show and sale of original, postcard-sized works on paper by established and emerging artists. All works are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The works are signed on the back and exhibited so the artists' signatures cannot be seen. While buyers receive a list of all participating artists, they don't know who created which piece until purchased.

All proceeds support the work of Visual AIDS, utilizing contemporary art for AIDS advocacy and historicizing the work of HIV-positive artists while offering career support."

From here we popped across the street to a restaurant on the south east corner of 23rd and 10th avenue. No, I don't remember the name. I do recall the waiter being funny, the food being sparse and the cost being more than it should have though. Jo, as always, rode her bike. She's a total road warrior - snow and all!

A subway hop home, toss together some cheeses, sausages, crackers, dips and snacks, pop the wine and voila...time to hang out with SJ and his friend before we head to the show. What are we seeing?

Al Di Meola World Sinfonia '09: Fusion Jazz Guitar Legend at The Concert Hall (2 west 64th street). Happily my friend Lisa is back from her holidays at home with family in Italy and was able to join us. The space at the Concert Hall was wonder. Small, almost intimate with a feeling of a modern church (which I think it's used as more often than not.)

The international ensemble was wonderful.

Beautiful sound and well worth trudging out in the snow for!!

If Di Meola comes your way, run, don't walk, to get a ticket or two.

Happy and Sad

It's often the little things isn't it?
Today I had to throw away my mug. The mug that I drink my coffee in. Have that cup of soup in. The mug that makes me smile and maybe even giggle when I pull it out of the cabinet.

It's my foolish Uncle Donut mug that I picked up years ago in the mall at the Peak in Hong Kong at, duh, Uncle Gene's Donuts. They make mini donuts and serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Perhaps I'll makeit back to the peak of these trips. It's just so out of the way from where my work brings me in HK.

Rather than dwelling, I met up with my friend Allegra for an early breakfast at my local diner, the Metro Diner.

She was in town for an interview and we were lucky to be able to meet up! I figured I'd best take this opportunity to give her her house warming/holiday gift!!

By the way --- if there's anyone who's reading this who needs a wonderfully talented designer of children's clothing/textiles etc., drop me a line as she's just WONDERFUL!!! (Damned layoffs!) Full time? Freelance? Let me know!

It was a wonderful way to start the day after the mug incident.

Thanks for meeting for breakfast!!!

Gypsy!

I was so happy that Sandi and Jason were able to join me for dinner at Hagi followed by this amazing show! As always, [Sake Bar] Hagi was delish!The Pork with garlic sprouts was simple and fantastic . I have a difficult time finding the garlic sprouts in the US. Sometimes I can find them in Chinatown. What are they some have asked? Think chives but thicker and with a garlic flavor. Um - YUM! We of course got the Daikon Radish Salad with its million little eyes from the crispy tiny sardines that top it, a bowl of Pork Ramen, Bonito Sashimi, and grilled Hamachi (Yellowtail collar grilled and served with lemon. Perfect.)

I'm thrilled to have been able to see Patti LuPone in such a wonderful role as Mamma Rose last night. I'd been dying to see Gypsy for months when Monday an email popped up saying this was its last week. LAST WEEK! I sent out an email and a few friends were game to join me (thankfully the email also had discount codes!) Tuesday I dashed to the box office (to save the $10-$15 worth of per ticket fees) and got 3 of the last 10 tickets available. WOW!

It has been said long before now that LuPone was made for this role. She certainly gave it 110%. She must be exhousted at the end of each performance. Boyd Gains portrays an amazing

Herbie. You feel his pain and his love for Mamma Rose. Her more mild manored and wall floweresque daughter, Louise, is played beautifully by Laura Benanti. When she breaks out of her shell she transforms into a beautiful and sexy woman. Really well done.

What a wonderful night.

On the way out, crowds across the street were going crazy as Daniel Radcliff came out after performing in Equus. I'm hoping to see him before he leaves.

So many shows closing. Let's hope that Broadway figures a way to lower ticket prices during this economy before it's gone to a place of no return.

Is it Out with the Old or Onward and Upward?

2008 was a busy and explosive year around my house full of life's ups, downs and surprises.

*Was thrilled to witness a gorgeous wedding - Indian and Puerto Rican - in PR dressed in a beautiful Sari with wonderful friends. (Little did I know there could be more Sari’s in my future.)

*I met a beautiful man in the early summer who I’m blessed to still be in the company of.

*Watched a dear friend, of my age, go through breast cancer, a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy, coming out the other side with her wicked sense of humor still in tact.

*Missed out on another trip to South Africa. (Not that I wasn't invited...I had to work. Grrrr.)

*Designed and finished a felted intarsia handbag for the next book in the Stitch and Bitch series.

*Had all of her travel in the last quarter of the year canceled due to budget cuts. The timing ended up being more perfect then I ever could have expected it to be.

*Learned more than I’d ever expected to about partial nephrectomies and spent a few days and nights in the hospital, bedside, with fingers crossed.

*Was witness to either a miracle or brilliant stroke of pure luck.

*Designed 2 more collections that WILL (with positive thinking) help to keep the company I have worked at for the last 10 years charging ahead in this uncertain economy.

*Rejoiced in the outcome of the election.

*Was blessed with the love, caring and affection of friends far and wide right when I needed it. I’ll never be able to thank you all enough for that.

*Got an approval I’ve waited my entire life to get.

I know I’ve taken some time off from this space...but I’m back...even if it’s a little less often than before. One of these days I’ll be able to just think it and it’ll appear on the screen...until then it’s a constant balancing act!

Looking forward to seeing you all around again... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

NEW PRESS
It's Fedora Season!!! Available at Hats.com!

Stitch and Bitch -- HERE I COME!

Yes, I've been a little quiet these last few months.
Thinking. Going out. Exploring NYC in the summer (I was home all summer for the first time in 10 years!!) Eating. Finding new watering holes. Spending time with friends. Making new friends. Gardening...

And... KNITTING.

Although I'm not sure if I can yet post any photos...I can say...
My piece for the next S-n-B book (the advanced book) is DONE and will soon be in the hands of Ms. Debbie Stoller.

Still need to recolor the chart and write up all of the embroidery instructions... and the lining instructions... oh hell...there's still a lot to do...

BUT THE SAMPLE IS DONE! FELTED! EMBROIDERED! LINED!

YIPPEE!!!

Cheers from China Y'all!! Back stateside in 9 days! Yippee!!!

BEWARE TICKETWEB.COM

THE WORST TICKETING COMPANY EVER!!

I bought tickets to the Times Talk with Anthony Bordain on June 23.
No tickets arrive.
I call the Food and Wine organization who runs the event and I'm told that tickets will be mailed end August.

All other tickets arrive as promised...but the tickets for ONLY THIS EVENT are through TICKET WEB.

I called them today to confirm all was sent out before I travel arriving home for this event on Oct 11.

OOOPS - There was a computer error. They took my money but didn't attach any tickets to the actual order and now the event is sold out. They "really apologize" but "sometimes with computers things happen and I should be pleased to be getting my money back."

Are you kidding me.
Really.

I rearranged my entire trip to come home FOR THIS EVENT...
and now I have no tickets?? They "cannot assist with out of pocket costs in any manor due to their error." So now I've cut my trip short to come home and NOT take my friend for his birthday to see Anthony Bordain?

BASTARDS.
Stay away from TicketWeb.
Now to write a letter to the New York Times.
They should use a more reliable ticketing service.

North Fork - Day 2

After a lovely day and night yesterday with Don, Sandy and family at the pier, we spent a little time at the outlets looking for a wedding gift for SJ to bring to South Africa next week before heading back down the North Fork for a walk down Love Lane and a chat with Sandy at the shop where SJ got a tidying up haircut from the Mastress barber herself!

Next Stop? The tasting menu at the North Fork Table and Inn. Driving through Southhold, you'd likely pass right by this simple yet elegant looking B&B. Do call and book a reservation for a table. The food was delish... but the wine pairing wasn't quite as good. Skip it and get a good bottle instead!!

The Beet Salad was TO DIE FOR. Between the amazing sherry vinaigrette and veg from "The Farm" by K.K. Haspel... add in the micro greens, chives and slightly candied pistachios... and you have YUM!
I enjoyed all of the courses... but this was by far my favorite. I will try to recreate it for sure!!

Off to see Darlene in the morning!! Yippee! South Fork here we come!

North Fork - Day 1

After far too long a hiatus, I decided to head out to the North Fork to visit Sandy and Don and see their new house (which they are doing a wonderful job renovating/decorating by the way!)

SJ and I hopped in his car and zoomed out from NJ arriving right on time enabling us all to hop in Don's truck to spin out east to Claudio's in Greenport to hear Sandy's boss, Frank, and his band rock the pier all afternoon.

Seafood and rock-n-roll on a sunny pier -- sounds great to me!!

Thanks ever-so-much for the hospitality and great day Sandy, Don and family!!

Who's Birthday? SJ's!
Happy Saturday!! Happy Birthday SJ! A little mani-pedi.... some shopping for those last minute things needed for his trip to South Africa and a new 3G iPhone... a picnic in the park and a little food shopping. What a full day!

With little time to cook I was happy to be able to make a fine two-course dinner for SJ's birthday. Always tough when using someone else kitchen, it came out nicely if I do say so myself. It helps that he has good cookware, knives and a nicely stocked spice cabinet!!
Paired with one of the lovely whites we picked up at the 13th Annual Hudson Valley Food and Wine Festival... and with the promise of cheese to end the meal... which we fell asleep before getting to?

Happy Friday!!

Allegra and I try to take each other out for dinner, just we two, each year for our birthdays. I always look forward to it. This year we went to Wallsé. I absolutely loved it. Allegra got the Roasted cod with baby carrots, chanterelles and a ginger carrot reduction -- it was AMAZING!
I thoroughly enjoyed the lamb chops! YUM! We shared their special dessert... the Salzburger Nockerl with Huckleberries. We've decided that we need to go back on a cold evening and order coffee and that dessert again -- YUM! Check out the photos on their website. I shamefully took none as I was so engrossed in the conversation and feeding my hunger!! I know, bad me.

From here we went over to The Spotted Pig to meet up with friends for a birthday drink! Drinks were flowing... people were laughing and new friends were being made all around. Suddenly, Kirk and Will began to belt out an operatic version of Happy Birthday...

It. Was. AWESOME! The entire bar silenced and then burst into applause at the end. I can fairly well guarantee that it was only time Opera has been sung or played in that bar.
Thanks for the wonderful song gentlemen!!!

Thanks to everyone who came out and who sent word! What a great night!!!
Yippee for Birthday Week 2008!

You're leaving NYC on a weeknight?

I KNOW! Shocker.
SJ had a brilliant idea to hit the new-ish IKEA in Red Hook Brooklyn on a weekday so today was the day. I was in and out and the proud owner of a new couch in 1.5 hours! It'll be delivered tomorrow no less! Yeah for fast IKEA service!!!

From there we dashed to Newark to NJ Pac for the continuation of Birthday Week 2008! SJ took me to see the touring performance of Cirque du Soleil's show Saltimbanco. Apparently it's the longest touring show thay have.

It was beautiful. Different from all of the other more gymnastic oriented shows that I've seen by Cirque du Soleil over the years. But it was visually more rich than many of the other shows.

When the show was finished, we dashed back into NYC for dinner at Bond Street in NoHo. I'd been once before and it was still as good as I'd remembered it to be.

What a tasty day - for the eyes, ears, and tongue! What a great day!
Thanks SJ!

If it's Wednesday, it must be Jazz day!

I've been wanting to go hear pianist Hank Jones play at Birdland and SJ joined me as the start of nights out on the town for Birthday Week 2008!
Tonight was the first of 3 nights of Hank Jones and the Hank Jones Quartet playing in celebration of his 90th Birthday.
Sakes alive can that man still play up a storm!! Wooo-who!

I really like Birdland as a venue. The sound is great. I do wish they would do two things.
1. Step up the food a little... I find it a little mediocre. I shouldn't have to add my own spices and lemon juice to the spinach dip to get some flavor out of it...I'm just saying...
The Cheese plate is always a good bet though.

2. Invest in a bottle of Tawny Port behind the bar.

The first set was really good so we decided to stay for the second set and hang out with my girlfriend Hiromi.

As we waited for the second set a man sat at the beautiful blue Grand Piano and began to play. We were enjoying listening to him as audience left and the new audience began to roll in. We asked the manager who was playing... Chevy Chase. (Yes, that Chevy Chase.)

Who knew? Soon after people must have recognized him as photographs began and he got up to return to the bar.
The second set was equally as good. What a great night!!! :-)

Yippee! New Girl! New iMAC!!!!

I've done it...gone to the light and easy side...How can you NOT love a new 24" iMac??

oooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!

SJ and I were at the Short Hills Mall in search of my new iMac. I was trying to decide between the 20" and the 24"... the 24" won. (yippee!!!!!)

But then there came one small problem...

HOW TO GET IT HOME to NYC IN HIS CAR?Can't quite see? Let me give you a close-up...
Top down, on my lap all the way home...
No rain...
What a fun way to kick off Birthday Week!
Weeeeeeeee!

The 13th Annual Hudson Valley Food and Wine Festival

A bus, a train, a cab...Marlboro, NY
17 Vineyards...
62 wines...
Dips, Wine Ice Creams and cheese...

YUM!

Top of the Tower

On our way to dinner tonight we stopped for a drink at the Top of the Tower bar at the top of the Beekman Tower Hotel (near the UN). Look at that VIEW!!! Wonderful!!

Great Night!

Thanks to all who came by for the Potluck BBQ - there were over 30 of you, and BOY did you all bring some amazing foods!! Please share any photos that you may have taken! I was all too busy at the grill for the first half. I did get some fun dancing shots though in the second, disc, half!

The party is cleaned up after save for washing the floor. But that, that's for tomorrow morning.

Bring on the sleep!

Day 2 - PR Indian Wedding

Today was all about relaxing, getting some beach in and prepping for tomorrow!

I enjoyed some time under the big umbrellas oceanside.
No burning for me!! Jo and Manu arrived today with Theoden and we all moved into our own unit...which we got an upgrade on (you don't get it if you don't ask...I asked!)

A lovely spot directly overlooking the gazebo where the wedding will be tomorrow night!

Early evening we all rolled to the nearby watering hole for cocktails and to watch the sun set. I've given up on fighting curly hair in this climate! :-)

After the cocktails we headed back to Tiffany and Sandi's for some hot dogs and hamburgers and some more listening to the sounds of the ocean!

Perhaps even a cigar or two.

Wedding day coming up! Tomorrow!!! Yippee!

Modern Indian Wedding Anyone?

Day one

I was so touched to be invited to Karthika and Luis's wedding festivities in Isabella, Puerto Rico...and of course jumped at the chance to go!

Today I flew in, rented the car and food shopped.

Got to the resort and awaited the arrival of Radhika since I would be sharing a room with she and her parents for the first night.

A little lunch at the resort as I began to run into familiar and friendly faces. We headed to one of the Uncles suites for some lounging on the patio with beers and local fried yummies. Suddenly and with little warning...the rains hit -- typhoon strength!

The party dissolved rather fast and suddenly I was left wet and homeless!!

I dashed to my rental car where I turned on the heat so I could dry and waited for Radhika to arrive. Thankfully it was only a few hours nap before I got the call that they were here.

Dropped the bags, met up with the bride and drove her to her preliminary hair appointment in town.

You wouldn't think it could possibly take 3 hours to curl someones hair...but in this lovely little local spot she didn't have hot rollers or a large barreled curling iron...tick tick tick...Pre Pre-party at 8pm and counting.

*****BBBBBBBRING*****

Karthika's cell phone rings...the resort has no electricity. The party...the catered party...is at a condo at this same resort. Slight bride worry...

Hair done after 3 hours of the both of us using our pidgen Spanish to define the needs. Dash back to the house. Change and dress in whatever we could easily do in the dark... and...voila...

The KICK OFF to festivites...

It. WAS. WONDERFUL!

And...just as we all had realized how beautiful the party was by candle light...the power came back on!

Phew

1 broken necklace...
19 randomly scattered beads....
Stiletto heals (OK, OK- I know-but they were cute when I left!)...
A dear friend Bill...
And one absurdly large couch (too large for the space it consumed for 8 years) OUT OF MY APARTMENT!
After the D
5 course, 6 wine tasting dinner tonight...remind me tomorrow where these crazy scratches covering my arms came from!
Weeeee! Couch shopping time!