Slacker...

I've seriously neglected my blog for the past month and a half. I have started posts, and then had to stop them for whatever reason, and have never come back to them. Maybe I will dig them out before the year's end...

Magazine Death, TV Life

Sad to say, Gourmet, one of my favorite magazines, is going bye bye. This is the second magazine loss that I've dealt with as of late (Domino was the first). Hate to see it go, but at least Bon Appetit is still going strong..

With any loss, there is always gain. Glad to know that although I am losing a magazine, G. Garvin is back on

TVOne with Turn Up the Heat. This show has been on hiatus or something for like, two years, so I'm glad to have it back. This time around, it seems fresher. Yay G.

Also, my absolute favoritest designer is [semi] back with [semi] new episodes. I love, love, love Kim Myles and

I don't really understand why she isn't forefronted more on HGTV. She is better than many other designers on the network, yet she can't seem to get her shine. Myles of Style is innovative on so many levels, and the creative aspect of it is far more entertaining/beneficial to the average viewer. I don't want to have to pull the race card but...I'm just saying.

Cause It Was Funny...

Bread shoes. Like, for real, for real.

Max Sansing: My Artist Friend

Max has ALWAYS been a great artist. We went to high school together, and I remember always looking forward to seeing his sketchbooks and graph work. He's truly evolved, and I am just proud to actually know him. I hit him up today to ask when the next gig is, and I found this. Google him.

New Crack: I Am...Eau De Parfum

Nothing to do with Sasha Fierce, Bey, or anything of that nature.

This is my new obsession. Found this in a boutique up North and was like, "ooooooooooh". I Am has dope scents that are not too overpowering, or smell too much like typical department store fragrances. Apparently, these have been around for awhile, but I'm just getting hip to them today. The purpose of I Am is to provoke the senses and stimulate a sense of being whatever it is that you aspire to be. Per its creator, "Scent has great power to elevate emotion. Scent can soothe, energize, arouse or inspire...I Am has created perfumes that can help remind you of who you are: use them to focus on your assets, blessings, and gifts." It may sound kinda cheesy, but after sampling ALL of the scents, I agree with its purpose. My personal favorites were I Am Rich, I Am Me, and I Am Good...not sure if that was indicative of anything...he he he.

The Hidden Path

So, for the past several weeks, I've been on sort of a mini-personal journey re: my career, or lack thereof. I have been through the wire, back, and through the wire again with various jobs since I've moved back to Chicago. Nothing seems to move and shake. Nothing is getting me ahead (from what I can see, anyway). Upon speaking with a friend, she mentioned that perhaps this drama that I incur with the jobs I've had in Chicago are directing/redirecting me to a certain career path, but perhaps I just can't see it yet. I do believe that what she is saying a true - but wtf do I, as the individual, do? I have a life to live. I still have to work and be a grown-up and take care of my household. I cannot just sit and wait until the magic happens. I cannot twiddle thumbs until the dream manifests.

I mentioned to my friend that, at this point, I am not even sure what the dream is. I receive much feedback from friends and family that are convinced that I should be a chef, a caterer, a person dealing with food in some way. Previously, I would agree...now, I cannot say yes or no. Food is my passion. I write food, I cook food, I am a lover of food, and I've learned to embrace that, no matter how many people feel that food is not a passion/profession to pursue. However, it has become painfully obvious that I may not be able to "break in" to that industry. Out of the many stints and foot-in-door presumed opportunities, nothing was it. There is no jumpstarting. So, its like, back to the drawing board...? Is it time for a plan B, or C, D, E, F? Its easier for me to move into a field that I have little interest in, than the field I am totally interested.

The hope is that this path becomes uncovered. Exposed to me. I am anxious to move into something different and actually implement skills and showcase myself, for myself. I want to work and feel a sense of accomplishment within that work. I don't want to be another elf on the assembly line. I am not looking for advice, or opinions, or anything of the sort. Just putting my current thought on paper.

Green Cleaning: The Best All Natural Cleaning Products
The best tried and true all natural, eco-friendly, environmentally safe cleaning products.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2170487/green_cleaning_the_best_all_natural.html

Oven Braised Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
A healthy, hearty recipe to satisfy the cravings that the fall season brings.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2195781/oven_braised_pot_roast_with_root_vegetables.html

Potato Asparagus Frittata
Perfect egg dish for breakfast or brunch.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2206649/potato_asparagus_frittata.html

Crunchy Butterfly Coconut Shrimp
Sweet, crunchy twist on classic fried shrimp.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2211193/crunchy_butterfly_coconut_shrimp_.html

Six Weeks Worth

After six weeks of sippin' the Kombucha syzzurp, I can honestly say that I have noticed some physical changes. I have never had bad skin to begin with (thank God), but I have noticed that my skin is clearer, and more supple-looking, and also, my little eczema is clearing on my arms. Now, in conjunction with drinking Kombucha, I had also used some Kiehls product on my face, so, maybe its a combo of the two. At any rate, something is working. My nails are also stronger and breaking less. I have always had issues with brittle, chipping nails, but right now, it seems to have subsided.

Other than those two things, I cannot account for anything else just yet...I am thinking that I will give it another month or two of consistent consumption and revisit my analysis.

Bittersweet bayou: Dixie Kitchen no more

Bittersweet bayou: Dixie Kitchen no more

Posted using ShareThis

Making Kombucha Health Tea

Here is a description of Kombucha tea, reported health benefits, and a step-by-step method for making Kombucha at home. Read the entire article at:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2096351/making_kombucha_health_tea.html

Put A Ring On It: Engagement Chicken

The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach...especially if you force-feed him roasted chicken. So, I came across this article on Yahoo! Shine (originally published by Marie Claire), about a girl who used the recipe for "Engagement Chicken", and her beau proposed within a week. Now, if you put your foot in every dang meal, then you don't really need this recipe...but then again, I've made several meals for a guy and I am not engaged, so, go figure. At any rate, this chicken is supposed to make a man want to get down on one knee and become betrothed.

Is this a one shot deal? One good piece of chicken and he's ready to pop the question? Or is this binding, like, you have to keep stuffing birds in the oven long after the honeymoon is over? Can one add a side dish to this spellbinding chicken? What about about some herbs and spices? Hot sauce?? I'm just curious. If one tantalizing, prepared piece of poultry makes a man wanna get married, then, I should've been married long, long ago...to many, many people. And, I already make a bomb roast chicken. Anywho, for all you go-getters, recipe here. I think this is how Ina Garten got Jeffery...hmmm...

Kombuchaaaah...

So, I started my Kombucha routine on Saturday. The plan is to drank on this here Kombucha on a regular basis (2-3 times per week), and see what changes my body, soul, and mind will experience. For those who don't know, Kombucha (pronounced Com-boo-chah) is a colony of bacteria and yeast that when mixed with green or black tea becomes fermented, ready to drink, and chock full o' active enzymes, amino acids, etc.

I heard through the raw foods grapevine that Kombucha is the literal fountain of youth. Supposed health benefits include:

• strengthening the immune system
• preventing cancer
• improving digestion and liver function
• lowering cholesterol
• lowering blood pressure
• healthier/clearer skin, healthier hair, stronger/longer nails
• increased circulation
• increased metabolism and appetite control
• body alkalinity
• increased vitality - rejuventation/restoration

I heard that if you drink Kombucha on the regular, you will basically be immune to all illnesses (minus STDs, I suppose). Kombucha is like some sort of liquid superhero that chokeslams all things evil. I bought the bottles (see above), and I also bought the Yogi Tea bags because they are cheaper. I'll give it a month or two and see what happens.

Oh...it's nasty as hell without any fruit flavoring....just thought I'd put that out there.

Birthday Sex: Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

It's my birthday and unfortunately, I will not be having sex, but, I will be having the equivalent of: Lobster Mac and Cheese. I don't make this often, mainly because I am borderline poor, but 'tis very, very good. Real maine lobster, cheddar cheeses, mascarpone cheese, fresh herbs, and a bread crumb-Parmesano Reggiano crust. Jealous much? Bang bang.

Olio...

...and not T3.

We have a massive olive oil crisis on our hands. (I am aware that I may be the only person who truly cares about this.) Went to Trader Joes AND Whole Foods and came to the conclusion that, regular frickin' olive oil is no longer in demand. I just want some light olive oil. Don't need extra virgin. Whole Foods has (brace yourself) about 50 varieties of extra virgin olive oil and not a single non-extra virgin. I blame Rachel Ray. The term 'EVOO' has taken the world by storm, and now everyone seems to fall in line with the idea that extra virgin is the only kind of oil we need in our lives. I am not a chef, but, from my understanding of oils and such, extra virgin olive oil is usually used for garnish, sauces, and dipping. I didn't think you are actually supposed to cook with extra virgin olive oil. But, then again, I don't know everything. It saddens me that I have to go to Jewel or high a** Dominicks just to get some regular olive oil, when I should be able to get it from TJ or WF. Just needed to get that off my chest...

Green With Job Envy

For about a year (or more) now, I have been suffering from something called Job Envy - basically, Job Envy is a sickness that occurs when you hate on someone because you don't have the job/career that they have. I can look at people on the street, sitting at the Starbucks counter, working diligently from their laptops and think, without fail, "Damn, I wish I could sit at my laptop all damn day and sip Frappucinos..."

Mostly I envy people who work from home. Some people say "its not what you think it is", but I beg to differ...you're at home, and I am not.

I have two jobs: a job that I hate, and a job that I don't like.

I am currently working towards a career goal, but it seems to be taking fo'ever. Ultimately, I would like to have a career in food/culinary...catering/event planning/food writing/food marketing/blah, blah, blah. I am making some headway, which is great, but again, goal unreached. I want to dabble in some things, dip my foot in the waters, and try my hand at some ventures in various avenues that would lead me to some sort of real-life, enjoyable career.

I recently came into a company that I really wanted to work for. I mean, really, really wanted to work for. Albeit, not a position that I actually qualify for, but a position nonetheless. So, the plan was to work. Just work my way up until I obtain a position that I really want. Problem is, they are making it very hard for me (for reasons I won't disclose today). At some point in the near future, I'd like to advance with this company. Or simply advance, in the true form of the word, so that I can be fulfilled - I don't want to be envious of anyone, particularly, envious of people because of their 'great' job.

Dear Summer

I wish you would leave soon. I have never been a fan of yours. I am so tired of being hot, especially since the inside of my car is normally about 20 degrees hotter than the actual outside temperature. Because of this, I can't keep my hair combed. Summer, you sweat out my lovely locks into a bird's nest. I can't even stay cute with you around.

Summer, you've been working me to death. I hope my workload will get a little lighter when my friend Autumn comes around. Summer, you've managed to annoy the hell out of me. This person keeps breaking into my car and not taking anything.

Because of you, Summer, it is too hot to make gumbo, but I am craving it, and that's what's on the agenda for today. I may die of a heatstroke cooking gumbo, due to your presence. Speaking of, Summer, you killed E. Lynn Harris. I am still not understanding his death, but I've made peace with it. You also killed Michael Jackson, and Farrah Fawcett on the same day. Summer, you might be the devil.

Summer, you kill relationships. Men tend to get hot in the pants, and stray. You bring all the hot h*es out to pasture, lurking and searching for the next 'big thing'. Pun intended. In that same vein, Summer, you bring too many people with you when you come. All these people, all these crowds, all these parks littered with trash. Who BBQs on a Wednesday? Only you can make people crazy enough to do that, Summer.

I kinda hate you, Summer. I'm just gonna be honest. You were cool at first, but then, over time, you burned me.

Nothing Fancy Today: Someone Broke Into My Car

Sooooo, my car got broken into (again) but the vandal didn't take anything - they just dishelved things a bit. Weird. It seems like the person(s) may have been looking for something, and evidently, something I didn't have. Last time my car was burglarized, it was a rental (hallelu), and they took all kinds of pointless sh*t, in addition to the valuables (my family and friends' Christmas gifts). That's how I knew it was a crackhead robbery. I know crackhead methodology. This time, they didn't take anything...I had a check on the passenger seat...CDs in the door compartment...a boxcutter...all kinds of accoutrements that could've easily been sellable or useable merch for a hype (see boxcutter)...and thats how I know it wasn't a crackhead, or a real hood thief. Maybe some rotten young thuglets? Maybe the police? Who knows.

I'm having mixed feelings about the situation cause its like, "Damn, my car got broken into..." but then its like "Yay, they didn't take anything". Either way, I'm not on board with this sh*t. I don't like people going in my cupboards uninvited, let alone my car. Oh...I take that back...they DID take something...they took my freezer gloves...which is absolutely weird as hell. Anywho, I'm just gonna hope and pray it doesn't happen again...or else, I'm gonna beat the living shit outta someone. No 'LOL' on that.

luxeBurger

Photo courtesy of Lights Vegas Action.

Forbes Traveler.com recently posted a list of the 10 Most Expensive Hamburgers. The one shown is a mere $21.75, and comes topped with gorgonzola cheese (yum), onion jam (YUM), sauteed cremini mushrooms (YUMMM) and bacon - made with Kobe beef. Served up with a side of fries.

I consider myself a foodie,and young epicurean that loves to experience new tastes, but this lobster and Kobe beef isthe most expensive burger at $777. A big Flavor Flav woooooooow, on that one...

MissDiagnosed

Came across a very interesting article on Your Tango...I believe I know a woman who falls into each category, no lie. I, myself, possess some traits from some of the types listed below...whomp, whomp, whomp.

---------------------------------------------------------------

It's easy to lose yourself over a man, but what if it happens before you even meet him? Ill-fated past relationships may have already warped your dating personality and consequently sabotaged your future with someone else. Read: Why He Dumped You: 5 Potential Reasons. In her latest book, Ms. Typed: Discover Your True Dating Personality and Rewrite Your Romantic Future, Dr. Michelle Callahan says she has the cure for women whose dating characteristics no longer accurately reflect who they truly are. The seasoned psychologist has formulated 10 dating archetypes that women fall into after too many relationships gone wrong:

1. Ms. Second Place: The accommodating, eager-to-please dater who eventually ends up playing second fiddle to her man's career, hobbies or even wife. This chronic "settler" has lost sight of her self-worth after too many relationships in which she gives way to his needs every time. As a result, she suffers from low confidence and low expectations.
   How she might have got here: "Men you've dated may have tried to convince you that you should go along with whatever they wanted, otherwise they wouldn't date you." Read: The Settling Debate
   


2. Ms. Sex Machine: This woman is Sex and The City's Samantha Jones in a nutshell. She uses sex for fun, for control, for everything except a healthy relationship. She brings in the physical before she is ready for the emotional and ends up attracting the type of men who will only treat her like a booty call.
   How she might have got here: "You and your friends' earliest dating experiences with boys were sexual. And you grew to expect that sex would be an early and required part of all dating relationships."
   


3. Ms. Soul Mate: She is the idealist after watching peers getting hitched before her. Ms. Soul Mate dates as if every man could be "the one," and is so determined to settle down, she insists on commitment too soon. After a failed relationship, she is often struck with dread that an ex might have been "the one."
   How she might have got here: "You grew up fantasizing about the day when you would be able to start your own family. Then you could get the love and affection you may have missed as a child, or you could finally be the most important person in someone's life."
   


4. Ms. Drama Queen: This woman loves a challenge, a competition and a dramatic fallout. She dates the wrong types of men because she gets a high out of the hard times. Ms. Drama Queen is one who doesn't mind going after a friend's man just to see if she can do it. Afterwards, she feels embarrassed for having been "that woman," however. Read: Diary Of A 23-Year-Old Mistress
   How she might have got here: "Some of the young men you dated were quick to argue or get physical, and instead of turning you off, it turned you on."
   


5. Ms. Bag Lady: An emotional rollercoaster, Ms. Bag Lady hasn't sorted out her own personal issues before dumping it all on the new relationship. Her poor relationships in the past lead her to overreact to problems in the new one. She often feels depressed, unable to trust and unable to move on.
   How she might have got here: "The men you've dated have been abusive or neglectful."
   


6. Ms. Mom: She takes over her man's goals as if they were her own, becoming his life coach, psychologist and mother all in one. She gives her all trying to improve him, but eventually neglects her own needs. Ms. Mom gets depleted emotionally and sometimes financially after her "project" has flown the coop. Answer: Is it alright to be possessive and controlling if we want it to be that way?
   How she might have got here: "You were Ms. Mom around your house growing up, being told (or offering) to do things for men in your house (father, brothers, or another needy family member)."
   


7. Ms. Anaconda: A dater who inadvertently suffocates the men she's involved with. Paranoid that he will leave her, Ms. Anaconda holds on too tight by checking up on a man too much, manipulating him and keeping him away from his friends. When he leaves, it just confirms her suspicions and dooms the next relationship.
   How she might have got here: "You trusted the men you dated to spend time apart from you, only to discover later that they were cheating on you."
   


8. Ms. Independent: After a particularly hurtful breakup, Ms. Independent builds an emotional fortress in order to prevent any more pain. Her now-cynical outlook causes her to miss the good qualities in men she dates. Even though she would like to start over, she can't seem to lower her guard enough to depend on anyone else but herself.
   How she might have got here: "The men you dated were afraid to be intimate, and their defensive behavior made you feel you should keep your distance"
   


9. Ms. Rose-Colored Glasses: Ever the optimist, this dater refuses to see a monster even if she's sleeping in bed with it. She ignores red flags, friend's advice, even her own senses when it comes to detecting trouble. As a result, she is susceptible to being taken advantage of and cheated on.
   How she might have got here: "You dated a man who became very angry and upset when you asked questions, and his reaction taught you to fear asking men for more information." Read: 12 Relationship Red Flags
   


10. Ms. Perfect: A woman who strives for perfection in every aspect of her life, right down to her man. Her standards are impossibly high and men get turned off by her judgmental attitude and meticulousness. She doesn't know how to relax, even on a date and comes off seeming cold.
    How she might have got here: "Your parents had very high standards, and you felt pressure to be successful and a high achiever, otherwise you would be criticized or punished."
    

Do any of the types above resonate with you? Callahan's 244-page guide includes specific advice on how to overcome each "Ms. Type." The book concludes with "The Ms. Typed Makeover Kit," a section designed to help one sketch out a game plan for a happier and healthier dating outlook. A few general tips:

1. Create a support team of close friends who can be there for you during a transitional time.


2. Create a vision for your dream life; it will prevent you from settling.


3. List what's holding you back from that dream life and assume those things are false.


4. Gain closure by venting all your burdens out on paper. You can destroy the papers later.

Frankly, My Dear..

I'm fat, and I follow food trends. Hot dogs pretty much suck, but Zagat tweeted this post about crazy hot dogs across the land and I thought I'd share. For a typical streetfare food, these are pretty atypical.

Left to right: Egg Roll Hot Dog, French Fry Frank, Mac and Cheese Dog

Label of Graded Goods: Faith 21

So I got my clothes from Forever 21's Faith 21, and...I've decided to give it a thumbs up. Not two snaps in a circle, cause, its not that fierce (had to return a couple things) but I can tell that over time, it will be get better. I got some pretty dresses for summer, and I must admit that these designers in the boardroom actually knew how to cut fabric for a fat girl frame. I was pleased.

Bags Without Borders: Matt & Nat

I've been a Matt & Nat lover for a few years now, but I see that Bluefly is now selling their bags at a discounted rate. Why I love Matt & Nat: eco-friendly, vegan (no cow leather here, baby), and very stylish.

Forgetting Carrie Bradshaw

So, there are some things that are to be expected...Usher's looming divorce, Derrick Rose possibly being GD, or that David Carradine was into some kink, but, there are some things that I would never fathom...such as my ick feeling about Carrie Bradshaw.

I love Sex and the City. Its a great show, blah blah blah. Like many people, I watch the re-runs year after year, and sometimes when I watch, I come away with something different than the first. Lately, the more I watch this show, the less satisfied I am with SJP's Carrie Bradshaw. I am really starting to kinda hate her. Her behavior blows a**. Immature, indecisive, contradicting, irrational, irresponsible, self-absorbed, bratty...I could keep going. Overall, I think she is a big a** mess. And why did I like her character so much at first? How could I not see this? I used to love her, like Common.

Some people feel like Carrie is a reflection the modern twenty/thirtysomething woman...so, am I looking at a mirror? Indecisive, irrational, yada yada, sans the chainsmoking? Please say it aint so.

And, you know what, I am sorry, but, Big is not a good man. I had this conversation with some of my colleagues at work, and they disagreed (as you, Dear Reader, may). First of all, it took dude 10 years to get his mind right...then after that, just when you think its safe to settle into this man, he leaves her at the altar. So, I kinda hate Big. I openly discussed my dislike for the movie's ending...I felt like he needed to grovel and beg a little (okay, a lot) more before she forgave. But maybe thats why I'm still singular.

At any rate, I do still love the show and I am hoping the movie sequel will be better. I am trying very hard to not hate Carrie and to get over this feeling about her, but I am currently on the season where she cheats on Aidan with Big, and I feel an eruption coming on.

(sub)Merged

I finally managed to get this blog and my Myspace blog merged into one...doing them separately started to make me feel like I was living a double bloglife, or like I couldn't express myself equally on both. And then there was one.

Love, Plain and Simple

Some people seem to think that love will solve all problems. Contrary to the old saying, love actually does not conquer all. Love is alot of things, but what it is not is a miracle maker. Love won't fix it. Love won't fix you. Its the action one puts into love that will resolve, heal, and flourish. Without trust, compromise, honesty, etc., love is a mere feeling, not an expression. Speaking love does not mean as much as showing love. Just my thought on this Saturday A.M.

Brace Yourself...

Left to right: Metalcraft Mod Rectangle (Brass): $88/Coach Signature Bangle: Varies/Forever 21 Newsprint Lucite Bangle: $5.80/Forever 21 Pyramid Bracelet Set: $10.80/Chanel Set of 2 Coco Chanel Bracelets: Varies /Banana Republic Wood Fence Bracelet: $29/Metal Polished Thin Wire Circle Bracelet: $8.80/Woven Fabric Covered Bangle (Bronze): $7.99

Farm.Girl.Fresh: Farmer's Markets (Chicago)

I have really developed a fondness for local Farmer's Markets...never truly understood the importance of them growing up, but within the past year or so, I totally get it. The more I cook and experience new dishes, the more I appreciate what I can find at a Farmer's Market. I'm talking garlic scapes, beefsteak tomatoes, real honey...you name it, your local Farmer's Market (or some other Farmer's Market nearest you) will have it. Check the link for Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Gold Coast and many, many others. Get your farm game up.

Solemates...Chicago

I have yet to make it to the actual store (I promise I'm coming, Autumn) but I frequent their site often just to peruse and take in the fabulousness. Solemates...Chicago is owned by Brian and Autumn Merritt - a funky fresh, very stylish, hubby and wife duo that just so happen to be former classmates of mine. Solemates...Chicago is a vintage lover's paradise. You name it, they got it. Or, I will bet my last dollar that they can get it. Check their merch, bio, and other goodies at solemateschicago.com

Visit them in real life at :

2708 N. Halsted, Chicago

Flyy By Faith...

Forever 21 launched a new plus-size line called Faith21 on May 1st. I have always been a fan of Forever 21, so I literally anticipated with baited breath on April 30 until the clock struck midnight to see what Faith21 would offer the kid...from the previews, it was juicy...but when the first few pieces hit the site, it was kinda blah. Still hopeful, I drove 45 minutes north of Chicago to see the pieces in person...still blah.

However, Faith21 has grown by leaps and bounds and I've scoped out some key pieces that could keep me fat.girl.fresh on the ChiCity streets. I will be placing an order soon, and we'll see how that pans out...

Quest M.C.O.D.Y.

Hailing from our sister city, Detroit, my friend, rapper/motivational speaker/musical politico Quest M.C.O.D.Y. has (yet again) graced TVs everywhere. He's been featured on Showtime, and MTV in the past, and most recently appeared on MTV's Made teaching Heather from Podunk, Nomansland how to rhyme. Watch the entire episode here.

Quest is unique because he's a visionary and he is highly ambitious. Quest about seeing and shining his light, and evoking the same spirit in others. His My Light Project site is chocked full of noteworthy things, as well as a bio and past successes.

Once he's a retired, old rapper, he could definitely make it as a high school teacher. A+

600 Benz

Often I hear men compare women to cars, and usually, its in some derogatory form or the common objectification. But today while I was bored in class, I started to see the correlation. Before any she-woman man-haters come at me, I want to clarify:
Women are like cars. A good woman is like a good luxury car. Its so pretty and perfect. Its comfortable. You like the way its built, interior, exterior. Quality. Drives real smooth-like.
When you first get a good car, youre careful with it. Dont want nobody to touch it, or even look at it. Then after you get comfortable with it, youre showing it off like "look at my car, yall". You bring it around your friends, and family, and everybody gets to see it because youre so pumped. This is your baby and everyone knows it.
After you get really comfortable, you start driving her crazy. Driving wrecklessly, dangerously, and you might even get in a few minor accidents out in the streets (...maybe even without insurance). So you think that by dolling her up with shiny things will make it all better. Maybe a new coat, new shoes. You gas her and oil her, tune her up, and she's good to go, right?
Times passes and she has become your trusty companion. You depend on her and she depends on you. She gets you were you need to go. She's dependable, loyal, and will ride out until the end.
She's so, so trusty (like a rock) that you stop paying attention to detail. She's got a few scratches, a little wear and tear. A few dents in the bumper from when you bagged her into some tight spots. You might even feel a extra pull or jerk when youre driving her, but you pay it no mind. Fuming, but you pay it no mind. She's running a little hot, but you pay it no mind. Until one day she breaks down on your ass. Exhaust. Engine not quite revving. Timing belt off kilter. Poor maintenance. Now you have no clue as to what do. Dont trip, that "check engine" light had been on for months...
Not realizing what luxury you had in your hands, you completely messed it up. The car is not salvagable and your policy wont cover repairs. Scouring the junkyard lots with little to spare, youre now stuck with a raggedy beater that you have to invest every penny and dime into just to keep her running. She's not nearly as good as the other car, but she'll do. You miss her everyday, and every single time you look at that old beater...
Trust that their was someone else who could afford to repair her damage and to keep her well-maintained. Your trash is another person's treasure (and at a bargain price). All you did was help the next man. Now's she sitting pretty in someone else's driveway.

Let's Do Lunch: Tyler Florence

Tyler Florence is the Ultimate chef. I ♥ him. Aside from being absolutely adorable, this man gets down in the kitchen. I love Tyler's recipes because he can get innovative, and at the same time maintain that Dirty South grit and grandeur. Everything he makes looks phenomenal. I TiVo his show Tyler's Ultimate on the regular. If you ever doubt Tyler's dopeness, please check his cornbread or mac and cheese recipe. Come on over, Tyler.

For more recipes and juicy Tyler Florence info, see Tyler's website.

Trucks & Pearls

Certified PHLI Girl Diane Ivery is really doing her thing when it comes to fashionable accoutrements.. Another former classmate of mine, I'm really pleased that I'll be able to say "I knew her when..." She write, she designs, and most of all, she's really cool people. Check out her accessory line, Trucks and Pearls here. When it comes to jewelry and scarves, she has passed with flying colors...literally and figuratively. She is dangerously talented. Watch. Her. Work.

MK Solaire

I didn't get to see this the first time it came to town, but now its back. Michelle Kaufman's MK Solaire Smart Home is planted directly in front of the Museum of Science and Industry as part of the Green + Wired exhibit. She was actually living in it during the debut...not sure if she still is. Hauteness.